2004 GMC Sierra 1500

Above average

Owners filed 212 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 5 times.

Not among the GMC Sierra 1500 years to avoid. Which GMC Sierra 1500 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
60,000 milesMedian miles at failure

185 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 problems

71 of the 212 complaints (33%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel45
000
Service Brakes · brakes42
102
Electrical System24
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes16
102
Steering14
100
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration6
000
Tires5
100
Engine5
000
Air Bags · airbags5
102
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system4
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Wheels › Hub07E106000
Filed Dec 17, 2007130,000 vehiclesFederal-Mogul Corporation

Defect. 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, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.

Risk. WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

Service Brakes, Air06E050000
Filed Jun 6, 20066,800 vehiclesFederal-Mogul Corporation

Defect. 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. ON THE SUBJECT HUB ASSEMBLIES, THE ABS SENSOR CORD DEPARTS FROM THE HUB ASSEMBLY AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE. AS A RESULT, THERE IS A FIT ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE ROTOR DUST SHIELD INTERFERING WITH THE ABS SENSOR CORD. IF THE HUB ASSEMBLY IS INSTALLED DESPITE THIS INTERFERENCE, THE GAP BETWEEN THE ABS SENSOR AND THE TONE WHEEL MAY BE ALTERED. THIS MAY WEAKEN THE OUTPUT OF THE ABS SENSOR. DIMINISHED OUTPUT COULD RESULT IN AN UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS AND STOPPING DISTANCE COULD BE AFFECTED.

Risk. IF STOPPING DISTANCE IS LIMITED, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline06E043000
Filed May 19, 200688,303 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.

Defect. 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 MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Risk. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

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).

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility04V562000
Filed Nov 26, 20041,660 vehiclesMobility Works

Defect. ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT SYSTEMS, THE SPROCKET TEETH OF THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WHEELCHAIR MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY SECURED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES TO A WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT.

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.

Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire04V240000
Filed May 17, 2004285 vehiclesRegency Conversions Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. IF SOMEONE HAS A FLAT TIRE ON THE FRONT WHEEL, THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO INSTALL THE PROVIDED SPARE TIRE.

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.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed May 5, 2025MN

The person i bought the vehicle from switched out the gauge cluster and lied about the vechiles mileage

Air Bags1 injured
Filed May 3, 2023200,000 milesTN

The contact’s father owns a 2004 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after she inserted the key in the ignition and started the vehicle, the front driver’s side air bag exploded, without warning. The contact sustained an injury to her left arm, hand, neck, and head that required medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that an unknown dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure was approximately 200,000.

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Oct 9, 2021PA

When to start truck and air bag in steering wheel exploded.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 21, 2021PA

Went to start truck and the air bag in the steering wheel exploded.

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Filed Jun 26, 2020AL

WHEN I TURN ON MY AIR CONDITION THE LEFT SIDE BLOW OUT HOT HEAT. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed May 26, 2020KY

CORRODED BRAKE LINES. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED PREVIOUSLY. I WAS DRIVING DOWN RURAL ROAD GETTING READY TO TURN IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN MY BRAKES GAVE OUT. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO GET IT INTO THE GRAVEL DRIVEWAY WITHOUT KILLING SOMEONE. WHEN I LOOKED UNDERNEATH TO FIND THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND ONE HAD BURST. I HAD PART OF THE LINE FIXED WITH COPPER TUBING. I HAVE SINCE HAD 2 MORE LINES BURST. AS WELL AS A FUEL LINE LEAK. THIS HAS BECOME FRUSTRATING.*DT*JB

Electrical System
Filed Aug 15, 2019102,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A BURNING ELECTRICAL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FAILURE OF THE BLOWER FAN RESISTER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTIFICATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COTTERS GMC (435 HALL AVE, ST MARY'S, PA 15857, 814-834-2063) AND THEY PROVIDE A VERBAL DIAGNOSIS OF THE BLOWER RESISTER FAN AND ELECTRICAL HARNESS FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 19, 2019TX

DASHBOARD SAYS 'SERVICE AIRBAGS'

