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
- 143
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 2004
None on file
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
2004: 143 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1997 | 14 |
| 1998 | 15 |
| 1999 | 36 |
| 2000 | 48 |
| 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 | 32 |
| 2020 | 79 |
| 2021 | 51 |
| 2022 | 45 |
| 2023 | 32 |
| 2024 | 104 |
| 2025 | 28 |
| 2026 | 14 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
39% · 56 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
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, 2018-03-29
Electrical system
34% · 49 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and interior/under dash.
Show 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, 2008-02-12
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, 2008-01-31
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, 2012-03-26
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Power train
7% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
Engine
6% · 9 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Exhaust manifold bolts broken
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-26
Engine and engine cooling
6% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing exhaust system and diesel.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 GMC Sierra 2500. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact noticed a lot of white smoke emerging from the tail pipe.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-11-27
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2004Complaint volume 143 complaints filed for this model year.
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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).
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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.
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Date not on fileSteering06E010000 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.
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
2004 GMC Sierra 2500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 56 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 49 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 10 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V562000 · Equipment adaptive/mobility
- Recall 06E010000 · Steering
- Recall 06E050000 · Service brakes, air
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 39% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 GMC Sierra 2500 have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.