2004 GMC Envoy XUV
The 2004 GMC Envoy XUV was a unique SUV that attempted to blend the practicality of an SUV with the open-air cargo bed of a pickup truck. It came standard with a 4.2L inline-6 engine producing 275 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 4L60-E 4-speed automatic transmission. People generally liked the Envoy XUV for its innovative retractable roof and versatile cargo area, but disliked its quirky styling, limited towing capacity compared to traditional trucks, and some reliability issues. The 5.3L V8 with 302 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque was an available engine option.
Engine
4.2L Inline-6
- Failed Ignition Coils
- Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, check engine light illumination. Can result in poor fuel economy and reduced power.
- Solution: Replace faulty ignition coils.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
- Faulty Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
- Description/Symptoms: Erratic idling, hesitation upon acceleration, check engine light.
- Solution: Replace the TPS.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Camshaft Actuator Solenoid Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, decreased fuel efficiency, possible engine knocking or ticking noises. Can trigger a check engine light.
- Solution: Replace the camshaft actuator solenoid.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
5.3L V8
- Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption between oil changes, blue smoke from the exhaust. Can lead to catalytic converter damage if left unchecked.
- Solution: Repair or replace valve seals and piston rings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $4000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Failed Knock Sensors
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, check engine light. The engine may also experience spark knock or pinging, especially under load.
- Solution: Replace faulty knock sensors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4L60-E 4-Speed Automatic
- Slipping or Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips between gears, harsh or delayed shifts, or complete loss of drive.
- Solution: Could require a full transmission rebuild or replacement. Start with fluid and filter change if problem is not severe.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid/filter change) - $3000+ (rebuild/replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, stalling when coming to a stop, or unusual noises from the transmission area.
- Solution: Replace the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: The rear of the vehicle sits low, the air compressor runs constantly, or the “Service Ride Control” message appears on the dashboard.
- Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Worn Ball Joints and Control Arm Bushings
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, uneven tire wear, and loose steering.
- Solution: Replace worn ball joints and control arm bushings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Instrument Cluster Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Gauges malfunctioning (speedometer, fuel gauge, etc.), dim or flickering lights, or complete failure of the instrument cluster.
- Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Body Control Module (BCM) Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems such as power windows not working, door locks malfunctioning, or issues with the security system.
- Solution: Replace or reprogram the BCM.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Transfer Case Encoder Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Service 4wd light, unable to shift into four wheel drive
- Solution: Replace the encoder motor
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Retractable Roof Mechanism Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Retractable roof fails to open or close properly, gets stuck, or makes unusual noises during operation.
- Solution: Repair or replace faulty components of the retractable roof mechanism (motors, sensors, etc.).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Rear Hatch Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Hatch fails to open/close, poor seal leading to leaks.
- Solution: Replace or repair actuators or latch.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- HVAC Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Air only blows hot or cold, temperature does not change on one side of the vehicle, clicking noise behind the dashboard.
- Solution: Replace faulty HVAC actuator(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Power Window Regulator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Window does not move, moves slowly, or makes grinding noises.
- Solution: Replace the power window regulator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2004 GMC Envoy XUV, while offering a unique blend of SUV and pickup truck functionality, suffers from a range of issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Engine problems like ignition coil failures and oil consumption (particularly with the 5.3L V8) can be costly to address. Transmission issues are also a concern, with the 4L60-E prone to slipping and torque converter failures. Electrical problems, including instrument cluster malfunctions and BCM issues, further contribute to the vehicle’s overall reliability concerns. The retractable roof, the vehicle’s defining feature, is also a source of potential problems. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, with repair costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Potential buyers should thoroughly inspect the vehicle and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic to identify potential problems before making a purchase.