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2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is brakes, typically around 78,940 miles. It has 1.2 times the complaints of a typical Silverado 1500 model year.

Typical year1.2x the typical complaints
Year score
68/100
Owner complaints
797
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
237
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
14-17mpg
Typical repair
$1,250

The worst 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 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 Silverado 1500

Brake failure 115ABS 57Harsh shifting 26Steering noise 20Fuel gauge 14Airbag light 13Fire or smoke 12Check engine light 11Grinding brakes 10Knocking 10Overheating 9Spongy pedal 8No deployment 6Tire blowout 6Engine failure 5Power steering loss 5

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 237

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

See all 237 bulletins for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
5.3L 8‑cyl HybridRWD161917
4.3L 6‑cylRWD141916
4.8L 8‑cylRWD14-151916
5.3L 8‑cylRWD13-141815-16
5.3L 8‑cyl Hybrid4WD151716
4.3L 6‑cyl4WD131715
4.8L 8‑cyl4WD1316-1714-15
5.3L 8‑cyl4WD12-1316-1714-15

What 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 8, 2025 · Electrical · 312,000 miles · NC

Odometer Fraud. The contact was interested in purchasing a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 from a local used car dealer. The contact stated that the odometer indicated that the mileage was 187,000. The Carfax report indicated that the last reported mileage was 312,000. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle had only one previous owner. The Carfax report indicated that the vehicle had four previous owners. The dealer was not made aware of the issue.

Filed Dec 19, 2024 · Body, Brakes · 162,616 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the brake and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal traveled down to the floorboard, and the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact pulled to the side of the road, added brake fluid to the vehicle, and continued driving. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal traveled down to the floorboard and the vehicle failed to respond. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact engaged the parking brake, and the vehicle stopped. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road downhill. The contact turned on the hazard lights and drove 5 MPH to her mother's residence while being trailed by a Police Officer. The vehicle was taken to O'Reilly and to Advanced Auto Parts, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact purchased an oxygen sensor, an oil sensor, the battery, the brake booster, the thermostat, and the brake lines. The contact's son and nephew attempted to replace the parts and noticed that the brake assembly was significantly damaged. The contact's son and nephew also noticed that the frame, the exhaust system assembly, and other parts were severely corroded. The Used Car dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The Chevrolet dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,616.

Filed Jun 29, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · VA

I just replaced the battery in my 2004 chevy Silverado 1500 with only 97,000 miles on it, and i went to drive it down the road and the vehicle now loses power and cuts off making a left turn.. It did this twice and i parked it.. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE in my opinion.. PLEASE investigate the issue and report back to me please..

Filed Apr 8, 2024 · Brakes · 160,000 miles · NC

The contact's son owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while his son was exiting a parking lot, the brake pedal hose ruptured, and the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact discovered that there was a hole in the brake hose. The contact used a personal trailer to tow the vehicle home where the vehicle remained. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Mar 1, 2024 · Wheels · PA

While driving the right front factory steel wheel rusted out to the point where the wheel center separated from the outer part of the rim on 4 of the 5 spokes, this caused a dangerous wobble to occur and if the vehicle wasn't being driven in the city I believe this would have resulted in a crash since the wheel was only being held on by 1 of the 5 spokes. Due to the design of these chrome clad wheels you can't see the corrosion that is occuring behind the chrome cladding. I put a spare tire on the vehicle and have since parked it until such time as I can replace all 4 of the wheels since I don't believe this vehicle is safe to be driven at this time. The chrome cladding was thrown off the right front wheel when this occured

Filed Feb 13, 2024 · Acceleration, Electrical · TN

My dash Cluster quit working,the only part that works I can read my miles but I don't have the PRND321.

Filed Jan 6, 2024 · Airbags, Brakes · AR · crash

Abs system is failing light comes on then brakes don’t catch, airbags message keeps coming on . Pulling in to store when it done it end up hitting the metal pipe in from of store to stop

Filed Oct 20, 2023 · Transmission · IN

Wholes are developing in the transfer case near the output shaft and all the fluid leaks out causing the transfer case to grenade.

Filed Oct 18, 2023 · Electrical · 19,626 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil pressure gauge was elevated too high. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed instrument cluster. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she recently noticed that other gauges were also malfunctioning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a failed instrument cluster. The contact was informed that the instrument cluster need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 19,626.

Filed Sep 25, 2023 · Suspension · OK

Upper control arm ball joints failed in less than 2 years

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 before you buy

Compare the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Is the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliable?

Owners have filed 797 complaints about the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 1.2 times a typical Silverado 1500 model year.

What is the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 year score?

The 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 scores 68 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 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 Silverado 1500?

Brakes, with 330 complaints, typically around 78,940 miles. Next is electrical (267).

How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have bad brakes?

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model years with the most brakes complaints are 2003 (429 complaints), 2000 (422 complaints) and 2015 (374 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 get?

Official estimates for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 range from 14 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (5.3L 8-cyl hybrid, RWD) gets 16 city and 19 highway.

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