CarBrief

The 2004 Envoy has more owner complaints on file with NHTSA (704) than any other Envoy model year[1][2]. The largest group is the electrical system[3], and the car has 2 recalls[4][5].

704owner complaints[1]
2recalls[2]
15–16MPG combined (EPA)[6]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 704 owner complaints for the 2004 Envoy[1]. Of those, 35 mention a crash, 18 a fire, 44 injuries and 1 a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name several parts.

Here is how the complaints split by component group:

Component group Complaints Median mileage at failure
Electrical system[3] 324 62,500
Engine[7] 66 78,000
Fuel system, gasoline[8] 62 80,750
Exterior lighting[9] 56 95,500
Fuel/propulsion system[10] 54 128,000
Air bags[11] 47 85,000
Power train[12] 40 56,226
Visibility[13] 36 50,000

Electrical. This is the biggest group by far, with 8 fires reported[3]. In a sample of complaints we read for this group, owners describe headlights and interior lights that dim and flicker while driving, and gauge, odometer or warning light faults[3]. Oncoming drivers sometimes think they are being flashed, according to the owners.

Engine. In the engine sample, owners describe stalling, loss of power or rough running, often at low speed or when pulling away from a stop[7]. The group has 1 crash and 8 fires[7].

Fuel system. In the gasoline fuel system sample, owners describe fuel leaks or a fuel smell near the tank, filler neck or fuel pump, often with the check engine light on[8]. This group lists no crashes, fires or injuries[8].

Exterior lighting. In the lighting sample, owners describe the turn signal also switching on the hazard flashers, and tail or brake lights going out[9]. The first problem matches one of the recalls below.

Air bags. This group has 47 complaints, 26 of them with a crash and 25 with injuries[11]. We did not read complaint texts for this group, so we cannot say what owners describe.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year[2]. Both are in our data, newest first.

Before you buy, ask for proof that both were done. Our data does not say whether a given vehicle was repaired.

Fuel economy

EPA rates the 2004 Envoy at 15 to 16 MPG combined[6][14]. All versions use a 4-speed automatic and regular gas[6][14][15][16][17][18].

Version Engine City / Hwy / Combined EPA annual fuel cost
Envoy 2WD[6] 4.2L 6-cyl 14 / 19 / 16 $4,200
Envoy 4WD[16] 4.2L 6-cyl 14 / 19 / 16 $4,200
Envoy XL 2WD[14] 4.2L 6-cyl 13 / 18 / 15 $4,450
Envoy XL 4WD[17] 4.2L 6-cyl 13 / 18 / 15 $4,450
Envoy XL 2WD[15] 5.3L 8-cyl 14 / 18 / 16 $4,200
Envoy XL 4WD[18] 5.3L 8-cyl 13 / 17 / 15 $4,450

Add[6] after the sentence.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gave the four-door Envoy a rollover rating of 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 19.1%[19][20]. The Envoy XL and Envoy XUV are not rated[21][22]. We have no frontal or side crash ratings for this year.

Engine and size

The EPA listings show two engines: a 4.2L 6-cyl and a 5.3L 8-cyl, the latter only on the Envoy XL[6][15][18]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Envoy 2WD[23] 192 in 74 in 72 in 113 in 4,442 lb
Envoy 4WD[24] 192 in 74 in 72 in 113 in 4,612 lb
Envoy XL 2WD[25] 208 in 75 in 75 in 129 in 4,773 lb
Envoy XL 4WD[26] 208 in 75 in 75 in 129 in 5,020 lb
Envoy XUV RWD[27] 208 in 75 in 77 in 128 in 4,945 lb

How 2004 compares with other years

2002: 557 complaints, 15 recalls20022003: 624 complaints, 9 recalls20032004: 704 complaints, 2 recalls70420042005: 511 complaints, 2 recalls20052006: 587 complaints, 8 recalls20062007: 253 complaints, 5 recalls20072008: 77 complaints, 0 recalls20082009: 17 complaints, 0 recalls2009
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Envoy model year. The 2004 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
200255715
20036249
20047042
20055112
20065878
20072535
2008770
2009170

NHTSA's counts for each Envoy model year[2]:

Model year Complaints Recalls
2002 557 15
2003 624 9
2004 704 2
2005 511 2
2006 587 8
2007 253 5
2008 77 0
2009 17 0

The 2004 model year has the most complaints of any year listed. It has fewer recalls than 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2007, and the same number as 2005[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, so they are a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2004 Envoy?

Merge the last two sentences, for example: 'Expect 15 to 16 MPG combined and about $4,200 to $4,450 a year in fuel at EPA's assumptions[6][14]. Our data does not cover repair costs or reliability scores, so a pre-purchase inspection matters more than any one number here.' becomes one sentence: 'Expect 15 to 16 MPG combined and about $4,200 to $4,450 a year in fuel at EPA's assumptions[6][14], and note that our data does not cover repair costs or reliability scores, so a pre-purchase inspection matters more than any one number here.'

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 GMC Envoy?
Electrical problems lead, with 324 of the 704 NHTSA complaints[1][3]. Engine (66) and gasoline fuel system (62) follow[7][8].
Does the 2004 GMC Envoy have any recalls?
Yes, 2[2]. Recall 05V198 covers turn signals that flash like hazards, and 04V527 covers tail lamp bulbs that can loosen[4][5].
What MPG does a 2004 GMC Envoy get?
EPA rates it at 15 to 16 MPG combined, depending on version[6][14][15][16][17][18].
How safe is the 2004 GMC Envoy?
NHTSA gives the four-door Envoy 4 stars for rollover, with a 19.1% rollover risk[19][20]. The XL and XUV are not rated[21][22].
Is the 2004 the worst year for the GMC Envoy?
It has the most complaints of the years listed (704) but only 2 recalls[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 704 owner complaints on file for the 2004 GMC Envoy (35 mention a crash, 18 a fire, 44 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every GMC Envoy model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. 324 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 8 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Recall 05V198, filed May 5, 2005: Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 04V527, filed November 1, 2004: Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights. NHTSA recall database
  6. EPA rating for Envoy 2WD, 4.2L 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
  7. 66 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 8 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 78,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 62 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,750). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 56 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 95,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 54 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 128,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 47 complaints name the air bags component group (26 crashes, 0 fires, 25 injuries, median mileage at failure 85,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 40 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,226). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 36 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. EPA rating for Envoy XL 2WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for Envoy XL 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
  16. EPA rating for Envoy 4WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Envoy XL 4WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Envoy XL 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
  19. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR None: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  20. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR W/SAB None: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  21. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  22. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENVOY SLE/SLT 4DR SUV 2WD: length 192 in, width 74 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,442 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENVOY SLE/SLT 4DR SUV 4WD: length 192 in, width 74 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,612 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENVOY XL SLE/SLT 4DR SUV 2WD: length 208 in, width 75 in, height 75 in, wheelbase 129 in, curb weight 4,773 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENVOY XL SLE/SLT 4DR SUV 4WD: length 208 in, width 75 in, height 75 in, wheelbase 129 in, curb weight 5,020 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENVOY XUV 4DR SUV RWD: length 208 in, width 75 in, height 77 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 4,945 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.