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2004 Chevrolet ClassicProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 40 owner complaints about the 2004 Chevrolet Classic, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints404 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage94kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 18, 2017. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2004 Chevrolet Classic has problems

40 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system282
Engine40
Service brakes, electric21
Equipment20
Exterior lighting20
Vehicle speed control21
Steering11
Suspension10
Visibility11
5 other systems50

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2004 Chevrolet Classic recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.

Mileage at failure

When do electrical system problems start?

94kmiles, median

Based on the odometer reading in 22 electrical system complaints. 64% were reported before 100,000 miles.

median0k50k100k150k200k+
0under 30k miles14under 100k miles8100k miles or more
Best & worst years

2004 vs. every other Classic year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Classic median. How we score

'04'05
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2004 Chevrolet Classic safety ratings

2004 Chevrolet Classic 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

2004 Chevrolet Classic frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crashNot rated
2004 Chevrolet Classic side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrierNot rated
  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Classic owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 10836537 · Feb 16, 2016 · 85,000 miles
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
Complaint 10659861 · Nov 20, 2014 · 106,000 miles
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…
Complaint 10650206 · Oct 27, 2014 · 144,000 miles

Own a 2004 Classic?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.