Check a VIN

2004 Chevrolet SSR problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Chevrolet SSR is body and structure, typically around 10,500 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical SSR model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
73/100
Owner complaints
28
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
457
Worst area
Body

The worst 2004 Chevrolet SSR 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.

  • Body
    8
  • Electrical
    8
  • Locks
    7
  • Engine
    4
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Seat belts
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Chevrolet SSR

Door locks 5

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Defect investigations

Loss of HeadlightsOpened April 24, 2017, closed March 29, 2021

The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the 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 reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at under the identification numbers in the attached document.

RQ17002

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Chevrolet SSR 457

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

See all 457 bulletins for the 2004 Chevrolet SSR

What 2004 Chevrolet SSR owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 12, 2021 · Brakes · MA

Service braking system warning and chime come on intermittently. This has been occurring for about twelve years. I have had this serviced many times by chevy dealership and independent garages yet it persists. I have spent many hundreds of dollars and have all receipts.

Filed Aug 16, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 77,886 miles · NV

Was going to go to the store and when I turned on the ignition every thing was coming on,the lights,dash all lite up ,I heard the fuel pump and I turned the ignition further to start it and nothing. No click,no turning over,nothing. I shut it off and tried again and same thing. I checked my fuses and found nothing there wrong either. I'm stumped. I will need help with this situation. Can you send me a solution please. Thanks for your time and help. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Nov 22, 2019 · Airbags, Electrical · 10,200 miles · TN

My vehicle has only 11,656 miles, less than that when I submitted to dealer for non-functioning gauges due to stepper-motor issues. This same part has been warranted on other gm vehicles, but gm refuses to extend the same warranty for the same part on chevy ssr. Other safety issue is the service air bag warning is on and dealer refused warranty service due to age of vehicle. Both of these issues are safety related and not looking for warranty of maintenance work.

Filed Oct 7, 2014 · Body · 30,000 miles · MD

The passenger's door of my ssr was becoming difficult to open and I was confident the issue was the same problem I had experienced previously with the driver's side door. It is a known defect and resultant technical service bulletin (tsb 05-08-64-026) which previously had been fixed by ken dixon chevrolet (june of 2011). At that time, ken dixon (now managed under waldorf chevy cadillac) declined my request to replace passenger's side defective part even though the tsb had indicated to do so. Waldorf chevy cadillac now says the part required to fix my car is discontinued and not available. I was told "it cannot be fixed. The part is discontinued, not available from gm." I asked, "are you saying I have to live with it and there is no fix? That is, gm issued a tsb and then discontinued the part with no future plans or options for cars that are less than 10 years old?" the answer was "correct, you may pick up the car". I was given no indication that waldorf chevy cadillac or gm would attempt to find any solution. When I received the car back from waldorf chevy cadillac, the door is no longer operational from the inside. I now have a car with a passenger side door that can no longer be opened from the inside. I have been left to drive a vehicle that is unsafe to drive with no mechanism in place by gm to address an issue that is a documented defect in a car that is less than 10 years old and has 30,000 miles on it. I am concerned with having to drive this vehicle with no means to open the passenger side door from the inside. This could result in tragic outcome in the case of accident, vehicle malfunction or some other incident requiring immediate exit from the car. I am at a complete loss to understand how gm can discontinue a part identified within a tsb as the fix for a known problem and not provide some means to fix the safety issue of this car.

Filed Jun 12, 2014 · Engine · CA

2004 chevrolet ssr. Consumer writes in regards to a faulty cooling system. *smd the consumer discovered the coolant reservoir had a hole in it, and all the coolant leaked out. The engine stopped running and was hot.

Filed Sep 23, 2013 · Electrical · 22,350 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet ssr. The contact stated that upon inspection, the speedometer failed to operate with no warnings. The contact also mentioned that the temperature and oil pressure gauges had failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the mechanic stated that the instrument cluster and the gas gauge needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure and current mileage was 22,350. .... Updated 11/25/13

Filed Apr 29, 2012 · Electrical · 75,269 miles · OH

I bought a 2004 chevrolet ssr in feb.11, 2010 was a used vehicle no warranty. Test drive was ok everything worked as expected. I started noticing that I was going slower than most cars around me. I checked with a friend who drove beside me. It was determined that the speedometer was off 10 to 15 MPH. I contacted chevrolet dealer about problem in march 2010. I needed to drop off my truck for a diagnostic testing. It would take 24 hours & or 5 to 7 days at $150 per hour to determine problem. The parts & repair labor to fix. I said that was outrageous. Plus no technicians in area were trained on the ssr's electronics. I contacted gm for help. Service request #71-982295330 the problem I was experiencing was not included in recall. No 2003 through 2006 ssr's were reported to be having any problems with the instrument cluster. The dealer found no problem & was not repaired. I have been putting up with the problem using tachometer as a guide to speed. The first time I start truck it seems to be just a few miles per hour off. But as I go through start cycles it gets to be more MPH off. If vehicle sits over night. 12 or more hours. It seems to reset itself. I was out today 4/29/2012 for a drive. I was pulled over by a police officer on radar going 67 MPH in a 55 MPH zone. I checked my speed at the time & was going 55 MPH. The officer let me off with a warning to park vehicle till it is repaired. Now what do I do? Chevrolet does not have a recall on this vehicle & many people that I know are ssr owners have had the same problems with instrument panel gauges. It is a known problem with ssr owners. But as I was told. Most had it repaired at there own expense. Now I have a truck with a inaccurate speedometer & no place to get repairs done by experienced mechanics. I need my speedometer fixed at gm chevrolet expense.

Filed Apr 13, 2012 · Seat belts · 20,000 miles · MT

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet ssr. The contact stated that one of the seat belts had become inoperable. The contact ordered a replacement seat belt but once it was received, he noticed that the seat belt was rolled backward and exhibited an abnormal twist. The manufacturer was contacted who advised that the seat belt had to be installed backward in order for it to operate correctly. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 20,000. Updated 5/11/12 *cn the consumer stated the plastic gear was defective. A new seat belt was ordered. However, it was discovered the new belt was twisted. Two weeks later, a new belt arrived and it was also twisted. Updated 05/23/12

Filed Nov 10, 2011 · Lights · CA

I have been advised by the orange county sheriff to report the headlight covers on my 2004 chevrolet ssr are melting from the heat of the headlight. They have told me that this is a safety hazard that the manufacturer needs to address. I have spoken to chevrolet but they say my vehicle is out of warranty. I have driven many vehicles in my life for longer periods of time and have never had the headlight covers melt. Per the sheriff, this is a safety hazard and they feel that this is not just a single problem to my vehicle and to ask for a recall. Thank you.

Filed Apr 6, 2010 · Locks · 8,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet ssr. The contact stated that when he pulled the handle on the door, the door would not open. The failure became progressively worse. The contact referenced a tsb 050864026 that was related to the failure. The dealer stated that the vehicle could be repaired at the contacts expense. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000. The current mileage was approximately 8,800.

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

Compare the 2004 Chevrolet SSR

Other model years

2003200420052006

Questions about the 2004 Chevrolet SSR

Is the 2004 Chevrolet SSR reliable?

Owners have filed 28 complaints about the 2004 Chevrolet SSR, close to a typical SSR model year.

What is the 2004 Chevrolet SSR year score?

The 2004 Chevrolet SSR scores 73 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet SSR: 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 SSR?

Body and structure, with 8 complaints, typically around 10,500 miles. Next is electrical (8).

How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet SSR have?

No recalls on record.

Share your experience with the 2004 Chevrolet SSR

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2004 Chevrolet SSR?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN