2006 Chevrolet Tahoe Problems
- Complaints
- 114filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 75,122miles, 96 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns 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
- 16 mpgcombined, 4.8L 8-cyl RWD · 14 city / 19 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2006 Tahoe most often describe a rear liftgate that stops unlocking, leaving the glass and gate closed with no keyhole or interior release available on their vehicle. Brake complaints, both a low or soft pedal and sudden loss of pedal travel, and fuel leaks from corroded lines at the tank are the other recurring themes. Reports span a wide mileage range, from a few thousand miles to well past 150,000.
- Latches, locks and linkages
Rear liftgate and glass will not unlock or open
- 37 complaints (32%)
- median 75,500 mi at 5.8 yrs old (32 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $500 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2008–2015
Complaints describe the rear liftgate and the liftgate glass failing to unlock with the key fob, the door-panel buttons, or the keyless remote, sometimes with no sound from the mechanism. Owners report there is no keyhole on the outside and no manual release inside, so the gate cannot be opened at all until the actuator is replaced; dealers diagnosed the lock actuator as the cause and quoted repairs ranging from a few hundred dollars upward in the complaints. Several owners report the same failure returning after an actuator replacement. Mostly reported between roughly 50,000 and 120,000 miles, with some reports at lower mileage and a few past 160,000.
What to check: Try the liftgate and liftgate glass with the key fob and the door buttons before buying, and ask whether the liftgate actuator has been replaced and when. Owners should also confirm where the manual release is on the specific vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The rear lift gate solenoid goes bad which prevents rear window and door from unlocking. I have done extensive research online and have discovered that many people are having this same issue on 05 and 06 Tahoe, suburban, hummer and yukons which I'm assuming are using the same part. This seems very dangerous in case of emergency.”
NHTSA complaint #10643477, filed 2014-10, 75,000 miles“2006 chevy Tahoe rear lift gate or window will not unlock to open. Can not manually open from inside vehicle due to poor engineering. This is a safety hazard in my opinion. Gmc will not accept responsibility for this defect. I searched online and found tons of customers with the same problem in all makes of GM suvs. It is in my opinion this should be a recall safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #10349349, filed 2010-08, 66,100 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal goes to the floor or brakes fade
- 7 complaints (6%)
- median 60,050 mi at 8.4 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2012–2017
Owners describe pressing the brake pedal and having it travel to the floor with little or no braking during normal driving, sometimes requiring pumping to slow the vehicle. In several complaints, shops found a leaking or corroded brake line and recommended replacing the entire line set. Other owners describe a pedal that needs unusually hard pressure to stop, which some dealers told them was normal. Reported across a broad range, from about 30,000 to 75,000 miles and occasional reports above 100,000.
What to check: Ask for brake line and hose inspection records and check for fluid seepage or corrosion along the lines; a firm, high pedal on a test drive is what you want.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Have owned this Tahoe since new and have had generally good service with it. I made a trip fr maine to delaware, sunday mar 9, 2014. Weather clear. At end of trip I came upon a red light. Pressed the brake pedal, and nothing happened. Went to floor. Tried pumping, and got a 1% resp and went to the floor again. Tried emer brake. Went to floor also! No traffic on this sunday so I was very lucky not to have had or caused a serious accident. When I was finally able to park the car, I lifted the hood and saw b fluid splatter everywhere. …”
NHTSA complaint #10569425, filed 2014-03, 59,673 miles“Applied brakes to stop, and brake pedal went to the floor. The Tahoe slowly stopped after pumping the brake pedal, but reluctantly. I had stopped without a problem only seconds before this incident. Cause of the braking problem according to the repair shop was a broken brake line. The repair shop also indicated that all the brake lines need to be replaced due to severe corrosion problems. The mechanic said that this is a common problem with GM vehicles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10478416, filed 2012-10, 60,100 miles - Fuel system
Fuel smell and leaks at top of fuel tank
- 6 complaints (5%)
- median 72,622 mi at 6.2 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2008–2015
Complaints describe a gasoline smell around the vehicle, and in some cases visible fuel on top of the tank. Shops dropping the tank found the top of the fuel pump module and the metal lines rusted through, requiring a new pump and lines or tank straps. Some owners note the vehicle was kept clean and washed, including the undercarriage, before the corrosion appeared. Mostly reported around 70,000 to 85,000 miles.
