Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2006 Chevrolet C5500
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
436.4%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 34,671 mi
Suspension
327.3%
Median failure at 31,700 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
19.1%
Median failure at 33,700 miles
Lights
19.1%
Median failure at 33,700 miles
Brakes
19.1%
Median failure at 111,000 miles
Electrical System
19.1%
Median failure at 111,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
19.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
218.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
545.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
19.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
218.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2007peak 3Feb 2017
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 9,900 milesWillow Creek, CAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10446152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 111,000 milesDeming, NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10954825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesDeming, NM
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10954825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesBOX Elder, SD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10787659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,043 milesTacoma, WA
ENGINE
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).
NHTSA complaint #10459001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,900 milesWillow Creek, CAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10446152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,300 milesMission Viejo, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
FAN BLADE FAILURE ON A 2006 CHEVY KODIAK BASED JAYCO SENECA 34SS MOTORHOME. THE INCIDENT TOOK PLACE SEPTEMBER 5, 2009. I WAS ON A FREEWAY AT 65 AND STARTED DOWN A LONG HILL WITH THE EXHAUST BRAKE SWITCH ON. WHEN THE EXHAUST BRAKE KICKED IN INSTEAD OF DROPPING DOWN ONE GEAR AND HOLDING THE SPEED STEADY AS I AM USED TO THE TRANSMISSION WENT DOWN TWO GEARS AND THE RPMS INSTANTLY WENT STRAIGHT UP. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW HIGH THE RPMS WENT BECAUSE THAT IS WHEN THE FAN BLADE LET GO AND I WAS TOO BUSY LOOKING AT OTHER THINGS TO NOTICE. THE PIECES WENT STRAIGHT UP PUNCHING 3 HOLES IN THE SHROUD AND DENTING THE HOOD ENOUGH TO CRACK THE PAINT. NO PHOTOS OR PIECES OF EITHER THE FAN OR SHROUD ARE AVAILABLE. WITH HOSES, CABLES AND ELECTRICAL WIRES ALL AROUND THE FAN AREA I AM AMAZED THAT NONE OF THEM WERE DAMAGED AND NO BRAKING, STEERING OR OTHER ENGINE DAMAGE OCCURRED. THE FAN AND SHROUD WERE REPLACED AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO OTHER INCIDENTS. UPDATED IVOQ 09/20/10
NHTSA complaint #10355740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,600 milesAllen Park, MI
SUSPENSION:REAR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10278324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,700 milesNEW Iberia, LA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET C 5500 WITH A CURRENT ODOMETER READING OF 33700 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD FRONT END PROBLEMS. WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS 50 MPH OF HIGHER THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND BOUNCED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES , AND THE DEALER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A COMMERCIAL TIRE COMPANY, BUT THAT DID NOT RESOLVE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIRES WERE ROTATED, INSTALLED CASTER SHIN LEFT AND RIGHT, REPLACED DRAG LINK, DRAG LINKED FAULTY, CUSTOMER REPLACED LEFT FRONT TIRE. CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE ALL OVER THE ROAD CANT KEEP STEADY. THE VEHICLE HAD A KNOCK WITH THE #8 AND #4 CYLINDER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL INJECTED. CUSTOMER STATES FUEL PUMP HAD LEAK AND THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN. DEALER REPLACED THE INJECTOR PUMP, PUMP GEAR AND PUMP BRACKET. CONSUMER STATES ENGINE LIGHT ON, DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT. CONSUMER STATES LEAKING FUEL AT REAR OF ENGINE CAUSED HOSE ON TOP OF PUMP TO COME OFF. DEALER REPLACED CLAMP ON FUEL HOSE. CONSUMER STATES LOWER HEADLINER TO WATER TEST FOUND ALL CAB LIGHTS AND SEALS CRACKED. DEALER REPLACED 5 CAB LIGHTS. CONSUMER STATES RAIN COMING IN AT TOP CENTER BETWEEN SUNVISOR CAUSED LIGHTS TO CRACK. DEALER REPLACED EXTERIOR LENS. UPDATED 04/09
NHTSA complaint #10185082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,700 milesNEW Iberia, LA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET C 5500 WITH A CURRENT ODOMETER READING OF 33700 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD FRONT END PROBLEMS. WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS 50 MPH OF HIGHER THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND BOUNCED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES , AND THE DEALER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A COMMERCIAL TIRE COMPANY, BUT THAT DID NOT RESOLVE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIRES WERE ROTATED, INSTALLED CASTER SHIN LEFT AND RIGHT, REPLACED DRAG LINK, DRAG LINKED FAULTY, CUSTOMER REPLACED LEFT FRONT TIRE. CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE ALL OVER THE ROAD CANT KEEP STEADY. THE VEHICLE HAD A KNOCK WITH THE #8 AND #4 CYLINDER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL INJECTED. CUSTOMER STATES FUEL PUMP HAD LEAK AND THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN. DEALER REPLACED THE INJECTOR PUMP, PUMP GEAR AND PUMP BRACKET. CONSUMER STATES ENGINE LIGHT ON, DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT. CONSUMER STATES LEAKING FUEL AT REAR OF ENGINE CAUSED HOSE ON TOP OF PUMP TO COME OFF. DEALER REPLACED CLAMP ON FUEL HOSE. CONSUMER STATES LOWER HEADLINER TO WATER TEST FOUND ALL CAB LIGHTS AND SEALS CRACKED. DEALER REPLACED 5 CAB LIGHTS. CONSUMER STATES RAIN COMING IN AT TOP CENTER BETWEEN SUNVISOR CAUSED LIGHTS TO CRACK. DEALER REPLACED EXTERIOR LENS. UPDATED 04/09
NHTSA complaint #10185082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,700 milesNEW Iberia, LA
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET C 5500 WITH A CURRENT ODOMETER READING OF 33700 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD FRONT END PROBLEMS. WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS 50 MPH OF HIGHER THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND BOUNCED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES , AND THE DEALER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A COMMERCIAL TIRE COMPANY, BUT THAT DID NOT RESOLVE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIRES WERE ROTATED, INSTALLED CASTER SHIN LEFT AND RIGHT, REPLACED DRAG LINK, DRAG LINKED FAULTY, CUSTOMER REPLACED LEFT FRONT TIRE. CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE ALL OVER THE ROAD CANT KEEP STEADY. THE VEHICLE HAD A KNOCK WITH THE #8 AND #4 CYLINDER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL INJECTED. CUSTOMER STATES FUEL PUMP HAD LEAK AND THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN. DEALER REPLACED THE INJECTOR PUMP, PUMP GEAR AND PUMP BRACKET. CONSUMER STATES ENGINE LIGHT ON, DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT. CONSUMER STATES LEAKING FUEL AT REAR OF ENGINE CAUSED HOSE ON TOP OF PUMP TO COME OFF. DEALER REPLACED CLAMP ON FUEL HOSE. CONSUMER STATES LOWER HEADLINER TO WATER TEST FOUND ALL CAB LIGHTS AND SEALS CRACKED. DEALER REPLACED 5 CAB LIGHTS. CONSUMER STATES RAIN COMING IN AT TOP CENTER BETWEEN SUNVISOR CAUSED LIGHTS TO CRACK. DEALER REPLACED EXTERIOR LENS. UPDATED 04/09
NHTSA complaint #10185082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,700 milesChicacgo, IL
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10177914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.