2004 Chevrolet Colorado
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 361
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2004
Opened by NHTSA
24% of complaints
Complaints per year
2004: 361 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 361 |
| 2005 | 356 |
| 2006 | 236 |
| 2007 | 140 |
| 2008 | 81 |
| 2009 | 67 |
| 2010 | 29 |
| 2011 | 42 |
| 2012 | 42 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 491 |
| 2016 | 708 |
| 2017 | 216 |
| 2018 | 183 |
| 2019 | 150 |
| 2020 | 84 |
| 2021 | 76 |
| 2022 | 55 |
| 2023 | 134 |
| 2024 | 123 |
| 2025 | 27 |
| 2026 | 15 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
24% · 88 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
I've had to replace 2 heater blower resistors due to a meltdown, this is a potential fire hazard and should be put on a recall notice. I was driving around 40 MPH at the time .
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-09-16
Could cause fire!!! Ac speed regulator of my 2004 crew-cab Colorado overheated so much that the adapter burnt in the inside and cables overheated to the point that it couldn't be touched and started to smoke.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-23
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc) and equipment adaptive/mobility
Structure
17% · 62 reportsMost commonly citing body and underbody shields.
Show complaint excerpts
Less than a week after I purchased the 2004 GM Colorado Pickup Truck the tailgate open on the expressway and the cabinet I was hauling fell off the truck into the road causing an accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-02-24
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Colorado. While the gear shifter was placed in reverse, the shift linkage failed and the shift cable snapped.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-21
Service brakes
14% · 51 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Exterior lighting
12% · 45 reportsMost commonly citing switch and brake lights.
Suspension
10% · 35 reportsMost commonly citing front and hub.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2004Complaint volume 361 complaints filed for this model year.
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2004-11-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-03-14 Inadvertent front airbag deployment
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R
2006-12-05Exterior lighting06V139000 Certain pickup trucks may experience the permanent loss of brake lamp function or brake lamps that are illuminated at all times. The center high-mounted stop lamp (Chmsl) is affected in both…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch assembly. The recall began on December 5, 2006. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; GMC at 1-866-996-9463 or isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.
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I
2009-02-25Recall queryClosed 2009-07-30 Brake lamp switch malfunction
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2010-08-02Exterior lighting09V310000 GM is recalling 185,903 model year 2004-2009 Colorado, GMC model year 2009-2004 canyon, model year 2006 i-280, i-350, model year 2007-2008 i-290, and i-370, passenger vehicles originally sold in or…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the necessary components as specified in the recall bulletin free of charge. GM anticipates that parts will be available by June 2010. A special coverage for…
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2010-12-14Child seat10V575000 GM is recalling certain model year 2004-2011, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC canyon, model year 2006, isuzu i-280/i-350, and model year 2007-2008, i-290/i-370, regular cab vehicles and extended cab…
Remedy: Dealers will cut a hole into the back panel trim cover to allow access to the top tether anchor for the front center seat position and will provide supplemental information as to use in the owner's…
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Chevrolet Colorado — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 88 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 62 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 51 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06V139000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09V310000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 10V575000 · Child seat
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.