IllustrationSPEEDOMETER FAILURE. SPEEDOMETER WOULD BOUNCE AROUND, THEN QUIT WORKING, STARTED WORKING, FAILED TO WORK, WENT OVER TO 125+ MPH WHEN VEHICLE NOT MOVING. SPEEDOMETER HAS WORKED ITSELF BACK AROUND TO 0 AND NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. *JB
2004 GMC Sierra
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Sierra years
Owner complaints for the 2004 GMC Sierra are substantially higher than the model-year median of 53.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Sierra years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
420–25K
3425–50K
1850–75K
3375–100K
18100–150K
6150K+
151 reports with mileage · 37 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Service Brakes. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 39 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
11 crash reports5 fire reports9 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
39 reportsTHE SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2004 GMC PU FAILED ON A RECENT TRIP FROM ME TO FL. AS I PULLED ONTO THE MA TRPK, I NOTICED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS READING 85 MPH. AT THE TIME, I WAS PROBABLY GOING 60 - 65. IT THEN READ HIGHER AND HIGHER ON THE TRIP AND THE NEEDLE WAS BURIED AT TIMES. WHEN I STOPPED, THE NEEDLE WOULD DROP A LITTLE. A FEW…
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THE SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2004 GMC PU FAILED ON A RECENT TRIP FROM ME TO FL. AS I PULLED ONTO THE MA TRPK, I NOTICED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS READING 85 MPH. AT THE TIME, I WAS PROBABLY GOING 60 - 65. IT THEN READ HIGHER AND HIGHER ON THE TRIP AND THE NEEDLE WAS BURIED AT TIMES. WHEN I STOPPED, THE NEEDLE WOULD DROP A LITTLE. A FEW DAYS AFTER THE TRIP WAS CONCLUDED, THE NEEDLE RETURNED TO ZERO WHEN STOPPED AND CURRENTLY RECORDS ACCURATELY. OBVIOUSLY, IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN YOUR SPEEDOMETER FAILS, ESPECIALLY IN THE MIDDLE OF A LONG TRIP. I RECENTLY ASKED A LOCAL DEALER IF THERE HAS BEEN A PROBLEM, AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE HAD TO REPLACE "LOTS" OF SPEEDOMETERS ($350). I THEN ASKED IF THE REPLACEMENTS FAILED AND WAS TOLD "NOT YET". GM HAS NOT OFFERED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM (I WAS JUST OUT OF WARRANTY) AND SHOULD BE FORCED TO DO SO AND RECALL ALL FAULTY UNITS. THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF DISCUSSION ON THE INTERNET. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. *JB
2004 SIERRA CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO A MALFUNCTION IN THE TRUCK. *TS *JB
MY SPEEDOMETER WENT FROM WORKING NORMALLY TO 0 MPH BEING 75 MPH NOW I AM NOT SURE HOW FAST I AM GOING. IT JUST STARTED THIS EVENING AFTER I PICKED UP MY SON. BEFORE THAT EVERYTHING WAS WORKING FINE. AFTER RESEARCHING TO SEE IF ANY OTHERS WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM I FOUND THAT MANY GM CUSTOMERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLE…
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MY SPEEDOMETER WENT FROM WORKING NORMALLY TO 0 MPH BEING 75 MPH NOW I AM NOT SURE HOW FAST I AM GOING. IT JUST STARTED THIS EVENING AFTER I PICKED UP MY SON. BEFORE THAT EVERYTHING WAS WORKING FINE. AFTER RESEARCHING TO SEE IF ANY OTHERS WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM I FOUND THAT MANY GM CUSTOMERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR SPEEDOMETER. SOME OF THEM ACTUALLY PAYING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WHILE OTHERS ARE PAYING 4-7 HUNDRED AND STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM HOURS LATER AFTER PAYING TO HAVE IT FIXED. I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST A RECALL OF THE SPEEDOMETER EQUIPMENT ON 2004 GM TRUCKS AND SUV'S. *JB
WHILE DRIVING OUR 2004 GMC SIERRA, THE SPEEDOMETER, KEEP ACTING UP AND THEN IT JUST QUIT. BEFORE THE MANUFACTURES WARRANTY WENT OUT. SO I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND SAID IT WOULD COST ME ABOUT 1000.00 DOLLARS .I THINK THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE FIXED BY THE MANUFACTURE. *NM