Air Bags
Filed Jan 3, 2019225,000 milesCA

I HAVE GMC SIERRA 1500 4WD THE AIRBAG LIGHT COME ON , IF ANY RECALL PLEASE HELP

Engine
Filed Dec 19, 2018131,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VALVE HEAD WAS CRACKED AND THE ANTI-FREEZE WAS DEPLETED; HOWEVER, THERE WERE NO VISIBLE LEAKAGE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 11, 201897,000 milesOK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GAUGES FLASHED OFF AND ON AND, AT TIMES, COMPLETELY STOPPED OPERATING. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 25, 201836,000 milesAR

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 THAT EVERYTHING WENT LOOSE AND ME AND MY BOYS WENT SIDEWAYS OF OF THE BANK OF THE CURVE AND WE ROLLED 3 TIMES BEFORE WE STOPPED TANK UP. MY AIR BAG DIDN'T GO OFF NEITHER THE PASSENGER'S AIRBAG. I HEARD A HISSING NOISE I GOT MY BOYS OUT AS FAST AS I COULD WITH SOME HELP OF BYSTANDERS BREAKING THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW SO WE COULD CRAWL OUT. THEY CARRIED MY BOYS AND HELPED ME HOP TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD. ME AND MY BOYS WENT TO THE HOSPITAL. THEY WERE ALRIGHT THANK GOD I RECEIVED SOME INJURIES TO MY BACK, NECK, STOMACH AND HEAD. MY TRUCK WAS TOTALED AND IVY HALL TOWING IN JACKSONVILLE, AR KEEP MY TRUCK AND PUT A LIEN ON IT. HOW THEY EXCEPT SOMEONE TO PAY AFTER THEY WERE IN A WRECK AND LOST THEIR JOB BECAUSE NO RIDE TO GET BACK AND FORTH. MY ROLLOVER WRECK HAPPENED ON HWY 107 AND CLEVELAND IN ARKANSAS ON MARCH 21ST 2018

Electrical System
Filed Jul 13, 201852,608 milesMI

MY TRUCK IS MY BACK-UP VEHICLE THAT SITS IN THE SIDE DRIVEWAY MOST OF THE TIME BUT I DRIVE WHEN I'M TRANSPORTING LARGE ITEMS OR MOVING TO A NEW HOME. I RECENTLY DROVE IT AND NOTICED THE SPEEDOMETER NOT WORKING AND WENT SEARCHING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT RELATED ISSUES ON THE INTERNET WHEN I FOUND A RECALL NOTICE POSTED ON GMC'S WEBSITE BUT THEY ARE SAYING IT'S PAST THE "TIME" ALLOWED TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED. I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM OR A TIME FRAME TO GET THIS DONE BECAUSE I DON'T DRIVE THIS TRUCK MUCH. NOW I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE DEALERSHIP'S INSPECTION OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ONLY TO HAVE THEM TELL ME THAT IT'S INDEED BROKE AND THAT THEY ARE NOT GOING TO REPAIR IT UNDER THE RECALL. I'M NOT SURE WHAT TO DO BUT I'M HOPPING MAD BECAUSE THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT OTHER GMC OWNERS PROBABLY HAD REPAIRED BUT BECAUSE THIS WAS MY BACK-UP VEHICLE, I'M PENALIZED FOR NOT HAVING THE PROBLEM SURFACE EARLIER BEFORE THE "TIME" FRAME EXPIRED. THE DEALERSHIP I CURRENTLY HAVE MY TRUCK AT IS SHELDON GMC IN ROCHESTER HILLS, MI 48307 I CAN BE REACHED AT [XXX] CALL OR TEXT. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR

Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System
Filed Jun 29, 2018160,000 milesNM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF FUEL; HOWEVER, THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE TANK WAS HALF FULL AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (GARCIA BUICK GMC, 2721 CERRILLOS RD, SANTA FE, NM 87507) WERE BOTH NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Tires
Filed Mar 12, 2018101,793 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SIERRA 800 (NA) EQUIPPED WITH YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR A/T-S TIRES, SIZE: LT 285/75/R16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH THE SPARE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,793 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.

