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Electrical systemPart report

2004 Chevrolet Classic Electrical system Problems

Complaints
28about this part
Share
70%of 40 total for the year
Median mileage
92,056miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Chevrolet Classic, 70% of the 40 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,056 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Occasionally, at the most inopportune times, the anti-theft system will not allow me to start my vehicle. The only cure is to turn the key to the on position for 10 minutes until the anti-theft light on the dash goes out. This is getting to be a major pain in the neck, especially because I am handicapped. I could be stranded anywhere, without warning!”

NHTSA complaint #10402244, filed 2011-05, 65,000 miles

“Ignition key can be removed/falls out when vehicle is being driven. We have had six incidents where we parked car and removed key and then car started rolling. In two incidents an open door of the rolling car caught person knocking them down, one incident just missed rolling over foot. In each case found that car was not in park with key removed. Have also had multiple incidents where key was removed but ignition remained on draining the cars battery each time. Very hard to get key lock into off position.”

NHTSA complaint #10644279, filed 2014-10, 160,000 miles

“My 2004 chevy Classic's passlock theft system has malfunctioned three times in less than a month. Fortunately I noticed the theft system light blinking and followed the instructions to get it started again. Afterwards I did research on the web about this and discovered that it is something common that is happening a lot after the mileage reaches about 65,000 of more miles. It seems the fix is replacing a faulty ignition switch. Why doesn't Chevrolet recall these?”

NHTSA complaint #10342049, filed 2010-07, 72,400 miles

“2004 chevy Classic anti-theft system engages every time the engine fails to start on the first spark. It has left me stranded once (till I figured out the problem) and since has occurred about 8 times a week. Engine cold or hot does not matter. The ten minutes is certainly inconvenient and at times a safety hazard. The problem began at work about 2 months ago. I have tried better fuel, fuel additives, different starting procedures. Nothing works.”

NHTSA complaint #10293917, filed 2009-11, 103,000 miles

“2005 general motors chevy Classic anti theft system. System will arbitrarily not allow car to start. Have been to repair shop (not dealer) to find this is a common problem. Anti theft light will come on during drive at which time I immediately pull over so as not risk car shutting down. Turn key to on for ten minutes or so until anti theft light goes out so I may continue driving. Several times this has drained battery so I have to wait for good samaritan to give me a jump.”

NHTSA complaint #10324948, filed 2010-04, 70,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20052551%
20042870%

Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Classic

Engine
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 Chevrolet Classic

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology