I have a 2004 gmc sierra and all of a sudden my airbag light and ABS light came on took it in to have it looked and the airbags are not communicating with the sensor and they would have to go more in depth on the ABS but to go more in depth they charge $80.00 an hour just to be able to figure it out. I have seen similar responses on the airbag light for this vehicle please help.
The worst 2004 GMC Sierra 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.
- Brakes74
- Electrical39
- Transmission18
- Steering14
- Body9
- Engine9
- Acceleration8
- Fuel system8
- Visibility7
- Airbags5
- Tires4
- Lights3
- Suspension3
- Wheels3
- Seat belts2
- Locks1
- Seats1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 GMC Sierra
Recalls 7
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- On certain trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 (rpo l8-VIN g) engine have a condition in which the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip may fracture resulting in inadequate retention of the damper.
- Risk
- If the damper comes loose, a fuel leak may result. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip free of charge. The recall began on august 31, 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 and gmc trucks at 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 06V289000 · Recall details
Parking brake
- What is wrong
- On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions and built with either pbr parking brake systems or trw parking brake systems, the parking brake friction linings may wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.
- Risk
- If the parking brake does not hold, unintended vehicle movement could occur, which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with a pbr parking brake system. On vehicles equipped with the trw parking brake system, dealers will install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly. The recall began on july 29, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 05V161000 · Recall details
Seat belts: rear/other
- What is wrong
- On certain crew cab pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the 2nd row center occupant seat belt routing may make it difficult to position the lap portion of the safety belt low around the hips of occupants, especially smaller occupants, seated in this position. Appropriate use of a child seat or booster seat, as recommended for small children, does improve the fit condition for this user group. In addition to instructions on proper infant and young child restraint (with child seats or boosters), special verbiage for restraining older child is included in the owner's manual. Also, the suggested seat belt fit/routing for adults, irrespective of seating position, is described in the owner's manual text.
- Risk
- A lap portion of the seat belt routing that is not low and snug on the hips can allow the lap belt to ride up on an occupant's abdomen instead of fitting low around their hipbones, and therefore, can expose them to more risk of abdominal and internal organ injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will cut open the guide loop, remove a portion of the loop, and then the remaining two sides should be folded over and secured with a retainer free of charge. The recall began on july 21, 2005. Owners may contact cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, or hummer at 1‑800‑732‑5493.
Recall number 05V163000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- Certain trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans equipped with bosch hydro-boost brake assemblies, the hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator may crack and separate from the hydro-boost assembly during normal operating conditions.
- Risk
- If a separation occurred and the hood of the vehicle were open, fragments from the accumulator could cause injury to people in the immediate area. The presence of this crack or fractured surface could allow the hydraulic fluid to leak from the accumulator circuit of the booster assembly. The loss of fluid would cause increased steering and braking effort and a crash may occur without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will test the hydro-boost assembly for functional operation of the two-function valve. If the hydro-boost assembly fails the test, dealers will replace the assembly free of charge. The recall began on march 23, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc trucks at 1‑866‑996‑9463 and hummer at 1‑800‑732‑5493.
Recall number 05V043000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front: anchorage
- What is wrong
- Certain extended and regular cab pickup trucks and cargo vans converted to compressed natural gas (cng) fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, 'child restraint anchorage systems.' these vehicles have one seating position, the center rear seat, equipped with child restraint lower anchorages.
- Risk
- The standard requires child seat lower anchorages in two seating positions for vehicles with three rear seating positions. The standard cab and cargo van vehicles, which only have front seating positions, have an air bag off switch to disable the front passenger air bag and do not have child restraint lower anchorages in the passenger seat. The standard requires passenger seat child seat lower anchorages in vehicles with an air bag off switch. However, the standard does not require vehicles with only front seating positions to have lower anchorage provisions if the vehicle is not equipped with an air bag off switch.
- Remedy
- To bring the standard cab and cargo van vehicles into compliance, dealers will inject epoxy into the air bag off switch to prevent air bag activation, relocate the switch behind the instrument panel and then install a cover over the resulting opening. The sun visor label and owner's manual will also be changed. The correction for the extended cab vehicle will consist of changing the front passenger seat to a seat that has child restraint lower anchorages. The recall began on september 9, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 04V225000 · Recall details
Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments
- What is wrong
- On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position may corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper.
- Risk
- Anyone sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured could be injured by falling from the tailgate. On vehicles that have had the bumper removed, the tailgate may drop even lower. Additionally, if there is cargo on the tailgate the cargo may fall off if the support cables fracture.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the cables. Interim owner notification began on april 7, 20004. The recall began on september 24, 2004, when replacement parts were available, and will continue through october 29, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, or visit www.mygmlink.com, and enter your vehicle identification number.
Recall number 04V129000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, ?passenger car brake systems.? Some of these vehicles were produced with an out-of-specification brake hydro-boost housing relief valve bore.
- Risk
- Consequently, the valve o-ring seal may fracture. Steering efforts may be slightly increased while braking or parking. Under certain driving conditions, a fractured seal may require a slight increase in the applied brake pedal effort to achieve the same vehicle deceleration rate as prior to the seat fracture.
- Remedy
- Dealers are to replace the hydro-boost relief valve. The recall began on june 18, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339; chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438; gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463; or hummer at 1‑866‑486‑6376.
Recall number 04V045000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2004 GMC Sierra 563
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This technical bulletin provides a procedure to lube the rear leaf springs on vehicles with the condition...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may...
- This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may...
- This informational bulletin provides information on Part Restriction and Ordering Process Information for...
- This informational bulletin provides information on close coupled converters and there affect on newly...
- This informational bulletin provides technicians with information regarding automatic transmission oil...
- This informational bulletin provides dealership personnel with information on flexible fuel vehicles...
- This informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar® cellular communication upgrade.
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that may...
2004 GMC Sierra fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8‑cyl Hybrid | RWD | 16 | 19 | 17 |
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 19 | 16 |
| 4.8L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14-15 | 19 | 16 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | RWD | 13-14 | 18 | 15-16 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl Hybrid | 4WD | 15 | 17 | 16 |
| 4.8L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 13 | 16-17 | 14-15 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 12-13 | 16-17 | 14-15 |
| 6.0L 8‑cyl | RWD | 13 | 16 | 14 |
What 2004 GMC Sierra owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Rusted out/ corroded brake lines burst while stopping for a deer running out on the road. Was warned of this problem upon purchase of the vehicle in 2010 and personally coated all brake lines b4 winter every year...never saw worse lines! I own classic cars that are twice as old with shiney original brake lines. The fuel lines also rotted out spilling fuel over the top of the fuel tank and on the ground while filling up. All fuel lines and fuel pump connections were severely rotted. Worst I have seen. Dash consistently changes languages rendering odometer non functional. Speedometer is inaccurate some times not even working especially on cold days. Hmmmm rotted brakes+no speedometer+leaky fuel lines=crash,bang boom!..and I have a car seat in my vehicle! Luckly I perform preventative maintenance and drive safely. Still wonder how these issues got swept under the rug.
Rusted brake line
Drove from my home to coworkers (20mins) left truck in coworkers driveway ,and went to work. One hour later coworker rec'd call from next door that my truck was on fire.
Gmc replaced all 8 fuel injectors under warranty at 95,000 miles. Same problem again at 135,000 and will not cover them. Estimated $5,500 to replace by consumer with only a 12 month warranty. Creates poor fuel economy, excessive smoke at idle and will not pass smog if not corrected.
I experienced a brake line failure on my 2004 gmc sierra crew cab pickup truck. I was traveling at a slow rate of speed and coming up to a traffic light and the brake pedal pushed all the way to the floor board. The rear emergency brake was used to stop the vehicle. I found the area around the brake module, in the frame area under the driver's area, soaked with brake fluid and corroded brake lines.
On december 28, 2014 I was driving my 2004 gmc pick-up truck and suffered total loss of brakes. This happened as I was approaching an intersection and I narrowly avoided an accident. There was no warning prior to the brake failure - no warning light was on, and no gradual decrease in braking ability. After the failure, I determined that there was a sudden and massive leak of brake fluid from a rusted brake line. Previously, in april of 2014 I had my pick-up truck serviced at an authorized gmc service center. At that time, the service ticket referenced condition of brakes to be in yellow requiring future attention. It was my understanding that the issue at that time was brake rotors would need to be replaced at the next service interval. There was no mention of any potential danger from brake line rusting/failure. Upon researching vehicle issues on the web I have discovered that there seems to be an inordinate number of brake line failures for vehicles of my type. It appears gmc has refused to issue a recall. I had my vehicle towed to the gmc dealer and had them replace rusting brake lines ($801.64). The replacement gmc brake lines installed are of a different (improved) design - they have a painted/protective coating on them, which appears to be an attempt to address past premature brake line failure issues.
I smelled exhaust fumes in the cab of the pickup truck and heard a shrieking sound under the hood. I had to put the window down to relieve my dizziness from the fumes. Upon investigation I found 3 of the 6 bolts broken that fasten the exhaust manifold to the engine. Exhaust fumes are leaking from the burned out gasket.
Again. My truck had complete brake failure again due to corrosion on the steel lines. This is an otherwise nice truck with brake lines that look like they've been in the ocean their entire lives. Gm dealer quoted over $1,700 to fix. Gm owned warranty company refuses to cover repair. Gm customer service tells me to pound sand.
Driving on west stone drive kingsport, tn, a vehicle cut me off trying to get thru a traffic light, I locked my brakes down hard as I could, I could feel the ABS system working, I was able to stop about 12 inches from the other vehicle. When I pulled out after the light changed to green, I was traveling down a slight grade, depressing my brake pedal lightly, the pedal went all way to the floor board.. I took the truck to a local shop to have it checked, one of the brake lines behind left front wheel had ruptured. When the mechanic started the repairs, he called said all lines on this truck were extremely rusty, (he asked what I wanted to do) I said fix it right. In making the repairs all lines were replaced.. I have pictures of all lines that can be sent. I also have all of the brake lines that can be looked at and or analyzed.
Compare the 2004 GMC Sierra
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Questions about the 2004 GMC Sierra
Is the 2004 GMC Sierra reliable?
Owners have filed 188 complaints about the 2004 GMC Sierra, 3.2 times a typical Sierra model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2004 GMC Sierra year score?
The 2004 GMC Sierra scores 28 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the GMC Sierra: 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?
Brakes, with 74 complaints, typically around 78,000 miles. Next is electrical (39).
How many recalls does the 2004 GMC Sierra have?
7 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling, parking brake and seat belts.
Was there a recall on the 2004 GMC Sierra brakes?
Yes, 3 recalls: 05V161000, 05V043000, 04V045000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the GMC Sierra have bad brakes?
The GMC Sierra model years with the most brakes complaints are 1999 (338 complaints), 2000 (228 complaints) and 2001 (150 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2004 GMC Sierra get?
Official estimates for the 2004 GMC Sierra 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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