2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 467 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 26 Tahoe model years with reports.
Of the 2004 reports, 25 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 24 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Wheels, hubDec 17, 2007
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.
WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Campaign 07E106000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineMay 19, 2006
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.
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.
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).
Campaign 06E043000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/otherApr 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 05V163000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulicFeb 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 04V045000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
467 reports, newest first.
Seat belts, Nov 18, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 05V163000. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE REPAIR WORK WAS PERFORMED. THIS HAS LEFT A LOOP ON THE SEAT BELT, AND THE CONTACT'S SMALL CHILDREN ARE PUTTING THERE HANDS THROUGH IT. THEIR HANDS GET STUCK, AND THE PULLING TO GET THEIR HAND OUT CAUSED RUG BURN. SHE CONTACTED GENERAL MOTORS, AND THEY OFFERED TO CUT THE LOOP AND LEAVE THE EXTRA MATERIAL IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WANTED THE LOOP TO BE REMOVED COMPLETELY. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 29, 2005
DT: THE CALLER STATED VEHICLE STALLS. THIS HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING AT SLOWER SPEEDS AND IDLING. THE ENGINE HESITATED JUST BEFORE IT STALLED. DEALER SAID THE PROBLEM WAS IN A COMPUTER CHIP THE FIRST TIME. THE SECOND TIME HE HAD IT IN THEY TOLD HIM HE MAY BE OUT OF GAS THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND HE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THEM. *AK *JB
Electrical system, Seats, Sep 22, 2005
MEMORY SEAT DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. WHEN YOU USE FOB OR KEY TO ACCESS VEHICLE SEATS, CLIMATE, MIRRORS AND RADIO RANDOMLY CHOOSE THEIR OWN POSITIONS. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 25, 2005
DT: WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 76 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS STALLED, AND THE ENGINE CUT OFF. THE OWNER HAD TO PULL OVER AND RESTART IT. VEHICLE STARTED BACK UP, AND DIED TWICE AFTER THAT WITHIN 40 MILES. THE OWNER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE OWNER CALLED ONSTAR AND THEY DIDN'T SEE A PROBLEM. THE OWNER STATED VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WHEN THE ENGINE CUT OFF. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. THE OWNER CONTACTED CHEVROLET, AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WILL LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM, AND ADVISED THE OWNER TO CALL BACK TODAY. THE PROBLEM HAPPENED SINCE LAST YEAR. THE OWNER WAS STILL DRIVING, IT BUT DID NOT WANT THE CAR ANYMORE SINCE IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 11, 2005
THE GAS GAUGE MODULE WAS FAULTY, CAUSING ME TO RUN OUT OF GAS AT HIGH SPEED AND LOSE POWER TO STEERING AND BRAKES. OUT OF GAS EVEN THOUGH IT READ THAT I HAD A QUARTER OF A TANK. LUCKILY NO ACCIDENT OR DAMAGE DONE. HOWEVER IT COST 650.00 TO REPLACE THIS MODULE. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Equipment, Aug 3, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATED THE BATTERY FAILED. THE SERVICE DEALER REPLACED AN AIR CONDITIONING MODULE. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING THE WHEEL LOST BRAKING CAPABILITY, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. DEALERSHIP VERIFIED THIS WA SHAPPENING, BUT DID NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. *AK
Tires, Jun 28, 2005
WHILE DRIVE A 2004 TAHOE WITH APPROX. 14, 000 MILES ON TIRES, PROCEEDING ON A SMOOTH, FLAT SECONDARY ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH, LOW TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR ALARM REGISTERED ON THE DASH PANEL. WITHIN 30 SECONDS OF THE ALARM THE TIRE WENT FLAT FROM A SIDEWAL FAILURE OF APPROX. 4 INCHES LONG. I DROVE APPROX. 1/4 MILE ON THE RIM/SIDEWALL TO GAIN A SAFE PLACE TO CHANGE THE FLAT. AFTER WAITING FOR OVER AN HOUR FOR GM ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, I CHANGED THE TIRE MYSELF WITH THE AID OF A LOCAL RESIDENT. AFTER CONTACTING GM DEALER, NORTHSTAR CHEVROLET CLIFTON PARK, NY, DISTRICT SERVICE DIRECTOR SAID THAT THE FALIURE WAS FROM ROAD HAZARD AND WOULD NOT PAY FOR REPLACEMENT [$181.39]. THE SERVICE DIRECTOR SAID THE FAILURE WAS FROM THE OUTSIDE IN, GOOD MAN COULD TELL THIS WITH A TIRE WHICH WAS DRIVEN ON THE SIDEWALL FOR APPROX. 1/4 MILE. I STILL HAVE DIGITAL PICTURES OF DAMAGE TIRE.