SPEEDOMETER AND GAUGE CLUSTER HAVE WORKED INTERMITTENTLY FOR THE PAST FEW WEEKS AND HAVE NOW COMPLETELY FAILED. I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL OTHER GM TRUCK OWNERS AND APPARENTLY THIS AN EXTREMELY COMMON OCCURRENCE. SOME OF THEM WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE GOTTEN IT COVERED. I SEE FROM THE COMPLAINT SEARCH THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF CO…
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SPEEDOMETER AND GAUGE CLUSTER HAVE WORKED INTERMITTENTLY FOR THE PAST FEW WEEKS AND HAVE NOW COMPLETELY FAILED. I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL OTHER GM TRUCK OWNERS AND APPARENTLY THIS AN EXTREMELY COMMON OCCURRENCE. SOME OF THEM WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE GOTTEN IT COVERED. I SEE FROM THE COMPLAINT SEARCH THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS HERE AS WELL. GM CHARGES AN OUTRAGEOUS AMOUNT TO FIX THIS ISSUE AS IT REQUIRES COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE CLUSTER. IF A TOTAL FAILURE OF A CLUSTER INCLUDING THE SPEEDOMETER ISN'T A SAFETY HAZARD, I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS. *NM
ON NOVEMBER 29 WHILE DRIVING MY 2004 GMC SIERRA PICKUP MY SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTIONED. THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN OFF AND ON FOR 2 OR 3 WEEKS THEN STOPPED WORKING. AFTER CHECKING WITH THE DEALERSHIP I WAS ADVISED THIS WOULD COST 500 DOLLARS TO REPAIR. THE LOCAL SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT HAS 10 2003 CHEVY TAHOE'S THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE…
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ON NOVEMBER 29 WHILE DRIVING MY 2004 GMC SIERRA PICKUP MY SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTIONED. THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN OFF AND ON FOR 2 OR 3 WEEKS THEN STOPPED WORKING. AFTER CHECKING WITH THE DEALERSHIP I WAS ADVISED THIS WOULD COST 500 DOLLARS TO REPAIR. THE LOCAL SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT HAS 10 2003 CHEVY TAHOE'S THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE SOME RESEARCH ON THIS DEVICE MALFUNCTION. THANK YOU. *JB
SPEEDOMETER IS STUCK AT 65 MPH & GOES UP FROM THERE SO IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW HOW FAST THE VEHICLE IS MOVING. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. I CALLED GMC ABOUT RECALLS & THEY SAID THERE ARE NONE. *NM
THE WINDSHIELD IS LEAKING WATER DOWN INTO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE WIRING IS SHORTING OUT. ALSO, THE LINKAGE HAS FALLEN OUT. YOU CAN SMELL BURNT WIRING AND SMOKE. THE CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER CONTINUOUSLY TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE GENTLEMAN WAS NOT THERE THAT SHE NEEDED TO SEE. CONSUMER HAD …
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THE WINDSHIELD IS LEAKING WATER DOWN INTO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE WIRING IS SHORTING OUT. ALSO, THE LINKAGE HAS FALLEN OUT. YOU CAN SMELL BURNT WIRING AND SMOKE. THE CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER CONTINUOUSLY TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE GENTLEMAN WAS NOT THERE THAT SHE NEEDED TO SEE. CONSUMER HAD SOMEONE ELSE LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. AND WAS TOLD THE VIBRATION FROM DRIVING HAD JARRED THE THE PIN LOOSE. THE BLOWER, HEAT, AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. *AK
Official recalls
706V289000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
Aug 3, 2006
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.1L V8 (RPO L8-VIN G) ENGINE HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP MAY FRACTURE RESULTING IN INADEQUATE RETENTION OF THE DAMPER.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE DAMPER COMES LOOSE, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463.
