VehicleVerdict

2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 220 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.1 times the median Suburban 1500 year — the 2004 model ranks #3 of 23 Suburban 1500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 85 reports (39% of the total).

220

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Suburban 1500 years?

Suburban 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted240 complaints1994: 10 complaints1995: 10 complaints1996: 12 complaints1997: 21 complaints1998: 16 complaints1999: 91 complaints2000: 72 complaints2001: 102 complaints2002: 144 complaints2003: 223 complaints2004: 220 complaints2005: 102 complaints2006: 35 complaints2007: 240 complaints2008: 131 complaints2009: 70 complaints2010: 70 complaints2011: 108 complaints2021: 1 complaints2023: 25 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 36 complaints2026: 10 complaints
Suburban 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Suburban 1500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System8539%
Brakes4119%
Tires & Wheels146%
Steering146%
Engine136%
Speed Control115%
Transmission105%
Visibility & Wipers84%
Fuel System63%
Body & Structure52%
Seat Belts31%
Other31%
Seats21%
Lighting21%
Suspension10%
Airbags10%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have recalls?

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

07E106000Tires & WheelsDecember 17, 2007 · 130,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.

Consequence

WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“VEHICLE GAS GAUGE AND ODOMETER GAUGES CLUSTERS ARE NOT WORKING THIS PUTS US IN DANGER I DID NOT KNOW HOW MUCH GAS I NEED AND HOW FAST I WAS GOING THIS SHOULD BE FIXED BY THE MANUFACTURER BECAUSE IT WAS A CLUSTER DEFECT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 5, 2016 · fire

“BRAKE MODULATING SYSTEM SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. ONCE THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT, THE CAR WOULD NO LONGER START.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 25, 2017 · fire

“VALVE STEM OF TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR BROKE CAUSING THE LEFT, REAR TIRE TO GO FLAT. IT BROKE WHILE I WAS ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE THE VALVE STEM CAP SO THAT I COULD CHECK MY TIRE PRESURE. IF THE FAILURE WOULD HAVE OCCURED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, IT MAY HAVE LED TO AN ACCIDENT. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 12, 2006

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500. THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BEGAN MAKING NOISE WHEN THE WHEEL WAS TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THEY MADE THE REPLACEMENT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,966 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 29, 2008

“I BOUGHT A NEW 2004 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500 LS IN EARLY SEPTEMBER 2005. ONE EVENING I WENT TO A RESTAURANT TO EAT, WENT INSIDE AND WAS SEATED. MAYBE 5 MINUTES PASSED, COULD HAVE BEEN LESS. THE OWNER BEGAN YELLING THAT A VEHICLE IN THE LOT WAS ON FIRE. I LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW AND SAW WHAT I THOUGHT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 10, 2010 · fire

2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 — common questions

Is the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 220 complaints put the 2004 model at #3 of 23 Suburban 1500 years. It is one of the Suburban 1500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 Suburban 1500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (85 complaints), brakes (41 complaints), tires & wheels (14 complaints).

Does the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Suburban 1500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Suburban 1500 years to avoid are 2007, 2003, 2004, 2002, 2008, 2011. The cleanest record among Suburban 1500 years belongs to 2024.

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.