Power train, May 17, 2005, crash
GM VEHICLES TRUCKS AND FULL SIZE SUV'S WHEN KEY IS IN, ONE CLICK FORWARD , ABLE TO PUT INTO GEAR WITHOUT THE BRAKE BEING APPLIED. WHEN KEY IS IN AND CAR IS RUNNING, YOU CANNOT GET IT INTO GEAR UNLESS YOU APPLY THE BREAK 3 OLD CHILD DIED APRIL 12TH, 2004 BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM IN A 1997 CHEVY TAHOE. I'M MAKING THE COMPLAINT ON MY 2004 TAHOE
Power train, May 16, 2005
1)EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE: DURING NORMAL CITY DRIVING, CAME TO A RED LIGHT AND FULL STOP. WHEN IT TURNED GREEN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED BUT THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T MOVE FORWARD. 2) THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T MOVE AND AS A PRESS THE GAS PEDAL, I COULD HEAR THE ENGINE REV UP BUT NOT CHANGE, THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T MOVE. 3) THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE STARTED MOVING FORWARD ABOUT 3-4 SECONDS AFTER THE INITIAL TRIAL.
Electrical system, May 16, 2005
THE DRIVER'S SEAT MOVES FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN THE BUTTON FOR THE HEAT IS TURNED ON, MAKING THE ABILITY TO SEE THE MIRROR FOR THE BLIND SPOT DIFFICULT. THE DOORS LOCKED ON THEIR OWN, WHICH PREVENTED ENTERING AND EXITING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK THE MEMORY MODULE THAT CONTROLLED THE DRIVERS SEAT, MIRROR, LOCKS AND FOOT PEDALS, DID NOT STAY IN MEMORY AND WOULD GO OUT OF CONTROL INTERMITTENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE CONSUMER WOULD BECOME UNABLE TO REACH THE PEDAL, GAS PEDAL, THE MIRRORS COLLAPSED AND HAD BEEN LOCKED OUT OF THE VEHICLE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. *SC *JB
Other or unspecified, May 12, 2005
DT: THE SPEEDOMETER WILL NOT REGISTER CORRECTLY. THIS HAS NOT WORKED FOR A WEEK. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER SAID IT IS NOT COVERED ON WARRANTY. CALLED GM AND THEY SAID THE IT WAS NOT COVERED ON WARRANTY AND THE DEALER WOULD HAVE A FEE. HAVE NOT TRIED TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE OF HE FEELS THE VEHICLE HAS A SAFETY DEFECT AND GM WON'T COVER IT. *NM
Structure, Apr 20, 2005
CONSUMER RECEIVES A SHOCK OF STATIC ELECTRICITY WHEN EXITING 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE.*MR NEITHER THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE THE CONSUMER WITH A SATISFACTORY SOLUTION. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THE CONSUMER PURCHASE RUBBER FLOOR MATS AND STATIC GUARD SPARY. *NM
Exterior lighting, Apr 19, 2005
WHEN USING THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL THE FLASHERS ARE ACTIVATED AND NOT THE TURNING SIGNAL ITSELF.*AK
Power train, Apr 7, 2005
WHILE STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT, LIGHT TURNED GREEN I PUSHED DOWN THE ACCELARATOR AND ENGINE REVVED, AND NOTHING HAPPENED. THEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE WILL JUMP INTO GEAR. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THE TRANSMISSION QUIT NOISEY. DEALER SAY'S NOTHING WRONG WITH TRANSMISSION????*AK
Air bags, Apr 1, 2005, crash
CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, IT ROLLED OVER, AND THE ROOF COLLAPSED. ALSO, NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.*AK CONSUMER GLANCED UP IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AT SON, LOOKED BACK DOWN AND HAD RAN OFF THE ROAD WITH ONE TIRE. TRYED TO CORRECT ENDED UP IN THE OPPOSITE LANE. WHEN CONSUMER CORRECTED THIS THE TAHOE TILTED CAUSING THE TIRE TO BUCKLE AND THE RIM CAUGHT ON THE PAVEMENT CAUSING THE CAR TO BEGIN FLIPPING. IT FLIPPED 5 TIMES LANDING ON THE ROOF. THE TAHOE WAS TOTALED. *BF
Vehicle speed control, Mar 25, 2005
WHENEVER I TRY TO ACCELERATE THE CAR DOES NOT RESPOND. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, FOR EXAMPLE WHEN I TRY TO MERGE ON TO THE FREEWAY. CHEVY STATED THAT THE CAR IS PERFORMING AS IT SHOULD. I HAVE DRIVEN OTHER IDENTICAL CARS, THAT DO NOT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. BUT THEY REFUSE TO FIX THE SAFETY ISSUE.UI. *AK