05V161000 · Parking Brake
Apr 22, 2005
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND BUILT WITH EITHER PBR PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS OR TRW PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS, THE PARKING BRAKE FRICTION LININGS MAY WEAR TO AN EXTENT WHERE THE PARKING BRAKE CAN BECOME INEFFECTIVE IN IMMOBILIZING A PARKED VEHICLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT HOLD, UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD OCCUR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A LOW-FORCE SPRING CLIP RETAINER FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A PBR PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TRW PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM, DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED PARKING BRAKE CABLE ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 29, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
05V163000 · Seat Belts:rear/other
Apr 22, 2005
ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A LAP PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ROUTING THAT IS NOT LOW AND SNUG ON THE HIPS CAN ALLOW THE LAP BELT TO RIDE UP ON AN OCCUPANT'S ABDOMEN INSTEAD OF FITTING LOW AROUND THEIR HIPBONES, AND THEREFORE, CAN EXPOSE THEM TO MORE RISK OF ABDOMINAL AND INTERNAL ORGAN INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
05V043000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Feb 8, 2005
CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WERE OPEN, FRAGMENTS FROM THE ACCUMULATOR COULD CAUSE INJURY TO PEOPLE IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA. THE PRESENCE OF THIS CRACK OR FRACTURED SURFACE COULD ALLOW THE HYDRAULIC FLUID TO LEAK FROM THE ACCUMULATOR CIRCUIT OF THE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY. THE LOSS OF FLUID WOULD CAUSE INCREASED STEERING AND BRAKING EFFORT AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FOR FUNCTIONAL OPERATION OF THE TWO-FUNCTION VALVE. IF THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FAILS THE TEST, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
04V225000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage
May 11, 2004
CERTAIN EXTENDED AND REGULAR CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND CARGO VANS CONVERTED TO COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, 'CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS.' THESE VEHICLES HAVE ONE SEATING POSITION, THE CENTER REAR SEAT, EQUIPPED WITH CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORAGES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE STANDARD REQUIRES CHILD SEAT LOWER ANCHORAGES IN TWO SEATING POSITIONS FOR VEHICLES WITH THREE REAR SEATING POSITIONS. THE STANDARD CAB AND CARGO VAN VEHICLES, WHICH ONLY HAVE FRONT SEATING POSITIONS, HAVE AN AIR BAG OFF SWITCH TO DISABLE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG AND DO NOT HAVE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORAGES IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE STANDARD REQUIRES PASSENGER SEAT CHILD SEAT LOWER ANCHORAGES IN VEHICLES WITH AN AIR BAG OFF SWITCH. HOWEVER, THE STANDARD DOES NOT REQUIRE VEHICLES WITH ONLY FRONT SEATING POSITIONS TO HAVE LOWER ANCHORAGE PROVISIONS IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN AIR BAG OFF SWITCH.
Remedy: TO BRING THE STANDARD CAB AND CARGO VAN VEHICLES INTO COMPLIANCE, DEALERS WILL INJECT EPOXY INTO THE AIR BAG OFF SWITCH TO PREVENT AIR BAG ACTIVATION, RELOCATE THE SWITCH BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THEN INSTALL A COVER OVER THE RESULTING OPENING. THE SUN VISOR LABEL AND OWNER'S MANUAL WILL ALSO BE CHANGED. THE CORRECTION FOR THE EXTENDED CAB VEHICLE WILL CONSIST OF CHANGING THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT TO A SEAT THAT HAS CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORAGES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
04V129000 · Structure:body:tailgate:hinge And Attachments
Mar 17, 2004
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE GALVANIZED STEEL TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES THAT RETAIN THE TAILGATE IN THE FULL OPEN (HORIZONTAL) POSITION MAY CORRODE, WEAKEN, AND EVENTUALLY FRACTURE. IF BOTH CABLES FRACTURED, THE TAILGATE WOULD SUDDENLY DROP AND STRIKE THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: ANYONE SITTING OR STANDING ON THE HORIZONTAL SURFACE OF THE TAILGATE WHEN BOTH CABLES FRACTURED COULD BE INJURED BY FALLING FROM THE TAILGATE. ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THE BUMPER REMOVED, THE TAILGATE MAY DROP EVEN LOWER. ADDITIONALLY, IF THERE IS CARGO ON THE TAILGATE THE CARGO MAY FALL OFF IF THE SUPPORT CABLES FRACTURE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CABLES. INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 7, 20004. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2004, WHEN REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE, AND WILL CONTINUE THROUGH OCTOBER 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR VISIT WWW.MYGMLINK.COM, AND ENTER YOUR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.
04V045000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Feb 4, 2004
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: CONSEQUENTLY, THE VALVE O-RING SEAL MAY FRACTURE. STEERING EFFORTS MAY BE SLIGHTLY INCREASED WHILE BRAKING OR PARKING. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, A FRACTURED SEAL MAY REQUIRE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME VEHICLE DECELERATION RATE AS PRIOR TO THE SEAT FRACTURE.
Remedy: DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.