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2004 GMC Sierra 1500 engine problems

13 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 76,400.

owner complaints
13
of this car's complaints
6%
typical mileage
76,400
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Engine
    3
  • Cooling system
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

GMC Sierra 1500 engine problems in other years

1995200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Knocking 7Stalling 7

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

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.

Filed Dec 27, 2016 · Engine · 13,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 gmc sierra 1500. The contact stated the head gasket leaks radiator fluid into the motor. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic that diagnosed that the engine head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Aug 19, 2014 · Engine · 76,400 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 gmc sierra 1500. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. During the failure, the temperature gauge reading was high and steam appeared from under the hood. The dealer stated that the engine cylinder head was cracked. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 76,400.

Filed Jan 6, 2014 · Engine · 112,000 miles · ME

Cracked cylinder heads, also known as castech head casting #706 these heads crack on the engine cause antifreeze to mix with the oil and destroy the engine, I have contacted gm and they will do nothing for me, even though there has been lawsuits and its a very well known problem with the vortec 4.8 and 5.3l gm engine.

Filed Aug 11, 2012 · Engine · 96,494 miles · IL

Exhaust manifold bolts broke off causing the drivers side heat shield to fall and jam under the steering linkage. This caused me to almost drive off the road. I had to force the steering wheel to get the vehicle to turn.

Filed Jul 26, 2011 · Engine · 28,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 gmc sierra 1500. The contact stated that the radiator did not have a peacock to drain its coolant from. An authorized dealer was notified and the contact was informed that the manufacturer stopped using peacocks to save money. The contact expressed concern over the situation because it could lead to a failure of the radiator. The failure and current mileages were 28,000. The VIN was unavailable. I was informed that the lower radiator hose must be removed to change coolant. In doing so the hose can be destroyed and coolant could be spilt on the ground. Updated 10/11/2011 *ln

Filed Jul 18, 2011 · Engine · 79,520 miles · ME

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 gmc sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, he heard a noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who stated that the failure was due to the cylinder heads being cracked, causing the engine to lose oil and coolant. The local mechanic replaced the cylinder heads, the gasket kit, bolts and nuts. The manufacturer denied assistance with the repairs. The failure mileage was 78,000 and the current mileage was 79,520.

Filed Apr 18, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 60,000 miles · MS

I hear a tapping of the valves when the car is on. Also the speedometer will stop registering how fast I am going.

Filed Feb 5, 2010 · Engine · CA

I own a 2004 gmc sierra 1500 that is currently being repaired for cracks in both engine heads. The truck has 90,000 miles on it and I have kept up on all necessary maintenance. The problem began approx. 2 months ago when I noted a knocking sound after starting the truck cold. The knocking would dissipate after the truck warmed up. I was told the sound was caused from dirty lifters and not to be concerned as long as sound dissipated after it was warm. Upon having my oil changed 2 days ago, coolant was noted in the oil. (hints the knocking) the heads were pulled and both were cracked around where the heads bolt to the block. In talking to the mechanic, the cast they used when making the heads was bad. Apparently around the bolt holes, the aluminum is thin. Gmc however accepted millions of these and are still using them today. The repair is costing me $3,400.00.

Filed Feb 23, 2009 · Engine · 47,982 miles · PA

Heater core/no heat sometimes/found carpet wet on pass. Side. Seems in checking around hardly never@47,000 mi. Spent 1200.00 to replace it. Apparently must remove seats, console,and entire dash to replace!!! Im really,really made about this!!

Questions about the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 engine

Does the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 have engine problems?

Owners have filed 13 complaints about the engine of the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500, 6% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 76,400 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the GMC Sierra 1500 have bad engine?

The GMC Sierra 1500 model years with the most engine complaints are 2021 (372 complaints), 2019 (335 complaints) and 2022 (270 complaints).

Other 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 problems

Electrical 81Brakes 67Steering 21Acceleration 11Fuel system 9Airbags 8Transmission 8Tires 6Visibility 5Suspension 4Driver assistance 3Lights 3Wheels 3Seat belts 1

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