2006 Chevrolet Silverado Problems
- Complaints
- 182filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 59,756miles, 162 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 5.3L 8-cyl · hybrid RWD · 16 city / 19 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this model year center overwhelmingly on the brake system, and within it on steel brake lines that owners describe as rusting through and letting the pedal fall to the floor. Reports range from vehicles with under 10,000 miles to well past 100,000, and many owners say the failure came with no warning light. Smaller groups of complaints describe low-speed ABS activation, front wheel bearing noise and steering-column knock.
- Brakes
Rusted-through brake lines / pedal to the floor
- 74 complaints (41%)
- median 64,888 mi at 8.1 yrs old (73 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,400 (median of 11 quotes)
- filed 2007–2016
Owners describe pressing the brake pedal and having it sink to the floorboard with little or no braking, often at low speed in traffic or a driveway. Shops and dealers in the complaints typically find a metal brake line rusted through, usually along the frame under the driver's side or above the rear axle, with fluid loss; several owners say all four lines were replaced because other sections looked equally corroded. Some say they were quoted for full line replacement or told to pay part of the cost, and a few mention the fuel lines and transmission cooler lines were rusted as well. Reported from as low as roughly 9,000 miles up to about 150,000, with many in the 20,000-80,000 mile range; owners in rust-belt states describe it happening on relatively low-mileage trucks.
What to check: Look underneath along the frame rails and above the rear axle for scaled rust or damp spots on the steel brake lines, and ask whether any lines have been replaced. A pre-purchase inspection by a shop that can put the truck on a lift is worth doing for this alone.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Another vehicle ran a red light in front of me and I had to apply brakes quickly. The brake line ruptured , I swerved, and barely missed the other car. They would have been killed if I was not able to move into the opposite lane. Latter found that the rupture was caused by excessive rust. Had that section replaced but its too expensive to replace all the lines - waiting for another failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10614802, filed 2014-07, 20,000 miles“Driving on the road at approx. 35 MPH and had to make a abrupt stop. After making the abrupt stop, I proceeded down the road. The next time I pushed the brakes the pedal felt soft. After pulling to the side of the road and checking the vehicle there was a large amount of brake fluid coming from the rear of the vehicle. After futher inspection, I found that the rear metal brake line had rusted and busted open.”
NHTSA complaint #10640869, filed 2014-10, 115,000 miles - Brakes
ABS activating at low speed, longer stops
- 27 complaints (15%)
- median 40,564 mi at 4.8 yrs old (26 state mileage)
- filed 2008–2015
Owners report the anti-lock system pulsing or engaging on dry pavement during normal low-speed stops, which they say lengthens stopping distance and makes the pedal feel odd. Some had speed sensors or front brakes replaced and describe the behavior returning; one owner reported pulling the ABS fuse to stop it. A few complaints link the same symptom to wheel hub or bearing problems. Mostly described during low-speed stops on dry pavement; reported from a few thousand miles up into the 80,000-100,000 mile range.
What to check: On a test drive, make several gentle stops from walking pace on dry pavement and feel for the pedal pulsing or the truck rolling further than expected. Ask whether the ABS light has come on or the wheel speed sensors and hubs have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While applying breaks on dry surfaces and coming to a stop the ABS kicks in and pedal goes to the floor. This causes the stopping distance to increase. I have almost rear-ended stopped and parked cars and ran into my garage door. There have been to many close calls so I have pulled the fuse to shut off the ABS.”
NHTSA complaint #10734369, filed 2015-07, 60,000 miles“The ABS system in my 2006 chevy Silverado does not function properly at low speed. The ABS activates when braking causing the vehicle to travel further when coming to a stop. After researching the problem on the internet I found that this is an ongoing issue with gmc vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #10358397, filed 2010-09, 37,000 miles - Steering
Steering column knock or clunk, loose feeling
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe a popping or knocking noise when turning, especially over uneven surfaces, sometimes felt through the steering wheel. Several say a dealer or mechanic identified wear in the intermediate steering shaft and replaced it or installed a repair kit. A smaller number report the steering gear being replaced, or the wheel feeling loose over bumps. Reported across a wide spread, from a few hundred miles to around 120,000, often noticed early in ownership.
