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.

2004 GMC Sierra 1500

● Typical for this model

2004 GMC Sierra 1500
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 212
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2004: 212 complaints

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	145
2007	262
2008	380
2009	234
2010	167
2011	284
2012	107
2013	115
2014	738
2015	719
2016	342
2017	353
2018	302
2019	643
2020	469
2021	570
2022	575
2023	470
2024	366
2025	111
2026	125

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

38% · 81 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and ignition.

FIRE

Service brakes

32% · 68 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASHINJURY

Show 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, 2013-09-12

Steering

10% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing column and shaft sector.

CRASHINJURY

Show 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, 2018-08-25

Also filed under Air bags and suspension

Vehicle speed control

5% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.

Power train

4% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2004-06-11Tires04V240000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
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).

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2008-02-07Wheels07E106000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

Date not on fileEquipment adaptive/mobility04V562000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

Date not on fileService brakes, air06E050000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 GMC Sierra 1500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 81 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 68 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 21 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 04V562000 · Equipment adaptive/mobility
Recall 06E050000 · Service brakes, air
Recall 04V240000 · Tires
Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 07E106000 · Wheels

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.