Chevrolet C5500 problems

General information about Chevrolet C5500
Chevrolet C5500 years list
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC TopKick are a range of medium-duty trucks that were produced by the Chevrolet and GMC divisions of General Motors from 1980 to 2009. Introduced as a variant of the medium-duty C/K truck line, three generations were produced. Slotted between the C/K trucks and the GMC Brigadier Class 8 conventional, the Kodiak/TopKick were developed as a basis for vocationally oriented trucks, including cargo haulers, dump trucks, and similar vehicles; on later generations, both cutaway and cowled-chassis variants were produced for bus use.

Following years of declining market share, General Motors (in line with Ford Motor Company) sought to exit heavy-truck manufacturing. After struggling to enter joint ventures or sell the rights to its product line, the company ended production of the Kodiak and TopKick in 2009. The final medium-duty truck, a GMC TopKick 5500, rolled out of Flint Truck Assembly on July 31, 2009.

For the 2019 model year, after a ten-year hiatus, General Motors re-entered the conventional medium-duty truck segment. Developed in a joint venture with Navistar International, the Chevrolet Silverado 4500/5500 is a Class 4–6 vehicle. Slightly smaller than the Kodiak/Topkick, the Silverado 4500/5500 is marketed exclusively as a Chevrolet (with no GMC counterpart).

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Common Chevrolet C5500 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of Chevrolet C5500 cars, common problems include:

Warm Air at Vents: Another common issue is feeling warm air coming from the vents instead of cold air. This problem is often attributed to low refrigerant levels in the A/C system. Increasing the refrigerant level can help cool the air properly and address this problem effectively.

High Moisture Levels Inside the Vehicle: Owners have reported experiencing a high level of moisture inside the car, which can be caused by a clogged A/C system due to dust and debris buildup. To rectify this issue, it is advised to clean the A/C system thoroughly to remove any obstructions and ensure proper airflow and ventilation within the vehicle.

These common problems with the Chevrolet C5500 Kodiak A/C system can significantly impact the comfort and functionality of the vehicle, making it essential to address them promptly to maintain a pleasant driving experience.

What engine is in a C5500?

6.6 V8 Duramax

Specifications for GMC Topkick C5500 Crew Cab 6.6 V8 Duramax Manual, 304hp, 2004.

How many miles per gallon does a 2005 Kodiak C5500 get?

Based on data from 6 vehicles, 300 fuel-ups and 84,671 miles of driving, the 2005 Chevrolet C5500 Kodiak gets a combined Avg MPG of 8.19 with a 0.20 MPG margin of error.

How many miles per gallon does a 2007 Chevy C5500 get?

Based on data from 4 vehicles, 821 fuel-ups and 170,801 miles of driving, the 2007 Chevrolet C5500 Kodiak gets a combined Avg MPG of 6.60 with a 0.10 MPG margin of error.

What class is a C5500?

Gmc C5500 Class 6 (gvw 19501 - 26000) Trucks for Sale | Commercial Truck Trader.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet C5500 years

We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet C5500 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Chevrolet C5500 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet C5500 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet C5500 years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Chevrolet C5500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet C5500 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

Service brakes problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Hydraulic problems
Fuel system problems
Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet C5500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by C5500 model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 19 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet C5500 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet C5500 vehicles.

List of Chevrolet C5500 complaints

Chevrolet C5500 2005

Date Of Incident: 2019-05-31
Date Complaint: 2019-05-31
VIN: 1GBG5C1225F
Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: 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

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Chevrolet C5500 2005

Date Of Incident: 2018-12-05
Date Complaint: 2018-12-05
VIN: 1GBG5C1225F
Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: 2005 CHEVY KODIAK C5500 DURAMAX DIESEL 6.6L - HYDROMAX BRAKE SYSTEM POWER STEERING HYDRALIC BRAKE BOOSTER IN FIRE WALL BREAKS CAUSING LEAKAGE AND HOSE RUPTURES OCCURS WHEREAS BRAKING AND STEERING IS LOST. GM DENIES EVEN THOUGH 2 RECALLS ISSUED FOR PROBLEM ( 2005-02-08 AND 2005-06-20) . THE VEHICLE LOST BOTH BRAKES AND STEERING COMING DOWN HILL WITH LOAD OF CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS. TWO GM CHEVY DEALERSHIPS DENIED PROBLEM AND MASTER CYCLINDER WAS REPLACED AT PRIVATE GARAGE. MADE 3 ATTEMPTS AT DEALERSHIPS TO FIX THE LEAK AND ESTIMATES WERE OVER $4500 . VIN NUMBER DOES NOT MATCH RECALL IN THE DATA BASE BUT YEAR, MAKE, MODEL AND BRAKING AND STEERING SYSTEMS ARE ALL IDENTICAL TO RECALLS. ON GOING PROBLEM MUST PUT GALLOON OF FLUID IN EVERY WEEK . LAST HOSE BLEW YESTERDAY .

