Research · Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
2004 Chevrolet SSRRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 28 owner complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet SSR. Most complaints involve electrical system (8) and structure (8). The EPA rates it 16 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
16mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
28
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$4,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2004 Chevrolet SSR as of Nov 6, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
28 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2004 – Jan 2021
- Electrical system8
- Structure8
- Latches/locks/linkages7
- Engine and engine cooling3
- Vehicle speed control2
- Service brakes1
- Engine1
- Air bags1
- Equipment1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
8 reports
“WAS GOING TO GO TO THE STORE AND WHEN I TURNED ON THE IGNITION EVERY THING WAS COMING ON,THE LIGHTS,DASH ALL LITE UP ,I HEARD THE FUEL PUMP AND I TURNED THE IGNITION FURTHER TO START IT AND NOTHING. NO CLICK,NO TURNING OVER,NOTHING. I SHUT IT OFF AND TRIED AGAIN AND SAME THING. I CHECKED MY FUSES AND FOUND NOTHING THERE WRONG EITHER. I'M STUMPED. I WILL NEED HELP WITH THIS SITUATION. CAN YOU SEND ME A SOLUTION PLEASE. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND HELP. SINCERELY, [XXX] *TR”
Structure
8 reports
“THE PASSENGER'S DOOR OF MY SSR WAS BECOMING DIFFICULT TO OPEN AND I WAS CONFIDENT THE ISSUE WAS THE SAME PROBLEM I HAD EXPERIENCED PREVIOUSLY WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT AND RESULTANT TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB 05-08-64-026) WHICH PREVIOUSLY HAD BEEN FIXED BY KEN DIXON CHEVROLET (JUNE OF 2011). AT THAT TIME, KEN DIXON (NOW MANAGED UNDER WALDORF CHEVY CADILLAC) DECLINED MY REQUEST TO REPLACE PASSENGER'S SIDE DEFECTIVE PART EVEN THOUGH THE TSB HAD INDICATED TO DO SO. WALDORF CHEVY CADILLAC NOW SAYS THE PART REQUIRED TO FIX MY CAR IS DISCONTINUED AND NOT AVAILABLE. I WAS TOLD "IT CANNOT BE FIXED. THE PART IS DISCONTINUED, NOT AVAILABLE FROM GM." I ASKED, "ARE YOU SAYING I HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT AND THERE IS NO FIX? THAT IS, GM ISSUED A TSB AND THEN DISCONTINUED THE PART WITH NO FUTURE PLANS OR OPTIONS FOR CARS THAT ARE LESS THAN 10 YEARS OLD?" THE ANSWER WAS "CORRECT, YOU MAY PICK UP THE CAR". I WAS GIVEN NO INDICATION THAT WALDORF CHEVY CADILLAC OR GM WOULD ATTEMPT TO FIND ANY SOLUTION. WHEN I RECEIVED THE CAR BACK FROM WALDORF CHEVY CADILLAC, THE DOOR IS NO LONGER OPERATIONAL FROM THE INSIDE. I NOW HAVE A CAR WITH A PASSENGER SIDE DOOR…”
Latches/locks/linkages
7 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET SSR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE PULLED THE HANDLE ON THE DOOR, THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. THE FAILURE BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED A TSB 050864026 THAT WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE REPAIRED AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 8,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 8,800.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Engines
- 5.3L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSR Pickup 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
- 16mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Chevrolet SSR as of Nov 6, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 6, 2026Vehicle 1071
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2004 SSR questions
How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet SSR have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 6, 2026.
What are the most common 2004 Chevrolet SSR problems?
Owners filed 28 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (8), structure (8), latches/locks/linkages (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2004 Chevrolet SSR get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Chevrolet SSR at 16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 6, 2026