2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 problems

General information about Chevrolet-Silverado 2500
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list
Negative car reviews
Positive car reviews

The Chevrolet Silverado is a range of trucks manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand. Introduced for the 1999 model year, the Silverado is the successor to the long-running Chevrolet C/K model line. Taking its name from the top trim level from the Chevrolet C/K series, the Silverado is offered as a series of full-size pickup trucks, chassis cab trucks, and medium-duty trucks. The fourth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2019 model year.

The Chevrolet Silverado shares mechanical commonality with the identically related GMC Sierra; GMC ended the use of the C/K nomenclature a model generation prior to Chevrolet. In Mexico, high-trim level versions of the Silverado use the Chevrolet Cheyenne name (not to be confused with the 2003 concept). Competing against the Ford F-Series, Ram Pickup, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan, the Silverado is among the best-selling vehicles in the United States, having sold over 12 million trucks since its introduction in 1998 as a 1999 model year.

History

The Silverado nameplate made its debut for the 1975 model year, becoming the top trim level on all Chevrolet C/K trucks, slotted above Custom Deluxe, Scottsdale, and Cheyenne. For the 1968 model year (seven years before the Silverado), GMC C/K trucks used variations of the Sierra name (Sierra, Sierra Classic, Sierra Grande, and High Sierra). Even after the C/K series officially ended, GM still uses the CK and the CC in their current model codes, to denote a two-wheel drive (CC), and four-wheel drive (CK).

For the 1988 GMT400 model architecture, Chevrolet retained the C/K model nomenclature, with GMC branding its full-size line as Sierras. While sharing the same body and chassis, the model chronology of the Silverado and Sierra are different, with five generations of the Sierra, while four of the Silverado.

In 2018, at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Indiana, Chevrolet unveiled the first medium-duty Silverado, expanding the model line to a 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD chassis cab. Largely the successor to the 2003–2009 GMT560 chassis, the medium-duty trucks are exclusive to Chevrolet, with no plans for an equivalent GMC version. Instead, Navistar International (now partnering with GM) would sell the medium-duty trucks as a rebadged counterpart, called the CV. This is in fact a very similar nod to how the Avalanche did not have a GMC Yukon–based equivalent, but instead, Cadillac would take its place as the former's rebadged counterpart, the Escalade EXT.

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Common 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:

Brake Problems:
- Owners have reported brake problems, with 6 complaints and 254 NHTSA complaints. Specific details on the nature of these brake issues are not provided in the search results.
Interior Accessories Problems:
- There are 5 complaints related to interior accessories problems, with 20 NHTSA complaints. The exact nature of these issues is not specified in the search results.
Electrical Problems:
- Electrical problems have been reported with 5 complaints and 186 NHTSA complaints. The specific electrical issues faced by owners are not detailed in the search results.
AC / Heater Problems:
- Owners have reported 4 complaints related to AC / heater problems. Further details on the specific nature of these issues are not provided in the search results.
Engine Problems:
- Engine problems have been reported with 3 complaints and 60 NHTSA complaints. The exact engine-related issues faced by owners are not outlined in the search results.
Body / Paint Problems:
- There is 1 complaint regarding body / paint problems, with 25 NHTSA complaints. Specific information on the nature of these body and paint issues is not specified in the search results.
Drivetrain Problems:
- Owners have reported 1 complaint related to drivetrain problems, with 28 NHTSA complaints. Detailed information on the specific drivetrain issues is not provided in the search results.
Transmission Problems:
- There is 1 complaint regarding transmission problems, with 25 NHTSA complaints. Specific details on the nature of these transmission issues are not outlined in the search results.
Steering Problems:
- Steering problems have been reported with 50 NHTSA complaints. Further details on the specific steering issues faced by owners are not detailed in the search results.
Seat Belts / Air Bags Problems:
- There are 35 NHTSA complaints related to seat belts / air bags problems. The specific issues concerning seat belts and airbags are not specified in the search results.

These common problems reported by owners of the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 highlight a range of issues across different components of the vehicle. Owners have faced challenges with brakes, interior accessories, electrical systems, AC / heater, engine, body / paint, drivetrain, transmission, steering, and seat belts / air bags. Further details on the specific nature of these problems would require more in-depth investigation or consultation with automotive experts.

How many miles will a 2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 last?

The average Chevy Silverado will last around 200,000 miles. If you are sure to take care of your Silverado over the years, it can last as long as you'd like it to. A few truck owners have even reached the one million-mile mark on their Chevy Silverado.

What years of Chevy 2500HD to avoid?

Besides the 2004 and 2007 Silverado, we highly advise buyers to skip the 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2008 model years.

Do Chevy 2500 have transmission problems?

Failed friction element D, voltage problem in the 'A' circuit and low or leaking fluid are some of the common Chevy Silverado 2500 transmission problems.

Is the Silverado 2500 diesel reliable?

The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 9th out of 17 for fullsize trucks. The average annual repair cost is $936 which means it has poor ownership costs.

2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500.

