2004 GMC Sierra 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 4%of 212 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500, 4% of the 212 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,800 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.
“2004 Gmc sierra sle w/trailer towing package, 2-wheel drive. 2nd owner. Never used to tow whatsoever. Extremely well cared for. 59,665 miles. Started making roaring noise from read end. Called GM to ascertain if help for problem available. They told me to take it to lawrence-hall, abilene, texas for evaluation. Lawrence hall says bearing in differential has failed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10218047, filed 2008-02, 59,600 miles“Steering column clunking, speedometer not working, transmission stopped working .everything started going wrong about. 63,000 k . I have 116,000 know. 2004 z71 crewcab.”
NHTSA complaint #10283050, filed 2009-09, 63 miles“Since the purchase of my vehicle, there have been multiple issues with the vehicle 7-8 issues, one selling point was the onsatr cellular service, never worked, etc. Etc. Etc. …”
NHTSA complaint #10186911, filed 2007-04, 12,000 miles“Transfer case nv 246 internal oil pump wears hole in magnesium case and leaks oil completely out of transfer case. Oil coats underside of vehicle including hot exhaust system. Smoke appeared from vehicle. Transfer case made abnormal grinding noise and then overheated damaging internal components. Transfer case requires replacement. Vehicle was completely disabled because of failure. Fire was averted. Vehicle maintained at dealer exclusively except for oil changes. Dealer never provided any info regarding potential major design flaw. Repair quote from dealer $2200.”
NHTSA complaint #10297004, filed 2009-12, 115,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Gmc sierra. The contact was towing a boat and discovered there was transfer case oil splattered all over the boat. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair facility where he was informed that there was a hole in the transfer case. A new transfer case and pump housing were installed at the independent repair facility. The failure did not recur. The failure and current mileages were 82,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10346833, filed 2010-08, 82,000 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.
- 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…
- 10151848Nov 15, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a no crank concern. Technician…
- 10096183Feb 8, 2016This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a no crank concern. Technician…
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10190503Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 35 | 24% |
| 2025 | 28 | 22% |
| 2024 | 73 | 19% |
| 2023 | 92 | 18% |
| 2022 | 113 | 19% |
| 2021 | 145 | 24% |
| 2020 | 99 | 20% |
| 2019 | 140 | 21% |
| 2018 | 131 | 43% |
| 2017 | 118 | 33% |
| 2016 | 84 | 24% |
| 2015 | 99 | 14% |
| 2014 | 69 | 9% |
| 2013 | 3 | 3% |
| 2012 | 6 | 6% |
| 2011 | 24 | 8% |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% |
| 2009 | 9 | 4% |
| 2008 | 6 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 2% |
| 2006 | 13 | 9% |
| 2005 | 11 | 6% |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% |
| 2003 | 6 | 3% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 9 | 5% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 7 | 12% |
| 1997 | 8 | 10% |
| 1994 | 1 | 8% |
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 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 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