2004 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 2%of 212 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,494miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500, 2% of the 212 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,494 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.
“Cracked cylinder heads, also known as castech head casting #706 these heads crack on the engine cause antifreeze to mix with the oil and destroy the engine, I have contacted GM and they will do nothing for me, even though there has been lawsuits and its a very well known problem with the vortec 4.8 and 5.3l GM engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10558592, filed 2014-01, 112,000 miles“Exhaust manifold bolts broke off causing the drivers side heat shield to fall and jam under the steering linkage. This caused me to almost drive off the road. I had to force the steering wheel to get the vehicle to turn.”
NHTSA complaint #10470229, filed 2012-08, 96,494 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Gmc SIERRA 1500. The contact stated the head gasket leaks radiator fluid into the motor. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic that diagnosed that the engine head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #10937654, filed 2016-12, 13,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Gmc SIERRA 1500. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. During the failure, the temperature gauge reading was high and steam appeared from under the hood. The dealer stated that the engine cylinder head was cracked. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 76,400.”
NHTSA complaint #10626400, filed 2014-08, 76,400 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Gmc SIERRA 1500. The contact stated that the valve head was cracked and the anti-freeze was depleted; however, there were no visible leakage. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 131,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11162511, filed 2018-12, 131,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11012907Dec 18, 2024This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11010544Oct 7, 2024This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service 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 or…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10082869Aug 29, 2016This informational bulletin provides additional information on how to install pistons and suggest what tools to use.
- 10082814Aug 2, 2016This informational bulletin provides information to gm dealers on the correct cleaning methods when cleaning engine gasket sealing surfaces.
- 10201100Dec 1, 2015New Tool Availability - EN-48974-EGR Cooler Pressure Tester Adapter Set to Diagnose Duramax Diesel Engine EGR Cooler Engine Coolant Leaks into Combustion Chamber
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10201097Dec 1, 2015Information on Diesel Engine Ticking Noise
- 10190503Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 101 | 69% |
| 2025 | 59 | 48% |
| 2024 | 190 | 51% |
| 2023 | 211 | 42% |
| 2022 | 241 | 40% |
| 2021 | 322 | 54% |
| 2020 | 244 | 51% |
| 2019 | 313 | 48% |
| 2018 | 67 | 22% |
| 2017 | 58 | 16% |
| 2016 | 39 | 11% |
| 2015 | 84 | 12% |
| 2014 | 69 | 9% |
| 2013 | 8 | 7% |
| 2012 | 6 | 6% |
| 2011 | 16 | 6% |
| 2010 | 11 | 7% |
| 2009 | 13 | 6% |
| 2008 | 19 | 5% |
| 2007 | 19 | 7% |
| 2006 | 5 | 3% |
| 2005 | 6 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
81 complaintsBrakes
67 complaintsSteering
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsTires
6 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