RoadVitals

2004 Chevrolet Suburban

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.
204
Latest Mar 31, 2026
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.
6
Latest Aug 3, 2006
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.
1
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.
18
10 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 204 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban, most frequently naming the electrical, brakes and driver assistance categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 795 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

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

6 campaigns cover this model year

View all 6

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
06V289000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Aug 3, 2006
38,439 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: IF THE DAMPER COMES LOOSE, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The 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.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 06080View on NHTSA.gov
06E043000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 19, 2006
88,303 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The remedy: 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).
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
06E026000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Mar 23, 2006
61,944 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The remedy: 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.
PRO-A MOTORS, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA04012ClosedEngineering Analysis

HYDRAULIC PUMP FAILRES

Opened Apr 30, 2004
Closed Feb 28, 2005

GM IS CONDUCTING A RECALL ON ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILD BETWEEN MAY 1999 AND OCTOBER 14, 1999.SIGNIFICANT CHANGES WERE INCORPORATED INTO PRODUCTION IN EARLY OCTOBER 1999, AND VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THAT DATE HAVE LOWER WARRANTY FAILURE RATES.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA APPEAR TO SUPPORT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE CHANGES. GM MADE ADDITIONAL CHANGES IN NOVEMBER 1999, FEBRUARY 2000, MAY 2001, AND FEBRUARY 2004.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS PROBLEM AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION, IF WARRANTED, IN THE FUTURE.FOR FURTHER TECHNICAL DETAILS SEE THE ATTACHED ENGINEERING ANALYSIS REPORT.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSISTLed to recall 05V005000

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 204
Airbags
Filed Mar 31, 2026

Front passenger dash airbag spontaneously deployed without any inciting event. The vehicle is at the Team Chevrolet Goldsboro dealership. A case has been opened with General Motors Case Number XXX. No prior warning - it smoked for a few seconds then deployed. No prior warning lights.

NHTSA ID
11728354
Incident
Mar 27, 2026
Electrical
Filed Apr 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the instrument panel gauges, and warning lights functionality became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID
11584565
Incident
Apr 1, 2024
Mileage
150,000 mi
AirbagsEngine
Filed Jan 3, 2023
1 injury reported

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph he noticed the temperature gauge increased to the high indicator. The engine coolant hot message was displayed. The contact stated that while attempting to pull over there was an abnormal popping noise and smoke was detected. The air bag warning light illuminated and the driver's side air bag deployed without impact or crash and struck the driver in the face, chest, and right hand. There was no medical attention provided, or a fire or police report filed. The vehicle was left on the side of the road. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID
11499926
Incident
Jan 3, 2023
Mileage
200,000 mi
BrakesElectricalSteering
Filed Jun 30, 2022

Brake/abs light on and ecbm for abs not working no anti lock brake system and for the electrical vehicle has all kinds of electrical issues had to remove fuse to radio because of it going bonkers and it wouldn't turn off or down sounds like a fax machine or old school dial up internet sounds all the time and siren sounds were coming from radio and speakers only way to make it stop was to pull the fuse and have had to get multiple four wheel alignments because of steering and steering has to much play in it before suburban turns

NHTSA ID
11471888
Incident
Mar 1, 2020
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Apr 23, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING GEARS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THERE WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 238,239.

NHTSA ID
11413497
Incident
Sep 1, 2020
Mileage
238,239 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceSteering
Filed Sep 2, 2020

THE HYDRO BOOSTER IS DEFECTIVE. THE CAR TRIGGERS MY BREAKS AND MAKES NOISES MAKE STEERING BRAKING DIFFICULT. IT HAPPENS EVERYFAY THROUGHT THE DAY WHILE IM DRIVING

NHTSA ID
11352858
Incident
Jul 22, 2020
Mileage
270,000 mi
Brakes
Filed May 23, 2019

ABS BREAKS KICKING IN AT LOW SPEED AND NOT STOPPING ALMOST WRECKED SEVERAL TIMES

NHTSA ID
11209447
Incident
Jan 1, 2018
Mileage
150,000 mi
Visibility
Filed May 22, 2019

REAR TAILGATE GLASS HAS SEPARATED FROM THE GLUED ON HINGES AND DROPPED DOWN ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ONGOING DESIGN, QUALITY ISSUE AND HAS HAPPENED ON A LARGE NUMBER OF SUV STYLE CHEVROLET VEHICLES AS CAN BE SEEN USING A SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH CONCERNING THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
11209173
Incident
May 9, 2019
Mileage
130,050 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.

23-NA-001

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.

PIP5358D

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.

03-06-01-023I

ENGINE

This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.

PIP4723J

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

03-06-01-023H

ENGINE

This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.

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 Suburban by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2024371358.1
20231143364.8
20221064365.9
202118412468.5
2020424060.2
2019763058.4
2018814055.0
20171415058.2
20162176159.1
201542811159.8
2014593151.2
20131184151.9
20121014151.9
20111483152.3
20101173150.1
20091065149.6
20082134150.9
20072914157.5
2006231034.1
20051297046.7
2004Viewing2046158.1
20033017663.8
20022864862.9
200144081163.3
2000282111063.5
19996342660.4
19982013153.3
19974143559.7
19963604762.6
19954577865.9
19948586469.4
19934992367.2
19921895269.6
1991524160.8
1990544162.0
1989624162.9
1988304049.0
1987181050.7
1986701—
1985901—
1984601—
1983300—
1982110—
1981110—
1979100—
1978300—
1977200—

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.