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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2004 GMC Envoy XL Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
20about this part
Share
11%of 187 total for the year
Median mileage
61,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 GMC Envoy XL, 11% of the 187 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,000 miles.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“As I was driving in cruise control speed off 55 MPH vehicle begin to make a dragging sound. After stopping and placing vehicle into park and then putting gear back into drive vehicle began to go into reverse mode. I then tried every other gear 1,2,3 drive the vehicle continued to still go into reverse. The car still turns on without a problem but will not move forward when in drive.”

NHTSA complaint #10701199, filed 2015-03, 159,000 miles

“Upon shifting tranny into park gear vhecile continued to roll forward or backward note : upon pushing in shifter relaese button shifter engaed in park gear however indicator displayed drive internal failure cable broken and emergency brake did not work so I had my neigbor put bricks behind the rear wheels all the while the car shut itself off and the steering wheel locked”

NHTSA complaint #10544194, filed 2013-09, 132,193 miles

“I was driving back home and parked in my driveway put the vehicle in parked and when I released the brake peddle the vehicle jump and took off in reverse. I missed hitting my wife by inches. I then stopped the vehicle and turned it off. Then I tried to restart the vehicle and it would not start. I tired to push the button on the shifter. I then though there was something wrong with the transmission. I then when to the internet and search what would cause the problem. Finding it was something to do with the lockout devise. …”

NHTSA complaint #10522172, filed 2013-06, 62,000 miles

“While driving at 35-40 MPH, after exiting the highway, (I-75) my truck just slowed all of a sudden, almost to a complete stop, no warning. And started jerking. I was almost rear ended. My truck started rattling, and clanking, and I had to have it towed. I was told by the dealership that my front carrier had thrown a bearing, (font differential) and the housing was broken. I was also told that it would be 3,286.53 to have my truck repaired. …”

NHTSA complaint #10138960, filed 2005-10, 53,258 miles

“Pulled onto the road (2004 Gmc Envoy Xl) at approximately 5-10 MPH loud noise. Vehicle began to have difficulty manually shifting (automatic transmission) and I lost reverse. Upon further investigation discovered GM TSB 00-07-30-022c indicating there is a faulty part (reaction sun shell gear) in the transmission in vehicles manufactured in 1993 - 2005. Dealer technician confirmed. Cost of over $3,000 to repair, my costs since the vehicle is 3 months out of warranty. Purchased new.”

NHTSA complaint #10185798, filed 2007-03, 60,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200633%
20042011%
2003188%
20021319%

Other parts of the 2004 GMC Envoy XL

Electrical system
81 complaints
Fuel system
28 complaints
Engine cooling
15 complaints
Exterior lighting
11 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaints
Vehicle speed control
9 complaints
Air bags
7 complaints
Brakes
6 complaints
Engine
5 complaints
Equipment
5 complaints
Body and structure
5 complaints
Tires
5 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 GMC Envoy XL

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