MYRModel Year Report

2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
BUILT 2026-09-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2004 highlighted. 1994: 3 complaints 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1996: 2 complaints 1997: 64 complaints 1998: 73 complaints 1999: 81 complaints 1999 2000: 132 complaints 2001: 300 complaints 2002: 351 complaints 2003: 449 complaints 2004: 368 complaints 2004 2005: 269 complaints 2006: 177 complaints 2007: 204 complaints 2008: 191 complaints 2009: 61 complaints 2009 2010: 21 complaints 2011: 104 complaints 2012: 53 complaints 2013: 51 complaints 2014: 40 complaints 2014 2015: 175 complaints 2016: 122 complaints 2017: 54 complaints 2018: 52 complaints 2019: 74 complaints 2019 2020: 101 complaints 2021: 84 complaints 2022: 92 complaints 2023: 45 complaints 2024: 139 complaints 2024 2025: 27 complaints 2026: 4 complaints 2026
2004: 368 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19943
19953
19962
199764
199873
199981
2000132
2001300
2002351
2003449
2004368
2005269
2006177
2007204
2008191
200961
201021
2011104
201253
201351
201440
2015175
2016122
201754
201852
201974
2020101
202184
202292
202345
2024139
202527
20264

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SERVICE BRAKES 47%

47% of complaints: service brakes — 173 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Hydraboost piston blew out, lost brakes and steering. Almost wrecked vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231220

Also filed under STEERING

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 29%

29% of complaints: electrical system — 105 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and ignition.

FIRE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 6%

6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing exhaust system and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

FIRE
STEERING 5%

5% of complaints: steering — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing linkages and power steering fluid.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

(1) I WAS IN A TIGHT TURN. I HAD JUST HAULED 2 TONS OF FEED FROM A FEED MILL 30 MILES AWAY. (2) THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES BOTH STOPPED WORKING SUDDENLY AND WITH NO WARNING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20060817

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

POWER TRAIN 4%

4% of complaints: power train — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive) and driveline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle experienced reduced power and went into LIMP Mode. The contact pulled over to the side of the road.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260605

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2004 — complaint volume: 368
R 20061018 — fuel system, gasoline

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURE

Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed

R Date not on file — steering

CERTAIN FABTECH AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS71000 AND FTS71001, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2001-2006 GM C/K 2500 PICK UP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES.

Remedy: FABTECH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PITMAN AND IDLER ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FABTECH AT 909-597-7800.

Campaign 06E010000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (173 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (105 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (23 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 06E010000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2014 ▲ 2023 ▲ 2013

WORST YEARS

■ 2003 ■ 2002 ■ 2001

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.