Total Complaints
548 filings
CHEVROLET TAHOE · model year
548 NHTSA complaints, 30 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2004CHEVROLETTAHOE carries 548 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 30 crashes, 10 fires, 30 injuries, and 1 fatality. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2004 TAHOE is electrical system: instrument cluster/panel with 124 filings, followed by electrical system (84) and service brakes (59). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2004 TAHOE, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
548 filings
Crashes Reported
30 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL | 124 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 84 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 59 |
| ENGINE | 26 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 25 |
| STEERING | 21 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 14 |
| POWER TRAIN | 12 |
| AIR BAGS | 11 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 10 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 9 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 8 |
| STRUCTURE | 7 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 6 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 6 |
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 D
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 CE
WHEELS:HUB
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 M
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
UNKNOWN
My Tahoe has the New Process 246GM transfer case. They have a known issue called pump rub where the pump is to close to the magnesium shell, and rubs pin holes in the shell which causes fluid to dissipate over time causing the transfer case to run dry burning it up. I've had a mechanic check it out and there was no fluid in the case, and now I have a transfer case that's burned up. I've called a transmission shop, and they told me it was a common issue. I would like for general motors to correct this issue
The contact's spouse owns a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and remained extended to the floorboard. The contact engaged the parking brake to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The vehicle was driven to the residence and parked. Additionally, the contact stated that while parked, the brake pedal was depressed, and brake fluid was squirting onto the ground from underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.
Mileage: 190,000
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle immediately while the brake pedal was being depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V045000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Mileage: 150,000
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while inspecting the coils under the hood, he noticed that the master cylinder brake lines were leaking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the master cylinder brake lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 183,500. The VIN was unavailable.
Mileage: 183,500
MY2004 CHEVY TAHOE LT WAS MOVING WHEN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR FELL OFF THE WINDSHIELD. ALSO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS HAVE BROKEN OFF WHICH CAUSE BAD GAS MILEAGE AND SLOW TAKE OFFS.
Mileage: 210,000
MY2004 CHEVY TAHOE LT WAS MOVING WHEN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR FELL OFF THE WINDSHIELD. ALSO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS HAVE BROKEN OFF WHICH CAUSE BAD GAS MILEAGE AND SLOW TAKE OFFS.
Mileage: 210,000
THERE IS A RECALL #04004. "BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE" BUT MY VIN# IS NOT ON THE LIST. OVER 64,000 VEHICLES WERE AFFECTED AND THERE IS A "#1" ON THE MOUNTING SURFACE. ALL OF THE UNITS DETECTED A MACHINING ERROR IN THE RELIEF BORE CAVITY FOR MODULES PRODUCED FROM A MACHINE IDENTIFIED AS "FADAL #1" THIS CAN AND HAS CAUSED MY 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE TO HAVE NO POWER ASSIST WITH MY STEERING AND NO POWER BRAKES. I HAVE FOUND MYSELF HOLDING TWO FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AT A RED LIGHT. AND CAN NOT OPERATE IN SMALL SPACES SUCH AS PARKING GARAGES AND CERTAIN PARKING STALLS. I WANTED TO KNOW IF THERE IS SOMETHING MORE THAT I CAN DO IN REGARDS TO THIS PARTICULAR RECALL AND FIND OUT IF THERE IS SOME MISTAKE AS FAR AS MY VIN# NOT BEING RECOGNIZED BUT YET EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. MY VEHICLE HAS BECOME INOPERABLE FOR THAT IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH THE NO POWER ASSIST AND COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT...I WANT TO SEE ABOUT RECEIVING SOME AID IN ALL THIS. THIS HAS BEEN A ISSUE SINCE AUGU
Mileage: 230,000
THERE IS A RECALL #04004. "BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE" BUT MY VIN# IS NOT ON THE LIST. OVER 64,000 VEHICLES WERE AFFECTED AND THERE IS A "#1" ON THE MOUNTING SURFACE. ALL OF THE UNITS DETECTED A MACHINING ERROR IN THE RELIEF BORE CAVITY FOR MODULES PRODUCED FROM A MACHINE IDENTIFIED AS "FADAL #1" THIS CAN AND HAS CAUSED MY 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE TO HAVE NO POWER ASSIST WITH MY STEERING AND NO POWER BRAKES. I HAVE FOUND MYSELF HOLDING TWO FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AT A RED LIGHT. AND CAN NOT OPERATE IN SMALL SPACES SUCH AS PARKING GARAGES AND CERTAIN PARKING STALLS. I WANTED TO KNOW IF THERE IS SOMETHING MORE THAT I CAN DO IN REGARDS TO THIS PARTICULAR RECALL AND FIND OUT IF THERE IS SOME MISTAKE AS FAR AS MY VIN# NOT BEING RECOGNIZED BUT YET EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. MY VEHICLE HAS BECOME INOPERABLE FOR THAT IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH THE NO POWER ASSIST AND COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT...I WANT TO SEE ABOUT RECEIVING SOME AID IN ALL THIS. THIS HAS BEEN A ISSUE SINCE AUGU