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Chevrolet C5500 2006

Date Of Incident: 2017-02-15
Date Complaint: 2017-02-15
VIN: 1GBG5U1206F
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: 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. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.

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Chevrolet C5500 2006

Date Of Incident: 2015-10-28
Date Complaint: 2015-11-02
VIN: 1GBG5U1296F
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: 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 AND THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.

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Chevrolet C5500 2007

Date Of Incident: 2013-04-10
Date Complaint: 2013-12-11
VIN: 1GBJ5C12227
Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: I BROUGHT A 2007 CHEVY C5500 WITH DURAMAX DIESEL BECAUSE IT WAS CAME WITH GREAT REVIEWS ONLY TO LEARN THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM IS KNOW TO BEST THE WORST AND THE MOST COMMON IS THE INJECTORS AND INJECTOR PUMP. THIS IS IN THE DURAMAX AND CAT MOTORS. THIS MOTOR HAS EFFECTIVE THE US CITIZENS FOR TO LONG. *TR

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Chevrolet C5500 2006

Date Of Incident: 2012-05-17
Date Complaint: 2012-05-19
VIN: 1GBG5U12X6F
Components: ENGINE
Summary: 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. TOWED INTO STEAMBOAT SPRINGS AND AWAITING PARTS ON MONDAY. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM APPARENTLY. IS GM TAKING CARE OF THIS? IF SO, HOW DO I PROCEED?? ANY AND ALL HELP IS APPRECIATED.[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

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Chevrolet C5500 2006

Date Of Incident: 2011-12-17
Date Complaint: 2012-02-01
Fire: 1
VIN: 1GBG5U1216F
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: 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. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,900.

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Chevrolet C5500 2004

Date Of Incident: 2011-05-01
Date Complaint: 2011-09-22
VIN: 1GBJ5C1224F
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET C5500. THE CONTACT STATED T WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH UP HILL, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY JERK BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT SOME OF THE FUEL INJECTORS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, APPROXIMATELY ONE DAY LATER, ONE OF THE INJECTORS FAILED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.

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Chevrolet C5500 2003

Date Of Incident: 2011-07-01
Date Complaint: 2011-07-08
VIN: 1GBE5E1EX3F
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, WITHOUT PRIOR WARNINGS, FAN FLEW APART CAUSING DAMAGE TO FAN HOUSING AND RADIATOR. RADIATOR, BLADE, SHROUD, CLUTCH AND COOLANT HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR

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Chevrolet C5500 2006

Date Of Incident: 2009-09-05
Date Complaint: 2010-09-15
VIN: 1GBG5U1266F
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: 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 AND THE RPMS INSTANTLY WENT STRAIGHT UP. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW HIGH THE RPMS WENT BECAUSE THAT IS WHEN THE FAN BLADE LET GO AND I WAS TOO BUSY LOOKING AT OTHER THINGS TO NOTICE. THE PIECES WENT STRAIGHT UP PUNCHING 3 HOLES IN THE SHROUD AND DENTING THE HOOD ENOUGH TO CRACK THE PAINT. NO PHOTOS OR PIECES OF EITHER THE FAN OR SHROUD ARE AVAILABLE. WITH HOSES, CABLES AND ELECTRICAL WIRES ALL AROUND THE FAN AREA I AM AMAZED THAT NONE OF THEM WERE DAMAGED AND NO BRAKING, STEERING OR OTHER ENGINE DAMAGE OCCURRED. THE FAN AND SHROUD WERE REPLACED AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO OTHER INCIDENTS. UPDATED IVOQ 09/20/10 *TR

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Chevrolet C5500 2006

Date Of Incident: 2009-07-24
Date Complaint: 2009-07-26
VIN: 1GBE5U1206F
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: 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 1-800-289-8787 FROM GULFSTREAM. *TR

