Chevrolet Recall 05V-288: Service brakes, hydraulic – fluid

Affected: 2003–2005 Chevrolet Kodiak, 2003–2005 GMC Topkick. Filed with NHTSA on June 16, 2005, covering about 6,698 vehicles.

The problem

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.

The 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.

The fix

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 details

NHTSA campaign05V-288 (05V288000)
Manufacturer number05051
ManufacturerGeneral Motors, LLC
ComponentService brakes, hydraulic › Fluid
Report dateJune 16, 2005
Owners notifiedJuly 12, 2005
Vehicles affected6,698
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the brakes

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 05V-288 repair free?

Yes. Chevrolet dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 6,698 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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.