2004 Gmc Sierra 1500 problems
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 Gmc Sierra 1500 problems
The 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues span various components, including the HVAC system, electrical system, powertrain, and chassis.
- Electrical System Problems: Electrical issues are prevalent in the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500, with 175 complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These problems include burning electrical odors, fidgety instrument clusters, and issues with the wiring, which may be due to aging and requiring replacement. Additionally, there have been reports of service brake problems, with 133 complaints on file, primarily attributed to excessive rust in the brake lines.
- Powertrain Complaints: Although less common, there have been 37 powertrain complaints and 19 engine problems reported for the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500. These issues may include internal engine knocks, which can be challenging to diagnose and repair.
- Chassis Issues: Problems with the chassis have been reported, including issues with the crossover supports, gas tank straps, muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, and leaks. These problems can lead to check engine lights and potential drivability issues.
- Miscellaneous Issues: Other miscellaneous issues include problems with sensors, emission-control devices, fuel-injection systems, fuel gauges/senders, fuel pumps, and problems filling up the tank. These issues can affect the overall drivability and reliability of the vehicle.
In summary, the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 has several common problems, primarily involving the HVAC system, electrical system, powertrain, and chassis. While these issues can affect the reliability and drivability of the vehicle, it is essential to note that not all 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 models will experience these problems. Proper maintenance and inspection can help identify and address potential issues before they become significant problems.
How many miles can a 2004 GMC Sierra last?
How Long Will the 2004 GMC Sierra Last? Drivers typically report getting around 250,000 miles out of their 2004 GMC Sierra.
What years did the GMC Sierra have transmission problems?
GMC's Sierra 1500 is one of the toughest pickups there is, offering a plethora of powertrain options to suit buyers' needs. However, owners report transmission problems in models from 2009 to 2013, including hesitating between shifts.
Does GMC Sierra have engine problems?
The 2022 GMC Sierra engine issues are one of the largest GMC scandals in recent years. It is more than likely that customers will be dissuaded from buying this truck in the near future but hopefully, General Motors will manage to address all the issues quickly.
Is GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
Yes, GMC trucks are among the most reliable pickups on the market. Year after year, the J.D. Power Dependability Study has ranked the Sierra 1500 and Sierra 2500HD in the top five of their respective segments.
How many miles can a 2004 GMC Sierra last?
How Long Will the 2004 GMC Sierra Last? Drivers typically report getting around 250,000 miles out of their 2004 GMC Sierra.
Is GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
Yes, GMC trucks are among the most reliable pickups on the market. Year after year, the J.D. Power Dependability Study has ranked the Sierra 1500 and Sierra 2500HD in the top five of their respective segments.
Does GMC Sierra have engine problems?
The 2022 GMC Sierra engine issues are one of the largest GMC scandals in recent years. It is more than likely that customers will be dissuaded from buying this truck in the near future but hopefully, General Motors will manage to address all the issues quickly.
How long do GMC Sierra 1500 engines last?
If you take care of your GMC Sierra, you can expect it to last around 250,000 miles without too many worries.
2004 Gmc Sierra 1500 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Gmc Sierra 1500.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2004 Gmc Sierra 1500 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2004 Gmc Sierra 1500.
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
- Components: WHEELS:HUB
- Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
- Consequence: WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
- Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL NATIONAL AND CARQUEST AFTERMARKET HUB ASSEMBLIES, P/N 515058, SOLD FOR USE ON 2001-2006 GENERAL MOTORS 1500 AND 2500 4WD TRUCKS. ON THE SUBJECT HUB ASSEMBLIES, THE ABS SENSOR CORD DEPARTS FROM THE HUB ASSEMBLY AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE. AS A RESULT, THERE IS A FIT ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE ROTOR DUST SHIELD INTERFERING WITH THE ABS SENSOR CORD. IF THE HUB ASSEMBLY IS INSTALLED DESPITE THIS INTERFERENCE, THE GAP BETWEEN THE ABS SENSOR AND THE TONE WHEEL MAY BE ALTERED. THIS MAY WEAKEN THE OUTPUT OF THE ABS SENSOR. DIMINISHED OUTPUT COULD RESULT IN AN UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS AND STOPPING DISTANCE COULD BE AFFECTED.
