2004 GMC Sierra 2500 Problems
- Complaints
- 143filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles, 122 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 GMC Sierra 2500 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
What owners report
Most sampled complaints for this model year concern brake lines that rust through and lead to a low or floor-level pedal, plus an instrument cluster whose speedometer and other gauges read wrong or stop working. Both tend to show up in normal driving rather than in crashes, and the mixed mileage spread suggests they are not limited to high-mileage trucks.
- Brakes
Rusted-through brake lines causing pedal to the floor
- 45 complaints (31%)
- median 75,000 mi at 9.0 yrs old (41 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2007–2021
Owners describe the brake pedal sinking to the floor without warning, usually while braking from ordinary speeds, and finding brake fluid leaking under the driver's side or near the rear axle. On inspection, the steel lines are found heavily corroded, often at clips or near the ABS module, and shops replace several lines or the whole set. Some owners note the truck had not been driven in road salt, and dealers in some cases confirmed the corrosion and replaced the lines. Reported from roughly 22,000 to 197,000 miles in the sample, with many under 90,000 miles and several in vehicles described as not exposed to salt.
What to check: Have the steel brake lines inspected along the frame, at the clips and near the ABS module before buying, and ask for photos or receipts if they were replaced. A soft or sinking pedal is a reason to stop and inspect.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When attempting to stop, the truck began to stop and then all of a sudden the brake pedal went to the floor. At this point there were no brakes at all. Thankfully no one was in front of me so I was able to coast until the vehicle slowed, and then use the e-brake to slow down enough to turn. Upon further inspection, a brake line had broken.”
NHTSA complaint #10543984, filed 2013-09, 77,610 miles“My brake lines rusted at the rear of the lt front wheel splash area. This vehicle has low miles for the year and was not driven in salt or deice. The brake line should not need to be replaced at this time with so much service life left. I was lucky, the brake line burst in my driveway.”
NHTSA complaint #10521677, filed 2013-06, 44,766 miles - Electrical system
Speedometer and gauge cluster failures
- 31 complaints (22%)
- median 56,000 mi at 3.8 yrs old (27 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $450 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2006–2017
Owners report the speedometer reading wrong speeds, sticking, or quitting entirely, sometimes along with the tachometer, oil pressure, fuel or temperature gauges. Some describe restarting the truck as a temporary fix before the fault returns. Several were told the instrument cluster needed replacement, and some note that coverage was offered only below a certain mileage. Mostly reported between about 27,000 and 92,000 miles, with failures often first noticed in highway driving.
What to check: With the engine running, compare the speedometer against a GPS or scan tool reading and watch whether the other gauges settle or drift. Ask whether the cluster has been replaced or repaired.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Failure of speedometer and oil gauge. Was contacted by GM to replace the instrument panel. Because I had more than 70k miles they said it will not be replaced. Even though they admit to a failure of the system, since I cannot prove it happened within the 70k mileage they are refusing to replace it. This is a tremendous hazard and is very costly to replace. A dealer quoted me $850. Thanks for your help.”
NHTSA complaint #10209575, filed 2007-11, 48,000 miles“The instrument panel cluster gauges don't always work. We were on freeway when we noticed speedometer had failed as well as fuel gauge , temp gauge all gauges inoperative. This is third time cluster panel is being replaced; first two under warranty third time we had to pay $204.”
NHTSA complaint #11025209, filed 2017-09, 111,000 miles
Buying note. On this model year the brake lines and the instrument cluster are the two things worth inspecting closely before purchase, since both are common in the complaints and neither is expensive to check. Ask for service records on the lines, the cluster and, on a diesel, the injectors and oil changes.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 143 consumer complaints for the 2004 GMC Sierra 2500. 122 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 60,000 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 5 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 310 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes56 39%
- Electrical system48 34%
- Engine9 6.3%
- Engine cooling9 6.3%
- Fuel system8 5.6%
- Steering7 4.9%
- Body and structure5 3.5%
- Equipment3 2.1%
- Tires3 2.1%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Air bags (2), Electronic stability control (2), Exterior lighting (2), Seats (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Seat belts (1), Suspension (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “During cold mornings (wisconsin) I start my truck and I have no power steering and soft brakes. It is my understanding that the power steering runs the brake boost. Also, it is my understanding that there is a service bulletin that says that the power steering fluid should be replaced with low/cold temp fluid. My concern is what happens if I lose power steering and brakes while I am driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11297098, filed 2020-01, 158,500 milesElectrical system: “My ignition also switches off due to the key chain being to heavy, I would like my vehicle fixed as well. I think GM is not telling the whole story on how many vehicle are affected by the ignition switches. I can prove my claim by attaching my two key chains together again and the problem will occur again.”