Wheels
Filed Dec 26, 2017178,500 milesFL

2004 GMC SIERRA 1500 SLE. GOODYEAR WRANGLER P255 70R16 DOT MDCUC6HR 5211. TIRES HAVE APPROXIMATELY 25K MILES ON THEM. LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION. VISUALLY INSPECTED TIRES AND CHECKED PRESSURE ON ALL TIRES BEFORE A LONG ROAD TRIP. TIRE BLEW WITHOUT WARNING AND AM NOW NERVOUS ABOUT THE REMAINING TIRES. WAS ON INTERSTATE 10 AT APPROX 70MPH WHEN TIRE BLEW, LUCKILY NO ONE WAS NEXT TO ME AS THE REAR END OF THE TRUCK FISHTAILED INTO THE NEXT LANE. WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER SAFELY AND PUT ON A SPARE.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Aug 1, 201782,000 milesFL

BATTERY RUNS DOWN DRAINED, CONTROL PANEL LIGHTS GOES OUT. AC QUIT WORKING. VEHICLE SITS IN OUR YARD MOST OF THE TIME. WE HAVE TO CHARGE BATTERY EVERY DAY IN ORDER TO GO ANYWHERE.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 3, 2017999,940 milesMI

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW IN 2004 AND HAVE TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE AND ALMOST 100,00 MILES IN ALMOST 14 YEARS HOWEVER I APPLIED THE BRAKE AND ALL THE BRAK FLUID CAME OUT I HAD TO DRIVE OVER A PERSON LAWN TO AVOID HITTING A PERSON AND A MOVING VEHICLE ON 7/1/2017 DUE TO RUSTY BRAKE LINE AND CHECKING ALL LINES WERE RUSTED . I AM ALMOST 75 YEARS OLD AND VERY CONCERNED I WAS AWARE THE LINES WERE ALL RUSTED DUE TO IMPORTED BRAKE LINES WITH INFERIOR METALS, NEVER HEARD ABOUT AND NOTICE OR RECALL.I ALMOST INJURED A PERSON AND HIT A CAR IF I DID NOT DRIVE ON SOMEONES LAWN THE VEHIVLE WAS MOVING ABOUT 35 MPH .

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed May 20, 20176,500 milesCA

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. SPEEDOMETER, FUEL GAUGE ETC, DO NOT WORK AT RANDOM TIMES. (WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, OR NOT) THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ALSO DIM, FLICKER, AND SOMETIMES GO OUT COMPLETELY. THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE HAS VERY LOW MILEAGE, (USED AS A RECREATIONAL VEHICLE, NOT PRIMARY TRANSPORTATION) IT WAS PURCHASED NEW AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED.

Service Brakes
Filed May 20, 2017KY

BRAKES WENT OUT AS I WAS PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY, BRAKE LINE CORROSION

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 16, 2017110,000 milesWI

POWER TRAIN PCM DEFECTIVE WITH TRANSFER CASE WITH BAD DESIGNING WITH SHOE PUMP, AND BRAKE LINE CORRODED AND LEAK. BRAKE SYSTEM WILL NOT PREVENT VEHICLE TO STOP WHEN BRAKE LINES ARE LEAK. FOR MY 2004 I WAS LUCKY DRIVING ON SLOW SPEED ON CITY ROAD, AND I WAS ABLE TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP MY TRUCK.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 26, 2017142,550 milesPA

ON JANUARY 24, 2017 TRAVELING ON PA TURNPIKE AT POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 70MPH, WHEN I APPLIED BRAKES TO SLOW WHEN APPROACHING SLOWER VEHICLES. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND VEHICLE ALMOST RAN INTO THE REAR OF SLOWER VEHICLES. METAL BRAKE LINE RUPTURED ABOVE LEFT FRONT WHEEL. WHEN INSPECTED, ALL BRAKE LINES EXHIBITED EXTREME RUST/CORROSION TO THE POINT OF FLAKING AND THINNING. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A MAJOR COLLISION AND WOULD HAVE INJURED OR KILLED OCCUPANTS. THIS PROBLEM IS A MAJOR KNOWN SAFETY DEFECT AND NEEDS TO BE REMEDIED BY GM.

