Chevrolet C7500 problems
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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Chevrolet C7500 model years
Common Chevrolet C7500 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Chevrolet C7500 trucks, common problems reported include issues with reduced engine power, vibrations, and rough idling. Here is a detailed breakdown of each problem:
- Reduced Engine Power:
- Owners have reported instances where the truck goes into a reduced engine power mode, limiting acceleration to around 45 mph. This issue is often accompanied by a service engine light with a down arrow.
- Diagnosis of this problem may require specialized equipment, and in cases where GMC dealers are not easily accessible, using a code reader with diagnostic capabilities is recommended.
- The reduced engine power mode can be frustrating for drivers as it affects the truck's performance and speed, potentially leading to safety concerns on the road.
- Vibrations:
- Some owners have experienced vibrations in their Chevrolet C7500 trucks, particularly when the vehicle is in operation. These vibrations are often accompanied by a knocking noise.
- Vibrations can be indicative of various underlying issues such as engine mount problems, torque mount issues, or other mechanical faults.
- Addressing vibrations promptly is crucial to prevent further damage to the vehicle and ensure a smooth driving experience for the operator.
- Rough Idling:
- Another common complaint from Chevrolet C7500 owners is rough idling, especially noticeable when the truck is at a standstill.
- Replacing engine mounts and torque mounts are common solutions to address rough idling, but the issue may stem from other factors such as engine components or fuel system irregularities.
- Rough idling can impact the overall performance of the truck and may lead to increased fuel consumption and engine wear if left unresolved.
By addressing these common problems promptly and accurately diagnosing the root causes, Chevrolet C7500 owners can ensure the optimal performance and longevity of their trucks. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and using appropriate diagnostic tools are essential in keeping these vehicles in top condition.
What is the life expectancy of a cat C7 engine?
B10 is the average life expectancy of an engine measured in miles where 10% of the produced engines failed and needed a major overhaul. Consequently, B50 is the average miles where 50% of the engines failed. With the CAT C7 the B50 rating of 450,000-500,000 miles.
What engine is in a Chevy C7500?
Specifications of GMC TopKick C7500
| 2003–10 GMC TopKick C7500 Crew Cab '2002–07.2009 | 2003–10 GMC TopKick C7500 Regular Cab '2002–07.2009 | |
|---|---|---|
| engine | ||
| name | Duramax 7800 LG4 (Isuzu 6H) | Vortec 8100 8.1L V8 (L18) |
| type | Piston | |
| location | at front, longitudinally |
Is the cat C7 engine good or bad?
I will say that they're fairly reliable engines; there's a surprising amount of them still on the road. The biggest thing I would watch for is excessive blowby.
What is the towing capacity of the C7500?
Retaining its original hood and cab design with integrated fuel tanks on either side, a large forward tilting hood and towing capacity of 31,000lbs this cab presents in very nice condition.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet C7500 years
We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet C7500 cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Chevrolet C7500 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet C7500 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet C7500 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Chevrolet C7500 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet C7500 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Seat belts problems
- Equipment problems
- Electrical system problems
- Structure problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet C7500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet C7500 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet C7500 vehicles.
List of Chevrolet C7500 complaints
Chevrolet C7500 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2013-08-11
- VIN: 1GCEK19Z57Z
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: AS I WAS LEAVING FROM WORK THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I HAD NO BRAKES, VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME, THE COST WAS TO GREAT TO REPAIR. *TR
Chevrolet C7500 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-15
- Date Complaint: 2007-10-26
- VIN: 1GNDS13S462
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: MONDAY, 10/15/07 VEHICLE WOULD NOT START IN THE A.M. VEHICLE WAS JUMPED STARTED PROCEEDED IMMEDIATELY TO DEALER. EXPLAINED TO SERVICE DEPT VEHICLE WOULD NOT START HOWEVER, ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE WORKING BUT VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. SERVICE DEPT HAD VEHICLE ALL DAY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. BATTERY WAS CHECKED OUT IT WAS OK. MONDAY NIGHT (10/15/07) VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AFTER BEING IN SERVICE ALL DAY. VEHICLE WAS JUMPED STARTED AGAIN TO GET ME HOME. TUESDAY (10/16/07) AM VEHICLE STARTED WENT TO WORK. CHECKED VEH AROUND 10:30 AM VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. VEHICLE HAD TO BE JUMPED STARTED IMMEDIATELY WENT TO DEALERSHIP COMPLAINING OF THE PROBLEM. A DEVICE WAS PLACED IN VEHICLE CHECKING THE MILLA AMP DRAW. TRACED PROBLEM TO FAULTY GATE MODULE WAS DRAINING ON BATTERY (IN OTHER WORDS TERRORIZING BATTERY) PREVENTING VEHICLE FROM STARTING. CALLED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT BEING REIMBURSED. WORDS THAT WERE USED BY GM WERE MALFUNCTION, FAULTY PART. I STRONGLY FEEL THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART. TAILGATE MODULE & BATTERY HAD TO BE REPLACED. I ASKED FOR ORIGINAL PART BACK IN CASE IT NEEDS TO BE INSPECTED. *TR
Chevrolet C7500 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2002-06-11
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THE SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER?S SIDE IS NOT RETRACTING, IT HAS BEEN REPLACED FIVE TIMES BUT STILL DOES NOT RETRACT. *YD
Chevrolet C7500 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2000-11-20
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CONSUMER RECEIVED MANUFACTURER'S RECALL REGARDING THE PAYLOAD INFORMATION ON THE CERTIFICATION LABEL ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR JAM, HOWEVER THE LABEL REFERS THE CONSUMER TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND THE OWNER'S MANUAL REFERS THE CONSUMER TO THE STICKER IN THE DOOR JAM, WHICH STILL LEAVES THE CONSUMER WITH NO CORRECT INFORMATION CONSIDERING THERE IS NO INFORMATION REGARDING THE DOOR JAM IN THE RECALL LETTER OR OWNER'S MANUAL AND THE INFORMATION ON THE STICKER IN THE DOOR JAM IS INCORRECT. *SLC
Latest 5 recalls Chevrolet C7500
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the Chevrolet C7500.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Chevrolet C7500 2006
- Report Received Date: 2014-02-11
- Manufacturer: Monroe Truck Equipment
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Monroe Truck Equipment (Monroe) is recalling certain model year 2006, 2008 and 2009 Chevrolet C7500 vehicles, 2005-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles, and 2009 Ford F-350, and F-450 vehicles, equipped with Sure Power-brand battery equalizers or DC-DC converters containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound. The specific potting compound used in the subject products for insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.
