2004 GMC Topkick: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 5 owner complaints on record; most reports concern steering; the 2003 and 2005 and 2006 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* - the contact stated that while driving on 1/10/07 under good road conditions, and at 80 mph the vehicle lost power. The contact stated the power loss lasted about 2 seconds and the vehicle came back on. The vehicle slowed to approximate 78 mph. The contact stated that all of the gauge lights came on, but the odometer and speedometer were not visible during the loss of power. The engine did not lose power completely. The contact was on a delivery run, and was told by ll johnson distribution to call the hot line and report this incident. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2007
“Drags links failing prematurely on gmc topkicks. First found at 31,000 miles. Checked the rest of the fleet and found 3 others failed. Since then we have had failures in as little as 6300 miles. Brand new just put in service. These are 2004/2005 and 2006 gmc. Parts were replaced under warranty. Warranty refused on the second go around. (so far) dealer is investigating. Failure would mean loss of steering control. Death and injuries. *nm”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated upon inspection, the vehicle's drag links were worn out to the point of falling off. The contact expressed that steering would be completely lost if the drag links fell off. The dealer was contacted numerous times and determined that there was no problem with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted.”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2005
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“Dt: the contact stated there was a puddle on the driveway beneath the vehicle. He took vehicle to the dealership, and they replaced the auxiliary fuel tank. The problem recurred, and the vehicle is currently at the dealership to be repaired again. *ak the fule hose was leaking and the fuel tank was leaking.”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Sep 2005
“Dt*: the contact stated upon inspection, the vehicle's drag links were worn out to the point of falling off. The contact expressed that steering would be completely lost if the drag links fell off. The dealer was contacted numerous times and determined that there was no problem with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted.”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2005
Recalls - 5 campaigns
ON CERTAIN MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ZF MODEL 8018 STEERING GEARS, THE STEERING GEAR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED INCORRECTLY. A STEERING GEAR WITH THIS CONDITION MAY PRODUCE THE FEELING OF HITTING A CURB AND A CRACKING OR PINGING SOUND WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR CERTAIN DATE CODES AND VERIFY THE MILEAGE ON STEERING GEARS AND REPLACE GEARS AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 25, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE SWITCH RETAINER HOLDING THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUSH ROD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TOGETHER COULD BE MISSING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL A NEW RETAINER IF MISSING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 5, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT GMCICT AT 1-800-862-4389.
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE GALVANIZED STEEL TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES THAT RETAIN THE TAILGATE IN THE FULL OPEN (HORIZONTAL) POSITION MAY CORRODE, WEAKEN, AND EVENTUALLY FRACTURE. IF BOTH CABLES FRACTURED, THE TAILGATE WOULD SUDDENLY DROP AND STRIKE THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CABLES. INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 7, 20004. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2004, WHEN REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE, AND WILL CONTINUE THROUGH OCTOBER 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR VISIT WWW.MYGMLINK.COM, AND ENTER YOUR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.
CERTAIN 2003-2005 MODEL YEAR 4500/5500 SERIES CHEVROLET KODIAK, SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS, AND GMC TOPKICK VEHICLES; AND 2003-2004 MODEL YEAR GMC SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.1L ENGINE AND HYDROMAX BRAKE SYSTEM. THE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY COME INTO CONTACT WITH A PORTION OF THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. A HOLE COULD BE WORN IN THE HOSE AND A LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID WOULD OCCUR.
Remedy: GM WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE POWER STEERING HOSE. IF THE STEEL BRAIDING OF THE HOSE IS EXPOSED, DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 866-996-9463.
CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FOR FUNCTIONAL OPERATION OF THE TWO-FUNCTION VALVE. IF THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FAILS THE TEST, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
How other years compare
Check your exact Topkick by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2004 GMC Topkick reliable?
NHTSA has 5 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 GMC Topkick. The most complained-about area is steering.
Does the 2004 GMC Topkick have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.