2004 Chevrolet Kodiak: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 5 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train; the 2003 and 2006 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt*: the contact stated there were numerous problems with the vehicle. At 20,000 miles, the left wheel bearing backed out and at 87,000 miles, the drag link failed. While driving 80 mph, the vehicle suddenly down shifted to 20 mph with no effort from the contact. While starting the vehicle, the rpm will not go beyond 2000. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer on numerous occasions and they can not determine the problem. This occurred regardless of the traffic conditions, speed or terrain.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2006
“Brake warning light for service brakes came on. Soft brake pedal. Further investigation revealed loss of brake fluid and brake fluid sprayed all over left front wheel, chassis, and frame. Outside brake line from the brake pressure modulator had a hole leaking brake fluid. Cause of worn brake line was from the power steering hose coming from the hydraulic pump to the inlet side of the steering gear box. The power steering hose was rubbing against the brake line. Power steering hose was replaced and brake line repaired. Defective brake line is available for inspection. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated the front end of the vehicle shook at any speed. This caused abnormal wear to the front tires, the tires must be replaced every 10,000 miles. The dealership was unable to determine a problem with the vehicle, but determined the tires are not rated to carry the load of the vehicle.”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2006
Show 1 more owner reports
“Consumer is unable to keep vehicle strayed out of the lane. Front end had been done eight times. The rear axle was mounted wrongly on the vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
ON CERTAIN MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ZF MODEL 8018 STEERING GEARS, THE STEERING GEAR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED INCORRECTLY. A STEERING GEAR WITH THIS CONDITION MAY PRODUCE THE FEELING OF HITTING A CURB AND A CRACKING OR PINGING SOUND WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR CERTAIN DATE CODES AND VERIFY THE MILEAGE ON STEERING GEARS AND REPLACE GEARS AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 25, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE SWITCH RETAINER HOLDING THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUSH ROD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TOGETHER COULD BE MISSING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL A NEW RETAINER IF MISSING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 5, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT GMCICT AT 1-800-862-4389.
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.
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.
CERTAIN 2003-2005 MODEL YEAR 4500/5500 SERIES CHEVROLET KODIAK, SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS, AND GMC TOPKICK VEHICLES; AND 2003-2004 MODEL YEAR GMC SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.1L ENGINE AND HYDROMAX BRAKE SYSTEM. THE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY COME INTO CONTACT WITH A PORTION OF THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. A HOLE COULD BE WORN IN THE HOSE AND A LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID WOULD OCCUR.
Remedy: GM WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE POWER STEERING HOSE. IF THE STEEL BRAIDING OF THE HOSE IS EXPOSED, DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 866-996-9463.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Kodiak 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 Kodiak reliable?
NHTSA has 5 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Chevrolet Kodiak. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 2004 Chevrolet Kodiak have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering. 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.