FaultScore report
Owners have filed 951 complaints about the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with NHTSA between 1997 and 2025. The largest single group is the brakes. Across this model's run it ranks 12 of 32 worst.
FaultScore 52/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
How this is worked out951
Complaints
47
Crashes reported
13
Fires reported
25
Injuries reported
1 complaint reports a death.
70,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
16%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Median failure at 70,500 miles
Median failure at 63,667 miles
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 120,543 mi
Median failure at 50,000 miles
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
AIR BAGS
Abs system is failing light comes on then brakes don’t catch, airbags message keeps coming on . Pulling in to store when it done it end up hitting the metal pipe in from of store to stop
NHTSA complaint #11563911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Abs system is failing light comes on then brakes don’t catch, airbags message keeps coming on . Pulling in to store when it done it end up hitting the metal pipe in from of store to stop
NHTSA complaint #11563911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Abs system is failing light comes on then brakes don’t catch, airbags message keeps coming on . Pulling in to store when it done it end up hitting the metal pipe in from of store to stop
NHTSA complaint #11563911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Vehicle was involved in motor vehicle collision. This unit was struck broadside by a semi resulting in the cab and box of this unit to separate from the frame. The frame of this unit, cab, and box all came to final rest in different locations in the scene with the driver remaining in the driver seat.
NHTSA complaint #11491595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
Collided with a bear at 55mph with significant front end damage. Air bags were commanded to deploy and never did. I have contacted GM about the problem and have been told to wait for a claim advisor as no recalls are active on my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11432960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
# 1 is the 4l60E transmission that sits on the exhaust and runs next to it on the opposite side the heat from the trans itself and the exhaust overheat the gasket which causes weak spots that leak along with burning up the 3-4 clutch. Lost everything but 1&2,R,N on trip to Illinois on way back went to speed up to pass and all sudden the engine started tacking out and leaking fluid. I applied fluid all the way home at a speed of 45mph in a 70 mph limit which caused a major safety hazard with traffic. Took to trans shop said the 3-4 clutch was fried and was no good due to overheating and loss fluid from damaged gasket that's split on the stamps from AC Delco. 2nd issue arises out 1rst, even more dangerous to point of dragging me down drive way and cutting into my leg leaving a small scar. When wheels are chalked , E brake applied the vehical should not move, so after doing so I climbed under and unhooked the shift cable from the trans instantly with dog in truck it began rolling right over me I grabbed the frame and stopped it for a few sec then boom it went again I had spin around or my legs or head would've be smashed to Oblivion. At that point it just kept going as it cut into my leg, I let it roll over me hopped up and tried trow it in park yet no cable attached it wouldn't stop and just kept going till it hit a small ditch at end my drive and half way in the road.My leg was cut and I was scratched up in many spots yet dog was ok. The trans quitting lead to the unhooking of the cable then the e/p brake not holding due to worn brake shins in the rear which have calipers so if the calpier would've held with the brake it'd been fine but under everything is a set small and thin pads that hold the truck when brake applied. There was a recall (#05042). Yet my vin was not included, chevy was called yet denied any responsibility of either matter or action to cure it. These defects could've killed me, decapitated, or killed my service dog!
NHTSA complaint #11431699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact was interested in purchasing a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 from a local used car dealer. The contact stated that the odometer indicated that the mileage was 187,000. The Carfax report indicated that the last reported mileage was 312,000. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle had only one previous owner. The Carfax report indicated that the vehicle had four previous owners. The dealer was not made aware of the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11672053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the brake and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal traveled down to the floorboard, and the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact pulled to the side of the road, added brake fluid to the vehicle, and continued driving. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal traveled down to the floorboard and the vehicle failed to respond. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact engaged the parking brake, and the vehicle stopped. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road downhill. The contact turned on the hazard lights and drove 5 MPH to her mother's residence while being trailed by a Police Officer. The vehicle was taken to O'Reilly and to Advanced Auto Parts, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact purchased an oxygen sensor, an oil sensor, the battery, the brake booster, the thermostat, and the brake lines. The contact's son and nephew attempted to replace the parts and noticed that the brake assembly was significantly damaged. The contact's son and nephew also noticed that the frame, the exhaust system assembly, and other parts were severely corroded. The Used Car dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The Chevrolet dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,616.
NHTSA complaint #11631573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the brake and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal traveled down to the floorboard, and the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact pulled to the side of the road, added brake fluid to the vehicle, and continued driving. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal traveled down to the floorboard and the vehicle failed to respond. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact engaged the parking brake, and the vehicle stopped. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road downhill. The contact turned on the hazard lights and drove 5 MPH to her mother's residence while being trailed by a Police Officer. The vehicle was taken to O'Reilly and to Advanced Auto Parts, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact purchased an oxygen sensor, an oil sensor, the battery, the brake booster, the thermostat, and the brake lines. The contact's son and nephew attempted to replace the parts and noticed that the brake assembly was significantly damaged. The contact's son and nephew also noticed that the frame, the exhaust system assembly, and other parts were severely corroded. The Used Car dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The Chevrolet dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,616.
