RoadVitals

2004 Chevrolet Classic

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
40
Latest Apr 18, 2017
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Jun 30, 2004
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3
1 injuries, 5 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 40 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet Classic, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and other / unspecified categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 326 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical2858.3%
  • Engine510.4%
  • Other / unspecified36.3%
  • Brakes36.3%
  • Exterior lighting24.2%
  • Driver assistance24.2%
  • Fuel system12.1%
  • Steering12.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

Jun 30, 2004
2,857 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK THAT DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATION. A WELD ON THESE FUEL TANKS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT, RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK.
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK, AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 23, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 04058View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Fuel system
Filed Apr 18, 2017

MY FUEL LEVEL GAUGE IS MALFUNCTIONING. EVEN THOUGH I HAVE HAD THE ENTIRE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY REPLACED AND THE IN DASH GAUGES CHECKED, IT WILL NOT REGISTER PAST 1/4 TANK. AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 150 MILES THE GAUGE WILL SUDDENLY DROP, THE LOW FUEL LIGHT WILL COME ON. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND ON, IT WILL AGAIN READ 1/4 TANK EVEN WHEN FULL. THE VEHICLE IS ALMOST ALWAYS IN MOTION WHEN THIS OCCURS.

NHTSA ID
10979149
Incident
Nov 1, 2016
Electrical
Filed Feb 16, 2016

ANTI THEFT SYSTEM KEEPS ON COMING ON AND WILL NOT LET YOUR CAR START !!! THEY EVEN REPLACED THE KEY HOLES WITH FILLERS IN IT. YOU HAVE TO TURN THE KEY AND WAIT 15 TO 20 MIN. BEFORE IT WILL START OR SOMETIME IT WILL NOT WORK!!!! HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN THAT AND THAT STILL DOES NOT FIX THE IGNITION SWITCH IT IS A BIG PROBLEM BECAUSE NOW THE CAR WILL NOT START I HAVE CALLED GM BEFORE AND THEY SAY THERE IS NO RECALL. WELL IF YOU LOOK AT THIS WEB SITE TO SEE ALL THE COMPLAINTS IN THESE CARS FOR THE IGNITION PROBLEMS THAT SHOULD BE FIXED AND THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT !!!!! I GUESS THEY WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO GETS KILLED AGAIN TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT !!! THEY ALREADY HAD A BIG LAW SUITE I GUESS THEY WILL HAVE TO DEAL WITH ANOTHER ONE IF THIS KEEPS ON HAPPENING WHEN PEOPLE DRIVE AND IT JUST CONKS OUT ON US AND THERE IS A BUNCH OF ACCIDENTS !!!! GM YOU REALLY NEED TO LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS !!!!! THEN YOU GUYS WANT US TO BUY MORE CARS WELL IF WE CAN NOT TRUST YOU TO FIX SOMETHING WHEN THERE IS MORE THEN ENOUGH COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS CAR WHY WOULD WE GO BACK TO TRUST YOU AGAIN !!!! THIS IS VERY UNSAFE GM ESPECIALLY IF YOU WILL NOT FIX IT !!! ALSO MY CAR HAS UNDER 100,000 MILES ON IT !!! THIS HAS BEEN DOING IT FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS

NHTSA ID
10836537
Incident
Feb 14, 2016
Mileage
85,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Nov 5, 2015

BRAKE LINES RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. ALL THE LINES(4) RUN VERY CLOSE TOGETHER UNDERNEETH THE AIR FILTER BOX. BY RUNNING THE LINES THIS CLOSE TOGETHER IT ALLOWS MOISTURES TO BE HELD IN THE TINY GAPS BETWEEN THE LINES, THERBY CUASING ACCELERATED RUSTING AND CORROSION. BRAKE LINES RUSTING OUT IN JUST OVER 10 YEARS SEEMS PREMATURE GIVEN HOW MANY OF THE VEHICLES 10 YEARS OLD ARE STILL ON THE ROAD. MAYBE I'M WRONG? LUCKILY I WAS JUST LEAVING THE DRIVEWAY TO GO TO THE CAR WASH. THE PICTURE IS TAKEN FROM UNDER THE CAR LOOKING UP FROM THE WHEEL WELL, THERE IS ALSO LITTLE PROTECTION FROM TIRE SPRAY

NHTSA ID
10788735
Incident
Nov 5, 2015
Mileage
114,000 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 18, 2015