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Chevrolet C5500 2005

Date Of Incident: 2009-03-31
Date Complaint: 2009-06-19
VIN: 1GB15V1245F
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: 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 THERE WAS NO ROOM FOR THE WIRING HARNESS WITHOUT IT CHAFING FROM MOVEMENT OF THE ENGINE. THE TECHNICIAN REPAIRED THE HARNESS. *TR

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Chevrolet C5500 2007

Date Of Incident: 2008-11-16
Date Complaint: 2008-12-15
VIN: 1GBE5V1987F
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET C5500. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN INDIANA. THE CONTACT SENT THE VEHICLE TO THE LIME LITE COACH DEALER IN CALIFORNIA FOR MODIFICATION. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED WITHOUT THE REGION SYSTEM EXTENSION PIPE (CATALYTIC CONVERTER); THEREFORE, IT FAILED INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS A 2008, BUT THE CARFAX REPORT INDICATED THE VIN WAS A 2007. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 18,000.

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Chevrolet C5500 2005

Date Of Incident: 2006-02-27
Date Complaint: 2008-09-16
VIN: 1GBE5C1245F
Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,POWER TRAIN
Summary: 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 NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES BEFOREHAND. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,200. *UPDATED 10/20/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR TRANSMISSION COMPUTER PROGRAMMING, ROTORS, BRAKE LINES ABS, FUEL AND THE POWER STEERING LINE. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED HIS OTHER VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME PROBLEMS/ UPDATED 10/21/08.*JB

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Chevrolet C5500 2008

Date Of Incident: 2008-08-25
Date Complaint: 2008-08-25
VIN: 3GNDA63X38S
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: AFTER SITTING OVER NIGHT OR EXTENDED PERIODS THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER BRAKES..... AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT I STARTED THE CAR AND STARTED BACKING UP AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR........ USED EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. THIS HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK..........IF YOU SIT FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND LET VACUUM BUILD IT DOESN'T HAPPEN. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE YET! TAKING IN NEXT WEEK.......GM KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT NO FIX IS APPARENT AT THIS TIME..........I KNOW OF 1 BUY BACK AND MANY ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR. *TR

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Latest 5 recalls Chevrolet C5500

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 16 recalls for different components of the Chevrolet C5500.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

Model: Chevrolet C5500 2008
Report Received Date: 2014-04-16
Manufacturer: Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply, I
Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Summary: Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply, Inc. (Cummings) is recalling various model year 1994-2011 Ford and Chevrolet vans equipped with Braun NCL-2, and NVL-2 wheel chair lifts manufactured November 20, 2006, through September 10, 2010. Over time, and with frequent use, the roll stop latches on the outer barrier of the lifts in these vans 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 Corporation notified all the vehicle owners, and Cummings Mobility replaced the recalled parts with new parts, free of charge. The recall was completed as of April 10, 2014. Owners may contact Cummings customer service at 1-800-639-5438.

Model: Chevrolet C5500 2008
Report Received Date: 2012-12-12
Manufacturer: Creative Bus Sales, Inc.
Components: 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.

Model: Chevrolet C5500 2007
Report Received Date: 2012-12-12
Manufacturer: Creative Bus Sales, Inc.
Components: 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.

Model: Chevrolet C5500 2006
Report Received Date: 2012-12-12
Manufacturer: Creative Bus Sales, Inc.
Components: 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.

Model: Chevrolet C5500 2008
Report Received Date: 2009-11-19
Manufacturer: CUES, INC.
Components: EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Summary: CUES, INC. IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 SERVICE VEHICLES BUILT ON VARIOUS CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH CARRIER AIRV CEILING UNITS, MODEL NOS. 68RV0010BA, 68RV0012CA, AND 68RV0010EA. THE HEATER ELEMENT IN THESE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE DEFECTIVE WHICH COULD CAUSE THE UNIT TO CREATE SMOKE OR SPARKS.
Consequence: THIS DEFECT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: CUES IS WORKING WITH CARRIER TO REMEDY THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. REPAIRS WILL BE MADE BY CARRIER FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE SEE CARRIER'S DEFECT REPORT 09E-053. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CARRIER AT 1-877-584-7059 OR CUES AT 1-407-849-0190.