Most common 2006 Chevrolet SSR problems
Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet SSR complaints by model year
Best SSR years: 2006, 2003. Years to avoid: 2005, 2004. Compare all years →
2006 Chevrolet SSR recalls (1)
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2006 Chevrolet SSR:
Loss of Headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV.
What 2006 Chevrolet SSR owners say
Electrical system
Put the truck in reverse and the transmission cable broke. It is plastic and the catalytic converter heats the plastic and cracks it. The underhood fuse block went while driving. The truck shut off on me while I was driving and would not restart. The dealer said this is a big issue with this truck. I had to spend 600 dollars for a new box. My ABS pump also went dealer said this is because of the heat from the catalytic converter and that this is a big issue on this truck also. Also the running boards on the truck were chrome. They have peeled and started to flake. The dealer said it looks like water got in them and caused it to do that and that it was another problem on this truck. It was hit and miss on some of them.
Engine stalled, brakes faded and auto stopped. Attempted to start many times (6) before the engine would start again. The engine ran roughly but sufficient to drive to a GM dealer for repair (new ignition switch). On 04/05/10, the same problem occurred again. Speed at that time was idling at a stop light. Similar engine, brake disfunction. Was able to drive roughly-running auto to a chev. Dealer. Solution, new ignition switch.
2006 Chevrolet SSR engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 12 / 19 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Chevrolet SSR a good car?
Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 SSR rates better than average: 75% fewer complaints than a typical year of the SSR at the same age. It is one of the best SSR years by this measure. 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 SSR?
The electrical system — 4 complaints, 80% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (1) and transmission & drivetrain (1).
How many recalls does the 2006 Chevrolet SSR have?
There is 1 recall for the 2006 Chevrolet SSR, the most recent from December 7, 2005 (labels). 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 SSR?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2006 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005 and 2004. See the full Chevrolet SSR years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 Chevrolet SSR problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 35,000 miles; 60% 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.