2004 Chevrolet Tahoe Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 6%of 467 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,849miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe, 6% of the 467 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,849 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.
“Abs light came on along with a loud hum and rattling from front tire area. Had to get the hub assembly replace. This happened around 90,000 miles with the front passenger side tire, and around 130,000 miles with the front driver side tire. Both mechanics I brought it to said this was a common problem for my type of vehicle. They also mentioned that when this occurs the entire wheel could fall off and result in a major accident if traveling at high speeds.”
NHTSA complaint #10414016, filed 2011-07, 90,000 miles“The transmission failed on entering freeway on ramp causing the vehicle to stall while merging with other traffic. Other vehicles swerved, skidded, and honked while I coasted my vehicle to the right shoulder and limped off the freeway.”
NHTSA complaint #10231914, filed 2008-06, 37,800 miles“While stopping at a red light, light turned green I pushed down the accelarator and engine revved, and nothing happened. Then suddenly the vehicle will jump into gear. I have also noticed the transmission quit noisey. Dealer say's nothing wrong with transmission????”
NHTSA complaint #10116558, filed 2005-04, 19,800 miles“I am starting to feel a clunk in the transmission of my 2004 chevy Tahoe z71, the gears wine a little but there is this constant clunking sound. I have met a lot of people and they all have the same problem. I know I am not far from having no 1st and 4th gears etc.. I bought the SUV used and I took it to the chevy dealer for a bumper to bumper inspection. I do not drive hard. The people I talk to said it is a common part and there is actually a bulletin out on this. Chevy will not have it but other transmission shops do.”
NHTSA complaint #10221922, filed 2008-03, 9,300 miles“I have a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe. At 59,000, a pinion seal leak was discovered. I took it the next day to the Chevrolet dealer where I purchased the vehicle new. Upon evaluation, it was determined that the leak had resulted in excessive metal friction in the gears, requiring a complete overall. There is no warning system for low differential fluid and leaks are not visible from the ground as any fluid normally blows off while driving. The seal on the rear axle pinion, which provides power to the rear wheels, could leak fluid, causing the wheels to seize and lock. …”
NHTSA complaint #10248711, filed 2008-11, 59,275 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…
- 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…
- 10129067Jan 16, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a no crank concern. Technician will…
- 10113325Jan 12, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 11% |
| 2025 | 5 | 10% |
| 2024 | 7 | 10% |
| 2023 | 47 | 20% |
| 2022 | 40 | 20% |
| 2021 | 90 | 19% |
| 2020 | 14 | 25% |
| 2019 | 39 | 36% |
| 2018 | 20 | 19% |
| 2017 | 53 | 30% |
| 2016 | 47 | 18% |
| 2015 | 55 | 8% |
| 2014 | 5 | 6% |
| 2013 | 9 | 4% |
| 2012 | 7 | 4% |
| 2011 | 5 | 1% |
| 2010 | 6 | 2% |
| 2009 | 12 | 4% |
| 2008 | 9 | 2% |
| 2007 | 50 | 4% |
| 2006 | 8 | 7% |
| 2005 | 24 | 8% |
| 2004 | 26 | 6% |
| 2003 | 19 | 4% |
| 2002 | 37 | 8% |
| 2001 | 27 | 5% |
| 2000 | 12 | 4% |
| 1999 | 45 | 8% |
| 1998 | 21 | 8% |
| 1997 | 58 | 14% |
| 1996 | 37 | 13% |
| 1995 | 13 | 5% |
| 1993 | 1 | 13% |
| 1992 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
214 complaintsBrakes
86 complaintsSteering
29 complaintsVehicle speed control
27 complaintsEngine
26 complaintsEngine cooling
20 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 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