Own a GMC C6500 in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the GMC C6500 for model years 2007, 2009. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help C6500 owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 2 owner complaints on file for the C6500 and 1 safety recall campaign. The most-reported problem areas are tires (1), equipment (1).
Most-Reported GMC C6500 Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the C6500 (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires | 1 | 50% | |
| Equipment | 1 | 50% |
Tires
1 of the 2 complaints (50%) mention tires and wheels. Tire and wheel complaints are often about wear, vibration or pressure warnings. We check tires, balance and alignment, which matters in Phoenix where heat accelerates tire wear. See our suspension & alignment page.
Equipment
1 of the 2 complaints (50%) mention equipment. We diagnose the problem first, explain what we find, and give you a clear quote before any repair. See our auto repair page.
GMC C6500 Complaints by Model Year
The C6500 model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2007, 2009. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 1 | |
| 2009 | 1 |
GMC C6500 Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the C6500, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a GMC.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your C6500? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
GMC C6500 Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the C6500 in these model years, most often involving equipment adaptive/mobility. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2015 recall, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility (campaign 15V112000): Farber Specialty Vehicles (Farber) is recalling various specialty vehicles modified by Farber and equipped with model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation.
Keeping a GMC C6500 Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a GMC will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a C6500 that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for C6500 owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used GMC C6500, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
GMC C6500 Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix GMC C6500 repair service, or choose a service below.
Suspension & Alignment
Shocks, struts, alignment and steering.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Pre-Purchase Inspection
Know the car before you buy it.
Details →Rideshare Inspection Prep
Get approved for Uber, Lyft and more.
Details →GMC C6500 FAQ
What are the most common problems with the GMC C6500?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the GMC C6500 are tires (1), equipment (1). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which C6500 model years have the most complaints?
The C6500 model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2007, 2009. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the GMC C6500?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the GMC C6500. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the GMC C6500 have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the GMC C6500 across model years 2007, 2009. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the GMC C6500 in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains GMC vehicles including the C6500, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used GMC C6500?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my GMC C6500 in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More GMC Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.