What to check: Smell around the rear of the vehicle and under the fuel filler after it sits, and ask whether the fuel pump module or lines have been replaced. A fuel gauge that reads incorrectly is worth checking too.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Fuel gauge on dash reads improperly. Driving with what marked as 1/4 of full tank (26 gal tank which reads 20 gals plus 6 gallon reserve when low fuel light turns on or red-lining). Driving on freeway accompanied by my infant son and toddler niece, when truck completely stalled out on the #2 lane. Was able to glide over to the shoulder, turned off truck and tried turning it over when fuel light came on to indicate that I was low on gas. …”
NHTSA complaint #10222003, filed 2008-03, 31,222 miles“I had been smelling gasoline when standing outside the vehicle for a while. Took to repair shop who found gasoline on top of the tank. When tank was dropped, it was found that the top of the fuel pump as well as all the metal lines had rusted through and fuel was leaking out. Repair included new fuel lines and new fuel pump.”
NHTSA complaint #10500726, filed 2013-02, 70,000 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light stays on
- 5 complaints (4%)
- median 125,000 mi at 9.7 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2010–2021
Owners report the service air bag light illuminating with no crash event, and in some cases a passenger-side airbag indicator that behaves erratically. Complaints mention that a connector repair described in a GM bulletin helped only temporarily. One complaint describes a related electrical problem where dashboard lighting and high beams cut in and out. Reported from about 85,000 miles upward, often past 120,000.
What to check: Confirm the airbag light comes on at start-up and goes out, and ask whether the airbag system has been scanned for stored codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Good morning I got into my 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe with the above VIN . The warning light started to activate. I am on notice that the air bag could activate at anytime. This will create a serious to me, my family, grandchildren,and the motoring public.”
NHTSA complaint #10653561, filed 2014-11, 125,000 miles“The airbag trouble light came on shortly after I purchased the vehicle, which was used. The indicator ligh located in the rear view mirror which indicates the passenger-side airbag is off does not come on if there is not a passenger, until the vehicle has been driven approximately 30 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11061358, filed 2018-01, 140,000 miles - Body and structure
Clunk or knock from steering and front end
- 7 complaints (6%)
- median 11,000 mi at 1.3 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2006–2012
Complaints describe a knocking or clunking felt or heard through the steering wheel over bumps or at low speed, and in one case a broken sway bar bracket was welded back on. Shops identified worn steering shaft or column parts in some cases; another owner reports rattling body and frame noise with vibration while braking at highway speed. Reported from a few thousand miles up to about 60,000.
Recall 05V4550001 related service bulletin
What to check: Drive over uneven pavement and listen for clunks through the steering column or front end, and check for power steering fluid seepage at the hoses.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“9 days after obtaining vehicle on 1/31/06. 2/10/06 heard a knocking noise when hitting bumps and turning the vehicle. Took the vehicle to dealership. Sway bar bracket was broken off. Dealership took the vehicle to local muffler shop for repair - to weld the bracket back on. 2/21/06 hear noise and metal grinding under vehicle - especially when stopping and starting.”
NHTSA complaint #10153391, filed 2006-03, 760 miles“The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact was driving 15 MPH over a road bump when there was an abnormal thumping felt within the steering wheel. The contact did not take the vehicle to a dealer or a local mechanic. The contact stated that the defect was within the steering column. The failure mileage was 26,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10436101, filed 2011-11, 26,000 miles
Buying note. Check the liftgate and its glass, the brake pedal feel and lines, and any fuel smell near the tank before buying, since those come up most in complaints for this year. Routine maintenance records and a pre-purchase inspection covering brakes and fuel lines are useful on a vehicle of 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 114 consumer complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe. 96 of the complaints include a mileage, and 24% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 75,122 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 823 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.
- Body and structure27 24%
- Electrical system24 21%
- Brakes13 11%
- Air bags7 6.1%
- Fuel system6 5.3%
- Other or unknown5 4.4%
- Steering5 4.4%
Also reported: Tires (4), Engine (2), Engine cooling (2), Seat belts (2), Seats (2), Suspension (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Wheels (2), Exterior lighting (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Body and structure: “Bought Tahoe in 2006,noticed had to push brake peddle hard when stopping,told several different dealers about it,told it was normal.different people drove it and also said you really had to push hard to stop.I changed tires last year and asked them about the brakes,I was told that there was trouble on the 2006 Tahoe.”