- Consequence: IF STOPPING DISTANCE IS LIMITED, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY ITS OWNERS AND WILL EITHER CREDIT THE CUSTOMERS ACCOUNT OR REPLACE THE UNIT. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-563-8507 EXT 3530.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Manufacturer: MOBILITY WORKS
- Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
- Summary: ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT SYSTEMS, THE SPROCKET TEETH OF THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WHEELCHAIR MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY SECURED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES TO A WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT RETRACTORS AS NECESSARY. SURE-LOK WILL HANDLE THE REPAIRS FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SURE-LOCK AT 1-908-231-1804 OR MOBILITYWORKS AT 1-800-769-8267.
- Manufacturer: REGENCY CONVERSIONS INC.
- Components: TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
- Summary: THE SPARE TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY THAT WAS PROVIDED ON CERTAIN CONVERSION VEHICLES WILL NOT FIT ON THE FRONT WHEEL HUB DUE TO OFFSET OF THE WHEEL. HOWEVER, IT WILL FIT ON THE REAR WHEELS.
- Consequence: IF SOMEONE HAS A FLAT TIRE ON THE FRONT WHEEL, THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO INSTALL THE PROVIDED SPARE TIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPARE WHEEL WITH THE CORRECT OFFSET. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT REGENCY AT 1-800-989-4727.
Negative 2004 Gmc Sierra 1500 car reviews
Positive 2004 Gmc Sierra 1500 car reviews
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You made an excellent choice with this vehicle! The ride is smooth and comfortable. If you're looking for a bit more low-end power, you might consider the 5.3 engine instead of the 4.8, which likes to rev and comes on strong. With the automatic transmission and 3.42 gears, you can expect to get over 20 miles per gallon. Overall, this is a great choice!
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I bought this truck brand new. At first, I bought a Toyota, but I found the mileage and power to be lacking for my needs. This truck, on the other hand, filled the bill perfectly. It has towed a trailer almost every day and has been used as a working route truck. I have not had a single problem with this truck, and even the tires have lasted longer than expected for stock run-of-the-mill General Tires. I love this truck, but it's time to move on to a new work truck. I think I will do it all over again with another short box GMC 1500! This was such a great investment for our company.
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I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share with you my experience with this truck. I purchased it three years ago with 120,000 miles on it, and I have to say, it's been a fantastic investment. Despite the high mileage, it runs smoothly and quietly, and it's incredibly comfortable. I've even been able to haul a 260-gallon water tank in the back without any issues. I'm so impressed with this truck and I'm glad I made the purchase!
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This truck is really impressive. After driving a BMW for 15 years, I wanted something completely different and fun to drive. The Denali is everything I hoped for in a full-size truck. People notice it and it turns heads. The QuadraSteer is an absolute must and it is everything you hoped it would be - simply amazing. With dealer incentives and some negotiation, the Denali can be had for around $34,600, making it an incredible value. If you're in the market for a top-of-the-line full-size truck, the Sierra Denali should be at the top of your list. It's a great truck!
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Your Sierra has been in your family since new and has given you nothing but good service. You use it now for trash pickup and towing your 28' boat. In 225k miles, you have only replaced an alternator, climate control actuator, and performed normal maintenance. As an automotive dealer, you believe that this is the best truck on the road!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2004 Gmc Sierra 1500 problems:
2004 GMC Sierra common problems | Great Lakes 4x4. The largest ...
Sep 6, 2012 ... Water pump gasket leakage, faulty knock sensors, exhaust manifold warpage w/ broken bolts, crappy brake rotors, t-case pumps that wear holes in ...
