2006 Chevrolet Silverado: problems, recalls and reliability
10 recalls and 182 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes (44% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2008
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 182 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet silverado. While driving 35 mph and attempting to decrease in speed, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard and failed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,642.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2015
“My vehicle with 57,000 miles had the brakes go out while driving without warning. I took it to a mechanic who said the front brake lines had rusted and broke. I have had the work completed. I feel this is a product defect for a low mileage vehicle. It is very well taken care of and has very few miles on it, and I have owned it since it was new. I have been in contact with chevrolet and they will not provide me with any answers. They keep telling me to take it to a dealership, however the dealership has told me there is nothing they can do.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2015
“Traveling 60 mph on the highway and approached a red traffic light. Applied the brakes to stop with other traffic. Brake pedal went completely to the floor with approximately 10% braking power. No warning lights on dash. Fortunately the traffic light turned green and traffic moved prior to a crash. Crash was guaranteed if traffic light had not changed. Brake fluid level fine. Brake line under drivers side rusted and burst. No warning signs.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“I was driving the truck away from my home , when I steped on the brake pedal it went to the floor. I got the truck stopped with the parking brake. When I inspected the brake lines they were all extremely rusty and one had burst. Fluid leaked out and there was no pedal at all. The brakes were gone with no warning.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that the frame underneath the vehicle was rusted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the manufacturer used an inferior steel material to make the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer acknowledged that an inferior material was used, but did not offer any help. The failure mileage was 150,000. The VIN was unavailable.”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet silverado. While driving at 20 mph, the clutch assembly failed and could not shift into gear. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet silverado. While driving at approximately 50 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond without warning. After the brakes were applied continuously, the speed reduced to 10 mph. The vehicle came to a complete stop when the emergency brake was applied. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2015
“I had issues with steering control,specially on curves at 40 t0 65 miles p/h on the road from beginning of the purchase.I have been to chevy dealer to complain about safety issue on the road.but dealer finds no physical defect on the car.on mat 15 2015 finally I lost the control of steering wheel and hit the side walk curb and broke front and rear axles.likely no personal injury.I am very concerned about safety of other owners in this regard.I have checked other resources to find if there are similar cases like mine,and surprisingly there are too many of them. Please let me help to save others from loosing their lives. Thanks.”Owner report · Wheels · May 2015
“The spare tire structure disintegrated due to rust. The spare tire was hanging and was easily pulled out by hand. The structure that holds the spare tire in place is blocked by the spare tire and does not get washed, creating an area where the dirt and salt accumulate. This easily could have fallen off on the highway. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2015
“For the third time a brake line has rusted completely through and caused complete loss of control. It was located under the drivers seat above the frame. I had absolutely no brakes at 70 mph on hwy 5. I took it to a chevy dealership and they told me it was not their problem. I am extremely concerned about the forth brake line that is complexly covered in rust. This is going to kill someone when it rusts through. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 10 campaigns
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER STEERING HOSE(S) FOR TWO SUSPECT DATE CODES AND REPLACE THEM IF REQUIRED. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
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 CAPACITY WEIGHT.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
Remedy: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
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 DRIVER'S DOOR EDGE. IN ADDITION, THE LABEL MAY ALSO BE MISSING THE TIRE LOAD RATING ON THE LABEL. ALTHOUGH THIS INFORMATION IS NOT REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD, IF A TIRE OF A LESSER LOAD RATING IS INSTALLED, THE TIRE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SUSTAIN THE LOADS ENCOUNTERED DURING USE.
Remedy: A LABEL THAT WILL CORRECT THE LABEL ORIGINALLY INSTALLED WILL BE MAILED TO CONSUMERS ALONG WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL. THE RECALL BEGAON ON NOVEMBER 7, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2239, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, AND GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463.
How other years compare
Check your exact Silverado 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 Silverado reliable?
NHTSA has 182 owner complaints and 10 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado. The most complained-about area is service brakes (44% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2006 Chevrolet Silverado problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 59,929 miles or less.
Does the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado have open recalls?
10 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections. 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.