2004 Chevrolet Suburban
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 |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 9 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 18 |
| 1988 | 30 |
| 1989 | 62 |
| 1990 | 54 |
| 1991 | 52 |
| 1992 | 189 |
| 1993 | 500 |
| 1994 | 876 |
| 1995 | 457 |
| 1996 | 360 |
| 1997 | 414 |
| 1998 | 201 |
| 1999 | 634 |
| 2000 | 282 |
| 2001 | 440 |
| 2002 | 286 |
| 2003 | 301 |
| 2004 | 204 |
| 2005 | 129 |
| 2006 | 23 |
| 2007 | 292 |
| 2008 | 213 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 117 |
| 2011 | 148 |
| 2012 | 101 |
| 2013 | 118 |
| 2014 | 59 |
| 2015 | 428 |
| 2016 | 218 |
| 2017 | 141 |
| 2018 | 81 |
| 2019 | 76 |
| 2020 | 44 |
| 2021 | 187 |
| 2022 | 113 |
| 2023 | 117 |
| 2024 | 39 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
35% of complaints: electrical system — 72 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and wiring.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the instrument panel gauges, and warning lights functionality became inoperable.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240422
25% of complaints: service brakes — 51 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE (VEHICLE HAS 95,387) MILES) AT 40 MPH IN MOTION. STABIL-TRAC LIGHT INDICATED AT THE TIME OF FAILURE, SERVICE BRAKE INDICATOR ON DISPLAY INFORMATION CONSOLE. .
NHTSA ODI report, 20161009
7% of complaints: steering — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and shaft pitman.
INJURY7% of complaints: air bags — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph he noticed the temperature gauge increased to the high indicator. The engine coolant hot message was displayed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230103
Also filed under ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. AFTER TURNING THE IGNITION KEY TO START THE ENGINE, BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CHEST AND FACIAL BRUISES AND LACERATIONS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150724
WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS HIT AT 30 MPH, THE SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE MINOR INJURIES. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20041013
7% of complaints: power train — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I HAD MY 2004 CHEV SUBURBAN PARKED IN MY GARAGE. MY 8 YEARS OLD DAUGHTER WAS IN THE BACK SEAT LISTENING TO THE RADIO. I HAD THE GEAR IN PARK AND THE KEY IN THE ACCESSORY POSITION SO SHE COULD LISTEN TO THE RADIO.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040503
SAFETY TIMELINE
HYDRAULIC PUMP FAILRES
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE V
Remedy: DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUM
Campaign 04V045000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FOR FUNCTIONAL OPERATION OF THE TWO-FUNCTION VALVE. IF THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FAILS THE TEST, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL
Campaign 05V043000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 200
Campaign 05V163000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.1L V8 (RPO L8-VIN G) ENGINE HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP MAY FRACTURE RESULTING IN INADEQUATE RETENTION OF THE DAMPER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9
Campaign 06V289000 — check if this car was fixed
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Chevrolet Suburban — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (72 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (51 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V045000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V043000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V163000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V289000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban have?
6 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.