2004 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems and Complaints - 67 Issues
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GMC Sierra 1500 2004: Q&A on Purge Valve, Common Problems ...
Aug 16, 2013 ... Hello, my name isXXXXX vent solenoid should have voltage on the orange wire which comes from the 15 amp 4WS fuse in fuse box under the hood. If ...
2004 GMC Sierra Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Jan 30, 2023 ... Reliability 7/10 – Some drivers are reporting half a million miles on the original engine and transmission. Expect to replace some wiring and ...
Q&A: 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Problems & Computer Mess
Feb 6, 2021 ... Wait 10 minutes with the key in run. The passlock light should be flashing and the DIC will say "Service Vehicle" or "Security" or have a ...
Other years of Gmc Sierra 1500
Are you having problems with your 2004 Gmc Sierra 1500?
Merritt Klein 2025-08-21
In 2004, I purchased a brand new vehicle. Unfortunately, at 45,000 miles, the gauge cluster went out, and at 88,000 miles, the catalytic converter failed. Additionally, after 7 years of ownership, the cab corners and rocker panels began to bubble despite my best efforts to maintain the vehicle's appearance. At 110k, I noticed that I was using coolant and heard ticking lifters. Upon further inspection, I discovered that the cylinder heads were covered in muck and anti-freeze, which was a result of the warped cylinder heads that were used in millions of GM vehicles between 2002 and 2006. Despite being aware of the issue, GM continued to use these heads to save money. The repair cost me 3k in parts and labor and the car was down for a week. Unfortunately, at 120k, rust had eaten through the cab corners and rocker panels, making it impossible to pass inspection in NH. Now, at 146k, the vehicle is using coolant again, and it's time to move on. Although I've had bad luck with my last three GMC vehicles, I'm considering a Ford 250 Super Duty as my next purchase.
Grover Weimann 2025-08-09
I loved the the looks, but ultimately bought because of incentives. Should have paid two grand more and got Tundra. Water pump went out at 39k, steering shaft at 40k, antilock brake modulator at 42k, transmission at 80k (never towed), instrument panel at 88k. That’s about $4k of repairs that should never happened below 100k. I loved driving it and best seats of any vehicle I’ve owned. Averaged 14.2 mpg. However it was a money pit.
Trent Heaney 2025-06-21
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my truck. I bought it used with 117,000 miles on it and noticed that it was using a little oil and coolant, which was a bit odd. Every now and then, I would hear a sticky lifter, but I found a solution by adding Lucas to the oil. However, I encountered some trouble when the sludge in the sump clogged the oil pump suction and caused a loss of oil pressure. Luckily, I was able to find a used motor with 100,000 miles on it and swapped it out. Now, my truck runs better with more power and no oil consumption or coolant issues. I really like my truck and plan on driving it for another couple of years. I think the sludge may have been related to the coolant loss, as it was infiltrating the crank case and slowly evaporating out. Thanks for listening!
Bernhard Cartwright 2025-05-23
At about 53,900 miles, my 2004 5.3L developed a ticking noise. Unfortunately, it turned out to be cracked cylinder heads, resulting in a $3800 repair bill. However, I decided to trade it in for a brand new Tundra with a 5.7L engine and I have no regrets.
Paolo Williamson 2025-04-23
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my truck. It's been such a great ride for the past 5 years - so comfortable and trouble-free! Recently, I noticed the coolant level dropping and discovered that the cylinder heads had cracked. I took it to Boulevard GMC in Signal Hill and unfortunately, they charged me $170.00 for something I already knew. To make matters worse, they lied and said they had inspected the valve covers when it was clear that no one had touched them. I just wanted to give you a heads up to be careful with this dealership. Unfortunately, GM wasn't able to help me out, so I had to fix it myself. I used Bars head gasket fix and it worked like a charm! I've driven 3,000 miles since then and all I need to do now is change my lifters and push-rods. Despite this experience, I'm still a fan of trucks, but I might consider other brands besides GM. Take care!