2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Problems
- Complaints
- 797filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 68,541miles, 700 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 4.3L 6-cyl RWD · 14 city / 19 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe brake problems, especially corroded steel brake lines that leak and let the pedal travel to the floor, along with instrument cluster faults that make the speedometer read wildly wrong or stop moving. Complaints also mention steering shaft clunks and airbag warning lights, and many of the brake and cluster reports arrive well under 100,000 miles despite the truck's age.
- Brakes
Corroded brake lines leaking and pedal to the floor
- 289 complaints (36%)
- median 82,055 mi at 10.0 yrs old (276 state mileage)
- 18 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 36 quotes)
- filed 2005–2024
Owners describe the brake pedal dropping to the floor with little or no warning, often at a stop light or while slowing for a turn, and finding fluid leaking from lines above the frame rail or under the cab. Inspection typically shows the steel lines rusted through, sometimes along with corroded calipers, rotors and backing plates, and several report repeat repairs. When the pedal went soft, drivers say they downshifted or used the parking brake to stop; dealers and shops replaced the lines and hoses, and some owners report the work was declined as warranty or goodwill coverage. Reported from roughly 15,000 to 170,000 miles, with many under 100,000 miles and in vehicles kept in wet or road-salt climates.
What to check: Have the steel brake lines from the master cylinder to the ABS unit and out to each wheel inspected on a lift for rust and seepage, and ask whether any lines or hoses have already been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Brakes suddenly failed upon entering a highway requiring me to press the brake pedal to the floor in order to stop. Inspection and actuationshowed brake fluid squirting out of rusty brake lines. I am a metallurgist, I know what corrosion is. I am so thankful that no one was killed. I live in florida. The truck has never been out of the state.”
NHTSA complaint #10871958, filed 2016-06, 137,800 miles“When to stop at red light brakes fail could not stop. I used the emergency brake to finally stop after I when threw the red light. It is a good thing their was any coming the other way. The brake pedal when the whole way to the floor. I had all brake lines repaired and the rubber hoses too. The metal line where rusted out.”
NHTSA complaint #10508168, filed 2013-04, 62,000 miles - Electrical system
Speedometer and gauge cluster misreading
- 211 complaints (26%)
- median 61,000 mi at 4.3 yrs old (185 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $500 (median of 27 quotes)
- filed 2006–2024
Owners report the speedometer reading 15 to 20 mph at a standstill, pegging past 120 mph, sticking at a cruising speed, or quitting entirely, and some say the fuel, oil pressure, tachometer or temperature gauges act up as well. Complaints describe dealers diagnosing a failed instrument cluster and quoting replacement, typically at the owner's cost, and a few mention the ignition not shutting off or unrelated electrical oddities around the same time. Appears from about 13,000 to 140,000 miles, often near or just after the warranty period.
What to check: With the key on and the engine off, confirm the speedometer needle rests at zero and that all gauges sweep normally; ask whether the cluster has been rebuilt or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The speedometer in my 2004 Chevrolet silverado truck is non functional. At times it pegs out past the 120 MPH mark. At other times it pegs below the 0 MPH mark and will not move. It has come to my attention (via internet searches on the problem) that this is a common malfunction in Chevrolet trucks, yet GM has issued no recall. I feel this is a very dangerous situation and should be remedied by GM.”
NHTSA complaint #10184840, filed 2007-03, 55,000 miles“Vehicle speedometer stopped working at around 38,000 miles right after warranty expired. Talking to other customers when I dropped off vehicle, I found that this was not a rare occurrence. Two other customers at dealer had same problem on similar models.”
NHTSA complaint #10177596, filed 2007-01, 38,000 miles
Buying note. Have the brake lines inspected for corrosion before buying and budget for replacement if they are original, and verify the instrument cluster gauges work properly. A pre-purchase check by a mechanic on a lift covers the most commonly reported areas on this model year.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 797 consumer complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. 700 of the complaints include a mileage, and 31% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 68,541 miles. Of all complaints, 33 involved a crash, 8 a fire, 20 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 235 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes330 41%
- Electrical system267 34%
- Steering75 9.4%
- Air bags34 4.3%
- Transmission and drivetrain27 3.4%
- Engine cooling25 3.1%
- Fuel system21 2.6%
- Vehicle speed control20 2.5%
- Engine18 2.3%
- Body and structure15 1.9%
Also reported: Equipment (13), Suspension (13), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (13), Other or unknown (12), Exterior lighting (10), Tires (10), Wheels (9), Latches, locks and linkages (5), Seats (4), Electronic stability control (3), Seat belts (3).
