2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 797 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the service brakes. No safety recall has been issued.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
68,650 milesMedian miles at failure

700 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes222
1212
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel154
000
Electrical System95
131
Service Brakes, Hydraulic61
500
Steering55
100
Air Bags27
1008
Engine13
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor12
000
Engine and Engine Cooling11
110
Unknown or Other8
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Jul 8, 2025312,000 milesNC

Odometer Fraud. The contact was interested in purchasing a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 from a local used car dealer. The contact stated that the odometer indicated that the mileage was 187,000. The Carfax report indicated that the last reported mileage was 312,000. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle had only one previous owner. The Carfax report indicated that the vehicle had four previous owners. The dealer was not made aware of the issue.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Dec 19, 2024162,616 milesMO

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the brake and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal traveled down to the floorboard, and the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact pulled to the side of the road, added brake fluid to the vehicle, and continued driving. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal traveled down to the floorboard and the vehicle failed to respond. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact engaged the parking brake, and the vehicle stopped. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road downhill. The contact turned on the hazard lights and drove 5 MPH to her mother's residence while being trailed by a Police Officer. The vehicle was taken to O'Reilly and to Advanced Auto Parts, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact purchased an oxygen sensor, an oil sensor, the battery, the brake booster, the thermostat, and the brake lines. The contact's son and nephew attempted to replace the parts and noticed that the brake assembly was significantly damaged. The contact's son and nephew also noticed that the frame, the exhaust system assembly, and other parts were severely corroded. The Used Car dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The Chevrolet dealer and manufacturer were not

Electrical System
Filed Jun 29, 2024VA

I just replaced the battery in my 2004 chevy Silverado 1500 with only 97,000 miles on it, and i went to drive it down the road and the vehicle now loses power and cuts off making a left turn.. It did this twice and i parked it.. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE in my opinion.. PLEASE investigate the issue and report back to me please..

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 8, 2024160,000 milesNC

The contact's son owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while his son was exiting a parking lot, the brake pedal hose ruptured, and the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact discovered that there was a hole in the brake hose. The contact used a personal trailer to tow the vehicle home where the vehicle remained. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. The VIN was not available.

Wheels
Filed Mar 1, 2024PA

While driving the right front factory steel wheel rusted out to the point where the wheel center separated from the outer part of the rim on 4 of the 5 spokes, this caused a dangerous wobble to occur and if the vehicle wasn't being driven in the city I believe this would have resulted in a crash since the wheel was only being held on by 1 of the 5 spokes. Due to the design of these chrome clad wheels you can't see the corrosion that is occuring behind the chrome cladding. I put a spare tire on the vehicle and have since parked it until such time as I can replace all 4 of the wheels since I don't believe this vehicle is safe to be driven at this time. The chrome cladding was thrown off the right front wheel when this occured

Electrical System
Filed Feb 13, 2024TN

My dash Cluster quit working,the only part that works I can read my miles but I don't have the PRND321.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jan 6, 2024AR

Abs system is failing light comes on then brakes don’t catch, airbags message keeps coming on . Pulling in to store when it done it end up hitting the metal pipe in from of store to stop

Power Train
Filed Oct 20, 2023IN

Wholes are developing in the transfer case near the output shaft and all the fluid leaks out causing the transfer case to grenade.

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Oct 18, 202319,626 milesCO

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil pressure gauge was elevated too high. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed instrument cluster. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she recently noticed that other gauges were also malfunctioning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a failed instrument cluster. The contact was informed that the instrument cluster need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 19,626.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Sep 25, 2023OK

UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS FAILED IN LESS THAN 2 YEARS

Structure › BodyCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 31, 2022IA

Vehicle was involved in motor vehicle collision. This unit was struck broadside by a semi resulting in the cab and box of this unit to separate from the frame. The frame of this unit, cab, and box all came to final rest in different locations in the scene with the driver remaining in the driver seat.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 14, 2021CA

Collided with a bear at 55mph with significant front end damage. Air bags were commanded to deploy and never did. I have contacted GM about the problem and have been told to wait for a claim advisor as no recalls are active on my vehicle.

Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 4, 2021IN

# 1 is the 4l60E transmission that sits on the exhaust and runs next to it on the opposite side the heat from the trans itself and the exhaust overheat the gasket which causes weak spots that leak along with burning up the 3-4 clutch. Lost everything but 1&2,R,N on trip to Illinois on way back went to speed up to pass and all sudden the engine started tacking out and leaking fluid. I applied fluid all the way home at a speed of 45mph in a 70 mph limit which caused a major safety hazard with traffic. Took to trans shop said the 3-4 clutch was fried and was no good due to overheating and loss fluid from damaged gasket that's split on the stamps from AC Delco. 2nd issue arises out 1rst, even more dangerous to point of dragging me down drive way and cutting into my leg leaving a small scar. When wheels are chalked , E brake applied the vehical should not move, so after doing so I climbed under and unhooked the shift cable from the trans instantly with dog in truck it began rolling right over me I grabbed the frame and stopped it for a few sec then boom it went again I had spin around or my legs or head would've be smashed to Oblivion. At that point it just kept going as it cut into my leg, I let it roll over me hopped up and tried trow it in park yet no cable attached it wouldn't stop and just kept going till it hit a small ditch at end my drive and half way in the road.My leg was cut and I was scratched up in many spots yet dog was ok. The trans quitting lead to the unhooking of

Suspension
Filed Jul 6, 2021NY

Front Suspension repaired fixed but did not fixed the vibration in front tires. Front Driver Side Hub and Bearing Assembly Failed since I had truck(used). Had front end redone but wheel still vibrated and took it too dealership July 3, 2021 and stated the Hub and Bearing grinding and growling and activates abs lights. Fuel line needs replace due to rust problems and dealership stated that the pump and retaining cam are very rusted and has a spot on the pump that is wet but not soaking wet(fail dealership looking for lawsuit for fire hazard). Fuel lines are rusted so whole truck needs repair. I spent $5400 on used truck and putting more money into it with repairs due to rust, parts and labor which is stupid as some parts do not take long if dealership have tools. I don't know incident as there no accident or anything.

