2006 Chevrolet C5500 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. 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.
What could happen: IF THE LATERAL CONTROL ROD BRACKET FRACTURES, THE HANDLING OF THE VEHICLE WILL BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2006 C5500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07E086000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-222-6283.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION
Summary: 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.
Consequence: IF THE LATERAL CONTROL ROD BRACKET FRACTURES, THE HANDLING OF THE VEHICLE WILL BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
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.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET LINK SUSPENSION SYSTEMS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLE MANUFACTURED BY GENERAL MOTORS. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. 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 WHEELCHAI…
What could happen: SHOULD THE DIODE FAIL, IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE WITH THE WHEELCHAIR DEPLOYED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO ANYONE USING THE LIFT.
The fix: 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…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2006 C5500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 08E004000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-969-6080.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Summary: 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.
Consequence: SHOULD THE DIODE FAIL, IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE WITH THE WHEELCHAIR DEPLOYED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO ANYONE USING THE LIFT.
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.
Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
3. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. Over time, or with frequent use, the roll stop latches on the outer barrier of the lifts may become bent or misaligned.
What could happen: A wheelchair occupant may defeat or ride over the insufficiently latched roll stop. If this occurs when the lift platform is in an elevated position, the wheelchair's occupant could fall and sustain injury.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2006 C5500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 12V584000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-888-633-8380.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EQUIPMENT
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A wheelchair occupant may defeat or ride over the insufficiently latched roll stop. If this occurs when the lift platform is in an elevated position, the wheelchair's occupant could fall and sustain injury.
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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2006 Chevrolet C5500 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (4), Suspension (3), Electrical system (1), Brakes (1), Fuel system (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
02/15/2017 · 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.…
11/02/2015 · Engine
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…
05/19/2012 · 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. T…
02/01/2012 · Engine · fire
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. TH…
09/15/2010 · Engine
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…
07/26/2009 · Suspension
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…
03/14/2007 · Suspension
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 DI…
01/05/2007 · Suspension
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 TH…