2004 Chevrolet Colorado Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 12%of 361 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado, 12% of the 361 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,500 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“As I was driving I noticed my speed control wasn't working. Once I arrived at my destination I researched this issue online and found that others also had problems with the brake lights when this happened. So, I went out to check my brake lights and they are non responsive.”
NHTSA complaint #10654529, filed 2014-11, 98,000 miles“My cruise control and my rear driver's side top tail light went out a week or so ago. Today, my stop lights stopped working completely, including the 3rd brake light. I was almost rear ended and another driver informed me that my brake lights didn't work. After researching the issue, I discovered that the problems I'm experiencing are related to 2 switches above my brake pedal-the stop lamp switch and the brake cruise release switch.I called the chevy recall hotline and provided my VIN #. …”
NHTSA complaint #10717730, filed 2015-05, 25,530 miles“The brake light switch has failed multiple times. It was covered twice under a recall. Switches only last 1.5-2 years. There is no warning or dash light when they go out. I have almost been rear ended twice. Happened again april 13, 2015. I drove it straight to the dealer when I found out in traffic. I knew it was the brake switch again and the dealer confirmed. The dealer called GM to see if they would cover the replacement. They refused. The dealer gave me a discount as they know it is an issue and charged me $87 to change. This is the second time I have had to pay. …”
NHTSA complaint #10705749, filed 2015-04, 39,994 miles“The dashboard lights will stop working if your driving at night and turn the car off and then turn it back on. They will not work until the car sits for a long period of time. This started soon after buying the car brand new, but the dealership couldn't find anything wrong. Second complaint, the heater/air conditioner fan had an electrical fire at where the harness plugs into the fan motor. The fan will only work on high. When I looked online at other complaints about the same problem, I unplugged the fan and noticed the plug was burnt. I have photos that I can send. …”
NHTSA complaint #10640178, filed 2014-09, 73,060 miles“Brake lights have failed four times in 18 months. All dealer does is replace switch. The first time they failed I noticed 2 vehicles nearly rear ending me. Then someone told me I had no brake lights. Now I know brake lights are out when cruise control quits working. Gm wants to give $2,500 to trade vehicle but shouldn't they be required to fix problem. I can't trade without discussing this problem reducing my trade in value.”
NHTSA complaint #10143970, filed 2005-11, 7,818 milesRelated recalls
- 09V310000Jul 29, 2009Gm is recalling 185,903 model year 2004-2009 colorado, gmc model year 2009-2004 canyon, model year 2006 I-280, I-350, model year 2007-2008 I-290, and I-370…Covers: Chevrolet Colorado 2004–2009, GMC Canyon 2004–2009, Isuzu I-290 2007–2008 +3 more
- 06V139000Apr 27, 2006Certain pickup trucks may experience the permanent loss of brake lamp function or brake lamps that are illuminated at all times. The center high-mounted stop…Covers: Chevrolet Colorado 2004–2006, GMC Canyon 2004–2006, Isuzu I-350 2006 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10169354Nov 12, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10155009Dec 13, 2018This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 6% |
| 2025 | 1 | 4% |
| 2024 | 11 | 9% |
| 2023 | 9 | 7% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 3 | 3% |
| 2019 | 3 | 2% |
| 2018 | 3 | 2% |
| 2017 | 3 | 1% |
| 2016 | 4 | 1% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 5% |
| 2011 | 4 | 10% |
| 2010 | 2 | 7% |
| 2009 | 3 | 4% |
| 2008 | 7 | 9% |
| 2007 | 19 | 14% |
| 2006 | 30 | 13% |
| 2005 | 49 | 14% |
| 2004 | 43 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
88 complaintsBody and structure
61 complaintsBrakes
52 complaintsSuspension
35 complaintsAir bags
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
27 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
26 complaintsOther or unknown
25 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsTires
18 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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