2006 Chevrolet Express 3500: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 15 owner complaints on record; most reports concern steering.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Drivers seat was loose and on inspection dealer found that the rail was broken, the van only has 72785 miles. If the seat had come lose while van was in motion, it would have caused and accident. I noticed it when I took the van for inspection.”Owner report · Seats · Apr 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet express 3500. The contact stated that the valve stems were defective. The vehicle was taken to a tire shop where it was diagnosed that the valve stems were rotted. The valve stems were replaced. The failure mileage was 30,000. The VIN was unavailable.”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet express 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle began shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The mechanic stated that there was premature wear of the steering due to the pitman arm rolling against the outer and inner tie rod. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2013
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet express cutaway g3500. While driving approximately 6 mph, the contact applied pressure to the brakes when he noticed that the brakes went to the floorboard abnormally. He quickly applied the emergency brake, which was able to idle the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that there was a brake fluid leak. The dealer advised the contact to call the warranty company. The warranty company advised the contact that this issue was not covered under warranty and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the brake lines were replaced. The manufacturer was no longer in business. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2010
“Person was in an accident when the 2006 gm chevrolet truck express suddenly accelerated and hit a tree. The car had been brought in for the same problem and nothing was done at the dealer. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · May 2010
“2006 chevy express 3500 cargo van with duramax engine and 4l80 transmission made a 'whining' noise at slow speeds since it was brand new. At about 31,000 miles I finally convinced the dealership something was wrong with it. It had some kind of bad bearing at the rear of transmission. They replaced the entire transmission with a brand new transmission. 7,000 miles later the van suddenly lost reverse gear and I had to get it pushed in order to back up. Gm is replacing some parts, but not the whole transmission. From other posts on your website this transmission is going to continue to be an unsafe problem. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2008
“Paint (white) is falling off van at hood, sides and mostly on areas where theses welded areas...dealer said they never seen this issue?? I have seen hundreds of the same issue on other vans. *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Mar 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet express 3500. After the vehicle had been parked for 45-60 minutes, it was found smoking and on fire. The vehicle was destroyed and a fire report was filed. The contact has pictures. There is currently an open investigation (number pe08010) for the failure. The current and failure mileages were 10,000. Updated 3/19/08 *cn the consumer stated insurance adjuster examined the vehicle determined that it was extensive enough damage to be deemed as totaled. Updated 03/19/08 *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2007
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 mph on dry pavement approaching a red light a, the brakes locked up. The brake pedal went completely to the floor. There were no lights illuminated on the dash to indicate a problem with the brakes. After kicking the brake pedal hard a couple of times, the pedal released enough to slowly drive the vehicle to the dealership. The dealership has not determined the problem.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2006
“Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet express 3500. The contact stated that the steering center link underneath the front end of the vehicle, which connects the tie rods to the wheel, moves abnormally. The failure causes the tire tread to wear excessively. On one occasion, while driving at an unknown speed in slippery weather conditions, the vehicle rolled over. The manufacturer did not provide any assistance. The current mileage was 56,000 and the failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Steering · May 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply (Cummings) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, Chevrolet Express, 2006-2008 Dodge Sprinter, and 2009-2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2013 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured January 1, 2006, to October 8, 2014, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation after January 1, 2006. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Remedy: Cummings will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 13, 2015. Owners may contact Cumming's customer service at 1-800-639-5438 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Cumming's number for this recall is 14E-041.
How other years compare
Check your exact Express 3500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Chevrolet Express 3500 reliable?
NHTSA has 15 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2006 Chevrolet Express 3500. The most complained-about area is steering.
Does the 2006 Chevrolet Express 3500 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning equipment adaptive/mobility. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.