2004 Chevrolet Classic: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 40 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (62% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My fuel level gauge is malfunctioning. Even though I have had the entire fuel pump assembly replaced and the in dash gauges checked, it will not register past 1/4 tank. After driving approximately 150 miles the gauge will suddenly drop, the low fuel light will come on. After turning the car off and on, it will again read 1/4 tank even when full. The vehicle is almost always in motion when this occurs.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2016
“Brake lines rusted through causing complete brake failure. All the lines(4) run very close together underneeth the air filter box. By running the lines this close together it allows moistures to be held in the tiny gaps between the lines, therby cuasing accelerated rusting and corrosion. Brake lines rusting out in just over 10 years seems premature given how many of the vehicles 10 years old are still on the road. Maybe I'm wrong? Luckily I was just leaving the driveway to go to the car wash. The picture is taken from under the car looking up from the wheel well, there is also little protection from tire spray”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2015
“The prescribed/proposed fix by gm over the faulty ignition switches is the most lame excuse for a fix I have ever heard of. Just want to go on the record saying this. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl-the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet classic. The contact stated that when attempting to remove the key from the ignition, the key failed to release. The contact mentioned that the key would remain stuck in the off, accessory, and/or on mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the ignition switch tumbler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000. The VIN was not available. Djr”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2014
“We stop and waiting for red light, when the light turn to green, push the accelerator pedal, but the car not have any reaction. I turn off the car, and start again then the car can move. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet classic. The contact stated that the security sensor illuminated intermittently. The contact had to wait a brief moment for the security system to disable in order to start the vehicle. Also, the contact indicated that the vehicle stalled several times. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer multiple times. The technician stated they were unable to remedy the failure since the parts needed were not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was not available.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet classic. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact placed the vehicle into neutral and pushed it to the side of the road. The electrical system was operable during the time of the failure. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic who stated that the ignition and cylinder switches needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 118,500.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2014
“Ignition key can be removed/falls out when vehicle is being driven. We have had six incidents where we parked car and removed key and then car started rolling. In two incidents an open door of the rolling car caught person knocking them down, one incident just missed rolling over foot. In each case found that car was not in park with key removed. Have also had multiple incidents where key was removed but ignition remained on draining the cars battery each time. Very hard to get key lock into "off" position. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2014
“Came to a stop at a stop light and the car just stalled out... Replaced the battery after draining it from trying to restart it. After reading about the anti-theft problems these models have had and how to reset it, it started but then it does it still occasionally and I have to repeat the procedure which can be an inconvenience. *tr”Owner report · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility · Dec 2013
“2004 chevrolet classic. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switches problems. *smd the consumer stated the key would not turn in the ignition, and the key would get stuck. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK THAT DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATION. A WELD ON THESE FUEL TANKS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT, RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK, AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 23, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
How other years compare
Check your exact Classic by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Classic reliable?
NHTSA has 40 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2004 Chevrolet Classic. The most complained-about area is electrical system (62% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2004 Chevrolet Classic problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 90,000 miles or less.
Does the 2004 Chevrolet Classic have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:storage. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.