Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Purchased these aftermarket nylon rear axle lift blocks (level kit) online . They failed while the vehicle was in motion in the live lane on the highway. I was barely able to pull off the road . These blocks are not safe for regular road or highway use. They failed under normal driving on a otherwise stock 1/2 ton 1500 truck . I could have been on a freeway and or other highway with more traffic and this part could have caused a accident as both of these plastic nylon rear axle blocks collapsed under the weight of the truck.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while performing regular maintenance that he observed corrosion and a hole on the cross members and chassis without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall, nor covered under warranty. The manufacturer stated that they could arrange to have the vehicle on a rollback to be taken to the dealer and then they patched the contact over to the dealer. The dealer ( walter GM automall 505 n mayo trail, pikeville, ky, 41501) confirmed the vehicle was not under warranty that they could have the vehicle rolled back, however there would be a diagnostic fee. The failure mileage was 52,231.
Drivers side rear axle and tire came off the vehicle, causing 2006 Silverado to wreck. Air bag did not deploy. We were on the entrance ramp to I-95 when suddenly truck turned toward concrete guard rail. After hitting rail head on and skidding across entrance ramp hitting rail ( several times) vehicle came to a complete stop. Tire and axel were (left rear-driver side) gone. Truck is totaled. Air bag did not deploy.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the vehicle was leaking fluid from the bottom. The vehicle was taken to the an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the strut system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.
Due to faulty undercoating from factory the back crossmembers rot and cause shocks to become displaced and gas tank to unsecured along with rear shakels to go threw the bottom of truck bed.... Will cost over $2500 for repairs
Failure of left front wheel bearing on a 2006 1500 Silverado z71 crew cab. Grinding noise had been coming from the driver's side front wheel intermittently for a few months but not consistently. Truck was taken in to have all four tires changed at 54590 miles. Dayton ohio grismer auto service technicians informed me that the front left wheel bearing was wore out and needed replaced before they could finish changing the tires and doing the front end alignment. This was a addition expense of $270.00 for replacement of the bearing hub and labor. Contacted the jeff schmitt Chevy dealer in fairborn ohio where I bought the truck new to ask about the premature failure of the wheel bearings, the service department said there was no problems with the bearings failing early and they have had no other people ask about this. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle, the steering catch fractured and caused the wheel to fracture. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised him that the power steering pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired for the power steering pump. In addition, the contact mentioned that the front suspension was causing wear to the front tires. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised him that the front springs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired for the front springs. The vehicle manufacturer was later contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 23,800. Updated 5/11/12 the consumer stated the right front frame cushion is riding on the right front lower a arm. …
Bought my 2006 Chevrolet Silverado GM certified with only 40,300 and our family took a vacation south and did a great job but coming back was a different story highway was great but when I got into town I was hearing a grinding noise and we turned left and that is when we heard a crack and after that I was thinking I had a flat tire so I pulled over and saw is was not the case so I left I when driving at low speeds it sounded like some was dragging and I made it home checked all levels on the fluids and where normal,then I called Chevy roadside assistance and was told that must tow the truck to my local Chevy dealership.I followed up with them and was told that the right side wheel bearing failed and luckily it was covered under warranty or it would of cost me $366.94 and I was told that they were not greasable and I have a older 80s Chevy and its never happened and I drove it for …
A roaring sound began in the front left hub bearing assembly on my 2006 Chevrolet Silverado z-71 on 25 October, 2009. On the following day, the noise became a horrible grinding sound, and the front left wheel began wobbling badly. I had to have the vehicle towed to atwood Chevrolet in vicksburg, ms where I live. I was informed that the left front hub bearing assembly was shot, and had to be replaced. Approximately 18 months before, the right front hub-bearing assembly had to be replaced on this same vehicle. The Chevrolet dealership (atwood Chevrolet) replaced the part on 27 October, 2009. I was informed by the service manager that this was occurring at a constant rate on this vehicle. When I talked to the GM representative on 28 October, I was told that 'because of the environment in which I live here in mississippi", this is expected.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving between 25-30 MPH, the front end of the vehicle began to shimmy and a clunking noise was heard. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they lubricated the intermediate shaft. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer on eleven separate occasions for identical failures. The intermediate shaft, idler arm, body mount, and lower shaft bearings were all replaced. Recently, the steering shaft lower bearing, steering arm kit, lower re-seal differential, lower arm, and idler arm pitman arm were all replaced. In addition, the front passenger side hub was failing. The dealer was unable to remedy the failures. The VIN was unable to be entered into the system. The failure mileage was 4,000 and current mileage was 46,000.
Suspension complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the suspension of the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 8% of the model year's 359 complaints. The component named most often is front (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension 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.