2006-02-01

Manufacturer: FABTECH MOTORSPORTS
Components: STEERING
Summary: CERTAIN FABTECH AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS71000 AND FTS71001, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2001-2006 GM C/K 2500 PICK UP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE PIN LOCATED INSIDE THE PITMAN ARM CAN SHEAR OFF DUE TO A REVERSE BENDING FATIGUE CONDITION, RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
Consequence: LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH WITH POTENTIAL INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: FABTECH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PITMAN AND IDLER ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FABTECH AT 909-597-7800.

Negative 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 car reviews

Zechariah Hodkiewicz 2024-11-12

This truck is amazing! It rides so smoothly and has incredible power to pull. It's even become our family car, replacing the minivan. With two adults, two kids, and two dogs, we have plenty of room. The interior is fantastic and has more features than most luxury cars on the market today. My wife especially loves the quadrasteer feature, which allows her to park this 20' truck in spots tighter than most cars. It has a tighter turning radius than our S10 Blazer, and the quadrasteer also provides great stability when towing a trailer. The only downside is that the quadrasteer only comes with a 4.10 gear ratio, which means lower fuel economy. It would be great if they offered the quadrasteer with a 3.73 option.
Obie Mante 2024-11-08

Overall, the truck has been good. Although there were issues with 5 injectors and the driver's seat adjust mechanism (which were fortunately covered under warranty), the instrument panel cluster has been a bit of a joke. It's frustrating that there are entire companies dedicated to rebuilding IPCs for all makes of trucks. Unfortunately, this means that the truck is down while you have to pay $500 for a rebuilt defective IPC. (GM has announced that they will pay for this, but we have yet to see any money.) OnStar was helpful for unlocking doors and diagnosing ground faults on several glow plugs, but once the 'free' period runs out, it's easier to just hide an extra key. It's important to keep in mind that OS's peace of mind comes at a cost. If you can afford an expensive truck, then be prepared for expensive upkeep. All in all, it's a good and powerful work truck.
Dominic Brown 2024-10-28

Hey there! Thanks for sharing your experience with this truck. It sounds like you really enjoy it, but have noticed some issues with the ride quality on rough roads. Based on your experience, you suggest doing some research before purchasing this 3/4 ton truck. You also mentioned that hauling with this truck is very smooth and you recommend the propane powered option due to the current gas prices. Propane seems to be a more cost-effective option at $1.30 compared to gasoline at $2.25. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!
Jesus Sauer 2024-10-21

This purchase has been extremely disappointing. The vehicle experiences significant shaking between 70 and 80 mph, despite not being used for heavy towing or off-roading. Additionally, it has already required its third pinion bearing replacement, which is concerning given that it has not even reached 25K miles yet. In contrast, my 99 RAM had 145K miles and I would still trust it for any travel needs. It is clear that improvements need to be made to ensure the reliability of this vehicle.
Maynard Kshlerin 2024-06-07

The truck is certainly comfortable and roomy, making it a pleasure to drive. However, it's worth noting that the power and mileage could be improved. Unfortunately, the 6.0L engine doesn't quite live up to expectations, and my previous 5.3L truck was actually better in this regard. With an average of around 11 mpg, and only 8 mpg when towing my 24' boat, I'm considering either a diesel or a Titan for my next vehicle.

Positive 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 car reviews

Vito Powlowski 2025-01-02

What a fantastic truck! It's so comfortable for everyone in my family and has an impressive amount of power. The 6.0L engine is a real monster when it comes to hauling and towing! I found the ride to be fantastic, especially since it's a 2500 and not a 2500HD. I test drove both and found the HD version to have a harsher ride. The interior is excellent and I haven't found any problems with the truck so far.
Mark Collier 2025-01-01

This is actually my second Silverado and I must say, I absolutely love this truck! Although the ride is a bit harsher than my previous half ton, it's really not that bad. The only downside is that the fuel mileage isn't as good as my old one. While towing on the highway, I used to be able to make over 400 miles on a tank with my old truck (5.3 vortec), but this one doesn't seem to go much over 300 miles on a tank. On the bright side, the crew cab is great and my passengers all say that the back seat is very comfortable. The build quality is also much better than my previous truck.
Collin Beatty 2024-11-19

From day 1, Chevy denied the steering bang/knocking in the steering box, claiming that there was nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, at 86900 miles, the driver side exhaust manifold bolts broke off in the head. Currently, I am experiencing oil pressure problems (25 psi), metal shavings on the oil drain plug, and a clogged oil filter. Additionally, the engine is idling a bit rough and there is some low lifter noise. On a positive note, I painted all of the side door trims black after they continued to turn yellow. However, the stereo CD broke after only 1 year.
Hubert Nitzsche 2024-09-22

Great truck motor! It just needs a little waking up, but it feels good. The front end could benefit from a heavy-duty steering stabilizer, but all in all, it's the best truck on the market. It's big, strong, looks good, and is Chevy tough!
Eldon Conn 2024-08-21

I love it! You sit above most and the power of this machine really hits the spot.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 problems:

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