NHTSA complaint #11631573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
I just replaced the battery in my 2004 chevy Silverado 1500 with only 97,000 miles on it, and i went to drive it down the road and the vehicle now loses power and cuts off making a left turn.. It did this twice and i parked it.. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE in my opinion.. PLEASE investigate the issue and report back to me please..
NHTSA complaint #11597757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
I just replaced the battery in my 2004 chevy Silverado 1500 with only 97,000 miles on it, and i went to drive it down the road and the vehicle now loses power and cuts off making a left turn.. It did this twice and i parked it.. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE in my opinion.. PLEASE investigate the issue and report back to me please..
NHTSA complaint #11597757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I just replaced the battery in my 2004 chevy Silverado 1500 with only 97,000 miles on it, and i went to drive it down the road and the vehicle now loses power and cuts off making a left turn.. It did this twice and i parked it.. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE in my opinion.. PLEASE investigate the issue and report back to me please..
NHTSA complaint #11597757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact's son owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while his son was exiting a parking lot, the brake pedal hose ruptured, and the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact discovered that there was a hole in the brake hose. The contact used a personal trailer to tow the vehicle home where the vehicle remained. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11581650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEELS
While driving the right front factory steel wheel rusted out to the point where the wheel center separated from the outer part of the rim on 4 of the 5 spokes, this caused a dangerous wobble to occur and if the vehicle wasn't being driven in the city I believe this would have resulted in a crash since the wheel was only being held on by 1 of the 5 spokes. Due to the design of these chrome clad wheels you can't see the corrosion that is occuring behind the chrome cladding. I put a spare tire on the vehicle and have since parked it until such time as I can replace all 4 of the wheels since I don't believe this vehicle is safe to be driven at this time. The chrome cladding was thrown off the right front wheel when this occured
NHTSA complaint #11574908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
My dash Cluster quit working,the only part that works I can read my miles but I don't have the PRND321.
NHTSA complaint #11571590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My dash Cluster quit working,the only part that works I can read my miles but I don't have the PRND321.
NHTSA complaint #11571590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
Abs system is failing light comes on then brakes don’t catch, airbags message keeps coming on . Pulling in to store when it done it end up hitting the metal pipe in from of store to stop
NHTSA complaint #11563911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Abs system is failing light comes on then brakes don’t catch, airbags message keeps coming on . Pulling in to store when it done it end up hitting the metal pipe in from of store to stop
NHTSA complaint #11563911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Abs system is failing light comes on then brakes don’t catch, airbags message keeps coming on . Pulling in to store when it done it end up hitting the metal pipe in from of store to stop
NHTSA complaint #11563911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
Wholes are developing in the transfer case near the output shaft and all the fluid leaks out causing the transfer case to grenade.
NHTSA complaint #11551002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil pressure gauge was elevated too high. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed instrument cluster. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she recently noticed that other gauges were also malfunctioning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a failed instrument cluster. The contact was informed that the instrument cluster need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 19,626.
NHTSA complaint #11550607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS FAILED IN LESS THAN 2 YEARS
NHTSA complaint #11546459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Vehicle was involved in motor vehicle collision. This unit was struck broadside by a semi resulting in the cab and box of this unit to separate from the frame. The frame of this unit, cab, and box all came to final rest in different locations in the scene with the driver remaining in the driver seat.
NHTSA complaint #11491595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
Collided with a bear at 55mph with significant front end damage. Air bags were commanded to deploy and never did. I have contacted GM about the problem and have been told to wait for a claim advisor as no recalls are active on my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11432960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
# 1 is the 4l60E transmission that sits on the exhaust and runs next to it on the opposite side the heat from the trans itself and the exhaust overheat the gasket which causes weak spots that leak along with burning up the 3-4 clutch. Lost everything but 1&2,R,N on trip to Illinois on way back went to speed up to pass and all sudden the engine started tacking out and leaking fluid. I applied fluid all the way home at a speed of 45mph in a 70 mph limit which caused a major safety hazard with traffic. Took to trans shop said the 3-4 clutch was fried and was no good due to overheating and loss fluid from damaged gasket that's split on the stamps from AC Delco. 2nd issue arises out 1rst, even more dangerous to point of dragging me down drive way and cutting into my leg leaving a small scar. When wheels are chalked , E brake applied the vehical should not move, so after doing so I climbed under and unhooked the shift cable from the trans instantly with dog in truck it began rolling right over me I grabbed the frame and stopped it for a few sec then boom it went again I had spin around or my legs or head would've be smashed to Oblivion. At that point it just kept going as it cut into my leg, I let it roll over me hopped up and tried trow it in park yet no cable attached it wouldn't stop and just kept going till it hit a small ditch at end my drive and half way in the road.My leg was cut and I was scratched up in many spots yet dog was ok. The trans quitting lead to the unhooking of the cable then the e/p brake not holding due to worn brake shins in the rear which have calipers so if the calpier would've held with the brake it'd been fine but under everything is a set small and thin pads that hold the truck when brake applied. There was a recall (#05042). Yet my vin was not included, chevy was called yet denied any responsibility of either matter or action to cure it. These defects could've killed me, decapitated, or killed my service dog!
