2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 9 |
| 1995 | 8 |
| 1996 | 9 |
| 1997 | 16 |
| 1998 | 14 |
| 1999 | 74 |
| 2000 | 67 |
| 2001 | 92 |
| 2002 | 120 |
| 2003 | 175 |
| 2004 | 182 |
| 2005 | 94 |
| 2006 | 31 |
| 2007 | 190 |
| 2008 | 101 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 53 |
| 2011 | 80 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 28 |
| 2026 | 12 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
46% of complaints: electrical system — 84 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and horn.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TAKATA RECALL. THE GAUGE CLUSTER STOPPED WORKING. NOW THE IGNITION AND AC WILL NOT WORK. OIL PRESSURE SENSOR READING WRONG. TOOK IT TO GET CODE READ AND 35 CODES CAME UP. HAD TO PUT ON A TOGGLE SWITCH JUST TO START IT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181130
22% of complaints: service brakes — 40 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
BRAKE MODULATING SYSTEM SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. ONCE THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT, THE CAR WOULD NO LONGER START.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170425
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
RUSTED BREAKE LINES, PARKED IN DRIVEWAY COULD NOT USE BRAKES AFTER STARTING THE CAR
NHTSA ODI report, 20180731
8% of complaints: steering — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing pump and shaft sector.
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151009
5% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I BOUGHT A NEW 2004 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500 LS IN EARLY SEPTEMBER 2005. ONE EVENING I WENT TO A RESTAURANT TO EAT, WENT INSIDE AND WAS SEATED. MAYBE 5 MINUTES PASSED, COULD HAVE BEEN LESS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100414
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
Campaign 07E106000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (84 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (40 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07E106000 (wheels) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.