2004 GMC Envoy Xl problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2004 GMC Envoy Xl sits mid-pack among Envoy Xl years: 227 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 182, with a single recall and 4 closed investigations. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 83 reports (37% of the total).

227

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Envoy Xl years?

Envoy Xl NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Envoy Xl years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 GMC Envoy Xl problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	83	37%	▲ up
Fuel System	28	12%	▼ down
Transmission	21	9%	— flat
Engine	20	9%	— flat
Lighting	12	5%	▼ down
Visibility & Wipers	10	4%	▼ down
Speed Control	9	4%	— flat
Other	8	4%	▲ up
Airbags	7	3%	▼ down
Brakes	6	3%	▲ up
Body & Structure	5	2%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	5	2%	▼ down
Seats	4	2%	▲ up
Steering	3	1%	▼ down
Seat Belts	3	1%	▲ up
Latches & Locks	2	1%	▼ down
Suspension	1	0%	▼ down

Does the 2004 GMC Envoy Xl have recalls?

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

04V527000LightingNovember 1, 2004 · 871,473 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, VIBRATION AND HEAT MAY CAUSE THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP BULB TO LOOSEN IN ITS SOCKET. IF THIS OCCURS, THE BULB MAY FLICKER AND EVENTUALLY BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence

AN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION OF STOPPING TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES, AND AN INOPERATIVE REAR TURN SIGNAL LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION TO TURN TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES. BOTH OF THESE FAILURES CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP ASSEMBLIES, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I WAS DRIVING AND MY VEHICLE ON I-985 HALL COUNTY GA. MY CHECK GAGE LIGHT CAME ON AND LESS THAN 1/2 OF A MILE IT START TO SMOKE AND BURN AS SOON AS I STOPPED TURNED OF THE IGNITION. IT BURNT TO THE GROUND FROM THE ENGINE AREA TO THE INSIDE.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 21, 2016 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING AND MY VEHICLE ON I-985 HALL COUNTY GA. MY CHECK GAGE LIGHT CAME ON AND LESS THAN 1/2 OF A MILE IT START TO SMOKE AND BURN AS SOON AS I STOPPED TURNED OF THE IGNITION. IT BURNT TO THE GROUND FROM THE ENGINE AREA TO THE INSIDE.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 21, 2016 · fire

“UPON SHIFTING TRANNY INTO PARK GEAR VHECILE CONTINUED TO ROLL FORWARD OR BACKWARD NOTE : UPON PUSHING IN SHIFTER RELAESE BUTTON SHIFTER ENGAED IN PARK GEAR HOWEVER INDICATOR DISPLAYED DRIVE INTERNAL FAILURE CABLE BROKEN AND EMERGENCY BRAKE DID NOT WORK SO I HAD MY NEIGBOR PUT BRICKS BEHIND THE REAR…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 10, 2013

“I WAS DRIVING AND MY VEHICLE ON I-985 HALL COUNTY GA. MY CHECK GAGE LIGHT CAME ON AND LESS THAN 1/2 OF A MILE IT START TO SMOKE AND BURN AS SOON AS I STOPPED TURNED OF THE IGNITION. IT BURNT TO THE GROUND FROM THE ENGINE AREA TO THE INSIDE.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 21, 2016 · fire

“2004 GMC ENVOY SLT- HEADLIGHTS GO OFF WITH NO WARNING AT NIGHT- HAPPENED ON A DARK ROAD, ALMOST WENT IN A DITCH- ALSO, SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT WORK. *TR”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · July 13, 2010 · crash

2004 GMC Envoy Xl — common questions

Is the 2004 GMC Envoy Xl reliable?

It is close to typical for the Envoy Xl: 227 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 4 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2004 Envoy Xl problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (83 complaints), fuel system (28 complaints), transmission (21 complaints).

Does the 2004 GMC Envoy Xl have recalls?

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

Is the 2004 GMC Envoy Xl under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which GMC Envoy Xl years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Envoy Xl years to avoid are 2003. The cleanest record among Envoy Xl years belongs to 2002.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2004 compare to other Envoy Xl years?

What are the most common 2004 GMC Envoy Xl problems?

Does the 2004 GMC Envoy Xl have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2004 GMC Envoy Xl — common questions

Is the 2004 GMC Envoy Xl reliable?

What are the most common 2004 Envoy Xl problems?

Does the 2004 GMC Envoy Xl have recalls?

Is the 2004 GMC Envoy Xl under NHTSA investigation?

Which GMC Envoy Xl years should you avoid?

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