2006 GMC Sierra 1500: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 144 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes (26% 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 144 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Even though my truck has always been garage kept and only has 30 thousand miles on it, my braking system went out while driving because my metal brake lines are rusted . *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2020
“I had a crack in the windshield and when they replaced it the technician said it was so rusted from the inside that if anything happened again they would not replace it he had to really do some work arounds he said to even replace this one. That makes me feel that this is a real safety issue if we were to get in a serious accident. There is no rust on the outside around the windshield at all. So I was very surprised when the technician told me that.”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2018
“While driving at low speeds, about 20 mph or lower, the brake pedal fades to the floor. There are no lights or codes and brake fluid at the proper level. This happens quite frequently and anywhere.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 gmc sierra 1500. While driving approximately 8 mph and attempting to stop the vehicle, the anti-lock braking system seized without warning. The failure recurred several times. The contact called champion chevrolet of avon at 317-350-1023 (located at 183 s county rd 525, avon, in 46123) and a diagnostic test was recommended. The test was not performed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 gmc sierra 1500. While driving approximately 35 mph, the forty two volt charging warning indicator illuminated. Due to the warning, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact turned off the vehicle and it failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to john paul's buick gmc (3615 s 108th st, greenfield, wi 53228, (414) 208-4113) where it was diagnosed that the generator starter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the part no longer being manufactured. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,350.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2018
“Brake line failure, front left. Steel line had rusted next to a plastic clip that secured a wiring harness to the brake line. Brake fluid was spraying onto the side of the engine. Noticed the leak after returning home; had failed in stop-and-go traffic.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2018
“When braking at the end of our driveway before proceeding into the road the brake pedal pulsates like ABS is kicking in but the vehicle hesitates to stop. Also when turning to the left at low speed, can hear the ABS system activating and get pulsing in the brakes as well.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2018
“While driving on two lane road,service brake system light flashed, vehicle was hard too slow down and stop. Stopped vehicle and saw brake fluid was leaking from left front wheel brake lines.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2017
“Tl* the contact owned a 2006 gmc sierra 1500. While the contact's son was driving 30 mph, the power steering seized and the vehicle drifted and crashed into the guardrail of a bridge. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was totaled. A police report was filed. The driver was injured, but did not require medical attention. The vehicle was towed to a wrecking yard. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 154,000.”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2017
“I own a 2006 gmc sierra 1500 pick-up with less than 75,000 miles on january 23, 2017 I lost my braking capability due to the brake lines being completely corroded/rusted through causing the lost of brake fluid. Luckily I lost my brakes in a parking lot and not on a busy main street or highway with the possibility of having an accident and seriously hurting myself or someone else. From what I have read gm has known about this problem for sometime and says it is not a safety concern. From first hand experience I believe this is a major safety concern. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL NATIONAL AND CARQUEST AFTERMARKET HUB ASSEMBLIES, P/N 515058, SOLD FOR USE ON 2001-2006 GENERAL MOTORS 1500 AND 2500 4WD TRUCKS. ON THE SUBJECT HUB ASSEMBLIES, THE ABS SENSOR CORD DEPARTS FROM THE HUB ASSEMBLY AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE. AS A RESULT, THERE IS A FIT ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE ROTOR DUST SHIELD INTERFERING WITH THE ABS SENSOR CORD. IF THE HUB ASSEMBLY IS INSTALLED DESPITE THIS INTERFERENCE, THE GAP BETWEEN THE ABS SENSOR AND THE TONE WHEEL MAY BE ALTERED. THIS MAY WEAKEN THE OUTPUT OF THE ABS SENSOR. DIMINISHED OUTPUT COULD RESULT IN AN UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS AND STOPPING DISTANCE COULD BE AFFECTED.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY ITS OWNERS AND WILL EITHER CREDIT THE CUSTOMERS ACCOUNT OR REPLACE THE UNIT. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-563-8507 EXT 3530.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sierra 1500 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 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
NHTSA has 144 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 GMC Sierra 1500. The most complained-about area is service brakes (26% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 52,435 miles or less.
Does the 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, air. 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.