2004 Chevrolet Tracker Problems
The 2004 Chevrolet Tracker has 15 NHTSA complaints, with suspension failures and airbag malfunctions as top concerns. Based on 15 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Suspension Failures the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2004 Chevrolet Tracker has 15 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Suspension Failures.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2004 Chevrolet Tracker Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2004 Chevrolet Tracker trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2004 Chevrolet Tracker Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
CHEVROLET TRACKER 2004 has 15 NHTSA complaints, with suspension failures (6) and airbag malfunctions (4) as top issues. No recalls were issued. Buyers should inspect suspension and airbag systems before purchase. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Tracker
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 15
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Suspension Failures
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 20
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2004 Chevrolet Tracker problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Suspension Failures
Airbag Malfunctions
Steering Defects
Complaint patterns center on Suspension Failures, Airbag Malfunctions, Steering Defects. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2004 Chevrolet Tracker?
The 2004 Chevrolet Tracker may be worth considering only if thoroughly inspected, given the low complaint volume but notable suspension and airbag issues. Buyers should prioritize a pre-purchase inspection focusing on these components.
Suspension failures and airbag malfunctions directly affect safety and repair costs, making them critical to evaluate before purchase.
May Suit
This year may suit budget-conscious buyers who are willing to invest in a thorough inspection and potential repairs.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a trouble-free, low-maintenance vehicle should avoid this year due to the reported suspension and airbag concerns.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2004 Chevrolet Tracker
Inspection Focus
- Inspect suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings) for wear or damage.
- Check airbag system warning lights and ensure all airbags are functional.
- Test steering for play, noise, or stiffness.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect suspension components for wear or damage.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for suspension and airbag repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Chevrolet Tracker, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Chevrolet Tracker shows a low-confidence pattern of suspension failures (6 complaints) and airbag malfunctions (4 complaints). Steering defects and structural problems each account for 3 complaints. With no recalls and only 15 total complaints, the data is limited but suggests potential issues in key safety systems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Only one model year (2004) is analyzed, so no direct comparison to other years is available.
Recall context: With zero recalls, the vehicle has no known safety campaigns, but buyers should still verify no open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Suspension failures account for 6 of 15 total complaints.
- Airbag malfunctions represent 4 complaints, indicating a potential safety concern.
- Steering defects and structural problems each have 3 complaints.
- Suspension Failures (6 complaints)
- Airbag Malfunctions (4 complaints)
- Steering Defects (3 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2004 Chevrolet Tracker complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Chevrolet Tracker. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension Failures | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | 4 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Chevrolet Tracker. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I purchased a vehicle from a friend that is 20 years old but runs great and he takes great care of his vehicles. This one was his away car, in that he was here only 6 months of the year and drove this one mainly when he was here and only put on about 2-3 thousand miles per year. …
TAKATA INFLATORS RECALL DID NOT INFLATE ON IMPACT
THE AIRBAGS ARE NOT LISTED ON THE RECALL. HOW EVEN ON DEC 19, 2016 THIS VEHICLE WAS TOTALED IN A FRONT END CRASH. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT CAME LOOSE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRACKER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT NOTIFY THE CONTACT OF A MANUFACTURER'S SERVICE CAMPAIGN FOR RUST AND CORROSION ON THE CROSS MEMBER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR AN INSPECTION, AND THE VEHICLE FAILED. THE INSPECTOR IN…
DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY CAR STARTED TO VIBRATE AND SHAKE SEVERELY. THE CAR WAS PULLING TO THE LEFT AND STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT, EXPERIENCING PARTIAL LOSS OF CONTROL. I PULLED OVER TO SHOULDER OF HIGHWAY AND UPON INVESTIGATION NOTICED THE CROSS BEAM WAS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE LEFT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRACKER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE DUST SHIELD ON THE REAR BRAKES BECAME CORRODED. THE CONTACT WANTED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE HOWEVER THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED HIM THAT THE PART WAS OBSOLETE AND NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MI…
MY CAR IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE I STORE IT RIGHT AND WASH ALL THE SALT OFF DURING WINTER THERE WAS NO CORROSION OR AT LEAST I THOUGHT UNTIL I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY CAUSING ME TO GO OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A TREE COME TO FIND OUT MY FRONT CROSSMEMB…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRACKER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN THE SNOW, SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED THE FRONT OF END INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED CONTUSIONS AND BRUISING TO THE TORSO REGION. A PO…
MYSELF AND 2 DAUGHTERS WERE IN A HEAD ON WRECK 2/04/2010 WHEN A GUY PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF US, NEITHER OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. MY DAUGHTER HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND DASH. THE PREGNANT ONE WAS THANKFULLY IN THE BACK SEAT. *TR
THE LOWER ARM CONTROL PROBLEMS AND AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WITH MY VEHICLE, CHEVROLET TRACKER 2004. *JB
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED EXCESSIVELY WHILE THE ENGINE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTION BECAUSE THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND IT REPRESENTED A S…
THE SALES MAN , JAM JAMISON SOLD ME THIS CAR WHICH WAS BRAND NEW WHEN I GOT IT. THIS CAR HAS BEEN GIVING ME SO MANY PROBLEMS. THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. I HAVE TRIED SO MANY TIMES TO FIX THE CAR BUT IT JUST COMES BACK TO ME THE SAME WAY. WHEN I RUN THE CAR THE T…
SQUEAK FROM FRONT AXEL/POWER TRAIN DURING COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. *JB
THE TIRES WERE REPLACED FOUR TIMES IN ORDER TO STOP THE VIBRATION. VEHICLE VIBRATED WHEN GOING 65-70 MPH . DEALER STATED NO DEFECTS WERE FOUND ON THE VEHICLE. *AK *NM
I PURCHASED A NEW 2004 CHEVY TRACKER. I HAD PUT 260 MILES ON IT IN SHORT TRIPS. ON MARCH 26, 2004 I WAS ATTEMPTING TO BACK UP AND TURN LEFT TO LEAVE A LARGE PARKING LOT IN A RURAL AREA. MY ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE WHEELS FAILED. WHILE TURNING THE STERRING WHEEL THE TIRES MOVED ON…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Chevrolet Tracker.
Safety recalls
2004 Chevrolet Tracker recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Chevrolet Tracker. With zero recalls, the vehicle has no known safety campaigns, but buyers should still verify no open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No NHTSA recalls were found for this model year. Recalls can be added at any time — confirm open-recall status on the exact VIN or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2004 Chevrolet Tracker buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Tracker reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 15 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2004 Chevrolet Tracker may be worth considering only if thoroughly inspected, given the low complaint volume but notable suspension and airbag issues. Buyers should prioritize a pre-purchase inspection focusing on these components. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Tracker?▾
#1: Suspension Failures (6 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (4 complaints). #3: Steering Defects (3 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Chevrolet Tracker?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Chevrolet Tracker?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Chevrolet Tracker, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 15 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Chevrolet Tracker have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2004 Chevrolet Tracker in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2004 Chevrolet Tracker?▾
The 2004 Chevrolet Tracker may be worth considering only if thoroughly inspected, given the low complaint volume but notable suspension and airbag issues. Buyers should prioritize a pre-purchase inspection focusing on these components. Suspension failures and airbag malfunctions directly affect safety and repair costs, making them critical to evaluate before purchase. Pay extra attention to Suspension Failures during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Tracker reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2004 Chevrolet Tracker based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.