Engine
Filed Dec 27, 201613,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THE HEAD GASKET LEAKS RADIATOR FLUID INTO THE MOTOR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC THAT DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE HEAD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 30, 2016MO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINE HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BUT THE DETAILS OF THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 25, 2016146,145 milesMI

THE BRAKES ON MY TRUCK FAILED DUE TO THE BRAKE LINE CORROSION. I PUSHED ON MY BRAKES WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY LOST ALL BRAKING POWER AND HAD MY BRAKE . LUCKILY I WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED. ALL OF THE BRAKE FLUID LEAKED ONTO THE GROUND, I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD THE BRAKE LINES REPLACED. UPON SPEAKING WITH THE SERVICE ADVISOR HE SAID THAT THIS WAS COMMON AND THAT THE NEW BRAKE LINES WERE COATED AND WILL NOT RUST. NONE THE LESS THE REPAIR COST AND TOWING COST WAS QUITE EXPENSIVE.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 26, 201631,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED TO OPERATE OR DISPLAY A SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 3, 201589,900 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,900....UPDATED 02/04/16 *BF; 05/02/18*JB

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 26, 2015230,000 milesGA

BRAKE LINES ARE RUSTING CAUSING BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO PRESSURE/FLUID LOSS

WheelsCrash
Filed Oct 10, 201574,000 milesMA

BOUGHT TRUCK 15 DAYS AGO. HAD A NAIL IN MY TIRE SO I PUT ON THE SPARE TIRE WHICH WAS RUSTY AND PROBABLY NEVER LOOKED AT FOR 11 YEARS BUT HAD TO PUT THIS ON TO AVOID BEING STRANDED. THIS VEHICLE WAS JUST INSPECTED AND WAS WONDERING IF THE SPARE TIRE IS INCLUDED IN THE INSPECTION PROCESS. DUE TO RUSTY TIRE CONDITION THE LUGS LOOSENED AND TIRE FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGH WAY AFTER I CHANGED IT. I WAS TOLD BYE THE MECHANICS THAT THE LUGS LOOSENED DUE TO A RUSTY FAULTY SPARE. DOES THIS FALL UNDER ANY LAWS DUE TO JUST PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE AND IT GOING THROUGH THE DEALERS INSPECTION STICKER. THIS CUSSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND WANT TO KNOW IF THEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE OR IF I AM LIABLE FOR THIS.

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Jul 17, 201530,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 4, 201553,000 milesNJ

AS I APPROACHED A MAJOR INTERSECTION THE TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNED YELLOW AND I APPLIED THE BRAKES PREPARING TO STOP. THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE PETAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE TRUCK ROLLED HALFWAY INTO THE INTERSECTION BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO STEP ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND FULLY STOP THE TRUCK. THE DASHBOARD FLASHED ON INDICATING "REPAIR BRAKES"...A LITTLE TOO LATE TO HELP. IF I HAD A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME , I WOULD HAVE HIT IT AND POSSIBLE INJURIES WOULD HAVE RESULTED. I HAD MY DAUGHTER IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND WAS GLAD FOR SEAT BELTS.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 21, 201583,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 31, 2015118,385 milesWI

I WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY HOME FROM A RESTAURANT, JUST ABOUT 4 BLOCKS FROM MY HOME I APPLIED MY BRAKES AND ANTI LOCK BRAKES WAS ACTING UP AND I PRESSED A LITTLE HARD TO STOP BEFORE A STOP LIGHT AND THE PEDAL WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR. I HAD TO DRIVE VERY SLOW TO GET MY TRUCK TO MY HOME AS I HAVE NO BRAKES. BY THE TIME I PARKED MY PARKING SPOT I GOT OUT AND OPENED MY HOOD TO LOOK AT THE BRAKE DRUM DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING AND PROCEEDED TO LOOK UNDERNEATH MY TRUCK AND FOUND A PUDDLE OF BRAKE FLUID JUST UNDER DRIVERS SIDE BOTTOM. I WAS AMAZED TO SEE THAT AND IT LOOKED SO RUSTED, COULDN'T PINPOINT WHERE THE LEAK IS COMING FROM ON THE LINES IT WAS ALL SOAKED WITH THE FLUID. RIGHT NOW I FEEL THAT THE GM CORPORATION SHOULD REPLACE ALL THE LINES AT A NO COST TO ME. THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE PUT AN INFERIOR PRODUCT ON THE TRUCK AND IT IS DANGEROUS THEY CAN HAVE SOMEONE KILLED IF THE BRAKES FAIL ON A HIGHER SPEED !!! THEY TRICKED THE CUSTOMER INTO BUYING A QUALITY MADE TRUCKS AND ITS NOT! IT IS MADE OF CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP QUALITY PARTS THAT I SPEND ON WITH MY MONEY WHEN I BROUGHT THE SIERRA 1500 NEW FROM A GM DEALER IN JULY 2004 MILEAGE AT THE TIME HAPPENED AROUND 118385. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 11, 2014NY

