2004 GMC Envoy: common problems and reliability

The 2004 GMC Envoy has 1810 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and fuel system. Owners most often flag poor fuel economy — described as "atrocious," "6 cylinder power with 8 cylinder fuel consumption." frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2004 model year

1,810
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
95
Crash reports
47
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 GMC Envoy vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

electrical system
824
fuel system
172
exterior lighting
161
fuel/propulsion system
156
gasoline
151

Recalls affecting the 2004 Envoy

exterior lighting:headlights

Campaign 07E014000

CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NO 335-1120L-AS, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE LAMP HOUSING SHAPE DEFORMED DISTORTING THE ASSEMBL…

exterior lighting:turn signal

Campaign 05V198000

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DRIVER WISHING TO SIGNAL A TURN BY MOVING THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL LEVER, (UP OR DOWN) MAY CAUSE THE FRONT MARKER/TURN LIGHTS AND REAR TURN LIGHTS TO FLASH IN A MANNER SIMI…

exterior lighting:brake lights

Campaign 04V527000

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, VIBRATION AND HEAT MAY CAUSE THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP BULB TO LOOSEN IN ITS SOCKET. IF THIS OCCURS, THE BULB MAY FLICKER AND EVENTUALLY BECOME INOPERATIVE.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is polarized, with a clear division between long-term owners who praise the vehicle's durability and sentimental value, and those who report significant and frequent mechanical and electrical problems. The 4.2L inline-six engine is widely regarded as

  • Poor fuel economy — described as "atrocious," "6 cylinder power with 8 cylinder fuel consumption." Frequency: very frequent.
  • Electrical system failures — includes security light/anti-theft system malfunctions, gauge cluster failures (digital display loss, stepper motor issues), HVAC blend door actuator failures, window motor failures, and general wiring harness problems (e.g., hatchback door harness). Frequency: very frequent.
  • Transmission and transfer case problems — includes failure to engage overdrive (4th gear), shift solenoid issues, rough shifting, and transfer case actuator failure preventing 4WD engagement. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Front suspension and steering component wear — includes failure of outer tie rod ends, lower ball joints, upper ball joints, sway bar links, and CV axle boots/seals. Power steering rack leaks are also a recurrent, expensive repair. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Catalytic converter failure — repeated, premature failures noted, particularly on a 2008 Denali model requiring multiple replacements within a few years. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Envoy.

Typical used price

Used Envoy listings typically run $4,489–$7,199 across 2002 to 2009 model years.

Other Envoy model years

2006 Envoy2005 Envoy2003 Envoy
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