2006 Chevrolet C5500: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 8 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling; the 2007 and 2008 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2012
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet c5500. While driving down a mountain with the air brakes engaged, the brake alarm sounded and the check brakes warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a short in the brake system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet c5500. While driving at approximately 55 mph, there was a loud noise that came from the front of the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and observed that there was radiator fluid leaking from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fan blade punctured the radiator and the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2015
“Pulling hard up muddy pass westbound on hwy 40 in colorado in my kodiak 5500 based 2006 jayco seneca and the fan exploded taking out radiator, shroud and putting a hole in hood. Didn't see any debris before whole thing let loose. Thankfully we were very close to top near east summit of rabbit ears and there was a wide pull off to left and got off safely. Towed into steamboat springs and awaiting parts on monday. This is a known problem apparently. Is gm taking care of this? If so, how do I proceed?? Any and all help is appreciated.[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Engine · May 2012
Show 3 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet c5500. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked for a long period of time when he noticed smoke rising from under the hood. The contact lifted the hood and a fire erupted on the engine. The contact was able to successfully extinguish the fire. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 9,900.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2011
“Rear springs on a 2006 gulfstream motorhome with a chevy c-5500 chassis. Rear sits low and has poor handling. Had at truck shop and said springs are underrated. Called gulfstream and said it's not their problem. Truck shop had motor home weighed and was not over weight. Rig has 15000 lbs springs and should have 19000 instead. Talked to a jim creach at 1-800-289-8787 from gulfstream. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2009
“Tl* - the contact was unaware of any defects nor did he notice that the vehicle did not have any shocks until all four rear tires started to wear. The contact stated the tires should not have shown signs of wear the way they did at 31,000 miles. He took the vehicle to the dealer, and was told that the vehicle did not have any rear shocks, and that they did not know if the truck should have the shocks. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2006
Recalls - 3 campaigns
CERTAIN LINK ULTRARIDE REAR AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEMS, MODEL 8M000070, SOLD FOR INSTALLATION AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT ON GM CHASSIS MODELS 4500 AND 5500, AMBULANCES AND SHUTTLE BUSES. THE AXLE SIDE LATERAL CONTROL BRACKET OF THE SUSPENSION HAS CRACKED IN SOME CASES.
Remedy: LINK WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE REPAIR KITS FREE OF CHARGE AND WILL REIMBURSE FOR LABOR AND INSPECTION COSTS. THE RECALL BEGAN JUNE 7, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT LINK TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-222-6283.
CERTAIN INTERMOTIVE WHEELCHAIR LIFT INTERLOCK, P/NO. ILIS605-H3 ILIS ACTIVATION KIT (INTERLOCK OPTION FOR GATEWAY 401) SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET FOR 2005 - 2008 CHEVY 560 (C4500 AND C5500 KODIAK) 6.6L DIESEL VEHICLES WHICH A PROTECTION DIODE WAS USED. THE DIODE CAN BE EXPOSED TO VOLTAGE SPIKES GREATER THAN WHAT IT CAN WITHSTAND. THE DIODE COULD FAIL, WHICH COULD PREVENT VEHICLE INTERLOCK OPERATION WHEN A WHEELCHAIR LIFT IS DEPLOYED.
Remedy: INTERMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 20, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT INTERMOTIVE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-969-6080. THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET INTERMOTIVE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON CHEVRLOT AND GMC VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY GENERAL MOTORS.
Creative Bus Sales, Inc is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Chevrolet and GMC C5500, and Ford E450, and Econoline 350 vehicles equipped with Braun wheelchair lifts. Over time, or with frequent use, the roll stop latches on the outer barrier of the lifts may become bent or misaligned.
Remedy: Braun is conducting this recall on behalf of Creative Bus Sales. Braun will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2012. Owners may contact Creative Bus at 1-888-633-8380 or Braun at 1-800-488-0359.
How other years compare
Check your exact C5500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Chevrolet C5500 reliable?
NHTSA has 8 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 Chevrolet C5500. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 2006 Chevrolet C5500 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.