2006 Chevrolet Suburban: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 56 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (20% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 56 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“the electronic brake control computer has malfunctioned. this renders the ABS and traction control systems inoperable. No replacement part or repair is available from the dealership.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2022
“We had the 2006 Suburban parked with the engine running while our family was just starting to get in. A couple of them noticed a slight smoke smell which we followed and we trailed it to the rear of the vehicle. While I was pulling off a left rear column trim piece to locate where the smoke was coming from, the far rear dome light fixture started dripping melted and burning plastic close by my head. I looked up and saw the rear dome light fixture on fire and flicked it down into the rear cargo area. One of the family was already fetching a fire extinguisher and as they arrived I used it to put out what fire was left in the headliner.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2021
“Sudden and complete brake failure due to a broken rear brake line. Brakes worked normally and at the next stop they went completely to the floor with no braking action. I had to use down shifting to slow and then a snow bank to completely stop. There was no indicator warning lights until the brake pedal hit the floor and went out immediately after the pedal was released. This happened on a city street with no traffic at 3 am on my way to work. I was driving straight at about 25 to 30 mph. After looking at the brake lines they are dramatically rusted. The service shop has explained complete replacement of all lines needs to be done (appointment to do this is 3/20/2019).”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“The rear lock actuator became faulty and was replaced 6/13. Just short of 4yrs,the actuator became faulty again in 6/1/17. The dealer was contacted an was told sorry, the warranty (1yr) had expired. 2 things are the problem with this actuator. Because the backhatch is keyless and has no release from the inside, this poses as a safety risk if trapped inside the vehicle. There are other numerous similar complaints for the actuator becoming faulty within a short period of time, costing $700+ to replace.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2017
“Yesterday was the three year anniversary of takata's failure to repair my airbag. That is three years that they have wantonly placed myself and my family members in danger. Force these scofflaws to replace those ieds they have set in front of my family.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet suburban 2500. The contact stated that the heating and air conditioning failed to shut off while the vehicle was not powered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet suburban. While making a left turn, a loud clunking noise was heard coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The contact called the dealer, wood chevrolet at (814) 344-8250, and was informed that they never heard of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.”Owner report · Suspension · May 2015
“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. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2014
“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. *tr”Owner report · Structure · May 2014
“Tried to open rear lift gate and window. Could not access either. There is no emergency access, no key or manual entry. Took it to mechanic, checked all fuses, no failures there. Apparently, there is a separate motor for the lift gate and window. I was told by the dealer, you can not just buy the part that is failing, you must buy the whole motor, and cost is $450+ ,just for the motor !! *tr”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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 Suburban 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 Suburban reliable?
NHTSA has 56 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban. The most complained-about area is structure (20% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2006 Chevrolet Suburban problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 75,189 miles or less.
Does the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning wheels:hub. 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.