2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 41 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (25% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“All factory hard brake lines have failed due to corrosion. I've replaced the intermediate line between the master cylinder and distribution block with stainless steel 1.5 yrs ago. I just replaced the rear brake lines along the axel. Now the front brake lines have failed. In all cases the lines failed while driving and emptied the master cylinder. I do not live in the salt belt.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2017
“Brake line failure due to rusted & corroded brake lines resulting in costly repairs. Luckily my 2004 chevy silverado 3500 was stationary when brake line ruptured and I was not towing a trailer or loaded with cargo at the time of failure. The ABS pump also failed prior to line failure. My father in law had similar issues with the same model year 1500. Why does gm not use stainless brake lines for such an important safety component.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that the rocker panels located under the doors on both the driver and passenger side of the vehicle were rusted and corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who did not repair the vehicle. The contact indicated that the steel inside the rocker panel was not painted and contributed to the rusting. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not availiable. The failure mileage was 40,000.”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“Front brake lines failed causing fluid loss and complete loss of brakes. Happened at slow speed, but still was unable to stop before hitting a fixed object”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2015
“Ticking under hood. Exhaust leak due to broken exhaust manifold bolt passenger side near firewall. Tried to loosen other bolts, 3 more broke. Truck has very low miles, 8.1l motor. Internet shows thousands of same issues. Bolts used are very thin for what they do. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2015
“2004 chevrolet silverado 3500. Consumer writes in regards to engine injectors issue. *smd the consumer stated the injectors were replaced in 2010, and now then need to be replaced again.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 2015
“Had just hooked up our 38' - 12,000lb fifth wheel and headed out for the weekend. Came to the first stop sign and the brake pedal went to the floor. Luckily got stopped with trailer brakes. After stopping, pumping brakes caused brake fluid to pour out from just in front of the driver's side rear wheel. Upon research when we arrived home, I find that this is an ongoing issue with chevrolet trucks.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2013
“Brakes failed. China made steel brake lines rusted out and disintegrated. Could have been killed. Had to get repair to steel brake lines from ABS pump to master cylinder and front calipers. Also make up and replace steel brake line to rear axle and to rear left and right rear calipers. Also had to replace bleed screws in all calipers. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2013
“Chevy silverado 3500 duramax diesel, has a cracked fuel filter housing, contacted chevy/gm customer care regarding this problem and even gave them a tsb that I found on website and informed them of many complaints from other owners. They refuse to repair the fuel filter housing at their, when I took vehicle in to be checked out it states that this needs to be repaired and could be a safety hazard as fuel can leak into housing and catch fire. I told the customer care agent of my concern about the safety of this issue and was told that gm/chevy would not pay for it! I have had major issues with this vehicle for over six months and gm refuses to assist me with most of my concerns. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Aug 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle was stopped with the brakes engaged when she noticed black and white smoke coming from the muffler. The failure continued whenever the vehicle was operated. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that three of the eight injectors failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 60,000. Updated 07/26/11 *bf the consumer stated three injectors failed. Updated 07/28/11”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Jan 2011
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
How other years compare
Check your exact Silverado 3500 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 Silverado 3500 reliable?
NHTSA has 41 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (25% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 50,000 miles or less.
Does the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. 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.