VehicleVerdict

2005 Chevrolet C5500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 2005 Chevrolet C5500 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

10

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other C5500 years?

C5500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted11 complaints2003: 3 complaints2004: 1 complaints2005: 10 complaints2006: 11 complaints2007: 3 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 0 complaints
C5500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C5500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Chevrolet C5500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes330%
Steering330%
Fuel System220%
Electrical System110%
Transmission110%

Does the 2005 Chevrolet C5500 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08E004000OtherJanuary 7, 2008 · 250 units

Defect

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.

07E086000SuspensionOctober 16, 2007 · 367 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“2005 CHEVROLET C5500 KODIAK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO LOSS OF STEERING FROM THE BRAKE HYDRO BOOSTER PUMP MALFUNCTION. *LD *JS *DT NO VIN AVAILABLE.*JB ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 31, 2019

“2005 CHEVROLET C5500 KODIAK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO LOSS OF STEERING FROM THE BRAKE HYDRO BOOSTER PUMP MALFUNCTION. *LD *JS *DT NO VIN AVAILABLE.*JB ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 31, 2019

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET C 5500. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO STALL AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. TWENTY MILES AFTER NOTICING THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE DEALER STATED THAT ONE OF THE INJECTORS FAILED. THE CONTACT DID…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 27, 2006

“THIS 2005 CHEVROLET C 5500, STALLED WHILE IDLING. I HAD TO HAVE THE TRUCK TOWED TO THE DEALER WHEREUPON DIAGNOSIS THE WIRING HARNESS ACROSS THE TOP OF THE ENGINE BUT UNDER THE AIRCLEANER WAS RUBBED THROUGH AND SHORTED OUT. ACCORDING TO THE TECHNICIAN WHO WORKED ON IT THE CLEARANCE WAS SO TIGHT THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 31, 2009

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET C 5500. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO STALL AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. TWENTY MILES AFTER NOTICING THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE DEALER STATED THAT ONE OF THE INJECTORS FAILED. THE CONTACT DID…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 27, 2006

2005 Chevrolet C5500 — common questions

Is the 2005 Chevrolet C5500 reliable?

The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2005 C5500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (3 complaints), brakes (3 complaints), fuel system (2 complaints).

Does the 2005 Chevrolet C5500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Chevrolet C5500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.