2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 10 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 7 |
| 1997 | 555 |
| 1998 | 361 |
| 1999 | 587 |
| 2000 | 611 |
| 2001 | 468 |
| 2002 | 509 |
| 2003 | 805 |
| 2004 | 797 |
| 2005 | 525 |
| 2006 | 358 |
| 2007 | 849 |
| 2008 | 914 |
| 2009 | 444 |
| 2010 | 361 |
| 2011 | 563 |
| 2012 | 216 |
| 2013 | 301 |
| 2014 | 1433 |
| 2015 | 1101 |
| 2016 | 791 |
| 2017 | 711 |
| 2018 | 514 |
| 2019 | 1058 |
| 2020 | 709 |
| 2021 | 792 |
| 2022 | 602 |
| 2023 | 365 |
| 2024 | 288 |
| 2025 | 87 |
| 2026 | 74 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
43% of complaints: service brakes — 339 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Abs system is failing light comes on then brakes donât catch, airbags message keeps coming on . Pulling in to store when it done it end up hitting the metal pipe in from of store to stop
NHTSA ODI report, 20240106
Also filed under AIR BAGS and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
# 1 is the 4l60E transmission that sits on the exhaust and runs next to it on the opposite side the heat from the trans itself and the exhaust overheat the gasket which causes weak spots that leak along with burning up the 3-4 clutch.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210904
COMING HOME FROM WORK AROUND 5:00 IN THE AFTERNOON AND WENT TO SLOW DOWN FOR TRAFFIC SLOWING DOWN AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR AS I EASED DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130829
34% of complaints: electrical system — 273 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and interior/under dash.
CRASH FIRE INJURY9% of complaints: steering — 75 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column and linkages.
CRASH4% of complaints: air bags — 34 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF HIS VEHICLE AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191023
MY HUSBAND HAD A HORRIFIC ONE VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181009
3% of complaints: power train — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and driveline.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (339 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (273 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (75 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.