Most common 2004 Chevrolet SSR problems
Share of the 28 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet SSR complaints by model year
Best SSR years: 2006, 2003. Years to avoid: 2005, 2004. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2004 Chevrolet SSR:
Loss of Headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV.
What 2004 Chevrolet SSR owners say
Body & structure
Tl contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet SSR. The contact stated that the passenger side door handle failed, which prevented him from opening the door. The driver's side door handle was replaced under warranty on November 22, 2006. The diagnosis found that the door handles were made with defective plastic; therefore, they become permanently inoperable from the inside of the vehicle. The dealer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and the repair cost was estimated at $377. A report was filed with the manufacturer, but they would not assist with the repair. The contact plans on having the vehicle repaired. The failure mileage was 54,000 and current mileage was 54,300. 4/01/09 the dealer found a broken inner handle bracket. Updated 04/09/09.
SSR is parked in driveway in nov 07. Receive approx two inches of rain, SSR leaked in floor on passenger side. Approx 1 1/2" of water in floor. Took to check dealer, dealer outsourced problem. Was told there was a crack in "a pillar". Resealed pillar, problem solved. Received three inches of rain in apr 08, SSR leaked in floor on passenger side. Approx 2" of water in floor. Took back to Chevy dealer, dealer outsourced problem. Told leak is different problem, told car door had two sided sticky adhesion which was not sticking to door, repaired. I don't believe this solution sounds correct.
Electrical system
Was going to go to the store and when I turned on the ignition every thing was coming on,the lights,dash all lite up ,I heard the fuel pump and I turned the ignition further to start it and nothing. No click,no turning over,nothing. I shut it off and tried again and same thing. I checked my fuses and found nothing there wrong either. I'm stumped. I will need help with this situation. Can you send me a solution please. Thanks for your time and help. Sincerely, [redacted]
My vehicle has only 11,656 miles, less than that when I submitted to dealer for non-functioning gauges due to stepper-motor issues. This same part has been warranted on other GM vehicles, but GM refuses to extend the same warranty for the same part on Chevy SSR. Other safety issue is the service air bag warning is on and dealer refused warranty service due to age of vehicle. Both of these issues are safety related and not looking for warranty of maintenance work.
Locks & latches
Tl contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet SSR. The contact stated that the passenger side door handle failed, which prevented him from opening the door. The driver's side door handle was replaced under warranty on November 22, 2006. The diagnosis found that the door handles were made with defective plastic; therefore, they become permanently inoperable from the inside of the vehicle. The dealer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and the repair cost was estimated at $377. A report was filed with the manufacturer, but they would not assist with the repair. The contact plans on having the vehicle repaired. The failure mileage was 54,000 and current mileage was 54,300. 4/01/09 the dealer found a broken inner handle bracket. Updated 04/09/09.
Vehicle type: 2004 Chevy SSR problem/complaint: interior door latch failure, can't exit vehicle. 1. Drivers interior door latch starts to take 3-4 pulls to open door and then within the week the interior door latch completely fails requiring the power window to be opened and the door opened from the exterior door handle. If the electrical system fails in an accident or other reason there would be no way to exit the vehicle. I called my dealer to repair the latch, but he is not sure when the parts will be in.
2004 Chevrolet SSR engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Chevrolet SSR a good car?
Based on 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 SSR rates use caution: 2.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the SSR at the same age. It is one of the SSR 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 SSR?
The body & structure — 8 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body › hood › hinge and attachments. Next are the electrical system (8) and locks & latches (7).
How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet SSR have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 Chevrolet SSR. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet SSR?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2006 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005 and 2004. See the full Chevrolet SSR years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Chevrolet SSR problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 15,000 miles; 86% 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.