I HAD TAKEN MY SON TO THE DR. AND THE CAR HAD BEEN TURNED OFF FOR LESS THAN 10 MINUTES. WHEN WE CAME BACK OUT, THE CAR WOULDN'T START. IT WOULD TURN OVER BUT WOULDN'T FIRE UP. AFTER SITTING IN THE BLAZING SUN WITH MY SICK CHILD FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES, A FRIEND CAME TO ASSIST US. THE FUEL PUMP WAS KICKING ON, WE CLEANED THE INTAKE AND CHANGED THE AIR FILTER WITH NO LUCK. WITH STARTER FLUID THE ENGINE WOULD FIRE UP BUT DIED AS SOON AS THE FLUID BURNT OFF. BEFORE HAVING IT TOWED HOME WE RESEARCHED IT ONLINE AND FOUND SEVERAL REFERENCES TO THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM GLITCH. SURE ENOUGH, AFTER LEAVING THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION FOR 10 MINUTES,WITHOUT TRYING TO START THE CAR, WE TURNED THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION AND THEN TRIED TO START THE CAR. IT FIRED RIGHT UP. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME 3 TIMES SINCE THEN. ONE TIME I HAD TO GO THROUGH THOSE STEPS 3 TIMES TO GET THE CAR TO START. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER WITH 2 CHILDREN. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD IF WE GET STRANDED IN THE EXTREME HEAT OR COLD OR CANNOT UTILIZE THE CAR IN CASE OF EMERGENCY. PLEASE HELP ME GET THIS ISSUE AMENDED.

NHTSA ID
10749481
Incident
Jul 12, 2015
Filed Jun 12, 2015

THIS VEHICLE HAS PROBLEMS WITH ITS STARTER. I'M NOT SURE OF THE FIRST DATE IT WAS NOTICED. INITIALLY THE KEY WOULD GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION, IT WOULD TAKE UP TO 1/2 HR OR MORE FOR THE KEY TO COME OUT, THEN LONGER, THEN DAYS IN WHICH THE BATTERY WOULD HAVE TO BE RECHARGED. IT ALSO ON OCCASION WOULD ACTIVATE THE 'KILL-SWITCH' ON THE ALARM. WE WERE TOLD BY CHEVY THAT THE CAR WAS NOT 'RECOGNIZING' THE IGNITION KEY. FINALLY AFTER THE MONEY WAS AVAILABLE, THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO CHEVY FOR REPAIR. INITIALLY IT WAS FINE...THE KEY DIDN'T GET STUCK, THEN ONLY A FEW TIMES ...NONE IN WHICH IT DIDN'T COME OUT....HOWEVER, THE CAR IN 2013? BEGAN TO DIE WHILE BEING DRIVEN. MY SON AND FINANCE' BOUGH THIS TO MY ATTENTION AND FOR SAFETY I NO LONGER DRIVE THE CAR AS THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS IN TRAFFIC, FORTUNATELY, WE WERE ABLE TO STEER INTO A PARKING LOT AND PARK THE CAR. IT WOULD RESTART WITHOUT A PROBLEM.....BUT NOT KNOWING WHY OR WHEN IT WILL STOP WAS/IS TO MUCH OF A RISK SO WE TURNED IN THE REGISTRATION. WE TOLD CHEVY, WROTE ...BUT NO ONE HAS EVERY RESPONDED. I AM NOT SURE WHY THIS VEHICLE IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST FOR ITS IGNITION PROBLEM AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW TO FIND OUT WHO ELSE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. DUE TO ITS CONDITION, I CAN'T SELL IT OR DRIVE IT. YOUR HELP IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED.

NHTSA ID
10725060
Incident
Jan 2, 2012
Electrical
Filed Nov 24, 2014

2004 CHEVROLET CLASSIC. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, REPLACED IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER AND SWITCH*CW

NHTSA ID
10653321
Incident
Sep 19, 2014
Electrical
Filed Nov 20, 2014

THE PRESCRIBED/PROPOSED FIX BY GM OVER THE FAULTY IGNITION SWITCHES IS THE MOST LAME EXCUSE FOR A FIX I HAVE EVER HEARD OF. JUST WANT TO GO ON THE RECORD SAYING THIS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10659861
Incident
Nov 20, 2014
Mileage
106,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 27, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RELEASE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, THE KEY REMAINED STUCK IN THE ACCESSORY, ON OR OFF MODE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH TUMBLER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.

NHTSA ID
10650206
Incident
Jun 12, 2012
Mileage
144,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIP5601C

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

PIT3271P

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.

General Communication

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.

24-NA-141

POWER TRAIN

GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.

16-NA-383

ENGINE; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.

18-NA-099

This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Classic by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2006000
2005491043.6
2004Viewing401040.1

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.