2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Engine Problems

20 owners have reported engine & cooling problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 to NHTSA — 6% of all 359 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 65,000 miles. That ranks #28 of 31 Silverado 1500 model years for engine complaints (a typical year has 51). No engine recall has been issued for this model year.

20complaints
65ktypical miles
0related recalls
0crashes
0fires
1injuries

Which parts fail

  • Cooling system
    3
  • Exhaust system
    3
  • Engine
    1
  • Engine › Gasoline
    1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    17%
  • 25k–50k
    427%
  • 50k–75k
    320%
  • 75k–100k
    213%
  • 100k–150k
    533%
  • 150k+
    00%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

Service Engine Soon light came on while driving. Code P0327 - Knock Sensor 1, Circuit Low Input (Bank 1) shown on code reader. Took vehicle to local service station and had both knock sensors and wiring harness replaced. Mechanic said that the rear knock sensor was corroded due to water getting to the sensor. Drove vehicle for about 2 weeks and service engine light came back on. Took vehicle back to service station where knock sensors were replaced again. Mechanic again stated that the rear sensor was corroded due to water getting to the sensor. Drove vehicle for about 1 week and the Service Engine light has come back on for the third time with the same P0327 code showing.

May 2023

My 2006 Chevy Silverado 1500 extended cab has just over 116000 miles on it and there is a loud knocking coming from the #2 lifter. It only does it when it gets warm or given gas on take off.. It doesn't do it when idling. I know 2 other people that have the same year and model truck with the same issue. I love my truck and I take extremely good care of it but to have it fixed, my mechanic said a new engine is better and cheaper than rebuilding it. Total cost of $6000 . And the passenger side door leaks inside the truck when it rains , between the front and rear door. There should be something that Chevrolet can do to fix this problem. I have always loved Chevy, but I'm starting to get very disappointed with them and the quality being made and sold for such high amounts of cash..

116,000 miles · Dec 2016

Exhaust manifold bolts broke off and is now leaking exhaust fumes in side the truck also emissions is effected for osha or emission test this is a problem of safety I have seen alot of people with same problem and yet no recall ,it is a problem in all phases of operation of the truck only has 49,000 miles don't have a photo but surely you are really familiar with this problem usually its the front and rear bolts cause is inferior materials and workmanship also can cause catalytic converter failure the cost of this repair should be on GM as it can run 1000s to fix

48,000 miles · Sep 2017

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving various speeds, the vehicle lost engine power without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that it needed to be completely reprogrammed and the ignition control module harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred several times after the repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer three other times, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 118,000.

118,000 miles · May 2016

My vehicle is burning more oil than normal. I purchased the pickup on aug 10, 2016 and the day prior the dealership had just done a fresh oil change. I double checked the new oil before driving from the lot and seen the oil was new and fresh. A month and a half later my husband is driving home from cape May new jersey which is a 6 hour drive and just after filling up his gas tank and driving home...the vehicle starts smoking profusely. He had to add 5 quarts of oil to the vehicle because it looked as though the oil was completely drained from the engine.

75,000 miles · Sep 2016

While driving or sitting still headlights go off from seconds to minutes then go on or until I push the dimmer switch sideways not up and down,the dashboard lights and clock go off from seconds or until I push the dimmer light switch sideways not up and down,the engine suddenly quits whether sitting still or driving.

125,000 miles · Jun 2017

The air bag service light and is lit as well as the service center saying it needs service, also has the same brake problems the 2007 and up silverados where recalled for with the failure of the front ABS sensors. The ABS problem could cause an accident at low speed because everytime you stop the ABS system activates and pulses until stopped at 15 to 20 MPH and increases stopping distance. The air bag light is because of a sensor failure in the front end area and requires replacement. From what I read on the internet these are well known safety issues with the model trucks. The other problems with the premature failure of brake lines that have corroded, and the check engine light being on for the ever well known problem of the vacuum solenoid near the full tank. These are constant problems with this yr and other models at GM. They should be recalled.

136,000 miles · May 2014

Rotten brake lines. I looked at the brake lines while changing my oil. My truck has 47K on it. I called GM. They told me that I had to bring it to a dealer. I did. They confirmed that the brake lines are bad and need to be replaced. $1500 also the transmission cooling lines are leaking. I have been through almost all of the brake problems listed on this web cite. ABS light comes on, twice, 2nd time I replaced the left hub bearing assembly. The 1st time the dealer replaced the front ABS sensors. Air bag light comes on, I replaced a bad front air bag sensor, right side. This truck is turning into a money pit!!!!! This new (rotten lines) issue is a safety issue as was the ABS issue. GM needs to do a full recall and replace the brake lines before someone gets killed.

47,000 miles · Apr 2013

My 1500hd super crew cab has had a harmonic rumble since the second week of ownership. It varies some with speed and load but can be felt through the floor into your feet and be heard easily at all times. It gets progressively louder until it is serviced. The dealer has worked on the problem 4 times in 5 months and it still has the problem. It will go back for a 5th visit this week.

Engine · 1,000 miles · Mar 2006

I own a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado truck. I have noticed a ticking wile the trucks engine is cold. I have taken in the truck for repair and my mechanic informed me that the exhaust bolts are broken on the exhaust manifold. This is a common problem with GM trucks and there should be a recall from GM to fix this problem.

Exhaust system · 80,000 miles · Oct 2010

Engine complaints in other Silverado 1500 years

’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’2613618162128213543362075514138432534199143731171114162714422781751685670
Engine complaints per model year, Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

NHTSA has 20 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 6% of the model year's 359 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (3 mentions).

Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine problems?

No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.

At what mileage do 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.