VehicleVerdict

2004 GMC Sierra Denali problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 2004 GMC Sierra Denali — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

15

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Sierra Denali years?

Sierra Denali NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted46 complaints2002: 17 complaints2004: 15 complaints2005: 5 complaints2006: 5 complaints2007: 2 complaints2008: 21 complaints2009: 8 complaints2010: 12 complaints2011: 40 complaints2012: 15 complaints2013: 10 complaints2014: 19 complaints2015: 24 complaints2016: 42 complaints2017: 15 complaints2018: 26 complaints2019: 46 complaints2020: 10 complaints
Sierra Denali NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sierra Denali years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 GMC Sierra Denali problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes533%
Suspension213%
Electrical System213%
Steering17%
Tires & Wheels17%
Airbags17%
Transmission17%
Engine17%
Seat Belts17%

Does the 2004 GMC Sierra Denali 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.

“I AM EXPERIENCING THE EXACT PROBLEM THAT IS DESCRIBED REGARDING THE RECALL OF GMC LIGHT TRUCKS FOR ABS ACTIVATION AT SLOW SPEEDS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE HUB AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY. I HAVE A 2004 GMC SIERRA DENALI WHICH, ACCORDING TO GMC, IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE MASSIVE RECALL PROMPTED BY YOUR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 6, 2007

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN ROUTE 24 IN LEWES, DELAWARE APPROACHING A YELLOW LIGHT WHEN THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED. I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THEY COMPLETELY FAILED DESPITE PUTTING THE PEDDLE ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I WAS FORCED TO VEER ONTO THE SHOULDER THEN INTO A FARMERS FIELD IN ORDER TO SLOW THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 13, 2014

“CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN A ROLL OVER, AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALSO, SEAT BELTS DID NOT SECURE THE OCCUPANTS. THE DRIVER WAS UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL, AND THE PASSENGER WAS UNDER THE DASHBOARD. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · October 16, 2004 · crash

2004 GMC Sierra Denali — common questions

Is the 2004 GMC Sierra Denali reliable?

The record is thin — 15 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2004 Sierra Denali problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (5 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints), suspension (2 complaints).

Does the 2004 GMC Sierra Denali have recalls?

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

Which GMC Sierra Denali years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sierra Denali years to avoid are 2019, 2016, 2011, 2015, 2014. The cleanest record among Sierra Denali years belongs to 2007.

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.