BRAKE FOR RR CROSSING, PEDDLE WENT TO FLOOR. TOWED TO GARAGE. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Nov 5, 201438,892 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,892.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 14, 201473,841 milesIL

BRAKE FAILURE! BRAKE LINE RUSTED THROUGH ALLOWING FLUID TO LEAK OUT. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THEY HAVE SAFETY BELTS, AIR BAGS, SAFETY GLASS, AND MANY OTHER SAFETY FEATURES ON CARS AND TRUCKS BUT DO NOT MAKE IT MANDATORY THAT ALL BRAKE COMPONENTS (LINES) ARE NOT MADE OF STAINLESS STEEL TUBING! BEING UNABLE TO STOP IN AN EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF BRAKE FAILURE CAN RESULT IN MANY CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENTS AND UNNECESSARY DEATHS OR INJURIES! *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 6, 2014104,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAP FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. ALSO, THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES WERE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE BRAKE LINES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 14, 201442,397 milesVT

DRIVING INTO THE VILLAGE, HAD TO STOP FOR SOMEONE MAKING A LEFT TURN, AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. COMPLETE BRAKING FAILURE. NO ACCIDENT, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE RIGHT, BUT REAL SCARY, MY SON WAS WITH ME. GOT THE TRUCK HOME AND NOW ALL THE BRAKE FLUID RAN DOWN THE DRIVE WAY. LOOKS LIKE GM WENT CHEAP AGAIN, THE BRAKE LINES ARE HORRIBLY RUSTED AND THE FLUID IS LEAKING FROM AN AREA JUST UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 7, 201458,400 milesMA

TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. DUE TO RUSTED LINES BRAKE FLUID POURED OUT. *TR

Engine
Filed Aug 19, 201476,400 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. DURING THE FAILURE, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE READING WAS HIGH AND STEAM APPEARED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,400.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 12, 201485,600 milesOH

WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND I HAD MINIMAL BRAKING POWER. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE SAFELY BUT THE BRAKES LINES ARE COMPLETELY GONE. THEY ARE ALL RUSTED AND HAVE SEVERAL HOLES IN THEM AND MUST BE REPLACED. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 9, 2014102,345 milesTX

DRIVING VEHICLE, AND LOST BRAKES. DISCOVERED THE BRAKE LINE HAD RUSTED THRU CAUSING LOSS OF FLUIDS. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS I FOUND OUT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH CERTAIN YEAR MODEL GM VEHICLES. THIS IS A EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION, AND I CANT BELIEVE THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THIS. DOES IT REALLY TAKE DEATHS FOR GM TO ACT ON DEFECTS THEY ARE AWARE OF? I HAVE A 1988 JEEP WRANGLER AND THE BRAKE LINES LOOK A LOT BETTER THAN THOSE ON MY TRUCK. THE SAD THING IS YOU CANT EVEN BUY THE BREAK LINES FROM THE DEALER BECAUSE THEY DON'T SELL THEM, WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE LOOK DEEPER INTO THIS BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE GETS KILLED OR INJURED. *TR

