Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | typical | 3 | — | Few |
| 2021 | 0 | −60% | 2 | — | Few |
| 2020 | 0 | — | 4 | — | Few |
| 2019 | 6 | — | 3 | Brake | Few |
* Complaints compared with the median 5500HD year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Chevrolet 5500HD problems
Latest Chevrolet 5500HD recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic
General Motors. LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Chevrolet 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD Medium-Duty trucks. The brake pressure sensor assembly may leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch and cause an electrical short-circuit.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the master cylinder pressure sensor and inspect the wire harness, replacing it, if necessary, free of…
Equipment
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet 4500HD/5500HD/6500HD vehicles. The hex flange lock nuts used in the suspension and steering joints, were improperly heat treated and may break.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the hex flange lock nuts as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed December 27, 2022.
Parking brake
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD vehicles. The pressure-sensor fitting of the primary hydraulic brake line assembly may not be tightened correctly, which could result in a brake fluid leak.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the brake pressure switch, bleed the brake system, and top-off the brake fluid, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022.
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf spring assembly › U-bolt, leaf spring to axle
Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Isuzu NPR, Reach, 2016-2020 Isuzu NPR XD, NPR HD, NQR, 2016-2021 Isuzu NRR, 2017-2020 Chevrolet 4500XD, 4500HD, 5500HD, and 2020 Chevrolet 5500XD vehicles.
Remedy: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace and tighten the rear axle U-bolt nuts, free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2021.
Seat belts › Front › Webbing
Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2020 Isuzu NPR HD, NPR XD, NQR and NRR and Chevrolet 4500HD, 4500XD, 5500HD and 5500XD and 2019 Isuzu NPR HD GAS, NPR GAS and Chevrolet 4500 and Chevrolet 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual mode belt locking mechanism seat belt assembly.
Remedy: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2020.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Chevrolet 5500HD should you avoid?
None of the Chevrolet 5500HD years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet 5500HD?
2021 has the fewest complaints compared with other 5500HD years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Chevrolet 5500HD problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (3), fuel & propulsion system (2) and electrical system (1). Brake complaints peak in the 2019 model year.
How many recalls has the Chevrolet 5500HD had?
6 recalls across 2019–2022. The model year with the most is 2020. See all Chevrolet 5500HD recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.