What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado?

Brakes lead with 538 complaints, followed by the electrical system with 427 and steering with 119.

Has the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado been recalled?

Yes. The by-year facts show 8 recalls. The Recalls section on this page lists them.

How many miles do the brakes last on a 2004 Silverado?

Owners who reported brake problems gave a median mileage of 75,000 at failure.

What is the fuel economy of the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado?

See the fuel section on this page for the EPA figures.

2004 Chevrolet Silverado Problems, Recalls and MPG

Q: How reliable is the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado?

NHTSA has 1,420 owner complaints on file. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a guide to what owners report, not a score.

NHTSA has 1,420 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado^[1]. Brakes top the list with 538 complaints^[2].

1,420owner complaints^[1]

8recalls^[3]

10–17MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Owners filed complaints about many parts of this truck, and these groups come up most.

Brakes. 538 complaints^[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe a pedal that sinks to the floor, brakes that give out without warning, and warning lights on the dash. Some say a dealer could not repeat the problem.
Electrical System. 427 complaints^[5]. Owners describe dash lights that flash, a dash that goes dark while driving, power that cuts out, and batteries that drain when the truck sits. A failed instrument cluster and a long wait for the part also come up.
Steering. 119 complaints^[6]. Owners describe a truck that pulls from side to side, a column that came loose, steering that feels erratic, and power steering that goes heavy at idle.
Power Train. 76 complaints^[7]. Owners describe rough shifting in the lower gears, four wheel drive that failed to engage, and an axle that gave way.
Engine. 74 complaints^[8].
Air Bags. 65 complaints^[9].
Speed Control. 43 complaints^[10].
Structure. 40 complaints^[11].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2004 Silverado is necessarily included.

Air Bags › Frontal (06V417), October 2006. About 794 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended.^[12]
Engine And Engine Cooling (06V289), August 2006. About 38,439 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Seat Belts › Rear/Other (05V163), April 2005. About 1,359,824 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Parking Brake (05V161), April 2005. About 90,242 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking.^[15]
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (05V043), February 2005. About 77,411 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, steering problems, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[16]
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage (04V225), May 2004. About 736 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: an air bag that may not work as intended.^[17]
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge And Attachments (04V129), March 2004. About 3,662,211 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury.^[18]
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (04V045), February 2004. About 68,875 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: steering problems, reduced braking.^[19]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[4]	16 / 19 / 17	$3,950
Silverado 1500 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[20]	14 / 19 / 16	$4,200
Silverado 1500 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[21]	14 / 19 / 16	$4,200
Silverado 1500 2WD, 4.8L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[22]	15 / 19 / 16	$4,200
Silverado 1500 2WD, 4.8L 8-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[23]	14 / 19 / 16	$4,200
Silverado 1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[24]	14 / 18 / 16	$4,200
Silverado 1500 2WD, 6.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[25]	13 / 16 / 14	$4,800
Silverado 15 Hybrid 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[26]	15 / 17 / 16	$4,200
Silverado 1500 4WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[27]	13 / 17 / 15	$4,450
Silverado 1500 4WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[28]	13 / 17 / 15	$4,450
Silverado 1500 4WD, 4.8L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[29]	13 / 17 / 15	$4,450
Silverado 1500 4WD, 4.8L 8-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[30]	13 / 16 / 14	$4,800
Silverado 1500 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[31]	13 / 17 / 15	$4,450
Silverado 1500 AWD, 6.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[32]	12 / 15 / 13	$5,150
Silverado 1500 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[33]	12 / 16 / 14	$4,800
Silverado 1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive^[34]	13 / 18 / 15	$4,450
Silverado 2500 HD 2WD CNG, 6.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, CNG, Rear-Wheel Drive^[35]	9 / 11 / 10	$4,600

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
REGULAR CAB None^[36]	n/a	n/a	n/a	4	18.5%
4 DR None^[37]	n/a	n/a	n/a	4	18.5%
EXTENDED CAB None^[38]	n/a	n/a	n/a	4	18.5%

Engine and size

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB S/BOX^[39]	225 in	80 in	71 in	144 in	4,987 lb
SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB S/BOX 4X4^[40]	225 in	80 in	76 in	144 in	5,284 lb
SILVERADO 1500 EXT CAB L/BOX^[41]	244 in	80 in	71 in	157 in	4,643 lb
SILVERADO 1500 EXT CAB L/BOX 4X4^[42]	244 in	80 in	76 in	157 in	4,941 lb
SILVERADO 1500 EXT CAB M/BOX^[43]	225 in	80 in	71 in	144 in	4,365 lb
SILVERADO 1500 EXT CAB M/BOX 4X4^[44]	225 in	80 in	76 in	144 in	4,742 lb

How 2004 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Silverado model year. The 2004 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1999	2,247	5
2000	1,919	8
2001	1,344	4
2002	1,219	4
2003	1,500	6
2004	1,420	8
2005	844	8
2006	547	4
2007	1,056	3
2008	1,076	4
2009	520	3
2010	425	3
2011	638	6
2012	284	4
2013	365	5
2014	1,560	19
2015	1,186	18
2016	802	14
2017	839	7
2018	524	7
2019	1,096	10
2020	747	12
2021	847	8
2022	650	6
2023	388	3
2024	342	6
2025	120	1
2026	126	6

NHTSA's counts for the Silverado show 1,420 complaints and 8 recalls for 2004^[3]. Among the 28 model years listed, 23 have fewer complaints than 2004 and 4 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2025 (120) and the most are for 1999 (2,247)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2004 Silverado?

