2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 5%of 182 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,999miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500, 5% of the 182 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,999 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle is a 4wd model, equipped with electronically controlled transfer case. The control only works intermittently. Several times I have been caught in a snowstorm and unable to use the 4wd. This is a serious safety issue. I had the control repaired once, but the problem quickly returned. I am told this is a very common problem with 4wd Chevrolet and gmc trucks, for many model years.”
NHTSA complaint #10259332, filed 2009-02, 50,000 miles“I drive a 2004 Chevrolet suburban z71. When I am driving down the road the transfer case shifts into neutral. I didn't touch the transfer case controls or anything it just goes into neutral. It works just fine in auto 4wd, 4hi, and 4lo. This only occurs while driving in 2hi. I haven't gotten anything fixed yet because electronically it appears that everything is working normally. The mechanic said that he would have to take apart my transfer case and I cant afford it. I was wondering if this was some kind of manufacturer defect or something because it doesn't do this all the time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10232654, filed 2008-06, 69,000 miles“Transfercase on suburuban began to leak around 80k miles when you put on lift you'll see little pin holes in the transfer case. This is caused by a faulty design where the pump rubs a hole from the inside of the t-case to the outside. Numerous companies have made a mod kit to address the issue which GM has not. You can put a temp bandage on it using jb weld but the case will need to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10275218, filed 2009-06, 81,000 miles“The vehicle is a 4wd SUBURBAN 1500. With 2 wd drive selected and driving at various speeds from 5 MPH to 60 MPH the vehicle will go into neutral. This has happened 7 or 8 times. Each time was in traffic which required illuminating emergency flashers and pulling to side of road. Every time presented a safety issue and was fortunate it didn't cause an accident. On one occasion I had just passed a semi on the interstate and had just pulled back into trucks lane when it occurred. Dealership could not detect a problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10512806, filed 2013-05, 157,000 miles“Transmission slippage; driver side mirror defects; head lamps & loose steering column. Biggest issue is transmission. While driving on highway at 70 MPH, transmission began slipping without any prior warning. Situation was extremely dangerous as it was night-time driving with little or no opportunity to get vehicle off the interstate. Other family vehicles have had the same issue with the transmission going out without warning. Also, the driver side mirror goes out gradually, as the liquid that defrosts the mirror goes bad and leaks into the mirror. …”
NHTSA complaint #10326202, filed 2010-04, 133,600 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.
- 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…
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10190503Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 11% |
| 2025 | 6 | 19% |
| 2023 | 4 | 24% |
| 2011 | 5 | 6% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 17 | 9% |
| 2006 | 1 | 3% |
| 2005 | 11 | 12% |
| 2004 | 10 | 5% |
| 2003 | 6 | 3% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 5 | 5% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 3% |
| 1998 | 1 | 7% |
| 1995 | 1 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
84 complaintsBrakes
38 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 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