2006 GMC Envoy Denali Problems
- Complaints
- 84filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 80,945miles, 71 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2006 GMC Envoy Denali (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about an erratic fuel gauge that swings between full and empty, often after refueling, and sometimes alongside engine stalling. Electrical complaints are the next most common, centered on repeated ignition switch failures and engines quitting while driving. Rear air suspension sagging and intermittent headlight outages also come up regularly.
- Fuel system
Fuel gauge reads empty or swings after refueling
- 26 complaints (31%)
- median 57,000 mi at 5.6 yrs old (21 state mileage)
- filed 2009–2017
Complaints describe the fuel gauge dropping to empty right after a fill-up, then swinging between full and empty, with the check engine light coming on. Several owners were told the fuel level sending unit inside the tank was at fault, and some were quoted several hundred dollars for the repair; a few report the truck stalled or ran out of fuel because the gauge gave no warning. Dealers are described as treating it as a known, common repair rather than a covered one. Mostly reported between roughly 15,000 and 100,000 miles, usually shortly after refueling.
What to check: Fill the tank during a test drive and watch whether the gauge climbs smoothly to full and stays there; ask whether the fuel level sender has been replaced and keep the trip meter as a fuel reference.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I've got a 2006 Gmc envoy and the gas gauges never reads full. It's always readying either empty or full. I've been dealing with this for about 4 months now. Hoping that something would come of this before I just go out and have someone fix it. My check engine light is on due to this problem. Thanks!”
NHTSA complaint #10411993, filed 2011-07, 74,000 miles“Initially, when the car was filled with fuel, it immediately indicated that the car was empty and the engine light came on. Once you used a couple of gallons the fuel gauge began working and the engine light went off. Just recently the system is not correcting itself and the fuel gauge will constantly go between full and empty so I never know how much fuel I have in it. Also the engine light is remaining on.”
NHTSA complaint #10924975, filed 2016-11, 140,000 miles - Electrical system
Ignition switch failures and engine shutting off
- 15 complaints (18%)
- median 72,535 mi at 8.4 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- filed 2006–2017
Owners describe the engine cutting out without warning while driving, followed by a no-crank or no-start condition, sometimes with all dash lights on. In several cases a dealer replaced the ignition switch, and a few owners report having it replaced more than once in a short period. Others describe a short in wiring near the dashboard or firewall that left the engine without power. Reported across a wide mileage range, from under 40,000 to over 130,000 miles, often during highway driving.
What to check: Ask for service records showing whether the ignition switch has been replaced, and check that the engine starts reliably and does not cut out during a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Engine stalled a few seconds after starting, then would not crank, only clicked. I had the car towed in for service. Technician checked battery. It was fully charged and vehicle had full voltage. Diagnostics determined low voltage out from the ignition switch. Recommended ignition switch should be replaced. I had the ignition switch replaced twice already. I have had to replace three ignition switches in three years at a total cost of $817. …”
NHTSA complaint #10649561, filed 2014-10, 62,070 miles“I was driving on the freeway at 65-70 MPH. The engine lugged a little like it was running out of gas but the tank was half full. The engine resumed running at full speed. A few seconds later the engine shut off. I was able to coast long enough to pull off the freeway. But without power steering and brakes this was not an easy task. Once the car stopped I turned off the ignition and put the car in park. I tried to restart the car but nothing happened. …”
NHTSA complaint #10649549, filed 2014-10, 45,435 miles - Suspension
Rear air suspension sags or drops
- 10 complaints (12%)
- median 111,820 mi at 6.0 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2011–2018
Complaints describe the rear of the vehicle sitting low in the morning or after parking, then rising once the compressor runs, and in some cases the rear dropping all the way to the axle. Owners say dealers diagnosed a leak in the air shock or air spring system and recommended replacing the air shocks, often along with the compressor. Some note the symptom is worse in cold weather. Most often reported above 60,000 miles, with several owners noting overnight sag and trouble in freezing temperatures.
What to check: Park the truck overnight and check rear ride height before starting it; listen for the compressor running and ask whether the air shocks or compressor have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“In the rear compartment of my 2006 Gmc Envoy Denali there is a compressor. There must be a leak because my car looks like a low rider in the morning until I start it and the compressor comes on and in about 3 or 4 minutes it is back to it's normal drivable height. Has there been this problem with anyone else and is there a recall to fix this problem?”
