Summary
The GMC TopKick 5500 has 4 recalls spanning the 1996-2004 production run, the most serious being a missing brake booster push rod retainer on 2004 models that can allow the push rod and brake pedal to separate, leaving the driver with no foundation brakes. The 2003 model year carries two additional recalls. On 2003 vehicles equipped with the 8.1L engine and Hydromax brake system, the power steering hose can contact the intermediate steering shaft, wear through, and lose hydraulic fluid, which reduces steering assist and can make the vehicle difficult to control. Also on 2003 models, a body wiring harness runs under the driver's feet without a protective conduit, and repeated entry and exit can wear through the insulation over time. On 1996 models, a parking brake solenoid valve can malfunction intermittently and fail to hold the brakes when applied, allowing the vehicle to roll away if the driver exits without noticing the warning light.
