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2004 Chevrolet Colorado problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado is electrical system, typically around 75,000 miles. It has 2.6 times the complaints of a typical Colorado model year.

Year to avoid2.6x the typical complaints
Year score
39/100
Owner complaints
361
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
614
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
17-21mpg

The worst 2004 Chevrolet Colorado problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado

ABS 34Adaptive cruise 18Check engine light 16Stalling 16Airbag light 14Grinding brakes 13Won't start 13Door locks 9Water leak 9Overheating 8Tire blowout 8Power windows 6No deployment 5Loss of power 5

Recalls 3

Child seatReported November 18, 2010 · 192,676 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Gm is recalling certain model year 2004-2011, chevrolet colorado, gmc canyon, model year 2006, isuzu I-280/I-350, and model year 2007-2008, I-290/I-370, regular cab vehicles and extended cab vehicles without a rear seat and equipped with a front 60/40 split bench seat. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." the top tether anchor for the front center seat is not accessible and the owner manual does not include instructions regarding how to use the top tether.
Risk
Both the federal safety agency and gm discourage placement of a child in a front seat. Nevertheless, there are individual circumstances that may require placement of a child in a restraint in the front center seating position of this vehicle that does not offer a rear seat. Lack of access to the top tether anchor and a lack of instructions as to how to use it, may result in improper installation of a child restraint. Improper installation of a child restraint can result in a reduction in the restraint's performance in the event of a crash and an increased risk of injury or death to the child seated in the restraint.
Remedy
Dealers will cut a hole into the back panel trim cover to allow access to the top tether anchor for the front center seat position and will provide supplemental information as to use in the owner's manual. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727 or visit gm's website at www.gmownercenter.com.

Recall number 10V575000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported July 29, 2009 · 185,903 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Gm is recalling 185,903 model year 2004-2009 colorado, gmc model year 2009-2004 canyon, model year 2006 I-280, I-350, model year 2007-2008 I-290, and I-370, passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of alabama, arizona, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, nevada, new mexico, puerto rico, south carolina, texas, u.s. Virgin islands and utah. Some of these vehicles have a brake lamp switch that may not work as designed due to contamination in the switch.
Risk
This condition could cause the simultaneous loss of all brake lamps or cause all of the brake lamps to stay on continuously. Both of these conditions could fail to warn others of the driver's intentions and could lead to a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the necessary components as specified in the recall bulletin free of charge. Gm anticipates that parts will be available by june 2010. A special coverage for vehicles registered in all other states will be implemented in the same time frame. In the interim, owners who experience the failure can obtain a free repair, however they will be required to return when the new design part becomes available. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727 or at www.gmownercenter.com.

Recall number 09V310000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported April 27, 2006 · 404,733 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain pickup trucks may experience the permanent loss of brake lamp function or brake lamps that are illuminated at all times. The center high-mounted stop lamp (chmsl) is affected in both instances. Also, if equipped, the cruise control will become inoperative. Any trailer brake lamps which are connected to the vehicle's brake lamp wiring will mimic the vehicle's brake lamps when either condition occurs.
Risk
A following driver may not know when the brakes have been applied, and a rear-end crash could occur without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch assembly. The recall began on december 5, 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438; gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463 or isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727.

Recall number 06V139000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado

Defect investigations

Brake lamp switch malfunctionOpened February 25, 2009, closed July 30, 2009

On july 28,2009, gm initiated a regional recall campaign on certain model year (my) 2004-2009 chevrolet colorado and gmc canyon vehicles and my2006-2008 isuzu I-series vehicles.the states and u.s. Territories involved are al, az, fl, ga, hi, la, ms, nv, nm, pr, sc, tx, vi and ut.a total of 185,903 vehicles will be recalled with 92,272 vehicles within the scope of this investigation.in addition, a special coverage/extended warranty program will be initiated forvehicles registered in all other states. Gm determined that brake lamp switch failures are more likely to occur in vehicles in which customers used interior cleaners containing silicon and that reside in hot geographical locations.brake lamp switch contamination failure can cause loss of the brake lamps or the brake lamps to stay on continuously, increasing the risk of rear-end crashes.gm has reported no crashes or injuries due to the failure of the brake lamp switch.odi initially reported one crash incident, but later downgraded the report due to the absence of actual property damage or cost incurred when the vehicle was lightly tapped from behind at low speed.this investigation is closed (see recall campaign 09v0310).

RQ09001

Inadvertent front airbag deploymentOpened November 10, 2004, closed March 14, 2005

All reports indicate inadvertent deployment during ignition start-up (key-on) and with the vehicle not in motion.reported injuries were minor and consist of skin abrasion and bruises.the incident dates ranged from july through november 2004.odi has received no additional reports since opening this investigation. A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

PE04076

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado 614

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 614 bulletins for the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado

2004 Chevrolet Colorado fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.8L 4‑cylRWD16-1823-2418-21
3.5L 5‑cylRWD16-1722-2318-19
2.8L 4‑cyl4WD16-1721-2218-19
3.5L 5‑cyl4WD15-162117-18

What 2004 Chevrolet Colorado owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 27, 2025 · Tires · HI

Tire size 245/45R20 I purchased a set a 4 Cooper Discoverer H/T Plus tires for my truck in 2022. I haven't driven a lot of miles on them due to the fact that I live on the Island of Oahu, in Honolulu, Hawaii and have a lot of thread life left. I noticed that the sidewalls on 2 of 4 tires are cracking and separating. I removed them from the vehicle due to the risk of tire blowout and injury in the event of an accident. I've emailed Cooper tires for information and warranty resolution and have yet had a reply.

