2004 GMC Envoy XL
The 2004 GMC Envoy XL is a mid-size SUV known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. It was offered with three engine options: a 4.2L Inline-6 (producing approximately 275 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque), a 5.3L V8 (producing approximately 290 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque), and a 4.2L Inline-6 (producing approximately 270 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque). All engines were paired with a 4L60-E 4-speed automatic transmission. Many owners appreciate the Envoy XL for its towing capacity and cargo space. Common complaints include issues with the electrical system, particularly the instrument panel, and the ride quality over rough roads due to the aging suspension components.
Engine
4.2L Inline-6
- Failed Ignition Coils
- Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, decreased fuel economy, and the check engine light illuminating.
- Solution: Replace the faulty ignition coil(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $200+ per coil (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
- Faulty Throttle Body
- Description/Symptoms: Erratic idling, stalling, poor acceleration, and the check engine light illuminating.
- Solution: Clean or replace the throttle body.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400 (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
- Camshaft Actuator Solenoid Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rough running engine, decreased fuel economy, check engine light on, and potentially stalling.
- Solution: Replace the camshaft actuator solenoid.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
5.3L V8
- Oil Consumption Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust, and potentially engine damage if oil levels are not monitored.
- Solution: This can be a difficult issue to solve. Sometimes, a switch to a higher-viscosity oil can help. In more severe cases, piston ring replacement might be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (Oil Change) - $2,000+ (Piston Ring Replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Failed Knock Sensors
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, poor fuel economy, check engine light illuminated, and potential engine damage due to incorrect timing.
- Solution: Replace the faulty knock sensor(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400 (parts and labor, depending on location and accessibility)
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4L60-E 4-Speed Automatic
- Slipping or Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping between gears, delayed engagement, and harsh or erratic shifting. This is often caused by worn clutches or valve body issues.
- Solution: Perform a transmission service (fluid and filter change). If the issue persists, a valve body rebuild or complete transmission rebuild/replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 (fluid and filter change), $500 - $1500 (valve body rebuild), $2000 - $4000+ (transmission rebuild/replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration, particularly at lower speeds, and potential stalling.
- Solution: Replace the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500 (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Failure (if equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sagging, compressor not running, “Service Ride Control” message on the dashboard. This can be due to leaking air bags, a faulty compressor, or a bad sensor.
- Solution: Replace the leaking air bag(s), compressor, or faulty sensor(s). Conversion to coil springs is also an option.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per air bag (parts and labor), $300 - $600+ for the compressor, $500 - $1500+ for coil spring conversion.
- Recalls: None Found
- Worn Ball Joints and Control Arm Bushings
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking or squeaking noises from the front suspension, loose steering, and uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replace the worn ball joints and control arm bushings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per ball joint (parts and labor), $150 - $400+ per control arm bushing (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Instrument Panel Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working correctly (or at all), flickering lights, and the instrument panel cluster completely failing.
- Solution: Repair or replace the instrument panel cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (repair or replacement, parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
- Window Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Window failing to go up or down, or moving very slowly.
- Solution: Replace the window motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Lock Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Door failing to lock or unlock with the remote or door switch.
- Solution: Replace the door lock actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350+ (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust on Rocker Panels and Quarter Panels
- Description/Symptoms: Visible rust forming on the lower body panels, potentially leading to structural damage.
- Solution: Rust repair, including cutting out the rusted sections and welding in new metal.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ (depending on the severity of the rust)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Headliner Sagging
- Description/Symptoms: The headliner fabric detaching from the ceiling and sagging down.
- Solution: Replace the headliner.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ (parts and labor, depending on the upholstery shop)
- Recalls: None Found
- HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Blower motor only working on certain speeds or not at all.
- Solution: Replace the blower motor resistor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $200 (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2004 GMC Envoy XL has several common issues, with electrical problems and suspension wear being the most prevalent. Engine and transmission issues can vary depending on the specific powertrain configuration. The cost of repairs can range from relatively minor fixes (like replacing ignition coils or blower motor resistors) to more significant expenses (like transmission rebuilds or rust repair). Potential buyers should carefully inspect these areas and obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic to assess the vehicle’s overall condition and potential maintenance needs. Addressing these issues proactively can help ensure a more reliable and enjoyable ownership experience.