NHTSA complaint #11431699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
# 1 is the 4l60E transmission that sits on the exhaust and runs next to it on the opposite side the heat from the trans itself and the exhaust overheat the gasket which causes weak spots that leak along with burning up the 3-4 clutch. Lost everything but 1&2,R,N on trip to Illinois on way back went to speed up to pass and all sudden the engine started tacking out and leaking fluid. I applied fluid all the way home at a speed of 45mph in a 70 mph limit which caused a major safety hazard with traffic. Took to trans shop said the 3-4 clutch was fried and was no good due to overheating and loss fluid from damaged gasket that's split on the stamps from AC Delco. 2nd issue arises out 1rst, even more dangerous to point of dragging me down drive way and cutting into my leg leaving a small scar. When wheels are chalked , E brake applied the vehical should not move, so after doing so I climbed under and unhooked the shift cable from the trans instantly with dog in truck it began rolling right over me I grabbed the frame and stopped it for a few sec then boom it went again I had spin around or my legs or head would've be smashed to Oblivion. At that point it just kept going as it cut into my leg, I let it roll over me hopped up and tried trow it in park yet no cable attached it wouldn't stop and just kept going till it hit a small ditch at end my drive and half way in the road.My leg was cut and I was scratched up in many spots yet dog was ok. The trans quitting lead to the unhooking of the cable then the e/p brake not holding due to worn brake shins in the rear which have calipers so if the calpier would've held with the brake it'd been fine but under everything is a set small and thin pads that hold the truck when brake applied. There was a recall (#05042). Yet my vin was not included, chevy was called yet denied any responsibility of either matter or action to cure it. These defects could've killed me, decapitated, or killed my service dog!
NHTSA complaint #11431699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEELS
Front Suspension repaired fixed but did not fixed the vibration in front tires. Front Driver Side Hub and Bearing Assembly Failed since I had truck(used). Had front end redone but wheel still vibrated and took it too dealership July 3, 2021 and stated the Hub and Bearing grinding and growling and activates abs lights. Fuel line needs replace due to rust problems and dealership stated that the pump and retaining cam are very rusted and has a spot on the pump that is wet but not soaking wet(fail dealership looking for lawsuit for fire hazard). Fuel lines are rusted so whole truck needs repair. I spent $5400 on used truck and putting more money into it with repairs due to rust, parts and labor which is stupid as some parts do not take long if dealership have tools. I don't know incident as there no accident or anything.
NHTSA complaint #11423670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
Front Suspension repaired fixed but did not fixed the vibration in front tires. Front Driver Side Hub and Bearing Assembly Failed since I had truck(used). Had front end redone but wheel still vibrated and took it too dealership July 3, 2021 and stated the Hub and Bearing grinding and growling and activates abs lights. Fuel line needs replace due to rust problems and dealership stated that the pump and retaining cam are very rusted and has a spot on the pump that is wet but not soaking wet(fail dealership looking for lawsuit for fire hazard). Fuel lines are rusted so whole truck needs repair. I spent $5400 on used truck and putting more money into it with repairs due to rust, parts and labor which is stupid as some parts do not take long if dealership have tools. I don't know incident as there no accident or anything.
NHTSA complaint #11423670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Front Suspension repaired fixed but did not fixed the vibration in front tires. Front Driver Side Hub and Bearing Assembly Failed since I had truck(used). Had front end redone but wheel still vibrated and took it too dealership July 3, 2021 and stated the Hub and Bearing grinding and growling and activates abs lights. Fuel line needs replace due to rust problems and dealership stated that the pump and retaining cam are very rusted and has a spot on the pump that is wet but not soaking wet(fail dealership looking for lawsuit for fire hazard). Fuel lines are rusted so whole truck needs repair. I spent $5400 on used truck and putting more money into it with repairs due to rust, parts and labor which is stupid as some parts do not take long if dealership have tools. I don't know incident as there no accident or anything.
NHTSA complaint #11423670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle was being driven when "Service Brake System" appeared in the DIC. Vehicle was safely returned to owners home where it was discovered a master cylinder failure had occurred. The master cylinder contained no brake fluid, the booster was covered in brake fluid, and fluid was dripping from the undercarriage to the ground. The master cylinder and booster were replaced. In the process of bleeding the brake lines, a secondary leak was discovered in the brake line to the left front caliper. An inspection revealed a failure of the brake line due to rust. Inspection of the other brake lines revealed rust which will require replacement of all the brake lines. In this instance, the vehicle was actively being repaired when the failure of the brake line occurred. Had the brake line not failed during the repair process of the master cylinder and booster, a failure would have occurred while the vehicle was being operated possibly resulting in a crash with injury or death to the occupants or other drivers.
NHTSA complaint #11417374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
CRACKED DASHBOARD, EXTERIOR COLOR FADED,
NHTSA complaint #11399174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.