2004 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 4%of 212 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,991miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500, 4% of the 212 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,991 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.
“Engine failure 2004 Gmc sierra service bulletin 06-06-01-019b internal coolant loss leak in cylinder heads mfg by costech lead to my engines death with just 89,000 miles. This is a know problem since 2004 and from other people I have learned GM will not cover expenses.”
NHTSA complaint #10254663, filed 2009-01, 91,366 miles“Reduced engine power, this has happened about 7 times. When this happens the engine shuts down to 1500 rpms maximum. Took to dealer, they told me that it was the throttle body valve and actuator assembly. This part was replaced at a cost of $481. Within two weeks the same problem has happened twice more. This is dangerous when traveling in traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #10200046, filed 2007-08, 41,600 miles“I also had to have the actuator replaced on my Gmc 2004 truck. It was blowing hot when the A/C was on and should have been cooling. It was not cheap either, it also had to be recalibrated in the computer system. I didn't expect that to happen to a new vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10242175, filed 2008-09“I own a 2004 Gmc SIERRA 1500 that is currently being repaired for cracks in both engine heads. The truck has 90,000 miles on it and I have kept up on all necessary maintenance. The problem began approx. 2 months ago when I noted a knocking sound after starting the truck cold. The knocking would dissipate after the truck warmed up. I was told the sound was caused from dirty lifters and not to be concerned as long as sound dissipated after it was warm. Upon having my oil changed 2 days ago, coolant was noted in the oil. …”
NHTSA complaint #10306622, filed 2010-02“The contact owns a 2004 Gmc SIERRA 1500. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, he heard a noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who stated that the failure was due to the cylinder heads being cracked, causing the engine to lose oil and coolant. The local mechanic replaced the cylinder heads, the gasket kit, bolts and nuts. The manufacturer denied assistance with the repairs. The failure mileage was 78,000 and the current mileage was 79,520.”
NHTSA complaint #10413390, filed 2011-07, 79,520 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…
- 10240344Jul 31, 2023This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 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.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 2% |
| 2024 | 31 | 8% |
| 2023 | 23 | 5% |
| 2022 | 29 | 5% |
| 2021 | 49 | 8% |
| 2020 | 21 | 4% |
| 2019 | 26 | 4% |
| 2018 | 6 | 2% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% |
| 2009 | 4 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 7 | 3% |
| 2006 | 3 | 2% |
| 2005 | 8 | 5% |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 5 | 3% |
| 1999 | 6 | 4% |
| 1998 | 3 | 5% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
81 complaintsBrakes
67 complaintsSteering
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsTires
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
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