2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 3%of 797 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 3% of the 797 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was going down the highway about 50 miles per hour.heard a pop and my truck wheels kind of locked and then rolled on. I pulled over and got out and looked under the truck and found nothing. Went on to my location and when getting back in my truck I had no reverse. Had I had an 18 wheeler behind be this could have been a disaster. Have not put it in the shop yet. 2004 chevy z71 silverado.”
NHTSA complaint #10324789, filed 2010-04, 86,000 miles“After hearing a noise, I went to dealer, and was told there was no oil in my universal joint. I change oil every 5,000 mi which would equal 14 oil changes, about 10 of which were done by the dealer. I asked the service rep. If the oil in the universal was checked at every oil change, and he said the mechanic is suppose to check it but sometimes they get in a hurry. That mechanic cost me $1,700.00 . That will be the last time I will spend $1,700. On a chevy.”
NHTSA complaint #10592872, filed 2014-05, 70,000 miles“With no warning at all, driving down the interstate, truck lost 3rd gear. This is the second Chevrolet silverado this has happened to for us (first time, we thought it was an isolated bad transmission) however, it is obviously due to Chevrolet making junk, and putting the passengers of their vehicles in danger. Driving down the interstate at 60 miles per hour, with a sudden transmission failure was extremely dangerous.I will be pursuing this further.”
NHTSA complaint #10547246, filed 2013-10, 81,000 miles“Vehicle speeds up, surges, then starts to buck and you get transmission lash. It happens at road and highway speeds of 45 or 55 MPH, and can/does happen in od or in 3rd gear. (automatic transmission). I have had a third party scan the system, and I get no codes. Check engine light does not come on. I am able to replicate the issue at will. The vehicle is a 2004 k1500 with 46,500 miles. Its primary use since I purchased this vehicle new is to tow a 19 foot mastercraft from april to november. Maintenance is performed by the manufactures' recommended guidelines. …”
NHTSA complaint #10303224, filed 2010-01, 46,500 miles“In december 2008 I contacted general motors regarding a continuous backlash that had developed in the drive train of my 2004 Chevrolet 4wd pickup truck when the automatic transmission shifted gears along with loud clicking noises that were coming from the speedometer/dash gauges . They advised me to take the truck into a Chevrolet dealer for inspection. In doing so, the dealer replaced the instrument panel cluster on my truck under some settlement that other parties had reached earlier with general motors resulting in extended special coverage. …”
NHTSA complaint #10260316, filed 2009-02, 18,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
- 10151848Nov 15, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a no crank concern. Technician…
- 10143757Jul 9, 2018This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer technician thatLight Duty Trucks equipped with automatic transmissions and 4 wheel drive may exhibit a condition of…
- 10096073Feb 17, 2016This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that after a transmission or torque converter replacement the vehicle may have a…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 | 20% |
| 2025 | 21 | 19% |
| 2024 | 96 | 30% |
| 2023 | 108 | 28% |
| 2022 | 190 | 29% |
| 2021 | 243 | 28% |
| 2020 | 235 | 31% |
| 2019 | 330 | 30% |
| 2018 | 171 | 33% |
| 2017 | 191 | 27% |
| 2016 | 194 | 24% |
| 2015 | 138 | 12% |
| 2014 | 154 | 11% |
| 2013 | 13 | 4% |
| 2012 | 10 | 5% |
| 2011 | 18 | 3% |
| 2010 | 24 | 7% |
| 2009 | 12 | 3% |
| 2008 | 25 | 3% |
| 2007 | 35 | 4% |
| 2006 | 28 | 8% |
| 2005 | 36 | 7% |
| 2004 | 27 | 3% |
| 2003 | 26 | 3% |
| 2002 | 26 | 5% |
| 2001 | 19 | 4% |
| 2000 | 16 | 3% |
| 1999 | 26 | 4% |
| 1998 | 26 | 7% |
| 1997 | 57 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
330 complaintsElectrical system
267 complaintsSteering
75 complaintsAir bags
34 complaintsEngine cooling
25 complaintsFuel system
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
20 complaintsEngine
18 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsEquipment
13 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology