2004 GMC Sierra Problems
- Complaints
- 188filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 49,752miles, 151 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 7campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 5.3L 8-cyl · hybrid RWD · 16 city / 19 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 GMC Sierra (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe brake problems, particularly steel brake lines that corrode through and fail, with the pedal going to the floor; these complaints appear across a wide mileage range, from around 40,000 miles to well over 150,000. A second common theme is electrical trouble, mostly inaccurate or failed instrument gauges and speedometers, plus occasionally transmission and steering complaints reported at low mileage.
- Brakes
Corroded brake lines and loss of braking
- 46 complaints (24%)
- median 84,375 mi at 10.0 yrs old (45 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $800 (median of 11 quotes)
- filed 2005–2016
Complaints describe steel brake lines rusting through and rupturing, often noticed as the pedal sinking to the floor or brake fluid leaking underneath the driver's side. Many owners say all of the hard lines were corroded and needed replacement, and some mention the parking brake being used to stop. Several complaints describe the rear of the truck and other underbody lines being similarly rusted. Reported from roughly 40,000 to 195,000 miles, often on trucks several years old and in areas where road salt is used.
Recall 05V043000Recall 04V0450003 related service bulletins
What to check: Have the truck put on a lift and inspect every steel brake line, especially above the rear axle and along the driver's side frame rail. Ask whether any lines have been replaced and whether the hydro-boost unit has been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“All brake lines are rusted about into... One busted, I had been on interstate for two hours and luckily I pulled into my driveway and lost all brakes. Brake lines should not be in such a rusted state for this truck, GM should be made to recall for this problem ... This is life threatening under such conditions! And should be addressed as soon as possible.”
NHTSA complaint #10469129, filed 2012-08, 97,000 miles“Again. My truck had complete brake failure again due to corrosion on the steel lines. This is an otherwise nice truck with brake lines that look like they've been in the ocean their entire lives. Gm dealer quoted over $1,700 to fix. Gm owned warranty company refuses to cover repair. Gm customer service tells me to pound sand.”
NHTSA complaint #10704248, filed 2015-04, 92,546 miles - Electrical system
Speedometer and gauge cluster faults
- 64 complaints (34%)
- median 77,000 mi at 9.3 yrs old (56 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $800 (median of 10 quotes)
- filed 2005–2016
Owners describe the speedometer sticking, reading high or low, or quitting entirely, and in some cases several gauges stop working at once. Dealers reportedly diagnosed a failed instrument cluster and quoted replacement, sometimes noting a mileage limit for coverage. Complaints also mention climate control and other electrical oddities. Mostly reported between roughly 30,000 and 90,000 miles.
What to check: Watch the speedometer and other gauges during a test drive, including a cold start and a stop, and ask whether the cluster has been replaced or repaired.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The heating and AC controls were replaced 2 times in 2007.and are still not working properly today I was driving home with the AC on because it's 99 degrees in los angeles county and like it has been doing for years it started blowing hot air on its own. I have see other GM vehicles with the same issue. So I believe GM is responsible for correcting this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10633779, filed 2014-09, 25,000 miles“On november 29 while driving my 2004 Gmc Sierra pickup my speedometer malfunctioned. This continued to happen off and on for 2 or 3 weeks then stopped working. After checking with the dealership I was advised this would cost 500 dollars to repair. The local sheriff's department has 10 2003 chevy tahoe's that have experienced the same problem. I would like some research on this device malfunction. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10146891, filed 2006-01, 45,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slipping, harsh or delayed shifts
- 12 complaints (6%)
- median 6,550 mi at 0.9 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2004–2012
Owners report slipping when pulling away from a stop, delayed or harsh shifts, and clunking from second to third gear, sometimes with a vibration at highway speed. Several say the dealer could not duplicate the problem, and one complaint describes loss of four-wheel drive after the transfer case leaked fluid. Often reported early, many under 10,000 miles, with a few at 45,000 to 90,000 miles.
What to check: Drive at low speed and through each gear, feeling for hesitation or harsh engagements, and check the transmission and transfer case for leaks or fluid seepage.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Transmission makes a clunking sound when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. Also, intermittnet slipping of transmission when starting to move from a full stop. Vehicle hesitates before it begins to move. This occured within the 1st 500 miles and contines to occur today.”
NHTSA complaint #10120593, filed 2005-05, 5,000 miles“The transmission has intermittent shifting problems, it hesitates and big noise happens. Dealer hasn't found anything. Also truck vibrates at 40-50 miles an hr. Very annoying. The dealer says on going problem with no solution. Thinking of buying a ford moving ahead.”
NHTSA complaint #10093870, filed 2004-10, 100 miles - Brakes
ABS activating at low speed
- 6 complaints (3%)
- median 47,750 mi at 7.0 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2005–2014
Complaints describe the ABS engaging at very low speed while rolling to a stop, with pedal pulsation and longer stopping distance on dry pavement. Owners say mechanics traced it to rusted or seized wheel speed sensors and hub assemblies, and some were told it was a known condition on these trucks. Typically reported between roughly 35,000 and 62,000 miles.
What to check: Test a slow, steady stop on dry pavement and feel for ABS chatter or pedal pulsation; ask whether front hub or wheel speed sensor work has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I experience brake pedal pulsation (low speed ABS activation) when rolling to a stop. My Gmc onstar report says there is nothing wrong with my ABS braking system yet I have this problem. The problem seems to be rusted and/or froze up wheel speed sensors as verified by two different mechanics. I understand they were recalls by Gmc of other trucks experiencing this same problem. I really hate to pay $750 for new front wheel bearing assemblies. I want my truck recalled for this problem. There is a Gmc technical bulletin 03-05-25-007d. …”
NHTSA complaint #10440090, filed 2011-12, 55,000 miles“When attempting to stop on dry pavement, the ABS activates at a very low speed, approx 5mph, the truck will not stop as expected. Almost caused my wife and kids to hit vehicle in front. Mechanics have stated this is a common problem with GM trucks and the hub with speed sensor will need replaced or repaired at owner expense.”
NHTSA complaint #10441750, filed 2011-12, 62,000 miles - Steering
Steering noise, looseness or failure at the wheel
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe clunking or popping felt through the steering wheel and column, and in one case the steering box and pitman arm hardware broke apart while parking, leaving the wheel disconnected from the linkage. Other owners report repeated steering repairs. Reported from very low mileage up to about 90,000 miles.
What to check: Turn the wheel while stationary and at low speed and listen for clunks or pops; have the steering linkage, pitman arm and intermediate shaft checked for play.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Consumer complained about a steering problem. The steering locked up. Took vehicle to the dealer, and also contacted the manufacturer. Consumer was told that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. However, the service technician at the dealer did not know how to repair the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10109562, filed 2005-02, 18 miles“Dt: contact states since 7-04 had steering problems. In 3-05 he received a letter from Gmc stating that they extended the warranty to 2-11 or 100,000 miles because of all of the problems he had been having with the car. His warranty was about to run out and he was still having the same problems with his truck. He was going to forward other pertinent documents later concerning the numerous repair work he has done.”
NHTSA complaint #10133709, filed 2005-08, 21,412 miles
Buying note. Inspect the brake lines and steering linkage closely before buying, since those complaints describe the most serious symptoms, and confirm the instrument cluster, ABS behavior and transmission operation during a test drive. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent shop is worthwhile on a truck of this age.
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 188 consumer complaints for the 2004 GMC Sierra. 151 of the complaints include a mileage, and 50% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 49,752 miles. Of all complaints, 11 involved a crash, 5 a fire, 14 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns and 261 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.
- Brakes74 39%
- Electrical system39 21%
- Transmission and drivetrain18 9.6%
- Steering14 7.4%
- Body and structure9 4.8%
- Fuel system8 4.3%
- Vehicle speed control8 4.3%
- Air bags5 2.7%
- Engine5 2.7%
Also reported: Engine cooling (4), Tires (4), Equipment (3), Exterior lighting (3), Suspension (3), Wheels (3), Other or unknown (2), Seat belts (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “I have a 2004 Gmc Sierra and all of a sudden my airbag light and ABS light came on took it in to have it looked and the airbags are not communicating with the sensor and they would have to go more in depth on the ABS but to go more in depth they charge $80.00 an hour just to be able to figure it out. I have seen similar responses on the airbag light for this vehicle please help.”
NHTSA complaint #10824516, filed 2016-02, 154,000 milesElectrical system: “Bought the truck from a dealership in august 2006. In november, the speedometer and tachometer stopped working. I bought an extended bumper-to-bumper warranty and they have told me that it is not covered. They want to charge me ninety dollars to inspect the failure, plus charge me for the repair. After some investigation, I find that this is a common problem with this year make and model.”
NHTSA complaint #10182363, filed 2007-02, 81,500 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I purchased my 2004 Gmc Sierra 1500 4x4. I put it in 4 wheel drive to go through some ice and it made a very loud clank. Not long after that when I put it in reverse or drive it also made the same loud clank. It did not sound like that when I first bought the truck. Now the truck has trouble going into 4 wheel drive and also gets hung in reverse. It has almost caused me to get in a bad accident. My cruise control also has have 6 malfunctions. I had the dealer fix it initially. I have fixed it subsequently due to the fact they said it was a blown fuse. …”
NHTSA complaint #10110366, filed 2005-02, 500 milesSteering: “My concern is one for trying to prevent a future accident. I own a Gmc Sierra 2500 pickup and the upper intermediate steering shaft has been replaced once and in going out again. This all within 40,000 miles. I feel there is an issue with the design of the part. My concern is that if the steering shaft fails, the driver would lose control of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10153887, filed 2006-03, 23,209 milesMileage when problems were reported
50% of the 151 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 20,456 and 84,375 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 GMC Sierra. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra · regular cab | not rated | 4 / 3 | — | — | 4 · 18.5% risk |
| Sierra · sedan | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 18.5% risk |
| Sierra · extended cab | not rated | 4 / 3 | — | — | 4 · 18.5% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2004 GMC Sierra version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra 15 Hybrid 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · hybrid | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 19 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Sierra 15 Hybrid 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · hybrid | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 17 | 16 | $4,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 06V289000Aug 3, 2006Engine and engine coolingCovers: GMC Sierra 2004–2006, Chevrolet Silverado 2004–2006, GMC Yukon XL 2004–2006 +6 more
On certain trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 (rpo l8-vin g) engine have a condition in which the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip may fracture resulting in inadequate retention of the damper.
