2004 Chevrolet Tahoe Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 4%of 467 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 41,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe, 4% of the 467 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2004 Tahoe, 79,000 miles. Engine overheated which could have caused fire if I had not noticed and stopped. Gm dealer says overheaing due to crack in cylinder head and confirmed TSB 06-06-01-019b (06/12/2007) applies to vehicle, which admits there is known manufacturing defect in certain cylinder heads which can cause engine coolant to leak internally causing overheating and potential engine failure. Dealer refuses to cover repair. I have pending complaint with GM customer service to pay for damage. …”
NHTSA complaint #10240974, filed 2008-09, 79,000 miles“2004 chevy Tahoe with castech heads has a history of running hot or overheating with little warning. In the cooler months, will fail to heat the interior of the vehicle without warning. Can leave drivers and passengers (likely children) without transportation in a harsh environment.”
NHTSA complaint #10370326, filed 2010-12, 96,000 miles“Consuming oil and water - needing 1-2 quarts of oil and 1 gallon water/coolant per 900 miles. No leaks, no dripping, no spots on garage floor. At start up, there is a large cloud of blue/white smoke from exhaust. Sometimes there is a very loud tapping in the engine until well after reaching normal temperature. Oil and water is being consumed internally - due to crack in cylinder head which is a known issue with certain engine blocks.”
NHTSA complaint #10355479, filed 2010-09, 115,000 miles“Dt: the caller stated vehicle stalls. This happens when driving at slower speeds and idling. The engine hesitated just before it stalled. Dealer said the problem was in a computer chip the first time. The second time he had it in they told him he may be out of gas they could not duplicate the problem. Manufacturer was called and he filed a complaint with them.”
NHTSA complaint #10134573, filed 2005-09, 14,000 miles“Loud popping/pinging noises coming from exhaust system when car is in idle position or when car has been turned off. Dealership replaced muffler but problem started again about 3 weeks later. Gm states it is a known problem, but there is currently not a fix for it. Says it is definitely the exhaust system.”
NHTSA complaint #10078444, filed 2004-06, 2,537 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251887Mar 14, 2024This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 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…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10236164Apr 24, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 7% |
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2024 | 9 | 13% |
| 2023 | 18 | 8% |
| 2022 | 10 | 5% |
| 2021 | 17 | 4% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 3 | 3% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 0% |
| 2007 | 21 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 7 | 2% |
| 2004 | 20 | 4% |
| 2003 | 20 | 4% |
| 2002 | 19 | 4% |
| 2001 | 16 | 3% |
| 2000 | 7 | 2% |
| 1999 | 27 | 5% |
| 1998 | 21 | 8% |
| 1997 | 12 | 3% |
| 1996 | 25 | 9% |
| 1995 | 3 | 1% |
| 1994 | 3 | 16% |
| 1993 | 1 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
214 complaintsBrakes
86 complaintsSteering
29 complaintsVehicle speed control
27 complaintsEngine
26 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsSeats
10 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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