Most common 2006 Chevrolet Silverado problems
Share of the 182 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Silverado complaints by model year
Best Silverado years: 2016, 2010, 2013. Years to avoid: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 1999. Compare all years →
2006 Chevrolet Silverado recalls (4)
Wheels › Rim
Certain sport utility vehicles and trucks fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles have an incomplete tire rim designation on the certification/tire label located on the driver's door edge.
Remedy: A label that will correct the label originally installed will be mailed to consumers along with installation instructions. The customer will have the option for dealers to install the label.
Engine and engine cooling
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.
Equipment › Other › Labels
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.
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Certain passenger vehicles May have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification. Under extreme steering maneuvers, such as turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right while braking, the hose May fracture and leak fluid.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the power steering hose(s) for two suspect date codes and replace them if required. The recall will begin on October 14, 2005.
What 2006 Chevrolet Silverado owners say
Brakes all 101 →
I was backing up the truck when a car came up behind me and had to hit the brakes hard. The peddle went all the way to the floor, no brakes at all. Had to steer the truck into a snow bank to avoid an accident. The cab of the truck immediately smelled like brake fluid. Took the truck to the shop and discovered the brake lines are rusted at every point where they connect to the frame. Repaired the first leak and another leak started in another line in the same area the lines attached to the frame behind the drivers side front wheel. Repaired the second leak and a 3rd leak appeared inside the frame rail behind the cab where the line attaches to the frame. The lines can not be safely repaired. All new lines must be installed. The truck only has 10,250 miles on it and is always washed including the under carriage after driving on salted roads.
On approx. 28 April 2013 after a 200 mile trip I was parking my truck when the brake line broke. I then used the emergency brake to stop the truck. At this time I made the necessary repairs to get us back home. Once there I responded to len stoler cheverolet in westminster md. Where I purchased the vehicle. I asked them if they could bleed the brakes, because I did not think I got all the air out of lines. At this time I was waiting in the waiting room when a service advisor came in and ask me to go into the shop because they wanted to show me something. When I arrived at my truck (which was on the lift) they stated the entire brake lines were so corroded that they needed to be replaced at a price of $1610.80. I stated that the so call metal used had to be defected to allow the whole system of lines to rust to this point in only seven years. …
Suspension
I recently purchased a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado, it is leaning very badly to the driver side of the vehicle. I was told the vehicle is not damaged, bent, or warped in any way. I was told it was just built "that badly, and should have never passed an inspection of any kind". The dealership first tried to use the slack adjuster bars that are made to adjust this kind of problem. This fix did not work since it was leaning so badly. They ordered special parts (a shim and longer u-bolts) and installed them a couple days later. This also did not come even close to fixing the problem, and I was once again sent on my way. I am now waiting for a response from GM, while I am still being forced to drive my unsafe vehicle which I feel is at great risk for a rollover.
2006 Chevy truck with brake system and suspension problems. Customer states he has had problems with this vehicle since he purchased it. Consumer wants to have this vehicle checked. The consumer stated the brakes made a noise and would shake when coming to a stop. The consumer removed the wheels and discovered the rotors had grooved out pretty badly for a vehicle that only had 20,000 miles. When the consumer went to the dealer the last time, they informed him they would replace the brakes one more time and after that the warranty would end. Updated 12/12/2007 the consumer stated drivers front door harder to close than passenger and the consumer further stated hearing noise in lft wheel area. Updated 12/12/07
Electrical system
Was driving my 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500hd and turned on the air conditioner. I began to smell an odor similar to trash burning. I turned off the ac and turned on just the air fan at which time the truck cab filled with smoke. I was able to pull off the side of the road and contacted the fire department. The fan continued to fill the cab with smoke even though the ignition was off and the keys were removed. The incident did not stop until the fd disconnected the batteries from the truck. The vehicle was towed to a Chevrolet dealer and the problem was diagnosed as a short in air conditioner blower wiring harness which resulted in damage to the relay, they checked with the manufacturer to authorize repair under an extended warranty and told me it is not covered as it is an electrical malfunction.
At approximately 2:30 am, November 10th, my husband had just gotten back from the store, and had turned the truck off. The keys were not in the ignition at the time. He was sitting in the truck for about 10 minutes, when he noticed smoke coming from the dashboard. He opened the hood, noticed flames, and tried to put it out with a fire extinguisher. We called the fire department, but by the time they got to the house, the entire cab of the truck was engulfed in flames. The heat was so intense it melted the siding off my house. The truck was used for his business, and he had two chainsaws in the back that were destroyed. There is absolutely nothing left.
2006 Chevrolet Silverado engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cyl hybrid | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 19 / 17 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 19 / 17 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl hybrid | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 18 / 16 |
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 15 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado a good car?
Based on 182 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Silverado rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Silverado at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado?
The brakes — 101 complaints, 55% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the suspension (15) and electrical system (14).
How many recalls does the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado, the most recent from August 11, 2006 (rim). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Silverado?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2016, 2010 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 1999. See the full Chevrolet Silverado years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 Chevrolet Silverado problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 41% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.