2004 GMC Sierra 1500
This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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 | 13 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 5 |
| 1997 | 83 |
| 1998 | 59 |
| 1999 | 158 |
| 2000 | 181 |
| 2001 | 140 |
| 2002 | 166 |
| 2003 | 180 |
| 2004 | 212 |
| 2005 | 177 |
| 2006 | 144 |
| 2007 | 262 |
| 2008 | 380 |
| 2009 | 234 |
| 2010 | 167 |
| 2011 | 284 |
| 2012 | 107 |
| 2013 | 115 |
| 2014 | 737 |
| 2015 | 715 |
| 2016 | 340 |
| 2017 | 352 |
| 2018 | 297 |
| 2019 | 626 |
| 2020 | 454 |
| 2021 | 540 |
| 2022 | 552 |
| 2023 | 439 |
| 2024 | 336 |
| 2025 | 102 |
| 2026 | 89 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
38% of complaints: electrical system — 81 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and ignition.
FIRE32% of complaints: service brakes — 68 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
BRAKES WORKED PERFECTLY TO STOP VEHICLE ON A STEEP DOWNWARD HILL IN ORDER TO OPEN A GATE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL OF MY DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130912
10% of complaints: steering — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column and shaft sector.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ME AND MY TWO BOYS WHERE HEADED HOME AND I WAS TAKING A CURVE AT 50MPH A WENT TO SLOW DOWN TO 45 WHEN I STARTED TO TAKE THE CURVE I HEARD SOME KIND OF METAL BONE BREAKING SOUND AND MY TRUCK JERKED TO THE ONCOMING LANE AND A JERKED IT BACK BUT AFTER...
NHTSA ODI report, 20180825
Also filed under AIR BAGS and SUSPENSION
5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.
4% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE SPARE TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY THAT WAS PROVIDED ON CERTAIN CONVERSION VEHICLES WILL NOT FIT ON THE FRONT WHEEL HUB DUE TO OFFSET OF THE WHEEL. HOWEVER, IT WILL FIT ON THE REAR WHEELS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPARE WHEEL WITH THE CORRECT OFFSET. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT REGENCY AT 1-800-989-4727.
Campaign 04V240000 — 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
ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT SYSTEMS, THE SPROCKET TEETH OF THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT RETRACTORS AS NECESSARY. SURE-LOK WILL HANDLE THE REPAIRS FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SURE-LOCK AT 1-908-231-1804 OR MOBILITYWORKS AT 1-800-769-8267.
Campaign 04V562000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL NATIONAL AND CARQUEST AFTERMARKET HUB ASSEMBLIES, P/N 515058, SOLD FOR USE ON 2001-2006 GENERAL MOTORS 1500 AND 2500 4WD TRUCKS.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY ITS OWNERS AND WILL EITHER CREDIT THE CUSTOMERS ACCOUNT OR REPLACE THE UNIT. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-563-8507 EXT 3530.
Campaign 06E050000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 GMC Sierra 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (81 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (68 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V562000 (equipment adaptive/mobility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E050000 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V240000 (tires) 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 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
5 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.