2004 Gmc Topkick problems

General information about Gmc-Topkick
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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).

Social links

Common 2004 Gmc Topkick problems

The GMC Topkick 2004 has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues and their details:

Headlight Harness Failure: Another common problem with the GMC Topkick 2004 is the failure of the headlight harness, which can cause the headlights to flicker or go out completely. This issue can be resolved by replacing the headlight harness, which can also be a time-consuming and expensive repair.

Fuel Injection System Problems: The Duramax LB7 engine, which is used in the GMC Topkick 2004, has been reported to have issues with the fuel injection system, especially if the previous owner did not follow GM's protocol to have the injectors replaced under warranty. This issue can lead to problems with starting the vehicle, maintaining power, and fuel efficiency.

Overheating and Blown Head Gaskets: The Duramax LLY engine, which is also used in some GMC Topkick 2004 models, has been reported to have issues with overheating and blown head gaskets, especially when towing. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty cooling system or a lack of maintenance.

Cracked Pistons: The Duramax LBZ and LMM engines, which were used in later models of the GMC Topkick, have been reported to have issues with cracked pistons at higher horsepower. This issue can lead to a loss of power, reduced fuel efficiency, and engine failure.

Overall, the GMC Topkick 2004 has several common problems that can affect its performance and reliability. These issues can range from relatively minor repairs, such as replacing a connector or harness, to major repairs, such as rebuilding the engine or replacing the fuel injection system. It is important for owners of the GMC Topkick 2004 to stay on top of maintenance and address any issues as soon as they arise to prevent further damage and costly repairs.

2004 Gmc Topkick car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc Topkick problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Steering problems
Electrical system problems
Fuel system problems
Other problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2004 Gmc Topkick vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2004 Gmc Topkick complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Gmc Topkick.

2007-01-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 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

Add Complaint

2006-08-29

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-08-28
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.

Add Complaint

2006-08-29

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-11-28
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.

Add Complaint

2006-08-28

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 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

Add Complaint

2005-11-04

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-09-25
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.

Add Complaint

2004 Gmc Topkick recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2004 Gmc Topkick.

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.

2005-06-16

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 866-996-9463.

2005-02-08

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: 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.
Consequence: IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WERE OPEN, FRAGMENTS FROM THE ACCUMULATOR COULD CAUSE INJURY TO PEOPLE IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA. THE PRESENCE OF THIS CRACK OR FRACTURED SURFACE COULD ALLOW THE HYDRAULIC FLUID TO LEAK FROM THE ACCUMULATOR CIRCUIT OF THE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY. THE LOSS OF FLUID WOULD CAUSE INCREASED STEERING AND BRAKING EFFORT AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
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. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.

2004-03-17

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: ANYONE SITTING OR STANDING ON THE HORIZONTAL SURFACE OF THE TAILGATE WHEN BOTH CABLES FRACTURED COULD BE INJURED BY FALLING FROM THE TAILGATE. ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THE BUMPER REMOVED, THE TAILGATE MAY DROP EVEN LOWER. ADDITIONALLY, IF THERE IS CARGO ON THE TAILGATE THE CARGO MAY FALL OFF IF THE SUPPORT CABLES FRACTURE.
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. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR VISIT WWW.MYGMLINK.COM, AND ENTER YOUR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.

2004-03-10

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Summary: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE SWITCH RETAINER HOLDING THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUSH ROD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TOGETHER COULD BE MISSING.
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE PUSH ROD AND PEDAL TO SEPARATE, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF FOUNDATION BRAKES AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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 REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT GMCICT AT 1-800-862-4389.