2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
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 |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1991 | 3 |
| 1992 | 6 |
| 1993 | 8 |
| 1994 | 19 |
| 1995 | 246 |
| 1996 | 283 |
| 1997 | 410 |
| 1998 | 263 |
| 1999 | 552 |
| 2000 | 282 |
| 2001 | 512 |
| 2002 | 449 |
| 2003 | 507 |
| 2004 | 466 |
| 2005 | 292 |
| 2006 | 114 |
| 2007 | 1176 |
| 2008 | 528 |
| 2009 | 283 |
| 2010 | 314 |
| 2011 | 446 |
| 2012 | 178 |
| 2013 | 231 |
| 2014 | 90 |
| 2015 | 657 |
| 2016 | 252 |
| 2017 | 168 |
| 2018 | 98 |
| 2019 | 101 |
| 2020 | 53 |
| 2021 | 421 |
| 2022 | 174 |
| 2023 | 196 |
| 2024 | 60 |
| 2025 | 34 |
| 2026 | 17 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
27% of complaints: electrical system — 124 distinct reports on file.
18% of complaints: electrical system — 84 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE13% of complaints: service brakes — 59 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
BRAKES NOT WORKING WHEN PRESSED CAUSED AN ACCIDENT
NHTSA ODI report, 20200327
ABS LIGHT CAME ON. WHILE BRAKING TO ENTER AN ON-RAMP, STEERING WHEEL JERKED AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL ALMOST BROKE OFF. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130826
AS I APPLIED MY BRAKES TO STOP FOR TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF ME MY BRAKES FAILED CAUSING ME TO HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120928
6% of complaints: engine — 26 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TEN MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE AS TO WHERE THE FIRE ORIGINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190328
5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 25 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
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
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 Tahoe — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (124 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (84 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (59 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V045000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V163000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E106000 (wheels) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe?
The most-reported component is electrical system: instrument cluster/panel, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.