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2004 GMC Topkick problems

The most common problem on the 2004 GMC Topkick is steering. It has 2.5 times the complaints of a typical Topkick model year.

Typical year2.5x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
472
Worst area
Steering

The worst 2004 GMC Topkick problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Steering
    3
  • Electrical
    1
  • Fuel system
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Steering
    3
  • Electrical
    1
  • Fuel system
    1

Recalls 5

SteeringReported October 4, 2007 · 990 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
The steering wheel position may be off-center and increased effort may be required when turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

Recall number 07V469000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: fluidReported June 16, 2005 · 6,698 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
If there is sufficient amount of fluid loss, the driver will hear a noise from the power steering pump, the brake warning light and warning tone will activate. Increased effort may be required for steering and braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

Recall number 05V288000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulicReported February 8, 2005 · 77,411 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
If a separation occurred and the hood of the vehicle were open, fragments from the accumulator could cause injury to people in the immediate area. The presence of this crack or fractured surface could allow the hydraulic fluid to leak from the accumulator circuit of the booster assembly. The loss of fluid would cause increased steering and braking effort and a crash may occur without prior warning.
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.

Recall number 05V043000 · Recall details

Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachmentsReported March 17, 2004 · 3,662,211 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
Anyone sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured could be injured by falling from the tailgate. On vehicles that have had the bumper removed, the tailgate may drop even lower. Additionally, if there is cargo on the tailgate the cargo may fall off if the support cables fracture.
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.

Recall number 04V129000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkagesReported March 10, 2004 · 2,037 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks, the switch retainer holding the brake booster push rod and the brake pedal together could be missing.
Risk
This could cause the push rod and pedal to separate, resulting in a loss of foundation brakes and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

Recall number 04V123000 · Recall details

See all 5 recalls for the 2004 GMC Topkick

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 GMC Topkick 472

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 472 bulletins for the 2004 GMC Topkick

What 2004 GMC Topkick owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 10, 2007 · Electrical · 69,170 miles · CO

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.

Filed Aug 29, 2006 · Steering · OR

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.

Filed Aug 29, 2006 · Steering · 31,000 miles · OR

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.

Filed Aug 28, 2006 · Steering · 31,000 miles · OR

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.

Filed Nov 4, 2005 · Fuel system · 6,500 miles · IL

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.

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Questions about the 2004 GMC Topkick

Is the 2004 GMC Topkick reliable?

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2004 GMC Topkick, 2.5 times a typical Topkick model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 GMC Topkick?

Steering, with 3 complaints. Next is electrical (1).

How many recalls does the 2004 GMC Topkick have?

5 recalls, covering steering, service brakes, hydraulic and structure.

Was there a recall on the 2004 GMC Topkick steering?

Yes, 1 recall: 07V469000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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