Model year record

2004 Chevrolet Silverado

8 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 723 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 06V417000

Air bags: frontal

Component: Air bags: frontal
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected: 794
Reported to NHTSA: 2006-10-31
Owners notified: 2006-11-06

Defect description

CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.

Safety risk

IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, A FRONT PASSENGER'S LEVEL OF INJURY MAY BE INCREASED.

Manufacturer remedy

BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-877-477-1022 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPURCHASING THEIR VEHICLE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 06V289000

Engine and engine cooling

Component: Engine and engine cooling
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected: 38,439
Reported to NHTSA: 2006-08-03
Owners notified: 2006-08-31

Defect description

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.1L V8 (RPO L8-VIN G) ENGINE HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP MAY FRACTURE RESULTING IN INADEQUATE RETENTION OF THE DAMPER.

Safety risk

IF THE DAMPER COMES LOOSE, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463.

Recall campaignNHTSA 05V161000

Parking brake

Component: Parking brake
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected: 90,242
Reported to NHTSA: 2005-04-22
Owners notified: 2005-07-29

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND BUILT WITH EITHER PBR PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS OR TRW PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS, THE PARKING BRAKE FRICTION LININGS MAY WEAR TO AN EXTENT WHERE THE PARKING BRAKE CAN BECOME INEFFECTIVE IN IMMOBILIZING A PARKED VEHICLE.

Safety risk

IF THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT HOLD, UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD OCCUR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A LOW-FORCE SPRING CLIP RETAINER FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A PBR PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TRW PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM, DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED PARKING BRAKE CABLE ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 29, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Recall campaignNHTSA 05V163000

Seat belts: rear/other

Component: Seat belts: rear/other
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected: 1,359,824
Reported to NHTSA: 2005-04-22
Owners notified: 2005-07-21

Defect description

ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.

Safety risk

A LAP PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ROUTING THAT IS NOT LOW AND SNUG ON THE HIPS CAN ALLOW THE LAP BELT TO RIDE UP ON AN OCCUPANT'S ABDOMEN INSTEAD OF FITTING LOW AROUND THEIR HIPBONES, AND THEREFORE, CAN EXPOSE THEM TO MORE RISK OF ABDOMINAL AND INTERNAL ORGAN INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.

Recall campaignNHTSA 05V043000

Service brakes, hydraulic

Component: Service brakes, hydraulic
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected: 77,411
Reported to NHTSA: 2005-02-08
Owners notified: 2005-03-23

Defect description

CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.

Safety risk

IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WERE OPEN, FRAGMENTS FROM THE ACCUMULATOR COULD CAUSE INJURY TO PEOPLE IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA. THE PRESENCE OF THIS CRACK OR FRACTURED SURFACE COULD ALLOW THE HYDRAULIC FLUID TO LEAK FROM THE ACCUMULATOR CIRCUIT OF THE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY. THE LOSS OF FLUID WOULD CAUSE INCREASED STEERING AND BRAKING EFFORT AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL TEST THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FOR FUNCTIONAL OPERATION OF THE TWO-FUNCTION VALVE. IF THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FAILS THE TEST, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V225000

Seat belts: front: anchorage

Component: Seat belts: front: anchorage
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected: 736
Reported to NHTSA: 2004-05-11
Owners notified: 2004-09-09

Defect description

CERTAIN EXTENDED AND REGULAR CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND CARGO VANS CONVERTED TO COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, 'CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS.' THESE VEHICLES HAVE ONE SEATING POSITION, THE CENTER REAR SEAT, EQUIPPED WITH CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORAGES.

Safety risk

THE STANDARD REQUIRES CHILD SEAT LOWER ANCHORAGES IN TWO SEATING POSITIONS FOR VEHICLES WITH THREE REAR SEATING POSITIONS. THE STANDARD CAB AND CARGO VAN VEHICLES, WHICH ONLY HAVE FRONT SEATING POSITIONS, HAVE AN AIR BAG OFF SWITCH TO DISABLE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG AND DO NOT HAVE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORAGES IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE STANDARD REQUIRES PASSENGER SEAT CHILD SEAT LOWER ANCHORAGES IN VEHICLES WITH AN AIR BAG OFF SWITCH. HOWEVER, THE STANDARD DOES NOT REQUIRE VEHICLES WITH ONLY FRONT SEATING POSITIONS TO HAVE LOWER ANCHORAGE PROVISIONS IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN AIR BAG OFF SWITCH.

Manufacturer remedy

TO BRING THE STANDARD CAB AND CARGO VAN VEHICLES INTO COMPLIANCE, DEALERS WILL INJECT EPOXY INTO THE AIR BAG OFF SWITCH TO PREVENT AIR BAG ACTIVATION, RELOCATE THE SWITCH BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THEN INSTALL A COVER OVER THE RESULTING OPENING. THE SUN VISOR LABEL AND OWNER'S MANUAL WILL ALSO BE CHANGED. THE CORRECTION FOR THE EXTENDED CAB VEHICLE WILL CONSIST OF CHANGING THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT TO A SEAT THAT HAS CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORAGES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V129000

Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments

Component: Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected: 3,662,211
Reported to NHTSA: 2004-03-17
Owners notified: 2004-09-18

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE GALVANIZED STEEL TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES THAT RETAIN THE TAILGATE IN THE FULL OPEN (HORIZONTAL) POSITION MAY CORRODE, WEAKEN, AND EVENTUALLY FRACTURE. IF BOTH CABLES FRACTURED, THE TAILGATE WOULD SUDDENLY DROP AND STRIKE THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER.