Service Brakes
Filed May 16, 2021OH

Vehicle was being driven when "Service Brake System" appeared in the DIC. Vehicle was safely returned to owners home where it was discovered a master cylinder failure had occurred. The master cylinder contained no brake fluid, the booster was covered in brake fluid, and fluid was dripping from the undercarriage to the ground. The master cylinder and booster were replaced. In the process of bleeding the brake lines, a secondary leak was discovered in the brake line to the left front caliper. An inspection revealed a failure of the brake line due to rust. Inspection of the other brake lines revealed rust which will require replacement of all the brake lines. In this instance, the vehicle was actively being repaired when the failure of the brake line occurred. Had the brake line not failed during the repair process of the master cylinder and booster, a failure would have occurred while the vehicle was being operated possibly resulting in a crash with injury or death to the occupants or other drivers.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 4, 2021FL

CRACKED DASHBOARD, EXTERIOR COLOR FADED,

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 13, 2020120,905 milesTN

WHEN YOU APPLY THE PARKING BREAK THROUGH A FOOT PEDAL ON THIS YEAR OF TRUCK AND THEN PULL THE HANDLE TO RELEASE IT THE PARKING BREAK WILL ONLY COME BACK A LITTLE UNTIL YOU HAVE TO MANUALLY REACH DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND PULL THE PARKING BREAK FOOT PETAL BACK UP TO OPERATIONAL HEIGHT WHERE THE PARKING BREAK (EMERGENCY BREAK) IS NO LONGER APPLIED. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND THE CABLE IS STILL CONNECTED AND WILL ONLY BRING THE PARKING BREAK BACK UP AROUND A INCH UNTIL YOU HAVE TO PULL IT THE REST OF THE WAY BACK.

Structure
Filed Jun 11, 2020FL

MY DASH STARTED OUT WITH A SMALL CRACK AND CONTINUED TO GET WORSE. NOW MY WHOLE DASH IS ABOUT TO FALL IN. WHEN IT FIRST HAPPENED AND TOLD CHEVY THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. VERY DISAPPOINTED SINCE I HAVE BEEN DRIVING CHEVROLET'S ALL MY LIFE. I THOUGHT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED.CRACKED WHILE DRIVING AND SITTING STILL. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 3, 2020142,000 milesCA

I STARTED TO NOTICE MY BRAKES AND STEERING COMPONENTS ARE VERY UNSAFE, MY STEERING WHEEL HAS TO MUCH PLAY, SOMETHING INSIDE THE STEERING MAKES A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I HIT A BUMP, THE BRAKES DON?T OPERATE CORRECTLY, THE TRUCK SHAKES AND MAKES THE STEERING VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES DUE TO THE SHAKING AND VIBRATION. I WAS TOLD IT MIGHT BE LEAKING HYDRAULIC FLUID. BUT TO SUM IT ALL UP TODAY ON 06-02-2020, I REALIZED THE TRUCK IS ONLY GETTING WORSE AND GETTING HARDER TO STEER AND THE BRAKES CAUSE THE STEERING TO MAKE IT EVEN HARDER TO DRIVE WITH ALL THE SHAKING AND PULLING TO THE SIDE AND ALSO I NOTICED THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL BE REALLY HARD AT TIMES AND THEN REALLY LIGHT AT TIMES. *TR

Wheels
Filed Feb 25, 2020243,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 800. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THERE WAS A WOBBLE AND AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEEL HUB DETACHED FROM THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE RESIDENCE AND REPLACED THE WHEEL HUB AS NEEDED. THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE WITH THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL HUB AND REPLACED THE WHEEL HUB AS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VALLEY CHEVROLET, 180 FLETCHER AVE, SPENCER, IN 47460, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 243,000. *DT*JB*DT CONSUMER STATED RETAINER RING FELL OUT AND STARTED TO MAKE GRINDING NOISE. AFTER THAT THE FRONT END DROPPED AND THE TIRE FELL OFF AS WELL AS BREAKING THE BRAKE LINE HOSE, STABLIZER BAR AND CALIPER BRACKET.*JB

20 of 797 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2014
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202693310Do not drive
202598040Routine
2024306200Above average
2023373360Above average
2022619660Above average
20218178110Above average
20207281290Above average
20191,0781080Above average
2018516741Fatalities reported
20177116120Do not drive
201679311101Do not drive
20151,10411141Fatalities reported
20141,4346184Fatalities reported
2013301200Above average
2012216210Above average
2011563441Fatalities reported
2010362310Above average
2009444360Above average
2008914391Fatalities reported
20078492142Fatalities reported
20063590150Above average
20055250342Fatalities reported
2004 — this page797081Fatalities reported
2003805070Above average
2002509051Fatalities reported
2001468053Fatalities reported
2000614053Fatalities reported
1999587252Fatalities reported
19983612110Above average
19975552131Fatalities reported
19967001Fatalities reported
19953000Routine
199410010Routine

Compare every Silverado 1500 year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.