Steering
Filed Jul 5, 2014231,000 milesNY

I HAVE BEEN HAVING TROUBLE STARTING MY 2004 GMC, SOMETIME WHEN I TURNED THE KEY IT WOULD DO NOTHING, I HAD IT TOWED IN AND SPENT OVER $500 TO REPAIR IT, ALTERNATOR, BATTERY ETC, AND IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. WHEN I GOT IT BACK, AND IT DID IT AGAIN, I FOUND THAT IF I MOVED THE STEERING WHEEL UP AND DOWN WITH THE LEVER, IT WOULD THEN START. YESTERDAY I WENT OUT TO START MY TRUCK IN MY DRIVEWAY, AND THE KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. IT FEELS LIKE THE IGNITION CAME APART OR SOMETHING INSIDE. THE STEERING WHEEL IS NOT LOCKED. IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THIS VEHICLE TOWED IN AGAIN AND PAY TO REPAIR THE IGNITION, WHEN GM HAS BEEN HAVING HUGE PROBLEMS WITH IGNITIONS! I HAVE HAD OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE TO INCLUDE A FIRE UNDER THE DASH. MY INSURANCE COVERED IT BECAUSE A FUSE MELTED AND DID NOT DO IT'S JOB, HOWEVER NOW MY SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT WORK, AND THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR A NEW WIRING HARNESS WHICH I WILL NOT DO. I USE MY GPS TO TRACK MY SPEED! THE REAR TRANSFER CASE WENT ON IT, AND I SPENT $1,800 TO HAVE A NEW ONE INSTALLED. THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER SMALL THINGS, BUT THOSE ARE THE MAJOR PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD OVER THE YEARS. I AM LIKE EVERY OTHER AVERAGE PERSON. I HAD NO IDEA HOW TO GET GM TO FIX THEM, SO I JUST PAID MYSELF! WHEN I WAS RESEARCHING HOW TO REPLACE THE IGNITION, I CAME ACROSS YOUR SITE. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT THIS OR HOW TO GO ABOUT IT. I NEED MY TRUCK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, SO I WILL PROBABLY GET STUCK PAYING AGAIN! THANK YOU

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 2, 2014118,000 milesWA

COMING UP DRIVEWAY IN 2004 GMC SIERRA PICKUP TRUCK AND WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR - NO BRAKES. HAD TO PUSH EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP TRUCK. AFTER GETTING OUT OF THE TRUCK, SAW FLUID LEAKING OUT BENEATH TRUCK UNDER DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. LOOKED UNDER VEHICLE AND FOUND BRAKE LINES HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH AND BRAKE FLUID WAS DRAINING OUT. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 16, 2014118,000 milesNH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH A DEER SUDDENLY JUMPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THEY EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE FAILURE THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER STATED THE ENTIRE BRAKE LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 16, 201448,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING AND THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED WHICH CAUSED IT TO BURST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,892.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 4, 2014214,000 milesVA

BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. PULLING INTO CAR WASH AND WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE TRUCK WENT OUT THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAR WASH. COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS AS I PULL AN EQUIPMENT TRAILER WITH 7000 POUNDS ON IT AND IT WOULD HAVE BEEN IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP. I WILL NEVER OWN A GM PRODUCT AGAIN. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed May 21, 201469,000 milesGA

GAUGES WORK SOME TIMES AND DON'T,LIGHTS GO OFF AND ON THE DASH WHEN THEY DO THIS AT NIGHT IT'S HARD TO SEE WHAT SPEED YOUR DOING OUR HOW MUCH FUEL YOU HAVE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH A LOT OF THE TRUCKS MY NEIGHBORS TRUCK IS DOING THE SAME THING. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 21, 2014123,467 milesMD

ENTIRE BRAKE LINE FAILURE DO TO RUSTED BRAKE LINES. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 13, 201440,541 milesIA

BRAKES ENGAGED THE ANTILOCK DEVICE EVEN AS I WAS DRIVING ON DRY PAVEMENT. THIS HAPPENED OFTEN, AND IF YOU ARE NOT CAREFUL WITH FOLLOWING DISTANCE YOU'LL REAR END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF YOU. THIS HAPPENS IN A RANDOM FASHION THAT THE ANTILOCK DEVICE GETS ENGAGED. *JS

Complaints 1-50 of 212, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2014
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2026147200Do not drive
2025125110Routine
2024379100Above average
2023506320Above average
2022602650Above average
2021599760Above average
20204841250Above average
20196581030Above average
2018305710Above average
2017355640Above average
20163438130Do not drive
2015720990Above average
2014743971Fatalities reported
2013116310Routine
2012107300Routine
2011284530Above average
2010168420Routine
2009234440Above average
2008381250Above average
2007263320Above average
2006145251Fatalities reported
2005177390Routine
2004 — this page212510Above average
2003180440Routine
2002166400Routine
2001140500Routine
2000181300Routine
1999158400Routine
199859420Routine
199783500Routine
19965010Routine
19953010Routine
199413000Routine

Compare every Sierra 1500 year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

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.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 17, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.