2004 GMC Sierra 2500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 6%of 143 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 GMC Sierra 2500, 6% of the 143 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,500 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.
“I was leaving a parking lot, and as I hit my brakes, there were no brakes. I limped home, using the e-brake and transmission to keep the truck under control. Upon inspection I found the front brake line rusted and leaking.”
NHTSA complaint #10671448, filed 2015-01, 140,000 miles“Flywheel on four locally owned GM trucks were reported being cracked or broken. Old parts are avail. Since then speedometer doesn't work properly and I am told there's no problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10167270, filed 2006-09, 53,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Gmc SIERRA 2500 hd. The contact performed routine maintenance on the vehicle and observed that the transfer case (4 -wheel drive) contained pinholes, which LED to an internal fluid leak. The transfer case fluid level was completely empty. The locking clip failed, which contributed to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent transmission shop and the technician replaced the locking clip. The failure mileage was 120,000 and current mileage was 126,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10278713, filed 2009-07, 120,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Gmc SIERRA 2500. The contact stated that the speedometer did not function properly and it would indicate a faster speed than he was actually driving. The oil pressure gauge also malfunctioned. The contact previously replaced both driver and passenger side carrier bearings that are associated with the four wheel drive. The contact was able to elevate the vehicle and move the wheel about a half inch in both directions. The vehicle had not been inspected when the complaint was filed. The contact called the manufacturer but was offered no assistance. …”
NHTSA complaint #10344147, filed 2010-07, 70,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Gmc SIERRA 2500. While attempting to place the vehicle in reverse, the gear automatically shifted into neutral, causing the vehicle to coast backwards. Two days later, while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle automatically disengaged out of two wheel drive and shifted into neutral. The vehicle would not accelerate so the contact safely pulled off the road and waited two minutes. He then pressed the button on the transfer case to re-engage the 4 wheel drive. He took his vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the transfer case control module and motor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10211054, filed 2007-12, 68,000 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.
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 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…
- 10145478Sep 12, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have not engagement into drive, delayed, no engagement into reverse, and or…
- 10143757Jul 9, 2018This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer technician thatLight Duty Trucks equipped with automatic transmissions and 4 wheel drive may exhibit a condition of…
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 7% |
| 2025 | 3 | 11% |
| 2024 | 27 | 25% |
| 2023 | 20 | 61% |
| 2022 | 7 | 16% |
| 2021 | 13 | 25% |
| 2020 | 25 | 31% |
| 2019 | 2 | 6% |
| 2018 | 3 | 9% |
| 2017 | 6 | 16% |
| 2016 | 1 | 2% |
| 2015 | 8 | 9% |
| 2014 | 3 | 10% |
| 2013 | 5 | 11% |
| 2012 | 4 | 13% |
| 2011 | 6 | 10% |
| 2008 | 3 | 5% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 12 | 18% |
| 2005 | 7 | 6% |
| 2004 | 9 | 6% |
| 2003 | 13 | 8% |
| 2002 | 14 | 10% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
| 2000 | 1 | 2% |
| 1999 | 1 | 3% |
| 1998 | 3 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2004 GMC Sierra 2500
56 complaintsElectrical system
48 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 GMC Sierra 2500
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