Chevrolet W4500 problems

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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).

photo of Chevrolet W4500 car production

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Chevrolet W4500 model years

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Common Chevrolet W4500 problems

The Chevrolet W4500, equipped with the 4L80E transmission, has been reported to have several transmission problems. Here are some common issues based on complaints from owners:

  • Transmission Shifting Delays: Some owners have reported delayed shifting from one gear to another, particularly from 1st to 2nd, and from 2nd to 3rd. This issue can cause the vehicle to hesitate or jerk when accelerating, leading to an uncomfortable driving experience.
  • Transmission Slipping: The transmission may slip or fail to engage, especially when the vehicle is under heavy load or climbing steep hills. This can result in a loss of power and reduced vehicle performance.
  • Transmission Fluid Leaks: Leaking transmission fluid is a common problem with the Chevrolet W4500. Fluid leaks can be found near the transmission pan, the front driver side of the engine, or around the seals and gaskets of the transmission.
  • Check Engine Light and OBD Codes: Owners have reported that the check engine light comes on, accompanied by various OBD codes related to the transmission. Common codes include P0741, P0742, P0743, P0744, P0745, P0746, P0747, P0748, P0749, and P0750, which indicate issues with the torque converter clutch solenoid, the transmission fluid pressure sensor, or the shift solenoid.
  • Transmission Failure: In some cases, the transmission may fail completely, requiring a replacement or overhaul. This issue is often accompanied by a loss of drive power, strange noises, or a burning smell.

To address these transmission problems, there are several solutions available, including buying a used transmission, a rebuilt transmission, or a remanufactured transmission. However, each solution has its own set of pros and cons, and the best option depends on the specific transmission issue, the vehicle's age and mileage, and the owner's budget and preferences. It is recommended to consult with a professional transmission repair shop or a trusted mechanic to determine the best course of action for each situation.

Chevrolet W4500

How much weight can a W4500 carry?

GVWR Designed Maximum 12,000 lb.

What engine is in a GMC w4500?

Vehicle Details

Stock NumberTC1373
Sleeper
EngineMake: ISUZU Model: 5.2L Brake: HP200
Transnull 6 Spd
GVW14500

How much does a 2005 GMC w4500 weigh?

9,880 lb. Technical Notes: Chassis Curb Weight reflects standard equipment and fuel, but no driver or payload.

How many miles per gallon does a NPR diesel get?

2020 Isuzu NPR MPG By Trim Configuration

C3 Isuzu NPR Diesel: 16 MPG (estimated) C3 Isuzu NPR Gas: 9.5 MPG (estimated) C4 Isuzu NPR-HD CNG: 9 MPG (estimated) C4 Isuzu NPR-HD Diesel: 11.98 MPG (estimated)

Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet W4500 years

We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet W4500 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Chevrolet W4500 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet W4500 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet W4500 years

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

Chevrolet W4500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet W4500 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Fuel system problems
  • Power train problems
  • Tires problems
  • Diesel problems
  • Other problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet W4500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by W4500 model years

A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet W4500 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet W4500 vehicles.