- 05V161000Apr 22, 2005Parking brakeCovers: GMC Sierra 1999–2005, Chevrolet Silverado 1999–2005
On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions and built with either pbr parking brake systems or trw parking brake systems, the parking brake friction linings may wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing…
- 05V163000Apr 22, 2005Seat belts › Rear/otherCovers: GMC Sierra 2003–2005, Chevrolet Silverado 2003–2005, GMC Yukon 2003–2005 +5 more
On certain crew cab pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the 2nd row center occupant seat belt routing may make it difficult to position the lap portion of the safety belt low around the hips of occupants, especially smaller occupants, seated in this…
- 05V043000Feb 8, 2005Service brakes, hydraulicCovers: GMC Sierra 2004–2005, Chevrolet Silverado 2004–2005, GMC Savana 2004–2005 +7 more
Certain trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans equipped with bosch hydro-boost brake assemblies, the hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator may crack and separate from the hydro-boost assembly during normal operating conditions.
- 04V225000May 11, 2004Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: GMC Sierra 2003–2004, Chevrolet Silverado 2003–2004, Express 2003 +1 more
Certain extended and regular cab pickup trucks and cargo vans converted to compressed natural gas (cng) fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, 'child restraint anchorage systems.' these vehicles have one seating…
- 04V129000Mar 17, 2004Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachmentsCovers: GMC Sierra 2000–2004, Chevrolet Silverado 2000–2004, Avalanche 2002–2004 +3 more
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position may corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would…
See all 7 recalls for the 2004 GMC Sierra → · 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. 261 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10108599Jul 17, 2017Suspension. This technical bulletin provides a procedure to lube the rear leaf springs on vehicles with the condition of a squeak noise originating from the rear of the vehicle.
- 10113406Feb 8, 2017Body and structure. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace any parts for this…
- 10113364Jan 31, 2017Brakes. This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10114431Feb 23, 2016Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone. Technician should work…
- 10112299Jan 27, 2016Equipment. This informational bulletin provides information on Part Restriction and Ordering Process Information for OnStar Vehicle Communication Interface Modules (VCIM) (GMNA Only)
- 10112272Jan 14, 2016Engine. This informational bulletin provides information on close coupled converters and there affect on newly installed engines or engines during there break in period.
- 10113664May 29, 2015Transmission and drivetrain. This informational bulletin provides technicians with information regarding automatic transmission oil cooler flow test essential tool J-45096 TransFlow®.
- 10113662May 27, 2015Fuel system, Other or unknown. This informational bulletin provides dealership personnel with information on flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) and the usage of E85 fuel in GM vehicles.
- 10113654May 15, 2015Equipment. This informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar® cellular communication upgrade.
- 10114470Apr 17, 2015Electrical system, Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that may have an OnStar system that has progression tones when pressing the blue or red button…
Other model years of the GMC Sierra
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 61 | 35,000 | 0 | — | 20 | 54 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 6 | 39,500 | 2 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 53 | 2,750 | 6 | — | — | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2014 | 101 | 3,000 | 11 | — | — | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2013 | 39 | 7,250 | 3 | — | 21 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 29 | 31,450 | 2 | — | 21 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 43 | 45,000 | 2 | — | 21 | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 34 | 53,500 | 0 | — | 22 | 11 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 37 | 42,000 | 1 | — | 21 | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 68 | 66,850 | 2 | — | — | 23 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 59 | 70,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 53 | 43,500 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 117 | 60,000 | 9 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 188 | 49,752 | 7 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 206 | 55,750 | 6 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 249 | 40,490 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 264 | 61,500 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 443 | 67,666 | 8 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 600 | 62,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 190 | 71,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 238 | 78,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 246 | 83,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 261 | 114,184 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1994 | 190 | 110,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 72 | 75,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 30 | 178,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 12 | 108,500 | 1 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 18 | 115,832 | 1 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 16 | 187,575 | 1 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 6 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All GMC Sierra model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 GMC Sierra?
Owners of this model year most often describe brake problems, particularly steel brake lines that corrode through and fail, with the pedal going to the floor; these complaints appear across a wide mileage range, from around 40,000 miles to well over 150,000. The issues reported most often: Corroded brake lines and loss of braking; Speedometer and gauge cluster faults; Transmission slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 GMC Sierra have?
NHTSA recorded 188 consumer complaints for the 2004 GMC Sierra as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 GMC Sierra is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 74 complaints (39% of the total), followed by electrical system with 39.
Has the 2004 GMC Sierra been recalled?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 GMC Sierra get?
The EPA rates the 2004 GMC Sierra (Sierra 15 Hybrid 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl · hybrid) at 17 mpg combined, 16 city and 19 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 GMC Sierra reported?
Among the 151 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 49,752 miles and the middle half falls between 20,456 and 84,375 miles; 50% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
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.