2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 21%of 182 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 109,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500, 21% of the 182 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 109,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving down a two lane highway at 50 miles per hour a dog ran out in front of my SUV, I hit the brakes hard and noticed the pedal went to the ground. Drove the car home carefully. When I got it in the garage found rusted through brake lines going to the rear of the car leaking. There is excessive rust on the lines and an electrical harness that goes to the gas tank has rubbed a hole in the line.”
NHTSA complaint #10748918, filed 2015-08, 190,650 miles“I was two blocks from home when I applied brakes as I approached a curve. Brake pedal went to the floor boards. Using low gear and parking brake I managed to get the suburban home with no incident. Brake lines front to back were replaced by service center. Cause ,rust thru.”
NHTSA complaint #10641653, filed 2014-10, 51,098 miles“I was traveling north on rt.1 in delaware I seen a car rolled over on its side and off the road I applied my brakes hard to stop and help that is when my brakes failed. After checking on the driver I limped my truck to the nearest gas station and discovers my brake line had rotted out under my truck by the front wheel. The clips that secure the brake line to the frame seem to be the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10439114, filed 2011-12, 121,690 miles“My 2004 suburban is extremely well cared for. The vehicle has only 51,000 miles and is kept in perfect running and physical condition. On 10/8/2011 I was performing an extensive visual check of the brake line on the vehicle after reading of some issues with similar vehicle. Upon inspection, I saw that the braking systems hydraulic lines are severely corroded in multiple areas. These lines must be replaced to avoid catastrophic failure. On a vehicle of this age and limited mileage this is highly worrisome. …”
NHTSA complaint #10429289, filed 2011-10, 51,250 miles“The brake line under the driver's door ruptured and caused a complete brake failure. All the brake lines are severely rusted, compromised, and all must be replaced. Fortunately the failure happened in parking lot and my son was able to get the car home without having an accident but that was merely fortuitous. There is absolutely no reason that permanent brake lines should fail. The truck is used very infrequently and is well maintained. Had I or a member of my family been driving on the interstate someone most likely would have been severely injured or killed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10558401, filed 2014-01, 44,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10242252Aug 18, 2023This technical bulletin provides information and a solution to a condition of Brake Pedal Moves or Self Applies at Full Turns.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 2 | 12% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 3 | 3% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 6 | 19% |
| 2005 | 8 | 9% |
| 2004 | 38 | 21% |
| 2003 | 65 | 37% |
| 2002 | 66 | 55% |
| 2001 | 48 | 52% |
| 2000 | 47 | 70% |
| 1999 | 50 | 68% |
| 1998 | 4 | 29% |
| 1997 | 5 | 31% |
| 1996 | 5 | 56% |
| 1995 | 2 | 25% |
| 1994 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
84 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsTires
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 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