Recall 05V4550003 related service bulletins
What to check: Turn the wheel slowly while parked and again at low speed over a rough surface and listen for a knock, and check for play in the steering. Ask whether the intermediate steering shaft has been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“About a year and a half ago I started hearing and feeling a light knocking in my steering column when I would make a turn. It took several months for it to get consistent for anyone else to hear it then it began to get a lot worse. I took it by my mechanic and he told me that it was in the steering. He said that they use to just lube them again but now you have to order a kit from the manufacture. …”
NHTSA complaint #10417410, filed 2011-08, 18,000 miles“Popping noise from steering,when turning on irregular surfaces which can also be felt in steering wheel,leading driver to believe that there is a defect in the front suspension or steering. Contact w/dealer service manager indicated that this is a common issue on full size GM trucks for several years,resulting from a poorly designed intermediate steering shaft ,which apparently needs to be replaced every few thousand miles to forestall this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10293792, filed 2009-11, 11,000 miles - Electrical system
Blower motor resistor and heater wiring melting
- 8 complaints (4%)
- median 52,766 mi at 5.0 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2009–2014
Owners report losing some or all blower speeds, then finding the blower motor resistor or the connector and wiring harness burned or melted. In some cases the fan kept running after the key was removed and smelled of hot electrics, and one owner described a dash fire. Several say the resistor was replaced repeatedly and the problem came back. Mostly reported between roughly 29,000 and 135,000 miles; owners often notice it when the heat, defrost or A/C quits.
What to check: Run the fan through every speed setting with the engine running and listen for the blower cutting out; pull the resistor connector under the passenger-side dash and look for browned or melted plastic. Ask whether the resistor and harness have already been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“First the radio does turn off sometime when opening the door . Then I have to replace the heater fan resister every three to four months because it burns out while I drive I can,t use defroster or any temp. Optionc.”
NHTSA complaint #10650247, filed 2014-10, 133,286 miles“Loss of blower fan due to burnt/melted wiring harness & blower motor resister burning hot enough to cause a fire. Loss fan motor to A/C & heat. On line there are thousands of the same complaint. What is GM waiting for people to die before they do something about this.”
NHTSA complaint #10353831, filed 2010-09, 29,000 miles - Suspension
Front wheel bearing and hub noise or failure
- 14 complaints (8%)
- median 45,500 mi at 4.2 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- filed 2008–2015
Owners describe humming, whirring or grinding from a front wheel, sometimes with a hot hub, and report the wheel hub assembly being replaced; a few mention repeat replacements on the same side. Others report a popping or grinding noise while turning that was traced to a front hub. Reports cluster between about 25,000 and 115,000 miles, with several owners describing noise that built up gradually before replacement.
What to check: On a quiet road, listen for a hum that changes with vehicle speed or when swerving gently left and right, and after a drive feel each wheel center for unusual heat. Ask whether any hub assemblies have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My left front wheel hub assembly failed while driving. Brake system was compromised. I was able to pull over and stop safely, but brakes did not respond as they should. Moreover, there was no indication that the wheel bearing was failing, and I am quite aware of what this sounds like because this will be the fourth time I have replaced the wheel hub assembly on the left side. I have replaced the right hub assembly twice. …”
NHTSA complaint #10716505, filed 2015-05, 107,000 miles“The AC has never worked . Took it to coutesy chevy 3times. Still dose not work. Had to replace the wheel bearings. Took it there 2 times 4 that. Had 2 rebuild the transmission once . And now its acting up 10,000 miles later. This is a 2006 chevy Silverado that I paid 25,000 $ for only 2 years ago.”
NHTSA complaint #10239250, filed 2008-08, 46,000 miles
Buying note. Have any Silverado of this year inspected from underneath with attention to the steel brake, fuel and cooler lines, since corrosion is the theme that runs through most of these complaints. A service history showing brake line, hub and blower resistor work already done is a plus on a truck this age.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 182 consumer complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado. 162 of the complaints include a mileage, and 41% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 59,756 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 7 a fire, 2 an injury, 5 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 194 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes101 55%
- Suspension15 8.2%
- Electrical system14 7.7%
- Air bags11 6.0%
- Steering9 5.0%
- Tires9 5.0%
- Fuel system8 4.4%
- Engine cooling7 3.9%
- Body and structure6 3.3%
Also reported: Wheels (6), Exterior lighting (5), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (5), Other or unknown (4), Seats (4), Engine (3), Equipment (1), Interior lighting (1), Seat belts (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “When I backed out of my driveway , which is on an incline , the brake pedal went to the floor and I just missed backing out into a busy road. I took the truck in for repairs immediately following the incident. The repairs cost nearly $750. They said that most all of the brake lines were rusted and the one on the rear drivers side had a hole rusted through.”
NHTSA complaint #10577894, filed 2014-04, 75,500 milesSuspension: “Every brake gas and cooling line rusted. I have looked at other vehicles of same year and miles different makes. No where as rusted as my 06 Silverado.”
NHTSA complaint #10545653, filed 2013-09, 80,466 milesElectrical system: “Started the vehicle fasten seat belt exited the carport started to leave my yard had to stop a go back in house turned the vehicle off removed the key went back in the house came back got in the vehicle fasten seat belt started the vehicle put it in drive and the service air bag light flashed several time we out and came back and will not go back out it will flash several time go out and come back on and stay.”
