2004 Chevrolet Classic
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Classic › 2004
These records cover every 2004 Chevrolet Classic. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2004 Chevrolet Classic. Newest first.
Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with a fuel tank that does not meet specification. a weld on these fuel tanks may be insufficient, resulting in a fuel leak.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the fuel tank, and replace it, if necessary. owner notification began on june 23, 2004. owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Owner complaints
40 complaints2 involved a crash1 involved a fire1 injuries5 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
My fuel level gauge IS malfunctioning. Even though I have had the entire fuel pump assembly replaced and the in dash gauges checked, it will not register past 1/4 tank. After driving approximately 150 miles the gauge will suddenly drop, the low fuel light will come on. After turning the car off and on, it will again read 1/4 tank even when full. The vehicle IS almost always in motion when this occurs.
- Electrical system
Anti theft system keeps on coming on and will not let your car start !!! They even replaced the key holes with fillers in it. You have to turn the key and wait 15 to 20 min. Before it will start or sometime it will not work!!!! How do you explain that and that still does not fix the ignition switch…
Anti theft system keeps on coming on and will not let your car start !!! They even replaced the key holes with fillers in it. You have to turn the key and wait 15 to 20 min. Before it will start or sometime it will not work!!!! How do you explain that and that still does not fix the ignition switch it IS a big problem because now the car will not start I have called gm before and they say there IS no recall. Well if you look at this web site to see all the complaints in these cars for the ignition problems that should be fixed and they will not do anything about it !!!!! I guess they will have to wait for someone to gets killed again to do something about !!! They already had a big law suite I guess they will have to deal with another one if this keeps on happening when people drive and it just conks out on us and there IS a bunch of accidents !!!! Gm you really need to listen to your customers !!!!! Then you guys want us to buy more cars well if we can not trust you to fix something when there IS more then enough complaints about this car why would we go back to trust you again !!!! This IS very unsafe gm especially if you will not fix it !!! also my car has under 100,000 miles on it !!! This has been doing it for the past 3 years
- Service brakes
Brake lines rusted through causing complete brake failure. All the lines(4) run very close together underneeth the air filter box. By running the lines this close together it allows moistures to be held in the tiny gaps between the lines, therby cuasing accelerated rusting and corrosion. brake…
Brake lines rusted through causing complete brake failure. All the lines(4) run very close together underneeth the air filter box. By running the lines this close together it allows moistures to be held in the tiny gaps between the lines, therby cuasing accelerated rusting and corrosion. brake lines rusting out in just over 10 years seems premature given how many of the vehicles 10 years old are still on the road. Maybe I'm wrong? Luckily I was just leaving the driveway to go to the car wash. The picture IS taken from under the car looking up from the wheel well, there IS also little protection from tire spray
- Engine
I had taken my son to the dr. and the car had been turned off for less than 10 minutes. when we came back out, the car wouldn't start. it would turn over but wouldn't fire up. After sitting in the blazing sun with my sick child for at least 30 minutes, a friend came to assist us. The fuel pump…
I had taken my son to the dr. and the car had been turned off for less than 10 minutes. when we came back out, the car wouldn't start. it would turn over but wouldn't fire up. After sitting in the blazing sun with my sick child for at least 30 minutes, a friend came to assist us. The fuel pump was kicking on, we cleaned the intake and changed the air filter with no luck. With starter fluid the engine would fire up but died as soon as the fluid burnt off. Before having it towed home we researched it online and found several references to the anti theft system glitch. Sure enough, after leaving the key in the on position for 10 minutes,without trying to start the car, we turned the key to the off position and then tried to start the car. it fired right up. This has happened to me 3 times since then. One time I had to go through those steps 3 times to get the car to start. I am a single mother with 2 children. it IS a safety hazard if we get stranded in the extreme heat or cold or cannot utilize the car in case of emergency. please help me get this issue amended.
