GMC Topkick complaints by model year
Best Topkick years: 2003, 2006. Compare all years →
2003 GMC Topkick recalls (4)
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Fluid
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.
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.
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
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.
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables
Certain medium duty trucks equipped with the optional caterpillar diesel engine (lg5) option were built with a misrouted battery cable that could come in contact with the exhaust pipe. The conduit and the nylon cable coating could degrade to the point where the copper wire strands of the cable are exposed.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the battery cable for proper routing and reroute the cable if necessary. Owner notification began October 25, 2002.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2003 GMC Topkick have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2003 GMC Topkick, the most recent from October 4, 2007 (steering). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Topkick?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003 and 2006. See the full GMC Topkick years comparison.
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.