Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 GMC Envoy Xuv owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
First noticed reduced radio volume as if speakers were not completely connected. They radio would work correctly from time to time. Service dept said it would have to replace entire dash system. Then noticed rear door/tailgate would not open as a door, next the tailgate stopped functioning all together; this makes the rear part of the Xuv useless and dangerous. Dealer stated that is electronic and that all tailgate/rear door hinges rusted due to water coming in where rear window is/ estimate is over $650.00 and it would happen again!!! Next the driver's door will not unlock except by manual unlocking from inside and sometime the key will not unlock to driver's door. Key fob will not work on driver's door, tailgate/rear door; however, key fob works on passenger doors. Dealer stated that the tailgate/rear door issue has a history of this happening so why isn't there a recall???? …
On June 8 2013 both the driver and passenger seat power adjustments ceased to operate or respond in any way. Both seat stuck in a full back position. The next day, June 9 2013, the vehicle was at idle and in park for no more than 4 or 5 minutes, when an odd smell was noticed. A small electrical fire to include sparks and a lot of smoke then erupted under the passenger seat. The driver turned the vehicle off, and the passenger and 18 month old child, and driver all exited the vehicle. The fire died, and the smoke cleared. Waited 15 minutes, restarted the vehicle with no problems. The vehicle was dropped off the next day, June 10 2013, a Chevy dealership. The vehicle is currently under diagnoses.
Bought new. Nothing but problems with electrical system. Most started out of warranty. Entire instrument panel stopped working, had to replace. Radio system comes and goes, most of the time not working. A/C heating blower stopped working. Different component like window, wipers, door lock just operate on they own then lock up. Issues with ignition. Can't remove the key. Now rear window goes down on its own. Vehicle won't start, rear tail gate won't operate. Only way to start is by jumping but once turned off the battery drains so can't go anywhere because you're u never know if it going to start again.
The third brake light connections located in the rear tailgate are severely corroded and will not light up when braking. This condition does not allow passing of state inspection. The entire brake light assembly and wire harness must to replaced to pass state vehicle inspection. This condition is continuous, when parked, when driving (we followed it around the block to see if it jiggled on), I have nothing to upload because the brake light will not light up.
I was driving down the road from work all of a sudden my radio starts going up /down by itself,then the next day my windows made a clicking noise now they want let up/down .also the back tailgate was working until this happen my window in back want let up/down nor will the sunroof controls want work.all this happen at once !!!!!! The fuses was check nothing found.
I purchased my 2004 Envoy Xuv new. I love it, but the speedometer has been getting progressively worse. I guess I've been one of the lucky ones. The brakes are fine and everything else seem to be OK so far. I currently have 89,000 miles on it and the frequency of the speedo acting up are getting more common. I remember the first time was late in '07. The speedo just kept climbing higher and higher till it was pinned. And stayed there for a day or two. It would read 120 MPH parked in the garage. I brought it in and the dealer just rolled their eyes and said they could order another dash board for around $500.00, but I opted not to fix it at that time. The dealer told me it was a common thing with the Envoy, but GM has no recalls on it. It had seemed fine for a while. Then it happened again a few times in '08. Now it's only March of '09 and it has happened at least once every two weeks. …
I have a 2004 Envoy Xuv. Since last year winter, I noticed that my speedometer would get stuck and run erratically, which I thought at the time was due to the cold. Occasionally too, we'd come to the garage to find the rear window open and the tailgate unable to open. During those times, we were able to bring the window back up with the button inside the vehicle, as well as unlock the tailgate by locking and unlocking the doors with the remote. Also, the truck would stall during driving, for no reason but would start again (big safety issue!!! I could not steer or brake well). Since then, the instrument cluster has also continuously gone haywire, with the speedometer reading erratically as well as the oil pressure gauge. The mid window no longer functions and my tailgate will not latch closed. I have had it swing open while in traffic (another safety concern!!!!! …
My car overheated on a normal day, about 80 degrees outside. I checked and replaced a defective thermostat, and started the engine only to find it misfiring badly for the first time. I gained advise from a local auto store and changed my spark plugs. When I pulled out the old ones, I found three of the six covered in oil. Upon further research, I was instructed to remove the manifold and replace the tube seals but the plastic manifold cover would not come off as indicated in a GM mechanics manual. This is the last of several problems I've had with the 2004 GMC Envoy Xuv 2wd inline 6. I see many complaints on the oily spark plug issue and cracked manifold but no tsbs. …
We bought new a 2004 GMC Xuv. From the beginning we had problems with the ignition switch. The car would turn off while driving. Also, when parked the ignition switch would not completely turn off. The dash lights would remain on if you do not wiggle the ignition switch. When a few days you come back the battery would be dead. The dealer would not fix it. Problem still exist. We keep a battery jumper in the car since new so we are not left stranded. The rear and middle window have failed four times. When this happens you cannot open the back gate or open the roof which I feel is dangerous. You cannot get in or out for there is no release. Fixed four times and the window went down again at 74,000 miles and gate is lock again. It has been repaired by the dealer and private mechanics but, the problem still exists. We now have a speedometer and gauges that are not accurate. …
I have a 2004 SUV xlt. I bought my car with 400 miles on it. I had the gas tank replaced early on. Went back to GMC b/c they had not installed it properly. I've had both front and rear sway bars replaced and both knock sensors replaced. My middle window decided to quit working and I haven't gotten it fixed because the guys at the GMC service center said they couldn't imagine what it could be and they would have to charge me $100 for a diagnosis!! My radio/cd player is only half lit up and stops working when it gets too hot from playing a cd... I am currently having issues with the fan clutch, thermostat and a leak in my front differential. Meanwhile the guys at the dealership wanted to charge me $1,500 to replace my knock sensors again and didn't even find the leak when they were "diagnosing" my issue. …
Electrical complaints in other Envoy Xuv years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2004 GMC Envoy Xuv?
NHTSA has 79 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 GMC Envoy Xuv, 53% of the model year's 150 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (32 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 GMC Envoy Xuv electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2004 GMC Envoy Xuv. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 GMC Envoy Xuv electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.