Gmc Topkick problems
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).
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Gmc Topkick model years
Common Gmc Topkick problems
Based on the complaints and information gathered from owners of the GMC Topkick, several common problems have been identified:
- Maintenance and Repair Costs: Owners have highlighted the high costs associated with maintaining and repairing the GMC Topkick. From electrical issues to mechanical problems, the expenses of keeping the vehicle in good condition can be substantial, impacting the overall ownership experience.
- Ride Quality: The Topkick has been noted for its rough ride quality, especially when unloaded. The solid axles with leaf springs and air bladders can contribute to a bumpy and uncomfortable driving experience, particularly over uneven road surfaces.
- Understeer and Braking: Some owners have reported issues with understeer at the limit, affecting the handling of the vehicle. Additionally, the Topkick may go into a limp-home mode after hard braking, temporarily limiting its performance and shifting capabilities.
These common problems with the GMC Topkick cars can vary in severity and impact on the overall ownership experience. Addressing these issues promptly through proper maintenance and repairs is crucial to ensure the vehicle's reliability and safety on the road.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Gmc Topkick years
We have researched Gmc problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Gmc Topkick cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Gmc Topkick model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Gmc Topkick model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Gmc Topkick years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Gmc Topkick car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Gmc Topkick , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Steering problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Seat belts problems
- Parking brake problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Gmc Topkick vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Topkick model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Gmc Topkick . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Gmc Topkick vehicles.
List of Gmc Topkick complaints
Gmc Topkick 1996
- Date Of Incident: 2014-05-20
- Date Complaint: 2014-06-10
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1996 GMC TOPKICK N/A EQUIPPED WITH GEO TIRE LINE G300, SIZE 11R22.5, SERIAL NUMBER 10408B02016, DOT QUBETCI1411. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT TIRE SIDEWALL WORE PREMATURELY THE SIDE WALL WAS FOUND SPLIT. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
Gmc Topkick 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-01
- Date Complaint: 2012-04-25
- VIN: 1GDJ6H1J6SJ
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 GMC TOPKICK. WHILE PARKED ON AN INCLINE, THE CONTACT SET THE AUTOMATIC PARKING BRAKE BUT IT WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE WOULD EITHER SET ITSELF OR NOT RELEASE UPON DISENGAGEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS WATER ACCUMULATION IN THE PARKING BREAK FLUID, WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE UNIT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Gmc Topkick 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2009-09-17
- Date Complaint: 2009-12-08
- VIN: 1GDC4C1235F
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 1. ON OR ABOUT 9/2009 IT WAS DISCOVERED OUR 2005 GM TRUCK SERIES TC4C042 WAS CONSTRUCTED AT THE GM FACTORY WITHOUT AN AIR BAG. IT WAS DISCOVERED BY A 3RD PARTY REPAIR SHOP, AND CONFIRMED BY A LOCAL GM DEALER WHO PRINTED THE BUILD REPORT. 2.NA 3. AFTER AN EXHAUSTIVE AMOUNT OF PHONE CALLS TO THE GM SERVICE CENTER WHO INTERN TURNED THE MATTER OVER TO TECH SERVICES AND THE LOCAL DEALER ALL OF WHICH STATED THEY COULD DO NOTHING TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM OF THE FAILURE TO INSTALL THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. GM CUSTOMER SERVICES AND THE LOCAL DEALER DOES NOT WANT TO ASSIST IN THE RESOLUTION IN THE MATTER. *TR
Gmc Topkick 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2008-10-22
- Date Complaint: 2009-01-27
- VIN: 1GDE4E1277F
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 GMC TOPKICK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A WIRING ERROR RELATED TO THE UPFITTER. WHILE THE BODY WAS BEING PLACED ON THE VEHICLE, THEY CLIPPED THE WIRING THAT WAS SUPPLIED FROM GM. THE TAIL LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING DUE TO THE CLIPPED WIRING. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 5,000. UPDATED 3/16/09 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE TAILLIGHTS, MARKER LIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS WERE ALL OUT. THE PROBLEM WAS DETERMINED TO BE A BLOWN FUSE. UPDATED 03/19/09.(KB
Gmc Topkick 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-15
- Date Complaint: 2008-05-22
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1994 GMC TOPKICK CAUGHT FIRE ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND PULLED OVER TO THE LEFT BERM. *KB THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-00287-90
Gmc Topkick 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-15
- Date Complaint: 2008-02-08
- VIN: 1GDE4E3207F
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 4500 TOPKICK HAS HAD NUMEROUS FAILURES THAT CAUSE THE ENGINE TO DERATE AND THE VEHICLE WILL ONLY RUN 20 MPH WHICH IS A HAZARD TO TRAFFIC. IT HAS BEEN RETURNED TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES ONLY TO HAVE ANOTHER FAILURE. THIS VEHICLE IS A 2007 MODEL AND THE PROBLEM IS ALWAYS BLAMED ON SOMETHING WE DID LIKE BAD FUEL OR A SENSOR GOT UNPLUGGED SOMEHOW. I PERSONALLY WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER GM PRODUCT. *TR
Gmc Topkick 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-10
- Date Complaint: 2007-01-10
- VIN: 1GDE5C1274F
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON 1/10/07 UNDER GOOD ROAD CONDITIONS, AND AT 80 MPH THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE CONTACT STATED THE POWER LOSS LASTED ABOUT 2 SECONDS AND THE VEHICLE CAME BACK ON. THE VEHICLE SLOWED TO APPROXIMATE 78 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE GAUGE LIGHTS CAME ON, BUT THE ODOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER WERE NOT VISIBLE DURING THE LOSS OF POWER. THE ENGINE DID NOT LOSE POWER COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT WAS ON A DELIVERY RUN, AND WAS TOLD BY LL JOHNSON DISTRIBUTION TO CALL THE HOT LINE AND REPORT THIS INCIDENT. *AK
Gmc Topkick 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-28
- Date Complaint: 2006-08-29
- VIN: 1GDE5C1294F
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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.
