Most common 2004 GMC Envoy XL problems
Share of the 187 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Envoy XL complaints by model year
Best Envoy XL years: 2002, 2006. Years to avoid: 2003, 2004. Compare all years →
2004 GMC Envoy XL recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Brake lights
On certain sport utility vehicles, vibration and heat May cause the tail lamp/stop lamp bulb to loosen in its socket. If this occurs, the bulb May flicker and eventually become inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tail lamp/stop lamp assemblies, and if necessary, replace them. The recall began on November 22, 2004.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 2004 GMC Envoy XL:
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.
Turn signal failures
By letter dated April 29, 2005, GM notified the agency that it is conducting asafety recall ( NHTSA recall no. 05V198 ) involving certain model years (my) 2003-2004 Isuzu ascender, Chevrolet trailblazer, GMC envoy, Oldsmobile bravada and my 2004 Buick rainer vehicles.the recall applies to vehicles built from April 2003 through November 2003 for a total vehicle population of 286,478.GM reports the directional/hazard…
Fuel pump module leaks gasoline
During the course of this ea investigation, odi observed that the majority of the complaints (88%) and warranty claims (94%) were reported for vehicles that are registered for use in the salt belt region of the us.this area includes 20 states in the northeast, mid atlantic and the midwest regions and the district of columbia.consumers in the salt belt region reported to odi that they could smell fuel vapors in their…
Brake lamp failure
GM states that some brake/tail lamp bulbs can prematurely become inoperative due to malfunctioning brake/tail lamp sockets.on March 2, 2004, GM initiated a 6-year/72,000 mile special policy for 989,487 subject vehicles to inspect and replace the rear brake/tail lamp bulb socket assemblies.on April 4, 2004, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe04-032) based on consumer…
What 2004 GMC Envoy XL owners say
Electrical system all 81 →
I was driving and my vehicle on I-985 hall county ga. My check gage light came on and less than 1/2 of a mile it start to smoke and burn as soon as I stopped turned of the ignition. It burnt to the ground from the engine area to the inside.
Passenger window went down with vehicle off. Smoke came from inside the right front door panel. When the smoke cleared, I disassembled the door and found the window switch with a large hole burned in it. Pics available upon request.
Fuel & propulsion system all 28 →
I was driving and my vehicle on I-985 hall county ga. My check gage light came on and less than 1/2 of a mile it start to smoke and burn as soon as I stopped turned of the ignition. It burnt to the ground from the engine area to the inside.
Vehicle was taken in for oil change and I was advised it had a crack at the neck of fuel tank. Upon further research there has been a recall for this very same problem on the same vehicle. Vehicle was never in a accident or anything that would cause this.
Transmission & drivetrain all 20 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 GMC Envoy XL. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated. The contact stopped at a fuel station and proceeded to check all the fluid levels. The contact continued to drive and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact could only operate the vehicle in first and second gears. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the transmission failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and complaint number: 84441281449 was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 140,395. Consumer stated the vehicle has been repaired with a remanufactured transmission it is a know fact in the automotive industry that GM is aware of the faulty construction of truck trans missions. …
As I was driving in cruise control speed off 55 MPH vehicle begin to make a dragging sound. After stopping and placing vehicle into park and then putting gear back into drive vehicle began to go into reverse mode. I then tried every other gear 1,2,3 drive the vehicle continued to still go into reverse. The car still turns on without a problem but will not move forward when in drive.
2004 GMC Envoy XL engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 16 |
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 GMC Envoy XL a good car?
Based on 187 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Envoy XL rates use caution: 1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the Envoy XL at the same age. It is one of the Envoy XL 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 GMC Envoy XL?
The electrical system — 81 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (28) and transmission & drivetrain (20).
How many recalls does the 2004 GMC Envoy XL have?
There is 1 recall for the 2004 GMC Envoy XL, the most recent from November 1, 2004 (brake lights). 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 GMC Envoy XL?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002 and 2006. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003 and 2004. See the full GMC Envoy XL years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 GMC Envoy XL problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 66,000 miles; 26% 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.