Chevrolet Topkick problems

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The Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC TopKick are a range of medium-duty trucks that were produced by the Chevrolet and GMC divisions of General Motors from 1980 to 2009. Introduced as a variant of the medium-duty C/K truck line, three generations were produced. Slotted between the C/K trucks and the GMC Brigadier Class 8 conventional, the Kodiak/TopKick were developed as a basis for vocationally oriented trucks, including cargo haulers, dump trucks, and similar vehicles; on later generations, both cutaway and cowled-chassis variants were produced for bus use.

Following years of declining market share, General Motors (in line with Ford Motor Company) sought to exit heavy-truck manufacturing. After struggling to enter joint ventures or sell the rights to its product line, the company ended production of the Kodiak and TopKick in 2009. The final medium-duty truck, a GMC TopKick 5500, rolled out of Flint Truck Assembly on July 31, 2009.

For the 2019 model year, after a ten-year hiatus, General Motors re-entered the conventional medium-duty truck segment. Developed in a joint venture with Navistar International, the Chevrolet Silverado 4500/5500 is a Class 4–6 vehicle. Slightly smaller than the Kodiak/Topkick, the Silverado 4500/5500 is marketed exclusively as a Chevrolet (with no GMC counterpart).

photo of Chevrolet Topkick car production

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Chevrolet Topkick model years

chevrolet topkick 2002 photo
Topkick 2002
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Common Chevrolet Topkick problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Chevrolet Topkick, several common problems have been identified:

  1. Fuel Injection System Issues with Duramax LB7 Engine (2001-2004):
    Owners of Chevrolet Kodiak, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra HD, or GMC Topkick with the Duramax LB7 engine have reported problems with the fuel injection system. This issue is particularly prevalent if the injectors were not replaced under warranty as recommended by GM.
  2. Overheating and Blown Head Gaskets with Duramax LLY Engine (2004-2005):
    The Duramax LLY engine, found in vehicles like the 2004-2005 Chevrolet Silverado, Hummer H1, and GMC Sierra HD, has been associated with overheating during towing and blown head gaskets as common problems reported by owners.
  3. Cracked Pistons and Rust Issues with Duramax LBZ Engine (2006-2007):
    Despite being one of the more desired Duramax engines, the LBZ engine has been known to have pistons that crack at higher horsepower levels. Additionally, some users have experienced faster rusting of cab corners and rocker panels in northern regions due to high humidity.
  4. Cracked Pistons and Diesel Particulate Filter Problems with Duramax LMM Engine (2007-2010):
    The Duramax LMM engine, used in vehicles like the Chevrolet Silverado HD, Kodiak, Express, GMC Topkick, Savanna, and Sierra HD, shares some issues with its predecessor, including cracked pistons at higher horsepower levels. Owners have also reported failures in the diesel particulate filter.

These problems highlight key issues faced by owners of Chevrolet Topkick vehicles with different Duramax engines across various model years.

Chevrolet Topkick

Is GMC TopKick a good truck?

Two beefy solid axles with thick leaf springs up front and air bladders in the rear make it possible to carry an astonishing 5000 pounds in the bed or tow 14,300 pounds, but the truck will shake and shudder at the slightest imperfection. Aside from the ride, the TopKick drives much like a smaller truck.

What year did they stop making TopKick?

After struggling to enter joint ventures or sell the rights to its product line, the company ended production of the Kodiak and TopKick in 2009. The final medium-duty truck, a GMC TopKick 5500, rolled out of Flint Truck Assembly on July 31, 2009.

What motor is in a GMC TopKick?

The standard engine in 4500 and 5500 models is an 8.1L gasoline V-8 that delivers 325 horsepower (242 kW) at 4000 rpm and 450 lb. -ft. (610 Nm) of torque at 2800 rpm. Available on both models is the Duramax 6.6L V-8 turbo-diesel.

What is a GMC TopKick used for?

Summary. GMC used to be a medium/heavy-duty truck manufacturer, with the TopKick being their last truck in that class. The GMC TopKick was built for industrial use, It was a multipurpose truck and even made a cameo in a movie. Production of the GMC TopKick ceased in 2009.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet Topkick years

We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet Topkick cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Chevrolet Topkick model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet Topkick model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet Topkick years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Chevrolet Topkick car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet Topkick , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Air problems
  • Suspension problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet Topkick vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet Topkick . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet Topkick vehicles.

List of Chevrolet Topkick complaints

Chevrolet Topkick 2002
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-04-14
  • Date Complaint: 2004-06-15
  • VIN: PLEASE FILL
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
  • Summary: THE TRUCK IS EXPERIENCING FAILURE IN THE AIR BRAKE SYSTEM. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED THE BRAKES IS LOSING AIR PRESSURE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN CONTACTED, BUT NO REMEDY HAS BEEN FOUND. *LA
Chevrolet Topkick 2002
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-04-01
  • Date Complaint: 2001-04-24
  • VIN: 1GNDT3S0221
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILURE. *AK

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