NHTSA complaint #10533729, filed 2013-08, 114,000 miles“Rear air shocks that bled down after sitting for extended periods of time. Took to dealer for evaluation and was informed that the air shocks needed replacement. Was also informed that normally the air compressor is replaced also because it is the cause of the leaking. I decided cost was too great so I chose to add springs in place of rear air shocks and was informed that the air compressor would continue to function. …”
NHTSA complaint #10419737, filed 2011-08, 109,641 miles - Exterior lighting
Headlights and running lights cutting out
- 8 complaints (10%)
- median 97,000 mi at 9.0 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2009–2018
Owners report low beams, daytime running lights or the whole headlight circuit going dark intermittently while driving at night, sometimes returning after a restart or a few minutes. One dealer suggested a light relay as the likely cause. Other complaints mention corroded bulb sockets on the reverse lights and headlamp housings that fog up. Reported from about 90,000 miles upward, typically noticed during night driving.
What to check: Test all exterior lamps including low beams and daytime running lights, and ask whether the light relay or switch has been replaced; look for moisture inside the lamp housings.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving at night, my headlights and instrument panel went out for no apparent reason. The high beams did not work either. The only way I could get lights on was to hold the flash-to-pass lights on. I stopped in a parking lot, turned off the car and then started it again and the lights came back on but went out again after I started driving. I stopped again and the lights worked fine for a couple of weeks but I experienced the same problem on 11/3/2014.”
NHTSA complaint #10652308, filed 2014-11, 171,710 miles“My 2006 Envoy Denali's low beam lights are cutting out on me at night. I've read several cases on the internet that there was a recall on this. I'm concerned that this situation may cause an accident at night unexpectany.”
NHTSA complaint #11075475, filed 2018-02, 189,000 miles
Buying note. Have a mechanic verify the fuel gauge and sending unit, the ignition switch history, and the rear air suspension on this model year before buying. Service records showing recent attention to these three areas matter more than mileage alone.
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 84 consumer complaints for the 2006 GMC Envoy Denali. 71 of the complaints include a mileage, and 27% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 80,945 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 138 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.
- Fuel system27 32%
- Electrical system19 23%
- Engine12 14%
- Suspension10 12%
- Exterior lighting8 9.5%
- Engine cooling4 4.8%
- Other or unknown4 4.8%
Also reported: Equipment (3), Steering (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Air bags (2), Brakes (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Body and structure (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “My husband and I were traveling when the vehicle shut off with no warning at all and all the dash board lights came on. The vehicle would not restart but would turn. This happened saturday 9/2/17 on a country highway out in nowhere . We called a tow truck. Thank god for cellphones. On 11/12/2016 hub bearings replaced. 11/15/16 module and connector replaced and fuel level sensors and ring replaced. Three years ago A/C went out. Replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11021659, filed 2017-09, 90,447 milesElectrical system: “I have had 4 battery and lights flash and hard draw on alt have replaced alt with new delco new lights still flash draws lights down. Been to dealer dealer from2008 to now and they tell me I don't drive very need to drive more care has 40 000 miles they can't find anything wrong. You can drive or be setting running still does this it pull down on engine pulls alt goes to12 volts then goes on”
NHTSA complaint #10839933, filed 2016-03, 20,000 milesEngine: “In the morning the car run fine, but once the engine is warm and I start to run errands it stalls. If I wait about 10min or so... I must speed home or to a safe area to let the engine cool. If I come back in a few hours,the truck will start with no problem. It has been to the shop more often then I remember. Is there anyone having these same issues?”
NHTSA complaint #10586255, filed 2014-05, 83,000 milesSuspension: “I have looked into this issue and there are 1,000's of people with the same issue I have. My airbags go low over night and under 32 degrees don't pump up at all. I work 26 miles away and travel to work riding on my frame. My body is jarred and my truck is getting beaten because the air ride system is not working properly. You can hear the pump working and I've been told that it's a valve needed to be replaced. This issue is not from age. Others have had this problem as early as 40k.”
NHTSA complaint #10496028, filed 2013-02, 140,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
27% of the 71 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 49,550 and 109,641 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2006 GMC Envoy Denali in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by 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. 138 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.
- 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…
- 11007091Aug 5, 2024Engine. This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging…
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024Engine, Fuel system. This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with…
Other model years of the GMC Envoy Denali
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 34 | 89,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 84 | 80,945 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All GMC Envoy Denali model years
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2006 GMC Envoy Denali?
Owners of this model year most often write about an erratic fuel gauge that swings between full and empty, often after refueling, and sometimes alongside engine stalling. The issues reported most often: Fuel gauge reads empty or swings after refueling; Ignition switch failures and engine shutting off; Rear air suspension sags or drops.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006 GMC Envoy Denali have?
NHTSA recorded 84 consumer complaints for the 2006 GMC Envoy Denali as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2006 GMC Envoy Denali is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 27 complaints (32% of the total), followed by electrical system with 19.
Has the 2006 GMC Envoy Denali been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2006 GMC Envoy Denali reported?
Among the 71 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 80,945 miles and the middle half falls between 49,550 and 109,641 miles; 27% 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.
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.