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3.1

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
43,878 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2004 Chevrolet Suburban fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2004 Chevrolet Suburban Owner Comments

problem #8

Jan 292008

Suburban 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,080 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

On Tuesday, January 29, 2008, I was driving my 2004 Chevrolet Suburban on I-285 in atlanta, ga. When the fuel pump failed. I-285 is an extremely congested, six lane wide, dangerous roadway. Sudden loss of power exposed me and 18 year old daughter to possible catastrophic vehicle collision. Although this vehicle has 130,000 miles, it is meticulously maintained to avoid just the very situation that happened. There was absolutely no warning of impending power loss. The vehicle was towed to dalton, ga. ( about 90 miles North of atlanta) and the fuel pump was replaced. I have had no drivability issues since. I have owned the vehicle since 2004 and purchased it with 4000 miles.

- Dalton, GA, USA

problem #7

May 012005

Suburban 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles
2004 Chevrolet Tahoe has had the following issues before 100K miles: 1. replaced fuel pump 2. engine overheating(taken to the dealership service dept 2X for issue) 3. oil pressue - lost oil pressue 4. transmission needs replaced

- Wake Forest, NC, USA

problem #6

Jun 112006

Suburban 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 31,000 miles
6-2006, 98 degrees, centennial, Colorado 2004 Chevy 8.1 liter Suburban, driving 55-60 mph for approx. 1 hour(no trailer) vehicle suddenly loss power, I had to pull over and have vehicle towed to Chevy dealer. (dealer stated codes indicated misfiring) further testing, service was able to duplicate issue and locate a bulletin outlining the problem. Per dealer, faulty fuel pump, GM advised to switch fuel pump to a high altitude pump, to remedy the issue. Which was done, and it fixed the issue. As the 8.1 liter Suburban is a veh. Primarily used for towing, this needs to be a recall or campaign to warn people. This sudden loss of power and control could be catastrophic in nature.

- Elizabeth, CO, USA

problem #5

Apr 022006

Suburban 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Fuel pump seizes when in hot climates or when towing a trailer. GM replaced the fuel pump last year and it appeared to solve the problem. But, the problem occurred again while pulling a trailer up and down a steep mountain pass resulting in a loss of brakes and steering when the engine stalled. This occurs when the fuel tank is at 1/4 full or less. The trailering fuel advance delivers fuel to the engine and if not needed then it is returned to the tank and recirculation. The fuel is warm when returned to the tank. The longer the engine runs the hotter the fuel becomes and when the fuel in the tank becomes hot enough the fuel pump, which is located in the fuel tank then seizes and the engine stalls. This is a major safety hazard, particularly when trailering in the mountains and the loss of brakes and steering occurs. The only solution when this occurs is to pull to the side of the road if possible, raise the hood and let the vehicle cool for 15-20 minutes and then start again. Or, find the nearest gas station and fill the tank with cool gasoline so the fuel pump no longer seizes. In the case of breaking down on the side of the road, this is another major safety hazard since this problem occurs both going up or down hills and there is a loss of steering and brakes. This means the vehicle is often in traffic and may result in an accident.

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #4

Dec 202005

Suburban 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,500 miles
Had starting problems with my SUV. Towed to dealer, where I was told that the fuel pump went bad due to a clogged fuel filter. Called to complain to GM that the requirement to replace the fuel filter was not listed on their scheduled maintenance chart in the owner's manual, I was then told that the pump shorted out which caused the failure. This is an internal fuel pump mounted within the tank itself.

- Green Cove Springs, FM, USA

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problem #3

Jul 192005

Suburban 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28,740 miles
July 19th in denver Colorado 2004 Chevy Suburban stalled on Santa Fe blvd. In heavy traffic. Waited 30 minutes and then started truck and went about 2 miles and stalled again called local dealership and had truck towed to dealership. Dealership replaced fuel pump under warranty. Drove truck 1.5 hours and same issue of truck stalling. Took back to dealership and mechanic on duty told me that it was a known defect with the 2004 Chevy Suburban and nothing could be done until the air temperature went down. Temperature was around 100 degrees. Problem is caused by high temperature and altitude. Problem is vapor lock. On the 22 of July dealership was told to replace the fuel pump again by local Chevy area vehicle manager (avm). Dealership replaced the fuel pump again and I drove it for 1.5 hours and it stalled again in traffic. Took Suburban back to dealership next morning. Dealership assured me that 700 new fuel pumps are available to fix problem and one would be installed on my truck on July 26th. On July 26th found out that fuel pump sent by chevorlet corporate would not fit the Suburban and that I had to take my chances and drive it back to Minnesota. Temperature was cooler and Chevy felt it was worth the risk for me to drive it back to Minnesota and let them know if I had a problem. Dealership also admitted that the fuel pump in the Suburban was already the "new " height altitude version of the fuel pump and that the dealership had multiple vehicles with the same problem and Chevy does not know what the problem is. Dealership says issue is with 2004 Suburban and Silverado. Known issue at Chevy and they are doing nothing to fix it. Suburban will still not work at high altitudes (denver) and temperatures in the 90S. Suburban was not fixed. Luckily weather cooled down. Call Chevy 800-222-1020 refer to ticket 1-350803636 ask for arch summers he is the Chevy representative I am waiting for call back from.

- Brooklyn Park , MN, USA

problem #2

Aug 152004

Suburban 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,500 miles
Vehicle stalled on highway 6 in Utah while going up a steep incline. Took it to riverton Chevrolet where the diagnosis was a failed fuel pump. Fuel pump was replaced.

- Farmington, NM, USA

problem #1

Jul 112004

Suburban 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,200 miles
Mu SUV stalled on the I-15 freeway. I was driving at 70 mph. Outside temp. Was 95F. Elevation 5000 ft. At the top of cajun pass. I was going to have a serious accident. The dealer replaced th fuel pump. The SUV had 1200 miles.

- W. Covina, CA, USA

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