Seats, Mar 22, 2005
MEMORY SEATS WILL NEVER RECALL POSITION AND RANDOMLY CHOOSE MULTIPLE POSITIONS. MIRRORS, PEDALS, RADIO PRESETS ALSO RANDOMLY SELECT WHEN REMOTE KEY FOB IS USED OR WHEN KEY IS PUT INTO IGNITION. ALL SEATING POSITIONS, PEDALS, MIRRORS MUST BE RESET EACH TIME DRIVER ENTERS VEHICLE. TSB REPORTEDLY ON FILE FOR ONE YEAR+ WITH NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS, BUT GM SAYS NO FIX.*AK
Visibility, Mar 15, 2005
DEFROSTER WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN THE CONSUMER GETS THE DEFROSTER TO COME ON IT DOES NOT CLEAR THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, IT STOPS WORKING. CONSUMER HAS TO PULL OFF OF THE HIGHWAY AND WAIT FOR IT TO START WORKING AGAIN. *AK MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. *TT
Air bags, Equipment, Feb 16, 2005, crash
DURING A SIDE IMPACT/ROLL OVER MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT, NO AUTOMATIC SAFETY FEATURES DEPLOYED. FULL SIDE IMPACT TO THE PASSENGER SIDE RESULTED IN NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. THIS VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED AT ADDITIONAL COST, SIDE IMPACT AIRBAGS. IN CONTRARY TO NATIONAL ADVERTISING THE ON-STAR FEATURE WAS ALSO A NULL RESPONSE. THIS VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSE AND NON-REPAIRABLE.*AK
Exterior lighting, Feb 15, 2005
OCCATIONALLY WHEN TURN INDICATOR IS SET TO TURN TO RIGHT, ALL TURN INDICATOR LIGHTS START TO BLINK (HAZARD-LIGHTS).*AK
Child seat, Feb 14, 2005
THE LATCH SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE. THE INFANT HAS BEEN UNSECURED IN THE VEHICLE NUMEROUS TIMES, ONCE PLACED INTO THE SEAT, MOTHER DISCOVERED THE INFANT LATCH WAS NOT SECURE.*AK
Power train, Jan 25, 2005
I BOUGHT MY TAHOE NEW IN SEPT. 2004. TWO DAYS AFTER PURCHASING TOOK BACK TO DEALER SHIP WITH VIBRATION IN BRAKE PEDAL. THE DEALER SHIP SAID THEY COULD NOT FIX IT THAT IT WAS AN ENGINEERING PROBLEM AND I SHOULD KNOW SOMETHING WITHIN 4-6 WEEKS. WELL IT IS NOW THE END OF JAN. AND I STILL HAVE NOT HEARD WHAT THE FIX WOULD BE AND THE VIBRATION IS GETTING WORSE AND NOW YOU CAN FEEL IT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS SITTING STILL AND IN PARK WITH OUT YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE. *NM
Steering, Jan 4, 2005
A KNOCKING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT, AND THE VEHICLE STARTED VIBRATING UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. THE NOISE CONTINUED WHILE DRIVING, AND CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE WITH THE MAKE/MODEL, AND YEAR OF THE VEHICLE. A SOLUTION WAS TO PACK THE STEERING SHAFT WITH GREASE. DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM,BUT THERE WAS NO CURRENT SOLUTION. *AK
Power train, Nov 30, 2004
I OWN A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. I HAVE FOUND THAT WHEN THE KEY IS IN THE ACCESSORY POSITION, YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO USE THE BRAKE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. MY 18-MONTH OLD SON DISCOVERED THIS WHILE WE WERE CLEANING OUT THE TRUCK AND IT STARTED TO ROLL DOWN THE DRIVEWAY. I CONTACTED THE DEALER TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL OR FIX AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS NOT. I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS ACTUALLY HOW ALL TAHOES SINCE 2003 ARE PROGRAMMED TO WORK. THIS BEHAVIOR IS NOT CONSISTANT WITH THE OTHER KEY POSITIONS AND I FEEL IS A SAFTEY HAZZARD. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED IN THE DISCOVERY OF THIS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOMEONE FOLLOW UP WITH GM TO GET THIS RESOLVED BEFORE THERE ARE INJURIES OR DEATHS. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SEE SOME FOLLOW UP WITH ME AS TO THE OUTCOME OF THIS COMPLAINT.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 26, 2004
IDLING OR WHEN VEHICLE IS HOT IT BACKS FIRES. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK