VehicleVerdict

2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 sits mid-pack among Silverado 3500 years: 46 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 42, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 46% of all reports (21 of 46), far ahead of fuel system at 7.

46

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Silverado 3500 years?

Silverado 3500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted114 complaints1994: 1 complaints1996: 2 complaints1997: 78 complaints1998: 100 complaints1999: 73 complaints2000: 114 complaints2001: 97 complaints2002: 64 complaints2003: 60 complaints2004: 46 complaints2005: 60 complaints2006: 60 complaints2007: 42 complaints2008: 35 complaints2009: 10 complaints2010: 4 complaints2011: 42 complaints2012: 31 complaints2013: 36 complaints2014: 10 complaints2015: 76 complaints2016: 72 complaints2017: 14 complaints2018: 27 complaints2019: 34 complaints2020: 49 complaints2021: 54 complaints2022: 34 complaints2023: 20 complaints2024: 67 complaints2025: 19 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Silverado 3500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Silverado 3500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2146%
Fuel System715%
Engine613%
Electrical System49%
Steering24%
Body & Structure24%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Suspension12%
Transmission12%
Other12%

Does the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

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).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. WHEN THERE IS HALF OF A TANK OF FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, IT AUTOMATICALLY SHUTS OFF. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED, WHICH CAUSED A CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. GENERAL MOTORS STATED THAT NOTHING COULD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 26, 2006 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. WHEN THERE IS HALF OF A TANK OF FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, IT AUTOMATICALLY SHUTS OFF. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED, WHICH CAUSED A CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. GENERAL MOTORS STATED THAT NOTHING COULD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 26, 2006 · crash

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 15, 2015

“AFTER DISENGAGING CRUISE CONTROL MY SPEEDOMETER WAS REGISTERING 80MPH PLUS AS MY SPEED. WHEN COMING TO A STOP THE SPEEDOMETER REGISTERED 35 MPH. THE SPEEDOMETER WENT UP TO 100MPG WHEN I STAYED WITH EXPRESSWAY TRAFFIC, KEEPS ON GOING UP,EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT IS OFF THE GAS PEDAL. THIS IS A DEFECT IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 8, 2008

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 1, 2016

2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 — common questions

Is the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Silverado 3500: 46 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2004 Silverado 3500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (21 complaints), fuel system (7 complaints), engine (6 complaints).

Does the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Silverado 3500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Silverado 3500 years to avoid are 2000, 1998, 2001, 1997, 2015, 1999, 2016, 2024, 2002, 2011, 2007, 2013, 2008, 2012, 2009, 2014, 2010. The cleanest record among Silverado 3500 years belongs to 1994.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.