- Unknown or other
This vehicle has problems with its starter. I'm not sure of the first date it was noticed. Initially the key would get stuck in the ignition, it would take up to 1/2 hr or more for the key to come out, then longer, then days in which the battery would have to be recharged. It also on occasion would…
This vehicle has problems with its starter. I'm not sure of the first date it was noticed. Initially the key would get stuck in the ignition, it would take up to 1/2 hr or more for the key to come out, then longer, then days in which the battery would have to be recharged. It also on occasion would activate the 'kill-switch' on the alarm. We were told by chevy that the car was not 'recognizing' the ignition key. Finally after the money was available, the car was taken to chevy for repair. initially it was fine...the key didn't get stuck, then only a few times ...none in which it didn't come out....however, the car in 2013? Began to die while being driven. My son and finance' bough this to my attention and for safety I no longer drive the car as the last time it happened was in traffic, fortunately, we were able to steer into a parking lot and park the car. It would restart without a problem.....but not knowing why or when it will stop was/is to much of a risk so we turned in the registration. we told chevy, wrote ...but no one has every responded. I am not sure why this vehicle IS not on the recall list for its ignition problem and would like to know how to find out who else has the same problem with this model. due to its condition, I can't sell it or drive it. your help IS very much appreciated.
- Electrical system
2004 chevrolet classic. Vehicle would not start, replaced ignition lock cylinder and switch*cw
- Electrical system
The prescribed/proposed fix by gm over the faulty ignition switches IS the most lame excuse for a fix I have ever heard of. just want to go on the record saying this. *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
TL* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet classic. The contact stated that when attempting to release the key from the ignition, the key remained stuck in the accessory, on or off mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the ignition switch tumbler needed to be replaced. The vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet classic. The contact stated that when attempting to release the key from the ignition, the key remained stuck in the accessory, on or off mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the ignition switch tumbler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vin was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.
- Electrical system
Tl-the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet classic. The contact stated that when attempting to remove the key from the ignition, the key failed to release. The contact mentioned that the key would remain stuck in the off, accessory, and/or on mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that…
Tl-the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet classic. The contact stated that when attempting to remove the key from the ignition, the key failed to release. The contact mentioned that the key would remain stuck in the off, accessory, and/or on mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the ignition switch tumbler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000. The vin was not available. Djr
- Electrical system
Ignition key can be removed/falls out when vehicle IS being driven. we have had six incidents where we parked car and removed key and then car started rolling. in two incidents an open door of the rolling car caught person knocking them down, one incident just missed rolling over foot. in each…
Ignition key can be removed/falls out when vehicle IS being driven. we have had six incidents where we parked car and removed key and then car started rolling. in two incidents an open door of the rolling car caught person knocking them down, one incident just missed rolling over foot. in each case found that car was not in park with key removed. have also had multiple incidents where key was removed but ignition remained on draining the cars battery each time. very hard to get key lock into "off" position. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet classic. The contact stated that the security sensor illuminated intermittently. The contact had to wait a brief moment for the security system to disable in order to start the vehicle. Also, the contact indicated that the vehicle stalled several times. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet classic. The contact stated that the security sensor illuminated intermittently. The contact had to wait a brief moment for the security system to disable in order to start the vehicle. Also, the contact indicated that the vehicle stalled several times. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer multiple times. The technician stated they were unable to remedy the failure since the parts needed were not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was not available.
- Engine · Vehicle speed control
We stop and waiting for red light, when the light turn to green, push the accelerator pedal, but the car not have any reaction. I turn off the car, and start again then the car can move. *tr
- Electrical system
2004 chevrolet classic. consumer writes in regards to ignition switches problems. *smd the consumer stated the key would not turn in the ignition, and the key would get stuck. *Jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
TL* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet classic. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact placed the vehicle into neutral and pushed it to the side of the road. The electrical system was operable during the time of the failure. the vehicle was towed to a private mechanic who…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet classic. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact placed the vehicle into neutral and pushed it to the side of the road. The electrical system was operable during the time of the failure. the vehicle was towed to a private mechanic who stated that the ignition and cylinder switches needed to be replaced. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 118,500.
