Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. While the toddler was placed in the driver seat of the vehicle, she turned the key to the accessory position. The vehicle rolled down the hill and crashed into a tree. The air bags did not deploy. The toddler did not sustain any injuries. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 215,000.
Anytime a trailer is first attached, the truck will randomly go into reduced power mode while driving. This is very unsafe as the truck can to this at highway speed in traffic. It will do this a few times until the PCM "learns" there is a trailer attached. GM is aware of the issue and issued service bulletin 06-06-04-042b to address the issue by reprogramming the PCM. Because of the safety concerns, this should be addressed as a recall. However,I had to take the truck into the dealer for the update and was expected to pay for them fixing a known software issue. Instead of doing the update at no charge, they managed to damage the PCM while performing the update. The PCM is no longer serviceable and the dealer is wanting to charge me for a replacement even though it was damaged during a called for service bulletin update. …
My 2006 durmax diesel 2500 truck has 3 transmission cooler lines that run from the transmission to the radiator. These hoses have aluminum pieces on each end and they leak oil at the joint where the aluminum joins a piece of rubber hose in the centre. They continuously leak transmission oil on the ground at this crimp join. The colder the weather, the worse these hoses leak. There appears to be a significant problem with these as detailed by doing a web search. I pulled in my garage from a trip and a few minutes later my wife saw smoke coming from the garage. I jumped back in and backed it out before it actually caught fire but upon inspection, the leaking transmission fluid from the lines had gotten on the exhaust and started to smoke. This is a serious issue that GM continues to ignore. Someone will eventually lose significant life or property if this continues. …
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the driveway with the gear shift in the park position, and without the keys in the ignition, the vehicle rolled forward and crashed into a parked vehicle. There was no warning prior to the incident and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle sustained minor damage to the front. The police were not contacted. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer who was unable to duplicate the problem. The manufacturer was not notified.
My 2006 silverauto with the durmax engine and alison transmission. The transmission line have been leaking. I have 60,000 miles on it so the warranty is out. When I took it into the Chevrolet dealership where I purchased the vehicle they would not cover the leaks as part of the drive line warranty. When I purchased the lines from the parts department they indicated that they were selling a lot of these hoses due to leaks. If there are this many lines leaking I think Chevrolet should replace these faulty lines at there expense. Also I know of one other 2007 model that burned out the transmission due to these lines. Because the transmission failed Chevrolet replaced the transmission and the lines.
My 2006 durmax diesel 2500 truck has transmission hoses that run from the transmission to the radiator. These hoses have aluminum pieces on each end and they seep oil at the joint where the aluminum joins a piece of rubber hose in the centre. They continuously leak transmission oil on the ground at this crimp join. The colder the weather, the worse these hoses leak. I feel because of the damage this oil causes to our fish stocks and the environment these hoses should be recalled and replaced a Chevrolet's expense. To date so far, all attempts I've made to correct this problem, at kelowna Chevy or head office have failed. They are now interested. Please give advice.
Loud squeal noise in the transmission of 2006 Chevy Silverado when it runs in low gear and when it is in drive and shifts from low to high gear. The truck was taken back to the dealer 2 times and we were told it was a normal noise for the 4l80e transmission. We took it to another GM dealer who said there was a problem. We called GM and they had us take the truck back to the dealer we bought it from. We were told it was a normal noise after the mechanic drove it. When it was used to pull a trailer loaded with hay, the noise was even greater. I am concerned that there will be an accident with this truck.
My Chevrolet 2500 has a function called grade braking to assist the brakes when towing a load down hill. It has quit functioning but the dealers cannot figure out how to troubleshoot the problem. They said since no codes show on the computer I have to wait until I have a trailer behind it and am near a dealer that is near a steep grade to test it. The whole point of the system it to keep the truck from running away on a steep grade. Doesn't sound like the place to test it. There are no steep grades with in 150 miles of me. There should be a simulated test run by their computer.
2006 2500hd, transmission cooler line leaking and both oil cooler lines leaking. Oil cooler lines were replaced in 2007 under warranty. Brought truck into dealer today, (23 nov 2009) oil cooler lines replaced, transmission line ordered. Deal said that it is a known problem but Chevy will not recall. Are they waiting for a fire and death to occur? This is a know problem and should be a recall to replace these lines at no cost. Paid $437 today and will pay $262 on wed. When the transmission cooler line comes in. This is totally unacceptable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. While in reverse at approximately 5 MPH, the contact heard a rattling noise coming from under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics where the mechanic advised that the transfer case would have to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the four wheel drive function was not used often and could have caused the transfer case to fail. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000.
Transmission complaints in other Silverado 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 18% of the model year's 178 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. 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 2500 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.