2004 GMC Sierra 3500: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 24 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes.
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 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Brakes failed due to a sudden brake line failure. There had been no prior fluid leaks. The rear metal brake line under the bed rusted at a clamp in front of the fuel tank. As I have looked further into this I have several friends that have had this problem and several shops said that they saw this often with these vehicles all failing in the same area. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2013
“Approaching a stop. When the brakes were applied, the brake pedal dropped almost completely to the floor and stopping was extremely difficult. Discovered that the brake lines which run along the frame behind the driver side front wheel had corroded to the point where one of the lines failed and blew open. The lines are clamped against the frame in this location, and all the 4 lines at the bracket appear extremely corroded. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 gmc sierra 3500 hd. The contact stated that there was a large puddle of unknown fluids under the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the fuel line was severely corroded and causing diesel fuel to leak. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they advised the contact that the fuel line needed to be replaced due to the corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not contacted in regards to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000. Updated 02/03/12*lj the consumer stated the vehicle has since been repaired. The brake lines were corroded as well. Updated 02/08/12”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2011
Show 7 more owner reports
“Brake failure due to rusted out brake lines, also on-going since truck was new with ABS engaging at slow down due to corroded sensors. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 gmc pick up 3500. The contact stated that when applying the brake, the pedal fell further into the floorboard than usual and the brake lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis where the contact was informed that the retainer chip for the hydro-boost and brake switch was missing at the brake pedal. The dealer replaced the clip and the brake switch was reinstalled. In addition, while test driving the vehicle the dealer advised that the steering wheel was producing an abnormal sound and advised the contact that the lower bearing assembly was worn. The steering was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 38,338.”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2010
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 gmc sierra 3500. While driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle became resistant to acceleration. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where the technicians stated that all eight fuel injectors would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. After the repairs were made, the failure recurred. The contact stated the previous owner of the vehicle experienced the same failure and had the fuel injectors replaced. The vehicle was then traded for another vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 149,411.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2008
“Speedometer erratically shows incorrect speed while driving. Sometimes displaying 120mph or 0mph. Very dangerous and should be a mandatory recall checked with dealer and would cost $800.00 to replace bad instrument cluster. Only has 73,000 miles. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 2004 gmc sierra 3500. The vehicle has power king towmax tires, size lt235/80r16e. While pulling the trailer at 65 mph, the sidewall on the passenger tire blew out. No repairs have been made. The cause of the failure was unknown. The failure mileage was 600.”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2008
“Anti-lock brake sensors on the front of my 2004 gmc 3500 dually diesel were malfunctioning creating extended low speed stops at a stoplight, causing many close calls in rear ending another car. It appears this is a common problem ( see: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=358797 ). My state is excluded from any recall and I was charged $440.00 today to fix this. We salt our roads like any other northern state - this is absurd! *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Electric · Jul 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 2004 gmc sierra 3500. While attempting a turn, the power steering and power brakes failed. A mechanic stated that the power steering shaft snapped and caused the failures. The contact has had the power steering and power brakes replaced on four separate occasions for the same failures. The speed was unknown. The failure mileage was 40,000 and current mileage was 67,000.”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2008
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 Sierra 3500 by VIN
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Is the 2004 GMC Sierra 3500 reliable?
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2004 GMC Sierra 3500. The most complained-about area is service brakes.
Does the 2004 GMC Sierra 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.