List of Chevrolet W4500 complaints

Chevrolet W4500 2007
  • Date Of Incident: 2014-02-03
  • Date Complaint: 2014-02-08
  • VIN: J8BC4B16177
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,ENGINE
  • Summary: THE ENGINE SEIZES AND SUDDEN TURN DOWN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED MANY TIMES SUDDEN DECELERATION LEADING TO AN INCREASED RISK OF ACCIDENT. *TR
Chevrolet W4500 2005
  • Date Of Incident: 2011-01-15
  • Date Complaint: 2011-07-14
  • VIN: 1GBE4E1265F
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET W4500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH WITH THE HEATER IN OPERATION, HE BEGAN TO SMELL A BURNING ODOR AND NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE DASHBOARD AND AIR VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETECT A PROBLEM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AREA AND RESUMED DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A SHORTAGE WITHIN THE AIR CONDITIONERS BLOWER MOTOR AND THE AIR CONDITIONER/HEATER RESISTOR AND CONNECTOR WERE MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,000. UPDATED 08/31/2011 *LN
Chevrolet W4500 2010
  • Date Of Incident: 2010-12-26
  • Date Complaint: 2011-01-07
  • VIN: 1GB9G5B64A1
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: OUR 2010 AMBULANCE HAS HAD THREE FLAT TIRES DUE TO VALVE STEM FAILURES. WE RECENTLY REPLACED THE HEAVY DUTY RUBBER VALVE STEMS WITH STEEL VALVE STEMS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THESE THREE FAILURES ARE ON A VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 7300 MILES. *TR
Chevrolet W4500 2006
  • Date Of Incident: 2007-11-19
  • Date Complaint: 2007-11-26
  • VIN: 1GBE4E1256F
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CHEVY W4500 CONTINUES TO STALL/STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE DEALER CONTINUES TO CHARGE ME TO REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER. THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO GET WORST WITH REGARDS TO THE FREQUENCY OF THESE SUDDEN STOPS. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO ME AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC. *TR
Chevrolet W4500 2007
  • Date Of Incident: 2007-10-26
  • Date Complaint: 2007-11-15
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1G2ZH18N274
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET W4500. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED. THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE WALL AND BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE PASSENGER SIDE WERE DAMAGED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE WET AT THE TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FROM THE SCENE AND HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 9,000.
Chevrolet W4500 2004
  • Date Of Incident: 2007-09-20
  • Date Complaint: 2007-10-11
  • VIN: 1GBE4C1124F
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
  • Summary: ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WITH THE TRUCK THERE HAVE BEEN SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SMOKE BELLOWING FROM THE EXHAUST. IN SOME CASES, OTHER AUTOS BELIEVE THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. INJECTORS HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BE FAULTY ON THREE OCCASIONS REQUIRING REPLACEMENT AT SIGNIFICANT COSTS. SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST IS DUE TO THE FAULTY INJECTORS NOT ALLOWING FUEL INTO THE ENGINE SO AS A RESULT THE ENGINE IS BURNING ONLY OIL AND NO DIESEL FUEL. ENGINE IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE HEAT AND COULD START ON FIRE. *JB
Chevrolet W4500 2007
  • Date Of Incident: 2007-04-30
  • Date Complaint: 2007-05-24
  • VIN: 1GBE4E1256F
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
  • Summary: THE FUEL FILTER ON MY 2006 CHEVY C-4500 HAS BEEN A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM SINCE THE FIRST DAY I BROUGHT THE TRUCK HOME. THE DEALERSHIP CONTINUES TO REPLACE THE FILTER. NEVERTHELESS, WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT ANY WARNING, OTHER THAN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON, THE TRUCK WILL GO FROM 70 MPH TO 5 MPH IN SECONDS. ON NUMEROUS OCCASSIONS I HAVE COME VERY CLOSE TO CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THE RESTRICTION IN THE FUEL FILTER IS 4 TIMES GREATER THAN NORMAL, BUT PROVIDES NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THIS IS OCCURING. SINCE I HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING WHEN THIS WILL OCCUR, OPERATING THE TRUCK WITH THIS DEFECT PLACES MY LIFE AND THE LIVES AND PROPERTY OF OTHERS IN SERIOUS DANGER. I HAVE WRITTEN LETTERS TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TO GM ABOUT MY SAFETY CONCERNS AND NO ONE HAS RESPONDED TO MY REQUEST FOR INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE. AS A SOLE PROPRIETOR, THIS DEFECTIVE FUEL FILTER HAS FORCED ME TO SUSPEND MY BUSINESS OPERATIONS, BECUASE I AM NOT CONFIDENT THAT THE TRUCK IS SAFE TO OPERATE ON THE ROAD.
Chevrolet W4500 2005
  • Date Of Incident: 2005-02-28
  • Date Complaint: 2005-06-17
  • VIN: 1GBE4E32X5F
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: DT: WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE TRUCK SHOOK. DEALER SAID THEY FIXED IT ABOUT 5 TIMES, BUT CALLER INSISTED IT WAS NOT FIXED. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT CALLED CALLER BACK YET. *AK
Chevrolet W4500 2003
  • Date Of Incident: 2003-05-01
  • Date Complaint: 2003-10-24
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. THEN A MONTH LATER THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL. *JB
Chevrolet W4500 2000
  • Date Of Incident: 2003-07-26
  • Date Complaint: 2003-08-05
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: REAR AXLE PULLED OUT OF FRAME WHILE DRIVING,CAUSING VEHICLE TO DROP SIX INCHES. ALSO, DAMAGED THE FRAME OF VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Latest 5 recalls Chevrolet W4500

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the Chevrolet W4500.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Chevrolet W4500 2006
  • Report Received Date: 2015-10-26
  • Manufacturer: Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
  • Summary: 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. The affected vehicles have a fuel tank that may corrode and leak fuel.
  • Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
  • 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. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638.
  • Model: Chevrolet W4500 2007
  • Report Received Date: 2015-10-26
  • Manufacturer: Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
  • Summary: 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. The affected vehicles have a fuel tank that may corrode and leak fuel.
  • Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
  • 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. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638.
  • Model: Chevrolet W4500 2006
  • Report Received Date: 2010-12-15
  • Manufacturer: ISUZU MANUFACTURING SERVICES OF AMERICA
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: 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. IF NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED, THE BOLT MAY LOOSEN AFTER PROLONGED VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH CAN RESULT IN OIL SEEPAGE OR LEAKAGE FROM THE PACKING SEALS. IN GENERAL, AS OIL IS LOST, THE OIL WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE, AND THERE MAY BE ABNORMAL ENGINE NOISE AND LOSS OF OIL CAN CAUSE ENGINE SEIZURE.
  • Consequence: IF THE ENGINE SEIZES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, THE VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE SUDDEN DECELERATION LEADING TO AN INCREASED RISK OF A CRASH.
  • 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
  • Model: Chevrolet W4500 2007
  • Report Received Date: 2010-12-15
  • Manufacturer: ISUZU MANUFACTURING SERVICES OF AMERICA
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: 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. IF NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED, THE BOLT MAY LOOSEN AFTER PROLONGED VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH CAN RESULT IN OIL SEEPAGE OR LEAKAGE FROM THE PACKING SEALS. IN GENERAL, AS OIL IS LOST, THE OIL WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE, AND THERE MAY BE ABNORMAL ENGINE NOISE AND LOSS OF OIL CAN CAUSE ENGINE SEIZURE.
  • Consequence: IF THE ENGINE SEIZES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, THE VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE SUDDEN DECELERATION LEADING TO AN INCREASED RISK OF A CRASH.
  • 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
  • Model: Chevrolet W4500 2006
  • Report Received Date: 2008-06-05
  • Manufacturer: ISUZU MANUFACTURING SERVICES OF AMERICA
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
  • 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. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON JUNE 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438..

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