- Consequence: Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Monroe will notify owners, and Sure Power will replace the equalizers or converters, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2014. Owners may contact Monroe at 1-608-328-8127.
- Model: Chevrolet C7500 2007
- Report Received Date: 2007-05-02
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:COMPRESSOR
- Summary: ON CERTAIN MEDIUM DUTY CONVENTIONAL AND TILT CAB TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 7.8L DIESEL ENGINES AND AIR BRAKES, THE AIR COMPRESSOR MAY NOT BUILD ENOUGH AIR PRESSURE TO SUPPORT THE AIR BRAKE SYSTEM.
- Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY (BRAKES APPLIED) THE AIR BRAKES WOULD REMAIN APPLIED AND PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. IF THIS CONDITION WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE DUAL SYSTEM AIR PRESSURE GAUGES WOULD REGISTER THE DROP IN PRESSURE. IF THE PRESSURE CONTINUED TO DROP, THE LOW AIR PRESSURE WARNING BUZZER AND WARNING LAMP WOULD ACTIVATE AS DESIGNED, WARNING THE DRIVER TO MOVE THE VEHICLE TO A SAFETY LOCATION. IF THE DRIVER IGNORES THESE WARNINGS AND CONTINUES TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, AND IF THERE WAS A CONTINUED LOSS OF PRESSURE, THE REAR SPRING PARKING BRAKES WOULD AUTOMATICALLY APPLY, PREVENTING THE TRUCK FROM BEING DRIVEN.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR COMPRESSOR HEAD. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 23, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
- Model: Chevrolet C7500 2006
- Report Received Date: 2006-07-13
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:AIR
- Summary: CERTAIN MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED SR-7 BENDIX BRAKE VALVES, THE CHECK VALVE INSIDE THE VALVE CAVITY MAY NOT PROPERLY SET, CAUSING INTERNAL AIR LEAKAGE. IF THE CHECK VALVE DOES NOT PROPERLY SEAT, THE RESULTING LEAKAGE CAN CAUSE A DELAY IN THE APPLICATION OF THE SPRING BRAKES TO PARK THE VEHICLE AFTER OPERATOR PULLS THE DASH VALVE BUTTON.
- Consequence: THE DELAYED PARKING BRAKE APPLICATION CAN OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING, LEADING TO UNINTENDED VEHICLE ROLLAWAY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VALVES AND REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
- Model: Chevrolet C7500 2000
- Report Received Date: 2002-11-04
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN MEDIUM DUTY C-SERIES AND B7 SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH A 7.4 LITER GAS ENGINE AND AN IMPCO LPG CONVERSION KIT. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE ENGINE BACKFIRES WITH SUFFICIENT FORCE TO DAMAGE THE ENGINE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM AND THE AIR CLEANER FILTER ELEMENT.
- Consequence: IF THE DAMAGED AIR CLEANER PARTS ARE DISLODGED FROM THEIR NORMAL POSITION, THESE PARTS COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND/OR HOT EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) VALVE TUBE RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED MIXER BONNET AND AIR CLEANER HOUSING COVER, SELECTIVE UPGRADES IN VARIOUS CONNECTIONS RELATED TO THE AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM, AND IF NEEDED, A NEW AIR CLEANER FILTER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 18, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
- Model: Chevrolet C7500 2000
- Report Received Date: 2000-09-07
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES, MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS AND TRACTORS BUILT WITH BENDIX AIR ABS WITH AN EC-17 1030R ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU), THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSED BY 1) CHAFED ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRES ON ROTATING PARTS OR 2) A DAMAGED COMPONENT AT THE WHEEL END THAT GENERATES A CERTAIN TYPE OF ERRATIC SENSOR SIGNAL.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ABS ECU TO EXHAUST THE AIR AT THE AIR BRAKE MODULATORS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE WHEELS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.
Are you having problems with your Chevrolet C7500?
