Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 0 | −50% | 2 | — | Few |
| 2008 | 0 | −50% | 3 | — | Few |
| 2007 | 2 | 2.0× | 3 | Engine | Few |
| 2006 | 2 | 2.0× | 3 | Transmission | Few |
* Complaints compared with the median W3500 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Chevrolet W3500 problems
Latest Chevrolet W3500 recalls
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 and 2012-2013 Isuzu NPR and NPR HD vehicles and 2008-2009 GMC W3500 and GMC W4500 vehicles. The affected vehicles, equipped with a gasoline-powered engine, have a throttle pedal that may get stuck under the steel stopper bolt, causing the…
Remedy: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the stopper bolt with a flanged plate, to prevent lateral movement of the throttle, free of charge. The recall began on June 23, 2017.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 Isuzu NPR and NPR-HD and Chevrolet W3500 and W4500 trucks manufactured March 16, 2005, to August 13, 2008 and 2006-2008 GMC W3500 and W4500 trucks manufactured July 18, 2005, to August 13, 2008.
Remedy: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. Isuzu issued an interim notification to owners on December 18, 2015. The recall began on April 8, 2016.
Engine and engine cooling
Isuzu is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Isuzu npr, nqr, nrr, GMC w3500, w4500, w5500, and Chevrolet w3500, w4500, and w5500 vehicles. The oil pipe bolts were not tightened properly during the vehicle production process.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the packing seals with new ones and the bolt will be tightened with a specified torque. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on January 28, 2011.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Izusu is recalling 2,836 my 2008-2009 npr/nqr and nrr, GMC w3500, 4500 and 5500, Chevrolet w3500, 4500 and 5500 trucks. The propeller shaft was manufactured with insufficient high frequency heat treatment.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the propeller shaft free of charge. The recall began on March 5, 2009. Owners May contact Isuzu at 1-866-441-9638.
Fuel system, diesel
Isuzu is recalling 16,859 my 2006-2007 Isuzu npr, nqr, nrr, GMC w3500, w4500, w5500 and Chevrolet w3500, w4500, w5500 trucks equipped with diesel engines. Diesel fuel May seep or leak from the fuel pipe at the upper or lower fuel port on the diesel fuel supply pump.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and if no seepage or leakage is detected, the fuel pipe fittings will be tightened. If seepage or leakage is detected, the fuel supply pump will be replaced with a new one.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Chevrolet W3500 should you avoid?
None of the Chevrolet W3500 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet W3500?
2008 has the fewest complaints compared with other W3500 years at the same age, followed by 2009. 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 W3500 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (2), engine & cooling (2) and fuel & propulsion system (1). Transmission complaints peak in the 2006 model year.
How many recalls has the Chevrolet W3500 had?
5 recalls across 2006–2009. The model year with the most is 2006. See all Chevrolet W3500 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.