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2004 GMC Sierra 1500 problems

The most common problem on the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 is electrical system, typically around 52,608 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Sierra 1500 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
80/100
Owner complaints
212
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
197
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
14-17mpg

The worst 2004 GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra 1500

Brake failure 22ABS 12Harsh shifting 9Knocking 7Fuel gauge 7Stalling 7Steering noise 6Tire blowout 6

Recalls 2

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported November 26, 2004 · 1,660 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain vans equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to a wheelchair occupant.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the wheelchair securement retractors as necessary. Sure-lok will handle the repairs for this campaign. Owners should contact sure-lock at 1‑908‑231‑1804 or mobilityworks at 1‑800‑769‑8267.

Recall number 04V562000 · Recall details

Tires: temporary/emergency spare tireReported May 17, 2004 · 285 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The spare tire and wheel assembly that was provided on certain conversion vehicles will not fit on the front wheel hub due to offset of the wheel. However, it will fit on the rear wheels.
Risk
If someone has a flat tire on the front wheel, they will not be able to install the provided spare tire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a spare wheel with the correct offset. Owner notification began on june 11, 2004. Owners should contact regency at 1‑800‑989‑4727.

Recall number 04V240000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 197

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

See all 197 bulletins for the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500

2004 GMC Sierra 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
4.8L 8‑cyl4WD1316-1714-15
5.3L 8‑cyl4WD12-1316-1714-15
6.0L 8‑cylRWD131614

What 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 5, 2025 · MN

the person i bought the vehicle from switched out the gauge cluster and lied about the vechiles mileage

Filed May 3, 2023 · Airbags · 200,000 miles · TN · 1 injury

The contact’s father owns a 2004 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after she inserted the key in the ignition and started the vehicle, the front driver’s side air bag exploded, without warning. The contact sustained an injury to her left arm, hand, neck, and head that required medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that an unknown dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the federal safety agency Hotline. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure was approximately 200,000.

Filed Oct 9, 2021 · Airbags · PA

When to start truck and air bag in steering wheel exploded.

Filed Sep 21, 2021 · Airbags · PA

Went to start truck and the air bag in the steering wheel exploded.

Filed Jun 26, 2020 · Driver assistance, Visibility · AL

When I turn on my air condition the left side blow out hot heat.

Filed May 26, 2020 · Brakes, Fuel system · KY

Corroded brake lines. This has been reported previously. I was driving down rural road getting ready to turn in my driveway when my brakes gave out. I was lucky enough to be able to get it into the gravel driveway without killing someone. When I looked underneath to find the brake lines were corroded and one had burst. I had part of the line fixed with copper tubing. I have since had 2 more lines burst. As well as a fuel line leak. This has become frustrating.*dt

Filed Aug 15, 2019 · Electrical, Visibility · 102,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 gmc sierra 1500. The contact stated that there was a burning electrical odor inside the vehicle. The contact reached out to the manufacturer regarding the failure of the blower fan resister and was informed that the extended warranty had expired. The contact stated that he never received the notification. The vehicle was taken to cotters gmc (435 hall ave, st mary's, pa 15857, 814‑834‑2063) and they provide a verbal diagnosis of the blower resister fan and electrical harness failure. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 102,000.

Filed Jul 19, 2019 · Airbags · TX

Dashboard says 'service airbags'

Filed Jan 3, 2019 · Airbags · 225,000 miles · CA

I have gmc sierra 1500 4wd the airbag light come on , if any recall please help

Filed Dec 19, 2018 · Engine · 131,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 gmc sierra 1500. The contact stated that the valve head was cracked and the anti-freeze was depleted; however, there were no visible leakage. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 131,000.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 before you buy

Compare the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500

Sierra 1500 vs Ford F-150Sierra 1500 vs Chevrolet Silverado 1500Sierra 1500 vs Ram 1500Sierra 1500 vs Toyota TundraSierra 1500 vs Nissan Titan

Other model years

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Questions about the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500

Is the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?

Owners have filed 212 complaints about the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500, fewer than a typical Sierra 1500 model year.

What is the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 year score?

The 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 scores 80 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra 1500?

Electrical system, with 81 complaints, typically around 52,608 miles. Next is brakes (67).

How many recalls does the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 have?

2 recalls, covering equipment adaptive/mobility and tires.

What year does the GMC Sierra 1500 have the most electrical problems?

The GMC Sierra 1500 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2014 (129 complaints), 2015 (96 complaints) and 2019 (95 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 get?

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

Share your experience with the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500

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