NHTSA complaint #10596178, filed 2014-06, 174,789 milesAir bags: “My air bag light came on for no reason and it is not on the recall list. Is there another list for recalls. I have never had a accident or my air bag has never been deployed. Can you tell me if this will be fix though the recall. I'm concerned with driving it without no air bags.”
NHTSA complaint #10671200, filed 2015-01, 144,897 milesMileage when problems were reported
41% of the 162 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 26,955 and 83,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silverado · extended cab RWD/4WD | not rated | 4 / 3 | — | — | 4 · 18.5% risk |
| Silverado · sedan RWD/4WD | not rated | 4 / 3 | — | — | 4 · 18.5% risk |
| Silverado · regular cab RWD/4WD | not rated | 4 / 3 | — | — | 4 · 18.5% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2006 Chevrolet Silverado version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · hybrid | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 19 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Silverado 15 Hybrid 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · hybrid | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 06V307000Aug 11, 2006Wheels › RimCovers: Chevrolet Silverado 2006, GMC Sierra 2006, Cadillac SRX 2006 +4 more
Certain sport utility vehicles and trucks fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles have an incomplete tire rim designation on the certification/tire label located on the…
- 06V289000Aug 3, 2006Engine and engine coolingCovers: Chevrolet Silverado 2004–2006, GMC Sierra 2004–2006, Yukon XL 2004–2006 +6 more
On certain trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 (rpo l8-vin g) engine have a condition in which the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip may fracture resulting in inadequate retention of the damper.
- 05V552000Dec 7, 2005Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Chevrolet Silverado 2006, GMC Sierra 2006, Hummer H3 2006 +23 more
Certain trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were shipped with tire and loading information labels listing an inacccurate vehicle…
- 05V455000Oct 5, 2005Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connectionsCovers: Chevrolet Silverado 2005–2006, GMC Sierra 2005–2006, Chevrolet Corvette 2005–2006 +12 more
Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification. Under extreme steering maneuvers, such as turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right while braking, the hose may fracture and leak fluid.
Recall details for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 194 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10108599Jul 17, 2017Suspension. This technical bulletin provides a procedure to lube the rear leaf springs on vehicles with the condition of a squeak noise originating from the rear of the vehicle.
- 10113406Feb 8, 2017Body and structure. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace any parts for this…
- 10113364Jan 31, 2017Brakes. This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10113892Mar 1, 2016Electrical system, Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that if OnStar is unable to configure the vehicle after the OnStar 15-08-44-001 upgrade and Onstar receives a 118 error code when…
- 10114431Feb 23, 2016Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone. Technician should work…
- 10112299Jan 27, 2016Equipment. This informational bulletin provides information on Part Restriction and Ordering Process Information for OnStar Vehicle Communication Interface Modules (VCIM) (GMNA Only)
- 10112272Jan 14, 2016Engine. This informational bulletin provides information on close coupled converters and there affect on newly installed engines or engines during there break in period.
- 10113810Aug 18, 2015Equipment. This warranty administration bulletin provides dealership personnel with policy and procedure requirements for essential tools that include consumable parts (U.S. Only).
- 10113792Aug 4, 2015Engine cooling. This informational bulletin provides information to technicians regarding intake manifold inspection/replacement after severe internal engine damage.
- 10113788Aug 3, 2015Equipment. This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 125 | 32,000 | 0 | — | 20 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 5 | 664 | 2 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 76 | 5,860 | 7 | — | — | 83 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 124 | 4,913 | 13 | — | — | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 64 | 10,050 | 3 | — | 21 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 68 | 20,482 | 2 | — | 21 | 53 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 75 | 53,000 | 2 | — | 21 | 32 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2010 | 62 | 43,232 | 0 | — | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2009 | 76 | 58,500 | 0 | — | 21 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 162 | 65,650 | 1 | — | — | 24 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 183 | 56,500 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 182 | 59,756 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 316 | 53,737 | 8 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 622 | 46,746 | 8 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 695 | 44,000 | 6 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 710 | 46,567 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 877 | 49,008 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 1,305 | 57,604 | 8 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 1,660 | 64,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1998 | 279 | 73,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 272 | 81,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 186 | 79,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 263 | 124,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 210 | 121,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 69 | 187,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 40 | 160,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 17 | 107,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 25 | 88,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 22 | 106,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 15 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Silverado model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado?
Complaints on this model year center overwhelmingly on the brake system, and within it on steel brake lines that owners describe as rusting through and letting the pedal fall to the floor. The issues reported most often: Rusted-through brake lines / pedal to the floor; ABS activating at low speed, longer stops; Steering column knock or clunk, loose feeling.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado have?
NHTSA recorded 182 consumer complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 101 complaints (55% of the total), followed by suspension with 15.
Has the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado get?
The EPA rates the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado (Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl · hybrid) at 17 mpg combined, 16 city and 19 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado reported?
Among the 162 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 59,756 miles and the middle half falls between 26,955 and 83,000 miles; 41% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.