The problem
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.
The risk
Consequently, the valve o-ring seal May fracture. Steering efforts May be slightly increased while braking or parking. Under certain driving conditions, a fractured seal May require a slight increase in the applied brake pedal effort to achieve the same vehicle deceleration rate as prior to the seat fracture.
The fix
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.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 04V-045 (04V045000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 04004 |
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Service brakes, hydraulic |
| Report date | February 4, 2004 |
| Owners notified | June 18, 2004 |
| Vehicles affected | 68,875 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
- 2003 Cadillac Escalade
- 2004 Cadillac Escalade
- 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV
- 2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV
- 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT
- 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
- 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
- 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
- 2003 Chevrolet Express
- 2004 Chevrolet Express
- 2003 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2004 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2003 GMC Savana
- 2004 GMC Savana
- 2003 GMC Sierra
- 2004 GMC Sierra
- 2003 GMC Yukon
- 2004 GMC Yukon
- 2003 GMC Yukon XL
- 2004 GMC Yukon XL
- 2003 Hummer H2
- 2004 Hummer H2
Owner complaints about the brakes
- 2003 Cadillac Escalade brake problems 20
- 2004 Cadillac Escalade brake problems 19
- 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV brake problems 2
- 2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV brake problems 3
- 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT brake problems 7
- 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT brake problems 3
- 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche brake problems 81
- 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche brake problems 42
- 2003 Chevrolet Express brake problems 11
- 2004 Chevrolet Express brake problems 6
- 2003 Chevrolet Silverado brake problems 257
- 2004 Chevrolet Silverado brake problems 211
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 04V-045 repair free?
Yes. Cadillac dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 68,875 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.