Most common 2004 GMC Topkick problems
Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Topkick complaints by model year
Best Topkick years: 2003, 2006. Compare all years →
2004 GMC Topkick recalls (5)
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic
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.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
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…
What 2004 GMC Topkick owners say
Steering
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 GMC Topkick a good car?
Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Topkick rates average: 2.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the Topkick at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 GMC Topkick?
The steering — 3 complaints, 60% of all complaints for this model year, most often about linkages. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (1) and electrical system (1).
How many recalls does the 2004 GMC Topkick have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2004 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.
At what mileage do 2004 GMC Topkick problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 31,000 miles; 75% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.