2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Problems
- Complaints
- 31filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 68,000miles, 25 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 14 mpgcombined, 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel RWD · 13 city / 17 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 31 consumer complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. The part named most often is electrical system, with 7 complaints (23% of the total), followed by body and structure (7) and brakes (6). 25 of the complaints include a mileage, and 40% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 68,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 192 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 40 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Body and structure complaints overlap with 7 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
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.
- Electrical system7 23%
- Body and structure7 23%
- Brakes6 19%
- Seat belts2 6.5%
- Suspension2 6.5%
- Air bags1 3.2%
- Engine cooling1 3.2%
- Other or unknown1 3.2%
- Steering1 3.2%
Also reported: Transmission and drivetrain (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “While driving my cab starting filling with smoke and the smell of burning wires. I pulled over to see what it could be and turned off the radio and air conditioner. I did not notice anything that looked like it was smoking or on fire so I continued on. When I tried to turn the air conditioner on it didn't come on for a minute so I looked under the hood at the relay center and there was nothing wrong there when I got back in the truck it was running again. A few days later the same thing happened so I pulled my dash apart and checked the wiring couldn't find anything wrong. …”
NHTSA complaint #10238705, filed 2008-08, 47,000 milesBody and structure: “2006 suburban with rear door actuator failure starting may 19 2014, mileage of 68000 approximately, loud noise with locking of rear door by either remote or when engaged in driving. Periodical failure of door to open at all.”
NHTSA complaint #10606811, filed 2014-06, 68,000 milesBrakes: “I was driving with my friend and our 6 children and I applied the brakes when another car in front stopped suddenly. The brakes did not work and the pedal went to the floor. At the repair shop all the brake lines are brittle.”
NHTSA complaint #10622651, filed 2014-08, 115,000 milesLatches, locks and linkages: “2006 chevy suburban rear liftgate will not unlock. I've investigated this matter on the internet and found tons of people with other chevy models experiencing the same issues. Chevy didn't install any type of key entry from outside or a release handle inside. With this occurring all the time with numerous vehicles all over the country, chevy should be recalling this product to fix it. If something happened in one of these vehicles like a fire and a child was to get trapped or an adult this would be disaster...”
NHTSA complaint #10280495, filed 2009-08, 56,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
40% of the 25 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 34,500 and 97,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suburban 1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Suburban 1500 AWD | 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 13 | $5,150 |
| Suburban 1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Suburban 1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
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
- 06V289000Aug 3, 2006Engine and engine coolingCovers: Chevrolet Suburban 1500 2006, Silverado 2004–2006, GMC Sierra 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.
Recall details for the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 → · 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. 192 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025Electrical system, Other or unknown. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11012907Dec 18, 2024Engine. This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11010544Oct 7, 2024Engine. This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11008956Sep 9, 2024Other or unknown. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007208Sep 6, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need…
Other model years of the Chevrolet Suburban 1500
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 18 | 8,250 | 3 | 5 | 17 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 32 | 17,000 | 1 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 17 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Too new |
| 2011 | 80 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 17 | 67 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 53 | 67,500 | 0 | — | 17 | 51 · Typical | Stable |
| 2009 | 55 | 77,500 | 0 | — | 16 | 35 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2008 | 101 | 69,000 | 0 | — | 16 | 49 · Typical | Stable |
| 2007 | 190 | 72,500 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 31 | 68,000 | 1 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 94 | 60,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 182 | 83,999 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 175 | 90,000 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 120 | 98,000 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 92 | 108,000 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 67 | 118,000 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 74 | 100,000 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 14 | 136,000 | 0 | — | 14 | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 16 | 130,000 | 0 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 1996 | 9 | 149,500 | 0 | — | 14 | — | Not enough data |
| 1995 | 8 | 159,500 | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
| 1994 | 9 | 155,005 | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Suburban 1500 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have?
NHTSA recorded 31 consumer complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 7 complaints (23% of the total), followed by body and structure with 7.
Has the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 get?
The EPA rates the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 (Suburban 1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel) at 14 mpg combined, 13 city and 17 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 reported?
Among the 25 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 68,000 miles and the middle half falls between 34,500 and 97,000 miles; 40% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. 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.