Gmc Topkick 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-28
- Date Complaint: 2006-08-29
- VIN: 1GDE5C1235F
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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.
Gmc Topkick 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-28
- Date Complaint: 2006-08-28
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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. *NM
Gmc Topkick 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-25
- Date Complaint: 2005-11-04
- VIN: 1GDE4E1254F
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A PUDDLE ON THE DRIVEWAY BENEATH THE VEHICLE. HE TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY REPLACED THE AUXILIARY FUEL TANK. THE PROBLEM RECURRED, AND THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED AGAIN. *AK THE FULE HOSE WAS LEAKING AND THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING.
Gmc Topkick 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2001-01-09
- VIN: 1GDJ7H1J7SJ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCHES KEEP FAILING ,ONLY LAST ABOUT 6 MONTHS, CAUSE IS UNKNOWN .PLEASE PROVIDE FUTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Gmc Topkick 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2000-02-17
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THIS IS A FLAT BED ROLL BACK TOW TRUCK. SPEED SENSOR IS FAULTY, CAUSING THE CABLE TO RELEASE TENSION WHEN LOADING A VEHICLE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Gmc Topkick 1996
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-10
- Date Complaint: 1999-03-10
- VIN: 1GDM7H1J1TJ
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENNED TO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN MY FLEET THAT WAS COVERED UNDER THE 2 YR/200,000 MILE WARRANTY. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS TRUCK ISNT DRIVEN AS HARD AND HAS EXCEEDED THE TIME LIMIT ON THE WARRANTY, HOWEVER, THE MILEAGE IS COMPARABLE WITH THE OTHER FAILURE. I WOULD THINK THERE WOULD BE OTHER OCCURRENCES SIMILAR TO MINE.
Gmc Topkick 1993
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-02
- Date Complaint: 1997-06-04
- VIN: 1GDL7H1P8RJ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VEHICLE PARKED; GOT IN VEHICLE & WENT TO FASTEN SEAT BELT; WOULD LOCK BUT WILL NOT RELEASE FROM LOCKING MECHANISM. WORKS EVERY NOW & THEN. TOOK TO DEALER & INFORMED SHOULDER BELT WAS WORKING OKAY. *AK
Latest 5 recalls Gmc Topkick
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 17 recalls for different components of the Gmc Topkick.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Gmc Topkick 2007
- Report Received Date: 2009-07-29
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:COMPRESSOR
- Summary: 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. IF THIS CONDITION WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLES WAS STATIONARY (BRAKES APPLIED), THE AIR BRAKES WOULD REMAIN APPLIED AND PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING.
- Consequence: IF THE DRIVER IGNORES THESE WARNINGS AND CONTINUES TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, AND IF THERE WAS A CONTINUED LOSS OF PRESSURE, THE REAR SPRING PARKING BRAKES WOULD AUTOMATICALLY APPLY, PREVENTING THE TRUCK FROM BEING DRIVEN.
- 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. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
- Model: Gmc Topkick 2004
- Report Received Date: 2007-10-04
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION MAY BE OFF-CENTER AND INCREASED EFFORT MAY BE REQUIRED WHEN TURNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
- Model: Gmc Topkick 2005
- Report Received Date: 2007-10-04
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION MAY BE OFF-CENTER AND INCREASED EFFORT MAY BE REQUIRED WHEN TURNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
- Model: Gmc Topkick 2007
- Report Received Date: 2007-10-04
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION MAY BE OFF-CENTER AND INCREASED EFFORT MAY BE REQUIRED WHEN TURNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
- Model: Gmc Topkick 2007
- Report Received Date: 2007-08-28
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: IF THE VEHICLE IS ON AN UNEVEN SURFACE, THE PARK BRAKE MAY NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE AND COULD RESULT IN UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AND A VEHICLE CRASH. THIS CONDITION DOES NOT AFFECT NORMAL SERVICE BRAKING.
- 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 REQUIRE THE REPLACEMENT OF AN INTERNAL CHECK VALVE IN THE AIR BRAKE PARK CONTROL VALVE. REMEDY WILL BE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 22, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GM AT 1-800-862-4389 OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
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