The 2004 GMC Sierra has 8 recalls, the most serious being a fuel rail pulse damper clip that can fracture and allow fuel to leak near ignition sources, creating a fire risk. This issue affects vehicles with the 8.1L V8 engine.
Two brake-related recalls cover separate concerns. On trucks equipped with a Bosch hydraulic brake booster, an internal pressure accumulator can crack and break apart, sending fragments into the engine bay that could injure anyone nearby with the hood open. A separate brake booster housing defect involves an out-of-specification valve bore that can cause its seal to fracture, slightly increasing steering effort while braking or parking. On manual transmission trucks, the parking brake friction linings can wear down to the point where the brake no longer holds the vehicle in place, allowing it to roll.
A few recalls address occupant protection and structural concerns. On crew cab models, the center rear seatbelt routing can cause the lap belt to ride up onto an occupant's abdomen rather than sitting low across the hips, reducing its effectiveness in a crash. The tailgate support cables can corrode, weaken, and snap, causing the tailgate to drop suddenly and potentially throwing anyone sitting on it to the ground. Lastly, certain compressed natural gas converted models do not have child seat lower anchorages in the required number of rear seating positions.
At a glance
What can fail
The clip holding the fuel rail pulse damper may crack, causing the damper to loosen. A loose damper can leak fuel, which may ignite if exposed to heat or flame.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip with a new one.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The retainer clip that holds the fuel rail pulse damper on the 8.1L V8 engine may crack, causing the damper to not stay properly secured.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The second row center seat belt routing makes it hard to position the lap belt low on the hips, especially for smaller occupants. Child seats and booster seats improve the fit.
What the fix does
Dealers will cut open and partially remove the belt guide loop, then fold and secure the remaining sides with a retainer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On certain manual transmission pickup trucks, parking brake friction linings may wear excessively, causing the parking brake to fail at holding the vehicle stationary.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer (PBR systems) or redesigned parking brake cable assembly (TRW systems).
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator in the Bosch Hydro-Boost brake system may crack and separate during normal driving, potentially affecting brake operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will test the brake booster assembly and replace it at no cost if it fails the functional test of the two-function valve.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The center rear seat lacks proper child restraint lower anchorages required by federal safety standards. Standard cab and cargo van models have an air bag off switch in the center rear seating area that interferes with child restraint installation.
What the fix does
For standard cabs and cargo vans: seal the air bag off switch with epoxy, relocate it behind the instrument panel, and cover the opening. For extended cabs: replace the front passenger seat with one equipped with child restraint anchorages.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The galvanized steel cables that hold your tailgate open may rust, weaken, and break. If both cables fail, the tailgate will suddenly drop and hit the rear bumper.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the tailgate support cables with new ones.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake hydro-boost relief valve bore was made to incorrect specifications, which can prevent the brakes from working properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the hydro-boost relief valve to restore proper brake function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
