There are no safety recalls for the 2004 GMC Sierra 3500, but owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA.
2004 GMC Sierra 3500 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Service Brakes | 8 | |
| Electrical System | 5 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 5 | |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 2 | |
| Power Train | 2 | |
| Steering | 2 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | |
| Structure | 1 | |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 1 | |
| Tires | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 2
- Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 1
- Power Train › Driveline › Center Support Bearing — 1
- Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) — 1
- Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist — 1
- Tires › Sidewall — 1
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Injectors — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 87,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2004 GMC Sierra 3500 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Service Brakes · at 74,000 miles · reported Oct 26, 2014
While pulling a camper-trailer, I applied the brakes and the pedal went completely to the floor. I was able to stop utilizing the brakes on the trailer. I was only a short distance from home and I was able to get the trailer back, keeping the transmission in 1st gear and the trailer brakes. I took the truck to a chevy dealer that was just a very short distance utilizing the gears and the emergency brake. Upon inspection, the dealer found at least two locations where the brake line had rusted through. He recommended to replace all brake lines with a line that was corrosion resistant. The repair…
Service Brakes · at 131,883 miles · reported Mar 19, 2014
I was traveling on the interstate towing a 5th wheel trailer and traffic came to an abrupt stop. I applied my brakes and had brakes than the pedal went to the floor and I lost braking power. I let off the brakes and reapplied the brakes and the pedal went to the floor with low breaking affect. I pulled the truck over and found brake fluid coming out from above the gas tank. I carefully took the truck off at the next exit using my trailer brakes to stop the vehicle. I took the truck to the first service station that I saw and had them look at it. They found that the rear brake line had corroded…
Service Brakes · at 105,000 miles · reported Sep 25, 2013
This past week, as I was driving to get gas for our camping trip, the brake pedal went straight to the floor with no warning. I was able to get the dually slowed down without incident, but was it ever close. After getting the truck back to my house, I began investigating the issue as I saw no leak and the reservoir was near full. I saw online that this seems to be a GM issue with a few years of trucks in my age bracket. I climbed up under the truck and found the lines to be shot. Not one with a rust hole, but all of them corroded from one end to the other. I know the truck is 8 years old, but…
Service Brakes · at 131,883 miles · reported Aug 20, 2013
Brakes failed due to a sudden brake line failure. There had been no prior fluid leaks. The rear metal brake line under the bed rusted at a clamp in front of the fuel tank. As I have looked further into this I have several friends that have had this problem and several shops said that they saw this often with these vehicles all failing in the same area.
Service Brakes · at 60,004 miles · reported Nov 30, 2012
I picked my stepdaughter at school and at the stoplight to leave the school there were no brakes. I used the curb to slow the truck enough to the lights to change. It was not a busy time and students were not present otherwise this would have been a disaster. I drove the truck home with flashers very slowly home on a back road downshifting and relying in the allison transmission. When I reached home the light came on to service brakes. That was obvious already. This is a 1 ton dually that usually hauls skid loads, paving bricks, etc. I could not imagine what would have happened if the brake…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2004 GMC Sierra 3500 have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2004 GMC Sierra 3500 as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 GMC Sierra 3500?
Owners report service brakes problems most often (8 reports), followed by electrical system (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 87,000 miles.
Are GMC recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized GMC dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.