Mileage: 230,000
THERE IS A RECALL #04004. "BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE" BUT MY VIN# IS NOT ON THE LIST. OVER 64,000 VEHICLES WERE AFFECTED AND THERE IS A "#1" ON THE MOUNTING SURFACE. ALL OF THE UNITS DETECTED A MACHINING ERROR IN THE RELIEF BORE CAVITY FOR MODULES PRODUCED FROM A MACHINE IDENTIFIED AS "FADAL #1" THIS CAN AND HAS CAUSED MY 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE TO HAVE NO POWER ASSIST WITH MY STEERING AND NO POWER BRAKES. I HAVE FOUND MYSELF HOLDING TWO FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AT A RED LIGHT. AND CAN NOT OPERATE IN SMALL SPACES SUCH AS PARKING GARAGES AND CERTAIN PARKING STALLS. I WANTED TO KNOW IF THERE IS SOMETHING MORE THAT I CAN DO IN REGARDS TO THIS PARTICULAR RECALL AND FIND OUT IF THERE IS SOME MISTAKE AS FAR AS MY VIN# NOT BEING RECOGNIZED BUT YET EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. MY VEHICLE HAS BECOME INOPERABLE FOR THAT IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH THE NO POWER ASSIST AND COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT...I WANT TO SEE ABOUT RECEIVING SOME AID IN ALL THIS. THIS HAS BEEN A ISSUE SINCE AUGU
Mileage: 230,000
THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO COMPLAINT # 11327456 THE ADDRESS AND THE MPH ARE INCORRECT. PLEASE SEE FORM ATTACHED TO THIS COMPLAINT # AFFECTED PARTS: STEERING, BRAKES, ELECTRICAL, ELEC, STABILITY CONTROL AND SPEED CONTROL THIS SITE WOULDN'T LET ME CHECK MORE THAN 3. *TR
Mileage: 230,000
THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO COMPLAINT # 11327456 THE ADDRESS AND THE MPH ARE INCORRECT. PLEASE SEE FORM ATTACHED TO THIS COMPLAINT # AFFECTED PARTS: STEERING, BRAKES, ELECTRICAL, ELEC, STABILITY CONTROL AND SPEED CONTROL THIS SITE WOULDN'T LET ME CHECK MORE THAN 3. *TR
Mileage: 230,000
THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO COMPLAINT # 11327456 THE ADDRESS AND THE MPH ARE INCORRECT. PLEASE SEE FORM ATTACHED TO THIS COMPLAINT # AFFECTED PARTS: STEERING, BRAKES, ELECTRICAL, ELEC, STABILITY CONTROL AND SPEED CONTROL THIS SITE WOULDN'T LET ME CHECK MORE THAN 3. *TR
Mileage: 230,000
BRAKES NOT WORKING WHEN PRESSED CAUSED AN ACCIDENT
Mileage: 230,000
THE TAHOE USED AS OUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDICAL TRUCK WAS SPEWING FUEL FROM ABOVE THE GAS TANK. WE DROPPED THE TANK AND FOUND THE LINES ON THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK RUSTED SEVERELY TO THE POINT OF FAILURE. IT WAS FIRST NOTICED ON A MEDICAL RUN WITH THE ENGINE IDLING.
Mileage: 57,114
THE MAIN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WAS FULL OF CONDENSATE AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WOULD JUST SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. TOOK MULTIPLE TRIPS TO THE MECHANIC SHOP FOR THEM TO BE ABLE TO DUPLICATE AND CORRECT THE ISSUE. ONLINE RESEARCH SHOWS MANY TAHOE OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES.
Mileage: 150,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TEN MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE AS TO WHERE THE FIRE ORIGINATED. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW FACILITY. IT WAS UNKNOWN YET IF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Mileage: 100,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. ALSO, "STABILITY SYSTEM DISABLED- SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM" FLASHED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OUT OF A DRIVE-THRU AREA OF A BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENT. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V045000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Mileage: 115,000
THE REAR MAIN DEAL WENT BAD IN ALMOST ALL OF THE TRUCKS AND SUVS WITH A 4.8L OR 5.3L ENGINE IN THEM WHERE THE POUR OIL EVERYWHERE AND THIS COULD BE CONSIDERED AN EPA VIOLATION AND A FIRE HAZARD IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ASAP SO WE CAN SAVE LIVES AND SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT
Mileage: 160,000
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AROUND 25 TO 30 MPH AND A KID RAN OUT BETWEEN TWO CARS AND I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AND THEY PARTIALLY FAILED. THE TRUCK EVENTUALLY STOPPED, BUT IMMEDIATELY GOT A BRAKE FAILURE WARNING AND I HAD TO HOLD THE PEDDLE TO THE WALL TO STOP THE REMAINING MILE OR SO HOME. I GET HOME AND LOOK UNDER THE DRIVERS DOOR TO INVESTIGATE A PUDDLE AND I SEE SMOKE WHERE THE RUPTURED BRAKE LINE HAD BEEN SPRAYING BRAKE FLUID ON THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THOUGHT FOR SURE THE TRUCK WAS GOING TO CATCH ON FIRE. THE BRAKES WERE JUST SERVICED, PADS AND ROTORS A YEAR OR SO AGO, SO I HAD NO CLUE THE LINES WERE BAD. JUST GOT HOME TO SEARCH ON THIS AND SEE THAT THE NHTSA HAS BEEN INVESTIGATING THIS, BUT NOT MUCH HAS HAPPENED WITH THIS SINCE 2014. VERY DISTRESSING. SEEMS THE ONLY THING THAT HAS BEEN DONE IS GM IS OFFERING THE REPLACEMENT LINES FOR SALE, BUT NO MENTION THAT THE DEALERS WANT $2,000 OR MORE TO INSTALL THEM?? I AM VERY THANKFUL THAT THIS KID IS STILL ALIVE AND WE BOTH DID NOT
Mileage: 127,617
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Loss of Motive Power due to the Battery Energy Control Module
Electric Vehicle Battery Fires
Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
Fuel Line Leak
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.