2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
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
- 368
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 2004
None on file
47% of complaints
Complaints per year
2004: 368 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 64 |
| 1998 | 73 |
| 1999 | 81 |
| 2000 | 132 |
| 2001 | 300 |
| 2002 | 351 |
| 2003 | 449 |
| 2004 | 368 |
| 2005 | 269 |
| 2006 | 177 |
| 2007 | 204 |
| 2008 | 191 |
| 2009 | 61 |
| 2010 | 21 |
| 2011 | 104 |
| 2012 | 53 |
| 2013 | 51 |
| 2014 | 40 |
| 2015 | 176 |
| 2016 | 122 |
| 2017 | 54 |
| 2018 | 53 |
| 2019 | 74 |
| 2020 | 104 |
| 2021 | 88 |
| 2022 | 95 |
| 2023 | 47 |
| 2024 | 141 |
| 2025 | 29 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
47% · 173 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
Hydraboost piston blew out, lost brakes and steering. Almost wrecked vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-20
Also filed under Steering
Electrical system
29% · 105 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and ignition.
Engine and engine cooling
6% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing exhaust system and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
Steering
5% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing linkages and power steering fluid.
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, 2006-08-17
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Power train
4% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive) and driveline.
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, 2026-06-05
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2004Complaint volume 368 complaints filed for this model year.
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R
2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…
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).
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R
Date not on fileSteering06E010000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 173 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 105 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 23 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E010000 · Steering
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.