2004 GMC Sierra 3500
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 24
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2004
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2004: 24 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 10 |
| 1998 | 12 |
| 1999 | 19 |
| 2000 | 26 |
| 2001 | 36 |
| 2002 | 20 |
| 2003 | 7 |
| 2004 | 24 |
| 2005 | 24 |
| 2006 | 11 |
| 2007 | 16 |
| 2008 | 25 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 20 |
| 2012 | 9 |
| 2013 | 14 |
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2015 | 30 |
| 2016 | 19 |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2020 | 51 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 32 |
| 2023 | 28 |
| 2024 | 49 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Only 24 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
14 of 24 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
I picked my stepdaughter at school and at the stoplight to leave the school there were no brakes. I used the curb to slow the truck enough to the lights to change.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-30
Approaching a stop. When the brakes were applied, the brake pedal dropped almost completely to the floor and stopping was extremely difficult.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-13
On highway multi-lane, heavy traffic ahead, suddenly slowed and a lot of lane changing going on as some debris was ejected from truck onto roadway. Applied brakes, application had little effect.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-12
Electrical system
5 of 24 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
Fuse box under hood caught fire while parked.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-03-23
The fan for the heater doesnt work on all speeds properly, stopped working entirely
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-13
Fuel system, diesel
2 of 24 total reports mention: fuel system, diesel.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*- the contact states that sometime in August of 2006, fuel injected number 8 failed in her vehicle. On December 4TH the electrical system failed to work involving injected number 8.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-12-19
Steering
2 of 24 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system.
Power train
2 of 24 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive) and center support bearing.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
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).
Buy-smart checklist
2004 GMC Sierra 3500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, diesel: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 2004 GMC Sierra 3500 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 GMC Sierra 3500?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 GMC Sierra 3500 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.