Most common 2004 Chevrolet Silverado problems
Share of the 622 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Silverado complaints by model year
Best Silverado years: 2016, 2010, 2013. Years to avoid: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 1999. Compare all years →
2004 Chevrolet Silverado recalls (8)
Air bags › Frontal
Certain vehicles originally built with cloth seats that were equipped with an automatic air bag passenger sensing system and later reupholstered with aftermarket leather seat cover kits are involved. Testing has indicated that the aftermarket leather seat covers can cause the passenger sensing system to malfunction.
Remedy: Because a replacement leather seat cover that is compatible with the passenger sensing system is not available, general motors (GM) will repurchase these vehicles in accordance with the terms stated in GM's letter to…
Engine and engine cooling
On certain trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 (rpo l8-VIN g) engine have a condition in which the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip May fracture resulting in inadequate retention of the damper.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2006. Owners May contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC trucks at 1-866-996-9463.
Seat belts › Rear/other
On certain crew cab pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the 2nd row center occupant seat belt routing May make it difficult to position the lap portion of the safety belt low around the hips of occupants, especially smaller occupants, seated in this position.
Remedy: Dealers will cut open the guide loop, remove a portion of the loop, and then the remaining two sides should be folded over and secured with a retainer free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2005.
Parking brake
On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions and built with either pbr parking brake systems or trw parking brake systems, the parking brake friction linings May wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with a pbr parking brake system. On vehicles equipped with the trw parking brake system, dealers will install a redesigned parking brake cable…
Service brakes, hydraulic
Certain trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans equipped with Bosch hydro-boost brake assemblies, the hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator May crack and separate from the hydro-boost assembly during normal operating conditions.
Remedy: Dealers will test the hydro-boost assembly for functional operation of the two-function valve. If the hydro-boost assembly fails the test, dealers will replace the assembly free of charge.
Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Certain extended and regular cab pickup trucks and cargo vans converted to compressed natural gas (cng) fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
Remedy: To bring the standard cab and cargo van vehicles into compliance, dealers will inject epoxy into the air bag off switch to prevent air bag activation, relocate the switch behind the instrument panel and then install a…
Show 2 more recalls
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position May corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cables. Interim owner notification began on April 7, 20004. The recall began on September 24, 2004, when replacement parts were available, and will continue through October 29, 2004.
Service brakes, hydraulic
Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, ?passenger car brake systems.? Some of these vehicles were produced with an out-of-specification brake hydro-boost housing relief valve bore.
Remedy: Dealers are to replace the hydro-boost relief valve. The recall began on June 18, 2004. Owners should contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; GMC at 1-866-996-9463; or Hummer at 1-866-486-6376.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado:
Hydraulic pump failres
GM is conducting a recall on all subject vehicles build between May 1999 and October 14, 1999.significant changes were incorporated into production in early October 1999, and vehicles built after that date have lower warranty failure rates.the complaint and warranty data appear to support the effectiveness of these changes.
What 2004 Chevrolet Silverado owners say
Brakes all 211 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the brakes suddenly failed and the driver lost control of the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into a ditch. The contact indicated that when depressing the brake pedal, it extended to the floorboard. The independent mechanic examined the vehicle and discovered that brake lines had rusted. The contact also discovered that the frame, the rocker panels and the tailgate hinges had also rusted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000. The VIN was not available.
While exiting of a highway and traveling 25 MPH my brakes completely failed. I pushed the pedal to the floor several times but it did not slow the truck. As a result I rear ended a vehicle in front of me. I had now warning or check light for the brakes previous or since. Upon inspection I discovered corroded and leaking brake lines in the middle section of my truck.
Electrical system all 159 →
In June 2006 the truck was taken to pinkerton Chevrolet because of a hot wire smell. The dealership said they could not duplicate the smell. An oil change was done at the same time. Approximately 7 weeks later the truck shut off. My husband attempted to restart the truck to no avail. He left the truck in the off position and went for help. He returned 20 minutes later to find that the truck caught on fire in the cab. The dome light was on but the doors were shut. The dealership says they think rats got into the engine but there was no fire in the engine only in the cab. The truck is moved everyday. We have two other trucks and a camper that is stationary all the time and they have no rat nests in them. We have no tall grass around our house or in our yard. The truck sat at the dealership in the tall grass for a week before it was even looked at after the incident. …
On aug 13, 2008 at approx midnight our truck which was parked in our driveway started on fire. It did damage to the engine and we believe it started with the glow plug relay switch or something electric covered by power train warranty. Today is sept 13th and we just received a ltr from GM that they are not taking any responsibility. We are frustrated and the truck is damaged and we do not believe we will be made whole as the insurance wants to total and pay only the market value which is much less than blue book. We are without a vehicle and GM has been less than reluctant to respond to calls, etc. The truck has been sitting at dealer for a month waiting for someone from GM to inspect to validate fire dept report and accept responsibility. I am disgusted with their customer service and the fact that you cannot talk to anyone with authority. …
Transmission & drivetrain all 49 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that after parking and exiting the vehicle, she heard an abnormal clicking noise as the vehicle started to roll away in reverse. While attempting to stop the vehicle, the driver's door opened and slammed her to the ground, traveling over both of her legs. The vehicle then crashed into a fence. A police report was filed. The contact sustained damage to the nerves and arteries of her legs. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 154,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for regular maintenance. The technician notified the contact that there was a hole within the transfer case and it needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.
2004 Chevrolet Silverado engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cyl hybrid | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 19 / 17 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 16 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl hybrid | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 17 / 16 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 15 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 15 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 15 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 15 |
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 16 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado a good car?
Based on 622 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Silverado rates avoid: 2.9× as many complaints as a typical year of the Silverado at the same age. It is one of the Silverado years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado?
The brakes — 211 complaints, 34% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the electrical system (159) and transmission & drivetrain (49).
How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado have?
There are 8 recalls for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, the most recent from October 31, 2006 (frontal). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Silverado?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2016, 2010 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 1999. See the full Chevrolet Silverado years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Chevrolet Silverado problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 47,000 miles; 53% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.