Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 2 | 1.6× | 5 | Engine | Few |
| 2006 | 0 | −43% | 4 | — | Few |
| 2005 | 1 | typical | 3 | Airbag | Few |
| 2004 | 5 | 2.8× | 5 | Steering | Average |
| 2003 | 0 | −43% | 4 | — | Few |
* Complaints compared with the median Topkick year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common GMC Topkick problems
Latest GMC Topkick recalls
Service brakes, air › Supply › Compressor
GM is recalling 1,880 model year 2007 Chevrolet kodiak and t-series, GMC topkick and t-series, and Isuzu f-series and h-series passenger vehicles equipped with 7.8l diesel engine. The air compressor in some of these vehicles May not build enough air pressure to support the air brake system.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the air compressor for its ability to build air pressure, and either modify the air compressor by elimination of the suppression valve or replace the air compressor assembly free of charge.
Steering
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.
Parking brake
On certain straight towing or non-towing trucks equipped with bendix air brakes, the air brake park control valve May develop either an internal air leak or an air restriction. The park brake May not release or May release only partially.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the external check valve on the air brake park control valve if the inspection determines the external check valve is damaged, the air brake park control valve will be replaced and May…
Service brakes, air › Supply › Compressor
On certain medium duty conventional and tilt cab trucks equipped with 7.8l diesel engines and air brakes, the air compressor May not build enough air pressure to support the air brake system.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the air compressor head. The recall began on May 23, 2007. Owners May contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, or Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.
Power train › Axle assembly
On certain trucks, the rear drive axle housing was manufactured with steel below the specified thickness and, as a result, it could develop a crack.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the axle free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2007. Owners May contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the GMC Topkick should you avoid?
None of the GMC Topkick years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the GMC Topkick?
2003 has the fewest complaints compared with other Topkick years at the same age, followed by 2006. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common GMC Topkick problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the steering (3), electrical system (2) and fuel & propulsion system (1). Steering complaints peak in the 2004 model year.
How many recalls has the GMC Topkick had?
12 recalls across 2003–2007. The model year with the most is 2004. See all GMC Topkick recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.