- Electrical system › Ignition
For two years now my doors will lock automatically when I turn the car of and get out. Also the horn will blow for no reason like I have locked the doors. I can't leave my keys in the car because it has locked with keys in the ignition. recently when I go to start the car I have to jiggle the key to be able to turn it to start. I thought maybe it was the key but I have had new ones made. *js
- Electrical system · Equipment adaptive/mobility
Came to a stop at a stop light and the car just stalled out... Replaced the battery after draining it from trying to restart it. after reading about the anti-theft problems these models have had and how to reset it, it started but then it does it still occasionally and I have to repeat the procedure which can be an inconvenience. *tr
- Electrical system
My 2004 chevy classic will not start. Suspecting the theft system. I've dealt with the theft system light before, but this time it has been on solid or not on at all. I've tried the 10 minute restart twice with no luck. I tried a variation of the 10 minute reset that had me do it 3 times back to…
My 2004 chevy classic will not start. Suspecting the theft system. I've dealt with the theft system light before, but this time it has been on solid or not on at all. I've tried the 10 minute restart twice with no luck. I tried a variation of the 10 minute reset that had me do it 3 times back to back without starting in between and no luck. I tried waiting 1 minute and 3 minutes after performing the 10 minute reset before attempting to start it. I replaced the battery with no luck. Diag was done with no answers. From what I've read online, this IS a frequent problem with my make and model, and I just don't understand why they don't do a recall. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine
The "theft system" light will come on randomly and my car will not start. The only cure IS to turn the key to the on position for 10 minutes until the anti-theft light on the dash goes out. Then turn the key to off and the will then start. *Tr
- Engine
The vehicles anti theft system turned the fuel off. this has happened 6 times and resulted in multiple towing and mechanics bills. has also endangered our safety by leaving us stranded along the road. had replaced fuel pump and filters and lines, etc. Before I determined problem to be security system not allowing car to start. this has been expensive and frustrating and endangered my family. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet classic. The contact stated while driving 35 mph the vehicle stalled and all of the warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who was currently inspecting the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 100,000.
- Electrical system
Security feature on a 2004 chevy classic malfunctions disabling the ability to start the vehicle. the theft protection device fails to read the key properly which then does not allow the car to start. this IS a known issue with many chevy malibu and classics with no support from the manufacturer. *tr
- Electrical system
Occasionally, at the most inopportune times, the anti-theft system will not allow me to start my vehicle. the only cure IS to turn the key to the on position for 10 minutes until the anti-theft light on the dash goes out. this IS getting to be a major pain in the neck, especially because I am handicapped. I could be stranded anywhere, without warning! *tr
- Electrical system
2004 chevrolet classic has an issue with the anti-theft feature. the car will enter 'anti-theft' mode and won't start for unknown reasons. this has left my daughter stranded multiple times, and her only recourse IS to sit with the key turned on for 10 minutes until the system resets.
- Electrical system · Equipment
My 2004 chevrolet classic's passlock system IS faulty. the "theft system" light will come on randomly and my car will not start. this has the potential to be very dangerous as I live in a desert and right now the day time temperatures can reach up to 120 degrees. the 1ST time this happened was…
My 2004 chevrolet classic's passlock system IS faulty. the "theft system" light will come on randomly and my car will not start. this has the potential to be very dangerous as I live in a desert and right now the day time temperatures can reach up to 120 degrees. the 1ST time this happened was in the middle of the day and I was stranded for nearly an hour. after checking several sources online it sounds like this will be a continual problem unless I get expensive repairs done. chevy should be issuing recalls on the vehicles that have this problem. this started happening nearly 5 years after purchasing this car and IS totally unacceptable. *Tr
- Electrical system
My 2004 chevy classic's passlock theft system has malfunctioned three times in less than a month. fortunately I noticed the theft system light blinking and followed the instructions to get it started again. afterwards I did research on the web about this and discovered that it IS something…
My 2004 chevy classic's passlock theft system has malfunctioned three times in less than a month. fortunately I noticed the theft system light blinking and followed the instructions to get it started again. afterwards I did research on the web about this and discovered that it IS something common that IS happening a lot after the mileage reaches about 65,000 of more miles. it seems the fix IS replacing a faulty ignition switch. why doesn't chevrolet recall these? *Tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10245395This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244214This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242843The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10228906This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 10228888This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set.
- 10227674This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 10227056This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10225615This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.
- 10224820This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
Every Chevrolet Classic model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.