Example complaints
Brakes: “When coming to a stop, the ABS system fails. I researched and I found a recall up to 2003 model for the same exact problem. I do not think it was corrected in the 2004 model. Disconnected the fuse to stop the problem but it now is an issue because I'm trying to sell the vehicle and the ABS light on all the time. They want $900 to replace the ABS module.”
NHTSA complaint #10627688, filed 2014-08, 80,000 milesElectrical system: “I own a 2004 chevy silverado and I'm having issues with the dash cluster odometer reading correctly. I feel it a safety issue when you can not tell how fast you are going while driving. If your caught going 20 MPH above the speed limit, it's considered dangerous enrecliment. Am I wrong? The odometer reads incorrectly every time I drive my truck.”
NHTSA complaint #10389778, filed 2011-03, 111,023 milesSteering: “Steering column is faulty in two of my 2004 Chevrolet silverados. Had it repaired by GM but it keeps messing up and causing vibrations, clunking and altering the steering . Also both of my trucks the speedometer has completely quit working at 40,000 miles. How safe is this????? Please please do a recall on these two items.”
NHTSA complaint #10282485, filed 2009-08, 44,000 milesAir bags: “Working door frame-away from all cables and wires-truck was parked in driveway-off-drivers air bag went off-on accident-truck was parked--no luck with GM--an luck with dealer--GM said-truck out of warranty and to old--cost me over $2000.00 to replace--I am 70 yrs old and retired--still like the truck--these $$$ hurt me!”
NHTSA complaint #11122432, filed 2018-08, 35,811 milesMileage when problems were reported
31% of the 700 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 44,104 and 97,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silverado 1500 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Silverado 1500 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Silverado 1500 2WD | 4.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Silverado 1500 2WD | 4.8L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Silverado 1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Silverado 1500 2WD | 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Silverado 1500 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Silverado 1500 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Silverado 1500 4WD | 4.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Silverado 1500 4WD | 4.8L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 13 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Silverado 1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Silverado 1500 AWD | 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 15 | 13 | $5,150 |
| Silverado 1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Silverado 1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 235 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11020688Jul 8, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communicates direction for different audio issues with RPO UQA, UQF, UQS, or NKD
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025Electrical system, Other or unknown. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11012907Dec 18, 2024Engine. This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11010544Oct 7, 2024Engine. This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007208Sep 6, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires…
Other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 127 | 4,000 | 3 | 4–5 | 19 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 108 | 7,000 | 0 | 5 | 19 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 320 | 10,709 | 2 | 5 | 18 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 391 | 34,000 | 3 | 5 | 19 | 44 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 656 | 36,750 | 6 | 4–5 | 18 | 60 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 855 | 56,000 | 8 | 4–5 | 17 | 70 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 750 | 27,177 | 12 | 4–5 | 19 | 77 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 1,097 | 15,727 | 10 | 4–5 | 19 | 90 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 523 | 37,500 | 7 | 5 | 19 | 37 · Typical | Stable |
| 2017 | 714 | 44,500 | 7 | 5 | 19 | 55 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 797 | 47,000 | 12 | 5 | 19 | 66 · More | Stable |
| 2015 | 1,111 | 54,792 | 11 | 5 | 19 | 57 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 1,437 | 63,000 | 6 | 5 | 20 | 67 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 302 | 60,000 | 2 | 4 | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2012 | 216 | 75,000 | 2 | 4 | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 565 | 70,000 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 5 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 363 | 67,000 | 3 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 445 | 70,000 | 3 | — | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 914 | 70,000 | 3 | — | 17 | 15 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 849 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 359 | 60,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 525 | 62,220 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 797 | 68,541 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 805 | 80,317 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 509 | 87,990 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 468 | 90,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 614 | 100,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 587 | 110,896 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1998 | 361 | 73,576 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 555 | 89,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1996 | 7 | 110,250 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1994 | 10 | 150,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
Owners of this model year most often describe brake problems, especially corroded steel brake lines that leak and let the pedal travel to the floor, along with instrument cluster faults that make the speedometer read wildly wrong or stop moving. The issues reported most often: Corroded brake lines leaking and pedal to the floor; Speedometer and gauge cluster misreading.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?
NHTSA recorded 797 consumer complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 330 complaints (41% of the total), followed by electrical system with 267.
Has the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (Silverado 1500 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 14 city and 19 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reported?
Among the 700 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 68,541 miles and the middle half falls between 44,104 and 97,000 miles; 31% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.