CarBrief

NHTSA has 467 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Tahoe, and the electrical system is the biggest group[1][2]. EPA rates it at 14 to 15 MPG combined[3][4].

467owner complaints[1]
2recalls[5]
14–15MPG combined (EPA)[3]

Most reported problems

Owners report problems to NHTSA, and these reports are not verified. One complaint can name several parts, and the counts do not account for how many Tahoes were sold. NHTSA lists 467 complaints for this model year[1]. 25 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 24 injuries and 1 a death[1].

Here are the component groups with the most complaints:

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Electrical system[2] 214 68,000
Brakes[6] 86 100,000
Engine[7] 46 92,000
Steering[8] 29 52,000
Speed control[9] 27 53,974
Power train[10] 26 37,849
Structure[11] 15 66,500
Air bags[12] 14 74,000

Electrical. In a sample of 12 electrical complaints we read, 6 describe a speedometer or instrument cluster that read wrong, got stuck or stopped working, and some owners say the cluster was repaired or replaced[2]., and some owners say the cluster was repaired or replaced[2]. Two describe the memory seat, mirrors or door locks acting on their own[2]. The group also has 3 fires in the complaint counts[2].

Steering. In a sample of 12 steering complaints, 7 describe knocking, clunking or popping from the steering shaft or column[8]. Some owners say grease helped for a while and the noise came back[8].

Engine. In a sample of 12 engine complaints, 6 describe a popping or pinging noise from the exhaust at idle or after the engine is shut off[7]. Two describe the engine stalling while driving[7]. The engine group also has 3 fires in the complaint counts[7].

Brakes. The brake group has 12 crashes and 4 injuries in the counts[6]. In a sample of 12 brake complaints, 3 describe losing braking or a pedal that went to the floor[6].

Recalls

NHTSA lists two recalls for this model year[5].

Fuel economy

All versions are listed with a 4-speed automatic and a V8[3][4]. EPA combined ratings are 14 or 15 MPG[3][4].

Version Engine City / highway / combined Annual fuel cost
1500 2WD, Regular[3] 4.8L 14 / 18 / 15 $4,450
1500 4WD, Regular[15] 4.8L 13 / 17 / 15 $4,450
1500 2WD, Regular[4] 5.3L 13 / 17 / 14 $4,800
1500 4WD, Regular[16] 5.3L 13 / 17 / 14 $4,800
1500 AWD, Regular[17] 5.3L 13 / 17 / 14 $4,800

The 5.3L is also listed for gasoline or E85. Ratings are 15 combined for the 2WD[18] and 14 combined for the 4WD and AWD[19][20]. The annual cost figures use EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the Tahoe was new.

Safety ratings

In NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings, the rollover rating is 3 stars, with a rollover risk of 26.3%[21].

Engine and size

The EPA lists 4.8L and 5.3L V8 engines[3][4]. These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications, so a US truck can differ slightly[22].

Measure Value
Length 199 in
Width 79 in
Height 76 in
Wheelbase 117 in
Curb weight 4,828 lb

The figures are for the 4-door RWD LS/LT, converted from metric[22].

How 2004 compares with other years

1995: 246 complaints, 6 recalls19951996: 283 complaints, 3 recalls1997: 410 complaints, 0 recalls1998: 263 complaints, 2 recalls1999: 552 complaints, 1 recalls19992000: 282 complaints, 6 recalls2001: 512 complaints, 5 recalls2002: 449 complaints, 3 recalls2003: 507 complaints, 4 recalls20032004: 467 complaints, 2 recalls46720042005: 293 complaints, 5 recalls2006: 114 complaints, 3 recalls2007: 1,177 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 586 complaints, 4 recalls2009: 306 complaints, 5 recalls2010: 319 complaints, 4 recalls2011: 457 complaints, 6 recalls20112012: 180 complaints, 4 recalls2013: 234 complaints, 5 recalls2014: 93 complaints, 4 recalls2015: 663 complaints, 16 recalls20152016: 257 complaints, 10 recalls2017: 174 complaints, 4 recalls2018: 105 complaints, 3 recalls2019: 107 complaints, 2 recalls20192020: 57 complaints, 3 recalls2021: 459 complaints, 16 recalls2022: 195 complaints, 4 recalls2023: 231 complaints, 5 recalls20232024: 69 complaints, 3 recalls2025: 50 complaints, 1 recalls2026: 27 complaints, 3 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Tahoe model year. The 2004 is highlighted[5].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19952466
19962833
19974100
19982632
19995521
20002826
20015125
20024493
20035074
20044672
20052935
20061143
20071,1774
20085864
20093065
20103194
20114576
20121804
20132345
2014934
201566316
201625710
20171744
20181053
20191072
2020573
202145916
20221954
20232315
2024693
2025501
2026273

The 2004 Tahoe has 467 complaints and 2 recalls on file[5]. Six model years list more complaints: 2007 (1,177), 2015 (663), 2008 (586), 1999 (552), 2001 (512) and 2003 (507)[5]. The neighbors are 2003 with 507 complaints and 4 recalls, and 2005 with 293 complaints and 5 recalls[5]. The years with the most recalls are 2015 and 2021, with 16 each[5]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat this as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2004 Tahoe?

The record shows a truck with a lot of electrical complaints, and in our sample the speedometer and instrument cluster come up often[2]. Steering shaft noise and exhaust popping also show up in the samples we read[7][8]. Both recalls are old. If you look at one, ask for proof that the recall work was done[13][14], and check the instrument cluster and steering on a test drive. Expect fuel costs of $4,450 to $4,800 a year by EPA's current estimate[3][4].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe?
Electrical system is the largest group with 214 of 467 complaints[1][2]. In a sample we read, speedometer and instrument cluster trouble came up often[2].
Does the 2004 Tahoe have any recalls?
Yes, two: 05V163 for second row center seat belt routing and 04V045 for a brake hydro-boost relief valve[13][14].
What gas mileage does a 2004 Tahoe get?
EPA combined ratings are 14 or 15 MPG depending on engine and drive[3][4].
How does the 2004 Tahoe compare with other model years?
It has 467 complaints and 2 recalls, and six model years list more complaints[5].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 467 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe (25 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 24 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 214 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. EPA rating for Tahoe 1500 2WD, 4.8L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  4. EPA rating for Tahoe 1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Tahoe model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  6. 86 complaints name the brakes component group (12 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 100,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 46 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 92,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 29 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 27 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 53,974). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 26 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,849). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 15 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 66,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 14 complaints name the air bags component group (9 crashes, 0 fires, 15 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 05V163, filed April 22, 2005: Seat Belts › Rear / Other. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 04V045, filed February 4, 2004: Service Brakes, Hydraulic. NHTSA recall database
  15. EPA rating for Tahoe 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
  16. EPA rating for Tahoe 1500 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Tahoe 1500 AWD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Tahoe 1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Tahoe 1500 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Tahoe 1500 AWD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 26.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TAHOE 4DR SUV RWD LS/LT: length 199 in, width 79 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 117 in, curb weight 4,828 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.