Filed Oct 13, 2023 · Fuel system · TN · fire

There apparently was fuel dripping onto the starter and soaking the starter so when we went to start the truck. It caught on fire 🔥🔥 And my truck is a total loss

Filed Aug 29, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · NJ

One day, after I turned my truck off, I noticed that my taillights and overhead cargo light remained on. Key was out, truck was off, but the lights stayed on. So for the time being, I disconnected the battery. I brought it to a mechanic, who ran the codes that came back that the rear driver turn signal was high, the rear passenger turn signal was high, and the overhead cargo light was high. He checked the entire truck for a short, replaced the taillights, replaced the fuse box, replaced the body control module, and numerous other attempts at a repair, with no success. I was without a vehicle for many months, since I can't afford the absurd prices of the current vehicle market and was hopeful it could be fixed. Reading through some other complaints/online threads, this seems like a fairly common problem with these vehicles. Electrical issues that affect my ability to use a turn signal are a huge safety concern and this needs to be addressed.

Filed Jul 21, 2023 · MI

The frame on my 2004 Chevy Colorado has rusted/rotted to the point that it snapped, causing the bed to rub against the cab. Mechanic said it is not fixable.

Filed Jun 9, 2023 · Body · IL

Frame rust

Filed Jun 6, 2023 · NH

Frame of my vehicle is rotting away causing to fail inspection. Just finding out that Toyota did a recall on one of there pick up models replacing their frame due rotting frames that may be a safety factor if it gets into an accident. Does Chevy Colorado have a recall as such? Just had my frame recently welded on a piece of heavy metal to reinforce my frame in order to pass a safety inspection

Filed Dec 11, 2022 · Electrical, Transmission · KY

Ignition safety module known as pass lock security. This causes my vehicle not to start and give a code and a light on the dash for the Pass Lock security. The vehicle was fine then I went into a store came out and put the key in the ignition, the lights on the dash came on but it would not crank. This is very hazardous cause It could happen while you’re driving anytime, which could cause the vehicle to go into security mode and turn vehicle off making it very dangerous for passengers in vehicle. This is a problem with other Chevy Colorado's when I research this problem.

Filed Aug 17, 2022 · Electrical · AR

Body Control Module, BCM. Controls everything. Air bag can deploy, breaks can lock up. Mine, the hazards were staying on. Chevy Dealer says they are on National Back Order and GM is canceling those orders after so long placed. “We can get you one from a junk yard for $350 but GM won’t let us properly program them with correct codes, and so many times they won’t take, and I can’t return the part”. My response to GM already and to Congressman Westerman, BBB, and the WH. A part such as the on board computer, SAFETY first, should never come from a junk yard and if GM doesn’t want to supply the part AS we all know they need them for newer cars right now….. You, the NHTSB and all of us are in danger. There is an expiration date on our cars, but we’re not being told. A computer that controls EVERYTHING in a vehicle is more important than a safety belt. Me not wearing it kills me. Me being told by the dealer I could leave my fuses out and put my arm out the window. Boy I hate being a retired SGM, cause I ain’t allowed to put my boot in a six.

Filed Apr 10, 2022 · Body, Suspension · MA

Mechanic had the truck on the lift raised up to check the brakes for squeaking and while under the truck the mechanic inspected the frame because he noticed a lot of rust and called me to come look at it and pointed out that the frame has rotted to the point that he should not be driven and could break in half and cause major problems for the safety of the occupants and other drivers on the road. I looked up online if other Colorado owners had the same issue and others have the same problem. I’m am forced to junk this vehicle even though the rest of the truck is in very good condition

Filed Mar 25, 2022 · Body · MN

I was checking on the common rear cab rust and noticed the frame looked rusted through just in front of the rear wheel suspension mount. I took it to my local mechanic (Bob's Repair of Mayer) and they said it was not safe to drive. It is a complete blindside to me and now I have to find a spare (safe) car to help drive around my newborn and toddler. I am going to attempt to repair the frame as I do not have any other options for vehicles. There were obviously no warnings are notices that about this issue, but it seems to be uncannily common for this generation of Chevrolet vehicles. The truck only has 160,000 miles on it and surface rust on the cab. The vehicle is not drivable and not safe as the frame could give away at any moment.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2004 Chevrolet Colorado before you buy

Compare the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado

Colorado vs Toyota TacomaColorado vs Ford RangerColorado vs Nissan FrontierColorado vs Honda RidgelineColorado vs GMC CanyonColorado vs Jeep Gladiator

Other model years

20042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado

Is the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?

Owners have filed 361 complaints about the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado, 2.6 times a typical Colorado model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado year score?

The 2004 Chevrolet Colorado scores 39 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Colorado: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado?

Electrical system, with 88 complaints, typically around 75,000 miles. Next is body (61).

How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado have?

3 recalls, covering child seat and exterior lighting.

What year does the Chevrolet Colorado have the most electrical problems?

The Chevrolet Colorado model years with the most electrical complaints are 2016 (120 complaints), 2004 (88 complaints) and 2005 (69 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado get?

Official estimates for the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado range from 17 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.8L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 16-18 city and 23-24 highway.

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