1999 Chevrolet C6500: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 1 owner complaint on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic; the 2000 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2002
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 1 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt*: the contact stated without warning, at 20 mph, the brakes and power steering failed. The vehicle was driven into a field where the parking brake was applied to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop the steering box and power steering pump was replaced. The vehicle is a 1999 chevrolet c6500.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2006
Recalls - 4 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES, MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS AND TRACTORS BUILT WITH BENDIX AIR ABS WITH AN EC-17 1030R ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU), THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSED BY 1) CHAFED ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRES ON ROTATING PARTS OR 2) A DAMAGED COMPONENT AT THE WHEEL END THAT GENERATES A CERTAIN TYPE OF ERRATIC SENSOR SIGNAL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.
CERTAIN MEDIUM DUTY C-SERIES AND B7 SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH A 7.4 LITER GAS ENGINE AND AN IMPCO LPG CONVERSION KIT. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE ENGINE BACKFIRES WITH SUFFICIENT FORCE TO DAMAGE THE ENGINE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM AND THE AIR CLEANER FILTER ELEMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED MIXER BONNET AND AIR CLEANER HOUSING COVER, SELECTIVE UPGRADES IN VARIOUS CONNECTIONS RELATED TO THE AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM, AND IF NEEDED, A NEW AIR CLEANER FILTER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 18, 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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MEDIUM DUTY CONVENTIONAL CAB TRUCKS AND SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, HAVE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE END RODS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN CRIMPED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. OVER TIME, THE SHIFT CABLE COULD BE PULLED OUT OF THE ROD END CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE THE ABILITY TO MANUALLY CHANGE TRANSMISSION GEARS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW SHIFT CABLE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COULD LEAK FROM A HEAT DEGRADED TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER HOSE ONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER INLET HOSE AND OUTLET HOSE DESIGNED WITH A HEAT SLEEVE AND ENSURE ADEQUATE CLEARANCE TO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM TAKE-DOWN PIPE. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE RIGHT-HAND EXHAUST MANIFOLD SEAL FOR LEAKAGE, AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY.
How other years compare
Check your exact C6500 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 1999 Chevrolet C6500 reliable?
NHTSA has 1 owner complaint and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Chevrolet C6500. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 1999 Chevrolet C6500 have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, air:antilock. 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.