NHTSA complaint #10577755, filed 2014-04, 80,128 milesEngine: “While driving over 50mph on the highway I get a violent shaking in the engine and the steering wheel shakes bake and forth. The engine sound very loud while its doing this. It only occurs when I am at highway speeds.”
NHTSA complaint #11157104, filed 2018-12, 49,000 milesEngine cooling: “Bolts that hold exhaust manifold are breaking 3 are gone already I just noticed it today because I heard an exhaust leak unknown how long this has been going on.”
NHTSA complaint #10396092, filed 2011-04, 60,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
33% of the 122 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 45,000 and 94,878 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 04V562000Nov 26, 2004Equipment adaptive/mobilityCovers: GMC Sierra 2500 2004, Ford E-350 1997–2000, 2004, E-150 1997–2000, 2004 +8 more
On certain vans equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.
Recall details for the 2004 GMC Sierra 2500 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 310 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11016674Apr 4, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates an issues with the odometer being incorrect after a programming event and how the dealership can resolve the issue.
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025Other or unknown, Electrical system. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11012907Dec 18, 2024Engine. This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11010544Oct 7, 2024Engine. This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11007208Sep 6, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need…
- 11006503Aug 16, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to dealer instructions for diagnosing Google Maps concerns
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. GM 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 inadequate packaging…
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024Engine, Fuel system. This 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 misfire, MIL with…
Other model years of the GMC Sierra 2500
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | 9,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 28 | 1,300 | 1 | — | — | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 107 | 9,904 | 4 | — | — | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 33 | 34,000 | 1 | — | — | 40 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 45 | 15,167 | 3 | — | — | 65 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 52 | 53,000 | 6 | — | — | 69 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 79 | 31,800 | 9 | — | — | 98 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 32 | 28,729 | 7 | 4 | — | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 35 | 10,000 | 5 | 4 | — | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 37 | 22,060 | 6 | 4 | — | 53 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 59 | 29,500 | 6 | 4 | — | 64 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 89 | 37,023 | 6 | 3–4 | — | 93 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 30 | 39,000 | 2 | 2–4 | — | 10 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 46 | 60,000 | 3 | 2–4 | — | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2012 | 31 | 68,500 | 3 | 3–4 | — | 2 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2011 | 63 | 55,400 | 4 | — | — | 34 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 10 | 77,000 | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 31 | 39,600 | 5 | — | — | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 63 | 67,500 | 3 | — | — | 17 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 83 | 70,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 66 | 43,500 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 115 | 60,000 | 1 | — | 11 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 143 | 60,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 160 | 73,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 134 | 85,500 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 134 | 65,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 48 | 91,000 | 1 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 36 | 100,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 15 | 47,000 | 1 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1997 | 14 | 100,000 | 2 | — | 15 | — | Not enough data |
All GMC Sierra 2500 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 GMC Sierra 2500?
Most sampled complaints for this model year concern brake lines that rust through and lead to a low or floor-level pedal, plus an instrument cluster whose speedometer and other gauges read wrong or stop working. The issues reported most often: Rusted-through brake lines causing pedal to the floor; Speedometer and gauge cluster failures.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 GMC Sierra 2500 have?
NHTSA recorded 143 consumer complaints for the 2004 GMC Sierra 2500 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 GMC Sierra 2500 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 56 complaints (39% of the total), followed by electrical system with 48.
Has the 2004 GMC Sierra 2500 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 GMC Sierra 2500 reported?
Among the 122 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 60,000 miles and the middle half falls between 45,000 and 94,878 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.