2003 GMC Topkick Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Problem: 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.

Risk: The steering wheel position may be off-center and increased effort may be required when turning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

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.

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.

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.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Problem: Certain medium duty trucks equipped with the optional caterpillar diesel engine (lg5) option were built with a misrouted battery cable that could come in contact with the exhaust pipe. The conduit and the nylon cable coating could degrade to the point where the copper wire strands of the cable are exposed.

Risk: If the cable strands contacted the exhaust pipe a short circuit could cause the battery cable coatings to ignite and possibly lead to an engine compartment fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the battery cable for proper routing and reroute the cable if necessary. Owner notification began october 25, 2002. 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 chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or gmc at 1-800-462-8782.