2004 Chevrolet Tahoe recalls and problems

The 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe has 2 safety recalls and 467 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

467

Crashes / fires

25 / 7

Injuries / deaths

24 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Chevrolet Tahoe recalls

Recall 05V-163: Seat Belts

Reported Apr 22, 2005 · 1,359,824 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 04V-045: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Feb 4, 2004 · 68,875 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2004 Chevrolet Tahoe problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	215
Service Brakes	60
Steering	29
Vehicle Speed Control	27
Power Train	26
Engine	26
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	25
Engine and Engine Cooling	22
Structure	15
Air Bags	15
Visibility	11
Seats	10

Most reported parts

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 124
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 10
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 8
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 3
Air Bags › Frontal — 3
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 3
Steering › Column — 3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 72,000 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 Chevrolet Tahoe complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · reported Sep 16, 2026

My brakes locked up with steering wheel and cause me to go off the road itâs very unsafe and there should be recall immediately

Power Train · reported Jul 28, 2023

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

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 190,000 miles · reported Apr 24, 2023

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 150,000 miles · reported Sep 2, 2022

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 183,500 miles · reported Mar 31, 2022

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.

Other Chevrolet Tahoe years

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Compare all Chevrolet Tahoe years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe: 05V-163 (seat belts), 04V-045 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (215 reports), followed by service brakes (60). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 72,000 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.