2004 Chevrolet Silverado Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 4%of 622 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, 4% of the 622 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Starting at around 50,000 miles and during routine driving conditions I noticed a scent of anti-freeze emanating from under hood. At first unable to locate leak and continued to drive vehicle. At around 69,000 miles leak became apparent and was leaking from the water pump. Dealer assessed the problem and proceeded to inform me the repair would be $670. Fortunately I had an extended warranty up to 75,000. Vehicle now fixed and operating properly.”
NHTSA complaint #10224409, filed 2008-04, 50,000 miles“I own a 2004 chevy 2500hd with a lly duramax and the trucks overheats evrytime I pull a trailer that weighs 2000lbs or 12000lbs it does not matter. I think you need to help us out that own this model and year of truck and make GM fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #10131870, filed 2005-08, 4,000 miles“While pulling my trailer my truck overheats and when it gets hot it will take all the power from the motor making a hazard and a safety issue. I have been taking it to the dealer for one year and the say nothing is wrong with it.”
NHTSA complaint #10131472, filed 2005-08, 20,000 miles“Had two chevy silverados that develop intake and water pump gasket failure on a 4.3 liter engine. Both develop coolant leak through the gasket. The latest was in november on my 2004 chevy Silverado. Upon checking the owners manual in regards to the dexcool coolant it clearly states that this coolant will burn if spill on a hot engine. It that the case then why can it burn it the intake gasket fail and coolant is leaking in the engine. I had a 2000 chevy Silverado with intake gasket failure and also a 2004 chevy with gasket failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10253043, filed 2008-12, 64,659 miles“About 1 month after buying a new 2004 Silverado it started surging viloently when cold. It is inconsistant, sometimes lasts for blocks. I almost got rear ended last week while tryig to control the truck. Gm refuses to do anything, saying there is no diagnosis codes set and they have never heard of Silverado`s surging. They class it as a feature and say I need to feather the clutch. Feathering the clutch in traffic is a good way to get killed. This has been going on about 4 months now. …”
NHTSA complaint #10125575, filed 2005-06, 1,200 milesRelated recalls
- 06V289000Aug 3, 2006On certain trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 (rpo l8-vin g) engine have a condition in which the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip may fracture…Covers: Chevrolet Silverado 2004–2006, GMC Sierra 2004–2006, Yukon XL 2004–2006 +6 more
Related service bulletins
- 10056354Sep 1, 2014Gmc/chevrolet: engines, with egr system, has leakage from egr cooler engine coolant into the combustion chamber. Model 2002-15 silverado, sierra, 2004-09 kodiak c4500-c5500…
- 10058259Jul 16, 2014General motors: an optional engine block heater plug in for onboard ac power and with continuous usage will result in shorting of wires, over heating system, electrical failure…
- 10112069May 14, 2014This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction…
- 10113494Aug 19, 2013This informational bulletin provides information on close-coupled converter and engine replacement.
- 10113059Jun 24, 2013This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction…
- 10036464May 1, 2011Buick/cadillac/chevrolet/gmc/hummer/pontiac/saab: oil consumption and/or exhaust smoke-possible pcv baffle or lifter concern. Upon inspection, obvious oil will be found in the…
- 10037933Jan 1, 2011Gm: the service engine soon light is on, there is also a misfire or engine noise. There are multiple possible causes.
- 10037516Nov 1, 2010Gm: there is a diesel engine hard start when hot. Starts fine when cold. There will be no internal trouble codes.
- 10030207Apr 1, 2009Chevrolet/gmc: diesel engine turbo dtc p2563 or p003a. May encounter a concern of ses light, reduced power, low power.
- 10017214Dec 1, 2008Hard start / no start outside temperatures below freezing. *tt updated 7/13/09.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 5% |
| 2009 | 4 | 5% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 3% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 20 | 6% |
| 2004 | 24 | 4% |
| 2003 | 26 | 4% |
| 2002 | 58 | 8% |
| 2001 | 91 | 10% |
| 2000 | 88 | 7% |
| 1999 | 61 | 4% |
| 1998 | 15 | 5% |
| 1997 | 20 | 7% |
| 1996 | 13 | 7% |
| 1995 | 15 | 6% |
| 1994 | 5 | 2% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
| 1992 | 7 | 18% |
| 1990 | 2 | 8% |
| 1989 | 3 | 14% |
| 1988 | 1 | 7% |
| 1984 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado
211 complaintsElectrical system
159 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
49 complaintsSteering
44 complaintsAir bags
31 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 complaintsFuel system
22 complaintsSuspension
21 complaintsTires
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
18 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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