Safety risk

ANYONE SITTING OR STANDING ON THE HORIZONTAL SURFACE OF THE TAILGATE WHEN BOTH CABLES FRACTURED COULD BE INJURED BY FALLING FROM THE TAILGATE. ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THE BUMPER REMOVED, THE TAILGATE MAY DROP EVEN LOWER. ADDITIONALLY, IF THERE IS CARGO ON THE TAILGATE THE CARGO MAY FALL OFF IF THE SUPPORT CABLES FRACTURE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CABLES. INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 7, 20004. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2004, WHEN REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE, AND WILL CONTINUE THROUGH OCTOBER 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR VISIT WWW.MYGMLINK.COM, AND ENTER YOUR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V045000

Service brakes, hydraulic

Component: Service brakes, hydraulic
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected: 68,875
Reported to NHTSA: 2004-02-04
Owners notified: 2004-06-18

Defect description

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.

Safety risk

CONSEQUENTLY, THE VALVE O-RING SEAL MAY FRACTURE. STEERING EFFORTS MAY BE SLIGHTLY INCREASED WHILE BRAKING OR PARKING. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, A FRACTURED SEAL MAY REQUIRE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME VEHICLE DECELERATION RATE AS PRIOR TO THE SEAT FRACTURE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Service brakes	122	92,000 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel	100	48,700 mi
Electrical system	44	59,516 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	37	23,150 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	27	12,250 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	22	2,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	19	40,000 mi
Steering	16	33,500 mi
Air bags: frontal	15	30,000 mi
Tires	15	25,000 mi
Air bags	12	35,600 mi
Suspension	11	15,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash	10	38,000 mi
Unknown or other	9	40,000 mi
Power train	8	99,706 mi
Engine	7	113,250 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel	7	4,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system	7	13,177 mi
Structure: body	7	79,000 mi
Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments	7	31,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine	6	37,850 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	6	80,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling	5	4,500 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	5	64,824 mi
Steering: column	5	49,750 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump	5	13,177 mi
Electrical system: wiring	4	7,912 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system	4	20,000 mi
Equipment	4	9,400 mi
Fuel system, diesel	4	126,482 mi
Power train: axle assembly	4	20,045 mi
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)	4	9,500 mi
Seats	4	100 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor	4	32,000 mi
Steering: linkages	4	7,000 mi
Structure	4	4,000 mi
Suspension: front	4	1,400 mi
Tires: tread/belt	4	8,684 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system	4	1,500 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior	4	200 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module	3	37,600 mi
Equipment: mechanical: accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift	3	10,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights	3	—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump	3	21,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads	3	11,452 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist	3	9,400 mi
Steering: gear box: shaft sector	3	40,000 mi
Trailer hitches	3	10,900 mi
Visibility	3	58,000 mi
Wheels	3	12,250 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch	2	7,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)	2	1,928 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner	2	75,031 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	2	33,500 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	2	96,100 mi
Interior lighting	2	500 mi
Latches/locks/linkages	2	—
Parking brake	2	24,943 mi
Power train: driveline	2	18 mi
Power train: driveline: driveshaft	2	3,500 mi
Power train: driveline: universal joint	2	—
Service brakes, electric	2	44,100 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light	2	2,689 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder	2	9,670 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages	2	1,000 mi
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly	2	—
Structure: body: door	2	38 mi
Structure: frame and members	2	112,000 mi
Suspension: front: shock absorber	2	5,500 mi
Suspension: rear	2	25 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control	2	16 mi
Visibility: glass, side/rear	2	1,000 mi
Visibility: windshield	2	1,500 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor	2	37,172 mi
Air bags: side/window	1	18,807 mi
Electrical system: horn	1	2,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood	1	76,505 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)	1	61,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control	1	8,000 mi
Equipment adaptive/mobility	1	—
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.	1	9,000 mi
Exterior lighting	1	—
Exterior lighting: back up lights	1	58,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights	1	58,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch	1	—
Exterior lighting: turn signal	1	45,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system	1	7,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly	1	3,100 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap	1	99,000 mi
Fuel system, other	1	—
Fuel system, other: delivery	1	1,200 mi
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system	1	—
Parking brake: conventional	1	5,200 mi
Parking brake: indicator light	1	45,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)	1	1,368 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift	1	13,000 mi
Power train: axle hubs	1	49,750 mi
Power train: clutch assembly	1	12,250 mi
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)	1	11,256 mi
Power train: driveline: differential unit	1	—
Power train: manual transmission	1	—
Seat belts	1	—
Seat belts: front: anchorage	1	—
Seat belts: rear/other	1	—
Seats: front assembly: power adjust	1	—
Seats: front assembly: seat heater/cooler	1	—
Service brakes, air: antilock: ABS warning light	1	5,500 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock: control unit/module	1	40,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: wheel speed sensor/tone ring	1	58,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components	1	15,275 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper	1	91,200 mi
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device	1	20,000 mi
Steering: electric power assist system	1	14,000 mi
Steering: gear box: shaft pitman	1	17,000 mi
Structure: body: bumpers	1	30,000 mi
Structure: body: hood: hinge and attachments	1	4,100 mi
Structure: body: roof and pillars	1	11,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint	1	91,200 mi
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs	1	5,500 mi
Suspension: front: springs: torsion bar	1	23,400 mi
Suspension: rear: shock absorber	1	5,500 mi
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly	1	5,500 mi
Tires: sidewall	1	16,800 mi
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire	1	—
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal	1	5 mi
Vehicle speed control: cables	1	42,667 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls	1	—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer	1	200 mi
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs	1	—

The 2003 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 2005 model has 2 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.