RoadVitals

2004 GMC Sierra Denali

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.
11
Latest Jul 17, 2014
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 May 19, 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.
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.
1
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 11 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 GMC Sierra Denali, most frequently naming the brakes, electrical and powertrain (other) categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 69 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

  • Brakes535.7%
  • Electrical214.3%
  • Powertrain (other)17.1%
  • Seat belts17.1%
  • Steering17.1%
  • Suspension17.1%
  • Airbags17.1%
  • Tires & wheels17.1%

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
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

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 11
BrakesPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 17, 2014

I WAS DRIVING DOWN ROUTE 24 IN LEWES, DELAWARE APPROACHING A YELLOW LIGHT WHEN THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED. I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THEY COMPLETELY FAILED DESPITE PUTTING THE PEDDLE ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I WAS FORCED TO VEER ONTO THE SHOULDER THEN INTO A FARMERS FIELD IN ORDER TO SLOW THE TRUCK DOWN ENOUGH TO FORCE IT INTO PARK. APPARENTLY THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINES ON THESE TRUCKS ARE COMPLETELY EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS AND HAVE A HISTORY OF FAILING. ONCE THAT HAPPENS, THE REAR CALIPERS LOCK UP AND THERE ARE NO BRAKES AT ALL SWITCH CAN CAUSE A CRASH. THERE IS NO WARNING GIVEN UNTIL THE HYDRAULIC LINE SNAPS AND THE FLUID IS RELEASED. MY TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAS LOW MILEAGE FOR ITS AGE. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND IS NOT A WORK TRUCK BUT MERELY A PERSONAL VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, I AM ON MY THIRD TRANSMISSION DO TO THE POOR SELECTION GM MADE OF PUTTING THE S-10 PICK UP TRANSMISSION IN A SUBSTANTIALLY HEAVIER TRUCK. *TR

NHTSA ID
10611180
Incident
Jun 13, 2014
Mileage
108,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Aug 7, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SIERRA DENALI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ABLE TO BE FULLY DEPRESSED AND THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 86,000.

NHTSA ID
10534022
Incident
Aug 4, 2013
Mileage
86,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jun 7, 2012

FRONT BRAKE LINE FAILURE DUE TO CORROSION, IN JUNE 2012 HAVE TO REPLACE ENTIRE BRAKE LINE SYSTEM. *JS

NHTSA ID
10460940
Incident
Jan 12, 2012
Mileage
65,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 14, 2011

2004 GMC SIERRA 6 LITER V8 - EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS BROKEN OFF - $600 TO REPAIR. DESIGN AND/OR PART DEFECT. DEALER SAID THIS HAPPENS. RECALL OR HAVE GM CORRECT? *TR

NHTSA ID
10412314
Incident
Jul 13, 2011
Mileage
135,522 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Feb 4, 2010

OVER THE PAST WEEK, I NOTICED THAT MY GMC DENALI TRUCK WAS PULLING TO THE LEFT SO I HAD TO OVERSTEER TO THE RIGHT. EACH DAY, THE EFFECT BECAME MORE PRONOUNCED SO I HAD THE LOCAL GMC DEALER CHECK OUT THE TRUCK. THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE CORDS IN THE FRONT GOODYEAR WRANGLER HP TIRE HAD SEPARATED--IT WAS A BLOWOUT WAITING TO HAPPEN. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING WITH MY TRUCK TO HAVE CAUSED THE SEPARATION, THE TREAD WEAR WAS EVEN ON ALL TIRES, THEY WERE REGULARLY CHECKED FOR INFLATION, AND MOST OF THE TREAD WAS LEFT SINCE I HAVE PUT LOW MILEAGE ON THIS TIRES. A NUMBER OF DEATHS HAVE BEEN REPORTED DUE TO FAILURE OF THIS TYPE OF TIRE. I HAD BOTH FRONT TIRES REPLACED AND OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, I WILL REPLACE THE REMAINING TWO TIRES. I CANNOT CHANCE A DEATH OR INJURY. PLEASE RECALL THESE TIRES. HOW MANY PEOPLE NEED TO DIE. *JB

NHTSA ID
10306123
Incident
Feb 1, 2010
BrakesSuspension
Filed Nov 12, 2007

ABS BRAKE ACTIVATES AT SLOW SPEEDS. WHEEL HUB BEARING PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID
10208676
Incident
Sep 14, 2006
Mileage
40,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Nov 12, 2007

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MALFUNCTIONS. SPEEDOMETER FLUTTERS AND DISPLAYS WRONG SPEED. GETS STUCK. *TR

NHTSA ID
10208673
Incident
Mar 15, 2007
Mileage
40,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Mar 19, 2007

SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTIONS. GOES TO 120 THEN 0. STAYS AT 0. STOPS WORKING. SKIPS AROUND.

NHTSA ID
10185558
Incident
Mar 15, 2007
Mileage
40,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

06-08-47-001M

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This information bulletin explains the labor operation numbers used for submitting warranty claims and how to setup, and reprogram modules.

PIT5484A

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that if OnStar is unable to configure the vehicle after the OnStar 15-08-44-001 upgrade and Onstar receives a 118 error code when attempting to configure the vehicle. Dealers should receive a sheet with the kit that provides steps to assist with handling this error. Dealer will follow one of the listed steps to resolve the issue. If there are still configuration issues, please contact the OnStar Technical Assistance Centre for assistance.

PIC5953A

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone. Technician should work with the customer to insure the phone contacts to not have any Emojis loaded to any contact.

03-08-46-004R

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

This informational bulletin provides information on Part Restriction and Ordering Process Information for OnStar Vehicle Communication Interface Modules (VCIM) (GMNA Only)

06-06-01-010C

ENGINE

This informational bulletin provides information on close coupled converters and there affect on newly installed engines or engines during there break in period.

PIP5232B

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about gasoline powered cars, mid-size trucks, light duty trucks, and heavy duty trucks with premature catalytic converter failures. It is recommended to inspect for a poor crimp on the grounds ring terminal at the engine block for the bank with the concern and repair the wire.

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

GMC Sierra Denali by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2020900—
2019260031.0
2018170040.1
2017140045.0
2016300036.8
2015220140.5
2014140131.8
2013800—
2012100026.9
2011280029.4
2010100027.8
2009700—
2008180031.9
2007100—
2006510—
2005420—
2004Viewing111037.6
2003000—
2002131039.8

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.