VehicleVerdict

2006 GMC C5500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2006 GMC C5500 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other C5500 years?

C5500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted3 complaints2003: 2 complaints2005: 3 complaints2006: 1 complaints2007: 1 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 0 complaints
C5500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C5500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 GMC C5500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1100%

Does the 2006 GMC C5500 have recalls?

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

12V584000OtherDecember 12, 2012 · 227 units

Defect

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.

08V344000Trailer HitchJuly 28, 2008 · 108 units

Defect

KNAPHEIDE IS RECALLING 108 MY 2006-2008 PRO SERIES TRUCK BEDS EQUIPPED WITH AN ICC BUMPER WHICH INCLUDED A PROVISION FOR A BALL HITCH. THERE MAY BE AN INSUFFICIENT WELD ATTACHING THE HITCH CHANNEL TO THE SUPPORTING STRUCTURE.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN BENDING OF THE HITCH CHANNEL OR THE HITCH COULD BE PULLED OFF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

KNAPHEIDE WILL OFFER TWO REMEDIES TO ITS CUSTOMERS: (1) FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO DO NOT USE THE HITCH, THE HITCH WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE TRUCK BED AND REPLACED WITH AN ICC BUMPER; OR (2) FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO NEED A HITCH, A RECEIVER HITCH ASSEMBLY WILL BE ADDED TO THE EXISTING HITCH ASSEMBLY AND ALL SUSPECT WELD JOINTS WILL BE RE WELDED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KNAPHEIDE AT 1-877-473-5763.

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.

I HAD DRIVEN THE TRUCK FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS THAT MORNING. I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT FOR ONE CYCLE. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR I HEARD AND FELT A BANG AND CRUNCH. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON BUT I STARTED TO SMELL COOLANT. I STOPPED TO FIND THE COOLING FAN TORN APART, FAN SHROUD…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 15, 2009

2006 GMC C5500 — common questions

Is the 2006 GMC C5500 reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2006 GMC C5500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 GMC C5500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 GMC C5500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.