The 2004 Silverado has a long complaint record, with 1,420 reports on file^[1]. Brakes and the electrical system account for the largest groups^[2]^[5]. These are unverified owner reports, and they are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold. Check the recall list on this page and ask for service records on any truck you are considering. A careful brake and electrical inspection before you buy makes sense.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado?: Brakes lead with 538 complaints^[2], followed by the electrical system with 427^[5] and steering with 119^[6].
Has the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado been recalled?: Yes. The by-year facts show 8 recalls^[3]. The Recalls section on this page lists them.
How reliable is the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado?: NHTSA has 1,420 owner complaints on file^[1]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a guide to what owners report, not a score.
How many miles do the brakes last on a 2004 Silverado?: Owners who reported brake problems gave a median mileage of 75,000 at failure^[2].
What is the fuel economy of the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado?: See the fuel section on this page for the EPA figures.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado

2000 1,919 complaints, 8 recalls
2004 this page
2014 1,560 complaints, 19 recalls
2015 1,186 complaints, 18 recalls
2016 802 complaints, 14 recalls
2017 839 complaints, 7 recalls
2018 524 complaints, 7 recalls
2022 650 complaints, 6 recalls
2025 120 complaints, 1 recall

Compare all model years of the Chevrolet Silverado

Other Chevrolet models from 2004

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 330 complaints, 1 recall
2004 Chevrolet Malibu 1,697 complaints, 7 recalls
2004 Chevrolet Tahoe 467 complaints, 2 recalls
2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 1,342 complaints, 2 recalls
2004 Chevrolet Venture 124 complaints, 3 recalls

All Chevrolet models

Similar cars from 2004: pickup trucks

2004 Dodge Dakota Pickup 206 complaints, 1 recall
2004 Ford Ranger 404 complaints, 10 recalls
2004 Nissan Titan 1,046 complaints, 5 recalls

All pickup trucks we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 1,420 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado (89 mention a crash, 19 a fire, 56 injuries, 4 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
538 complaints name the brakes component group (51 crashes, 1 fires, 15 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Silverado model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 19 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
427 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 12 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,287). NHTSA vehicle records
119 complaints name the steering component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,000). NHTSA vehicle records
76 complaints name the power train component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 25,500). NHTSA vehicle records
74 complaints name the engine component group (5 crashes, 4 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 78,350). NHTSA vehicle records
65 complaints name the air bags component group (34 crashes, 0 fires, 33 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,000). NHTSA vehicle records
43 complaints name the speed control component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
40 complaints name the structure component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 06V417, filed October 31, 2006: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
Recall 06V289, filed August 3, 2006: Engine And Engine Cooling. NHTSA recall database
Recall 05V163, filed April 22, 2005: Seat Belts › Rear / Other. NHTSA recall database
Recall 05V161, filed April 22, 2005: Parking Brake. NHTSA recall database
Recall 05V043, filed February 8, 2005: Service Brakes, Hydraulic. NHTSA recall database
Recall 04V225, filed May 11, 2004: Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage. NHTSA recall database
Recall 04V129, filed March 17, 2004: Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge And Attachments. NHTSA recall database
Recall 04V045, filed February 4, 2004: Service Brakes, Hydraulic. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 2WD, 4.8L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 2WD, 4.8L 8-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 2WD, 6.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 16 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 15 Hybrid 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 17 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 4WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 4WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 4WD, 4.8L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 4WD, 4.8L 8-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 16 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 AWD, 6.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 15 highway / 13 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 16 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 2500 HD 2WD CNG, 6.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, CNG, Rear-Wheel Drive: 9 city / 11 highway / 10 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, REGULAR CAB None: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 18.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 18.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, EXTENDED CAB None: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 18.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB S/BOX: length 225 in, width 80 in, height 71 in, wheelbase 144 in, curb weight 4,987 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB S/BOX 4X4: length 225 in, width 80 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 144 in, curb weight 5,284 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SILVERADO 1500 EXT CAB L/BOX: length 244 in, width 80 in, height 71 in, wheelbase 157 in, curb weight 4,643 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SILVERADO 1500 EXT CAB L/BOX 4X4: length 244 in, width 80 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 157 in, curb weight 4,941 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SILVERADO 1500 EXT CAB M/BOX: length 225 in, width 80 in, height 71 in, wheelbase 144 in, curb weight 4,365 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SILVERADO 1500 EXT CAB M/BOX 4X4: length 225 in, width 80 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 144 in, curb weight 4,742 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2004 Chevrolet Silverado: problems, recalls and fuel economy