NHTSA complaint #10717252, filed 2015-05, 74,654 milesElectrical system: “My liftgate actuator failed, my car was not lockable I was told by GM that because of the age of my car it would not be covered. I was told it was not covered not in stock not order able. I was told to order it on line I did installed and failed in 11 days. The part was sold by doorman made in china. I buy american made products and I'm told by an american company to buy something made in china does that make sense?”
NHTSA complaint #10651496, filed 2014-10, 90,000 milesLatches, locks and linkages: “2006 chevy Tahoe, rear hatch will not unlock/open. Window will not open as well, keyless entry so I have no other options. Safety issue as I have 5 children and there is no manual way to open the latch from the outside or inside of vehicle. Just spent $400 on a faulty acceleration sensor that went out while driving on the highway. Lost power to vehicle on the highway, another safety issue that might need to be investigated.”
NHTSA complaint #10413903, filed 2011-07, 85,000 milesBrakes: “Service stability light comes on and my Tahoe will not move. Brakes are holding, have replaced ABS module, ABS valves, all brakes and rotors, master cylinder and booster. And still, I'm having the same problem! Vehicle has been to midway motors a cheverolet dealer and still no answer, and it's throwing the very same codes co131 rear dump valve failure! These problems arose after driving kids to school. Had to have vehicle towed away as it would not move even when placed in neutral. Total brake lock down!”
NHTSA complaint #11278220, filed 2019-11, 120,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
24% of the 96 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 58,000 and 120,000 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 Tahoe. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahoe · sedan RWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 3 · 22.8% 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 Tahoe 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahoe 1500 2WD | 4.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Tahoe 1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Tahoe 1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Tahoe 1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Tahoe 1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Tahoe 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
- 14V070000Feb 11, 2014Electrical systemCovers: Chevrolet Tahoe 2005–2006, C7500 2006, 2008–2009, Ford F-450 SD 2009 +1 more
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…
- 05V552000Dec 7, 2005Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Chevrolet Tahoe 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 Tahoe 2006, Silverado 2005–2006, GMC Sierra 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 Tahoe → · 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. 823 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.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11011782Dec 7, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
Other model years of the Chevrolet Tahoe
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 28 | 3,783 | 3 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 52 | — | 1 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 69 | 14,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 233 | 33,253 | 5 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 197 | 49,000 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 73 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 464 | 41,500 | 16 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 57 | 16,000 | 3 | 4 | 18 | 22 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 109 | 28,000 | 2 | 4 | 18 | 42 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 105 | 42,000 | 3 | 4 | 19 | 24 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2017 | 175 | 50,000 | 4 | 4 | 19 | 49 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 256 | 48,000 | 8 | 4 | 19 | 94 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 659 | 62,000 | 14 | 4 | 18 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 90 | 56,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 4 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 233 | 60,000 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 31 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 178 | 70,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 11 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 447 | 66,801 | 5 | 4 | 17 | 65 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 314 | 74,000 | 3 | — | 17 | 27 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 284 | 77,756 | 5 | — | 16 | 51 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 528 | 72,750 | 4 | — | 16 | 67 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 1,177 | 77,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 114 | 75,122 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 293 | 80,000 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 467 | 72,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 507 | 74,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 449 | 80,500 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 512 | 69,551 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 282 | 79,300 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 552 | 91,794 | 1 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 263 | 85,000 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1997 | 410 | 91,475 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 283 | 110,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 246 | 117,500 | 6 | — | 12 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 19 | 115,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1993 | 8 | 159,745 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1992 | 6 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Tahoe model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe?
Owners of the 2006 Tahoe most often describe a rear liftgate that stops unlocking, leaving the glass and gate closed with no keyhole or interior release available on their vehicle. The issues reported most often: Rear liftgate and glass will not unlock or open; Brake pedal goes to the floor or brakes fade; Fuel smell and leaks at top of fuel tank.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
NHTSA recorded 114 consumer complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe is reported most often?
Body and structure is named most often, in 27 complaints (24% of the total), followed by electrical system with 24.
Has the 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 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 Tahoe get?
The EPA rates the 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe (Tahoe 1500 2WD, 4.8L 8-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 14 city and 19 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe reported?
Among the 96 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 75,122 miles and the middle half falls between 58,000 and 120,000 miles; 24% 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. 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.