2004 GMC Sierra 2500
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 | 1 |
| 1997 | 14 |
| 1998 | 15 |
| 1999 | 36 |
| 2000 | 47 |
| 2001 | 134 |
| 2002 | 134 |
| 2003 | 160 |
| 2004 | 143 |
| 2005 | 115 |
| 2006 | 66 |
| 2007 | 83 |
| 2008 | 63 |
| 2009 | 31 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2011 | 63 |
| 2012 | 30 |
| 2013 | 46 |
| 2014 | 30 |
| 2015 | 89 |
| 2016 | 59 |
| 2017 | 37 |
| 2018 | 35 |
| 2019 | 31 |
| 2020 | 73 |
| 2021 | 49 |
| 2022 | 42 |
| 2023 | 28 |
| 2024 | 96 |
| 2025 | 24 |
| 2026 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
23% of complaints: service brakes — 33 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, LOST BRAKES. STEEL BRAKE LINES BY FUEL TANK, LET GO CAUSING TRUCK TO LOOSE BRAKES
NHTSA ODI report, 20180329
19% of complaints: electrical system — 27 distinct reports on file.
14% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SIERRA 2500. THE CONTACT WAS WARMING UP HIS VEHICLE WITH A PORTABLE COMPRESSOR HOOKED UP TO THE AUXILIARY POWER IN THE CENTER OF THE DASHBOARD TO INFLATE A TIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080212
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SIERRA 2500 HD. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING NEAR THE GLOVE BOX. THE PLASTIC COATING ON THE WIRES BEGAN DRIPPING, MELTING, AND SPARKING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080131
MY TRUCK IS A WORK TRUCK DRIVEN BY AN EMPLOYEE, I HAVE JUST RECENTLY BECOME AWARE OF A CONDITION REGARDING THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, WHEREIN THE WHOLE PANEL DOES NOT WORK, I WAS ADVISED BY THE EMPLOYEE THAT THIS HAPPENED QUITE SOME TIME AGO, BUT WAS...
NHTSA ODI report, 20120326
11% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 16 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
MY TRUCK IS A WORK TRUCK DRIVEN BY AN EMPLOYEE, I HAVE JUST RECENTLY BECOME AWARE OF A CONDITION REGARDING THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, WHEREIN THE WHOLE PANEL DOES NOT WORK, I WAS ADVISED BY THE EMPLOYEE THAT THIS HAPPENED QUITE SOME TIME AGO, BUT WAS...
NHTSA ODI report, 20120326
6% of complaints: engine — 9 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS BROKEN
NHTSA ODI report, 20181026
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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 FABTECH AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS71000 AND FTS71001, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2001-2006 GM C/K 2500 PICK UP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES.
Remedy: FABTECH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PITMAN AND IDLER ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FABTECH AT 909-597-7800.
Campaign 06E010000 — 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 2500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (33 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V562000 (equipment adaptive/mobility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E010000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E050000 (service brakes, air) 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 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 GMC Sierra 2500 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 GMC Sierra 2500?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 GMC Sierra 2500 have?
4 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.