← New search

2004 Chevrolet Tahoe

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 246.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

388 reports with mileage · 79 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 214 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 60 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

25 crash reports7 fire reports14 injury reports

Structure complaints

15 reports
Clear category filter
125,000 miles · Aug 27, 2014
Electrical SystemStructure

THE DASH FOR THE PAST YEAR WILL WORK FOR A MONTH OR TWO, THEN GO OUT FOR A MONTH OR TWO. I CAN NOT READ ANY OF MY DASH GAUGES. I CAN'T TELL HOW FAST I'M GOING OR HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE ETC. I HAVE READ WHERE NUMEROUS OTHER TAHOE OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE. IT IS VERY ANNOYING AND NOT SAFE FOR MY TEENAGE SON TO DRIVE. …

Read full complaint

THE DASH FOR THE PAST YEAR WILL WORK FOR A MONTH OR TWO, THEN GO OUT FOR A MONTH OR TWO. I CAN NOT READ ANY OF MY DASH GAUGES. I CAN'T TELL HOW FAST I'M GOING OR HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE ETC. I HAVE READ WHERE NUMEROUS OTHER TAHOE OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE. IT IS VERY ANNOYING AND NOT SAFE FOR MY TEENAGE SON TO DRIVE. WITH AS MANY COMPLAINTS AS HAVE BEEN FILED, CAN WE GET A RECALL? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10628922

Mileage unknown · Aug 5, 2012
Structure

LEAVING TO GO ON VACATION AND PUTTING THINGS IN THE REAR OF CAR WHEN WE NOTICED THAT THE HINGE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LIFTGATE WAS BROKEN. WE MANAGED TO SECURE THE WINDOW AND HAD TO GO ANYWAY. NEVER OPENED THE REAR AGAIN UNTIL LEAVING TO COME HOME FROM VACATION AND NOTICED THAT THE OTHER SIDE HAS BROKEN OFF . WE MANAGED TO SEC…

Read full complaint

LEAVING TO GO ON VACATION AND PUTTING THINGS IN THE REAR OF CAR WHEN WE NOTICED THAT THE HINGE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LIFTGATE WAS BROKEN. WE MANAGED TO SECURE THE WINDOW AND HAD TO GO ANYWAY. NEVER OPENED THE REAR AGAIN UNTIL LEAVING TO COME HOME FROM VACATION AND NOTICED THAT THE OTHER SIDE HAS BROKEN OFF . WE MANAGED TO SECURE THE WINDOW AND DROVE HOME VERY CAUTIOUSLY PRAYING THAT THE WINDOW WOULD STAY IN PLACE. CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS, BUT TO NO AVAIL. , BUT I DID SEE WHERE THIS HAS BEEN A CONSTANT PROBLEM . *TR

NHTSA ODI #10469215

108,000 miles · Dec 22, 2011
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH DOOR FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 108,000.

NHTSA ODI #10441003

43,000 miles · Oct 5, 2011
Structure

THE HINGE THAT HOLDS THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW ONTO THE VEHICLE HAS BROKEN/SEPARATED FROM THE GLASS DUE TO STRESS OR IMPROPER INSTALLATION. THE WINDOW IS IN TACT, BUT THE WINDOW PART OF THE LIFT GATE CANNOT BE OPENED AND CLOSED PROPERLY AND WHEN CLOSED, IT IS NOT SEATED IN THE PROPER POSITION. THIS PART OF THE LIFT GATE HAS PR…

Read full complaint

THE HINGE THAT HOLDS THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW ONTO THE VEHICLE HAS BROKEN/SEPARATED FROM THE GLASS DUE TO STRESS OR IMPROPER INSTALLATION. THE WINDOW IS IN TACT, BUT THE WINDOW PART OF THE LIFT GATE CANNOT BE OPENED AND CLOSED PROPERLY AND WHEN CLOSED, IT IS NOT SEATED IN THE PROPER POSITION. THIS PART OF THE LIFT GATE HAS PROBABLY BEEN USED ABOUT 5 TIMES IN THE LIFE OF THE TRUCK WHICH NOW HAS ABOUT 53,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO CHEVROLET WHICH DENIES ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THIS HAPPENING TO OTHER VEHICLES. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF THE WINDOW BREAKING LOOSE ENTIRELY DURING THE TIME THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. CHEVROLET'S ONLY OPTION IS TO 'TRY' TO GLUE THE PART BACK ONTO THE WINDOW OR REPLACE THE WINDOW ENTIRELY AT MY COST OF NEARLY $1000. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE AND IN MY OPINION, IS A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. I BELIEVE IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AS A SAFETY ISSUE AND A RECALL ISSUED TO HAVE THIS TAKEN CARE OF. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10428754

66,500 miles · Sep 13, 2011
StructureVisibility

HINGE ON REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW SEPARATED FROM THE WINDOW AND PREVENTED WINDOW FROM LATCHING. (THE HINGE FAILURE COCKED THE WINDOW AND MADE IT CROOKED ON THE LIFTGATE.) THIS WINDOW HAS ONLY BEEN OPENED MAYBE 2 - 3 DOZEN TIMES TOTAL IN 7 YEARS. IF I HADN'T BEEN FOCUSED, I MIGHT HAVE DRIVEN OFF AND WINDOW MIGHT HAVE BLOWN OFF THE VE…

Read full complaint

HINGE ON REAR LIFTGATE WINDOW SEPARATED FROM THE WINDOW AND PREVENTED WINDOW FROM LATCHING. (THE HINGE FAILURE COCKED THE WINDOW AND MADE IT CROOKED ON THE LIFTGATE.) THIS WINDOW HAS ONLY BEEN OPENED MAYBE 2 - 3 DOZEN TIMES TOTAL IN 7 YEARS. IF I HADN'T BEEN FOCUSED, I MIGHT HAVE DRIVEN OFF AND WINDOW MIGHT HAVE BLOWN OFF THE VEHICLE AS MOST OF MY DRIVING IS ON HIGHWAYS. IF SOMEONE ELSE HAD BEEN DRIVING IT AND NOT NOTICED THE IMPERFECT WAY THE WINDOW CLOSED (WHICH WOULD BE PROBABLE), THE WINDOW MOST ASSUREDLY WOULD HAVE BLOWN OFF DUE TO WIND TURBULENCE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10425282

196,000 miles · Sep 9, 2011
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE HINGE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 196,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10424425

81,000 miles · Dec 6, 2010
StructureTires

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE MOUNT WOULD NOT UNLOCK AND RELEASE THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RE…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE MOUNT WOULD NOT UNLOCK AND RELEASE THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE WHERE THE CONTACT PURPOSELY HAD TO FRACTURE A MECHANISM IN ORDER TO DETACH THE SPARE TIRE FROM THE CABLE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 81,000.

NHTSA ODI #10369324

46,000 miles · Mar 15, 2010
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure

I HAVE A 2004 TAHOE WITH LESS THAN 50K MILES ON IT. IT HAS NEVER BEEN WRECKED, DRIVEN SPORADICALLY AS THE MILEAGE WILL ATTEST, AND THE REAR WINDOW GLASS HAS BEEN OPENED LESS THAN HALF DOZEN TIMES SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED NEW. ONE OF THE HINGES HAS BROKEN/SEPARATED FROM THE TOP OF THE LIFT GATE GLASS, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CLOSE…

Read full complaint

I HAVE A 2004 TAHOE WITH LESS THAN 50K MILES ON IT. IT HAS NEVER BEEN WRECKED, DRIVEN SPORADICALLY AS THE MILEAGE WILL ATTEST, AND THE REAR WINDOW GLASS HAS BEEN OPENED LESS THAN HALF DOZEN TIMES SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED NEW. ONE OF THE HINGES HAS BROKEN/SEPARATED FROM THE TOP OF THE LIFT GATE GLASS, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CLOSE WHEN IT IS OPENED. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A LOCAL CHEVY DEALER THAT TOLD ME IT WAS A 'COMMON' HAPPENING ON THIS AND SUBURBAN MODELS. THE 'FIX' IS A FULL GLASS REPLACEMENT TO THE TUNE OF AROUND $1000. ANOTHER OPTION IS A THIRD-PARTY FIX WHICH 'MIGHT' WORK AND INVOLVES REGLUING THE HINGE TO THE WINDOW. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH CHEVY AND RECEIVED A CALL FROM A REP WHO DISAVOWED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF 'ANY' COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ISSUE. HOWEVER, THE SERVICE WRITER AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, AS WELL AS TWO OTHER DEALERSHIP EMPLOYEES (DIFFERENT DEALERS) ALL KNEW OF THE PROBLEM AND THE FIX. THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT AND SAFETY ISSUE. IT IS QUITE POSSIBLE THAT THIS COULD CAUSE THE GLASS TO BREAK LOOSE AND FLY OFF WHILE DRIVING, MOST LIKELY CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. YET CHEVY REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. THEY WERE NO HELP AT ALL, AND THOUGH I TALKED AT LENGTH TO THEIR REP (WHO COULDN'T EVEN PRONOUNCE TAHOE CORRECTLY) THEY REFUSED TO OFFER ANY HELP AT ALL WITH THE REPAIR, LEAVING ME WITH THE PROBABILITY OF A $1000 REPLACEMENT COST OF A PERFECTLY GOOD REAR GLASS JUST TO FIX A HINGE WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECTIVE DESIGN. I HAVE OWNED MORE THAN 20 CHEVYS AND IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY VEHICLE OF CHOICE, BUT THEY NEED TO STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT AND FIX WHAT THEY KNOW IS A PROBLEM IN THEIR DESIGN AND THROUGH NO FAULT OF THE OWNER/DRIVER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10319986

Mileage unknown · Dec 15, 2008
Electrical SystemSeatsStructure

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55-60 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ACTIVATED WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE MECHANISM FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEACTIVATE THE SYSTEM. THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55-60 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ACTIVATED WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE MECHANISM FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEACTIVATE THE SYSTEM. THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. RECENTLY, THE FRONT DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE SEATS FAILED TO RECLINE BACKWARDS. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS WATER LEAKING FROM THE SUNROOF NEAR THE PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISOR. FINALLY, THE PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW AND HEATED SEAT FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VIN AND MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10251837

46,000 miles · Dec 14, 2006
Structure

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE WAITING TO MAKE A TURN, THE REAR HATCH WINDOW FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE HINGE AND REPLACED THE REAR WINDOW. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED.

NHTSA ODI #10176119

Official recalls

2

05V163000 · Seat Belts:rear/other

Apr 22, 2005

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

04V045000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Feb 4, 2004

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.