Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while parked, the contact was notified that the front passenger side headlamps caught on fire while the high beam was engaged. The contact extinguished the fire with two water bottles. The contact stated that no injuries were sustained. The failure was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,093.
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the dashboard lights failed to illuminate. The contact stated that the dashboard lights would illuminate at times after he disengaged and engaged the dashboard lights switch several times or after pounding on the dashboard. The contact stated that the high-beam headlights would inadvertently turn off and on independently while driving. The contact stated that the passenger's side air bag warning light had been illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 230,000.
Heater shorted out causing an electrical fire. Fire engulfed the whole front of the car into the front seat. The vehicle was moving down the interstate. We had the heat on setting 4. Smelled like something was burning. Turned off the heater. White smoke started coming out of vents. Decided to get off at next exit and get it looked at. Pulled into parking lot, black smoke started pouring out of the vents. Within a min. Or two the front of the car was engulfed in flames.
Horn is inoperable intermittently. Was parked in supermarket parking lot when I noticed a truck backing up out of their spot. Noticed truck was really close and when I tried honking to warn them to stop, they actually had backed into my vehicle causing their paint to rub off and crease my rear fender. I got off my vehicle to speak to the driver when they pulled forward and drove away. Took my truck to dealership for problem and was fixed due to a faulty fuse, took truck in again on 3/21/08 because horn still worked sporadically.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe. Upon starting the vehicle, multiple warning lamps illuminated on the instrument panel. While attempting to turn the vehicle off, the key became stuck and was unable to be removed from the ignition switch. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 210,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe. While driving 40 MPH, the wheel warning indicators illuminated. The contact detected an odor coming from the tires. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The dealer stated that there was an electrical failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the lift gate failed to unlock when using the key fob. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
I have a 2006 Chevy Tahoe z71. In late 2008 it began having electrical problems. Dvd player, battery drain/dead, stereo system, warning messages, and finally this last time my entire 4 wheel drive system malfunctioned both electronically and mechanically leaving us stranded for a weekend. We then had to drive home in the snow/ice thinking we had some 4 wheel drive because the light was on and no warning lights told us otherwise. We could of been killed with no 4 wheel drive in the mountains after a huge storm. I put trust in my Tahoe and it let me and my family down and now we want it gone. It has been to the dealership for a total of 17 visits and 33 days for the various problems. Even with an extended warranty we have had to pay a lot of out of pocket expenses for repairs and rental cars. I no longer trust the vehicle. I too have had the tailgate handle issue as well. 2-3 x now. …
We are unable to open the rear liftgate with the fob. So, we continued to look for a key latch and to our shock we realized it could not be unlocked manually. After a lot of frustration and anguish of trying to load groceries through the back seat and having to literally go over 3rd row seat to put groceries in cargo area, we thought how awful it would be if we needed to exit out the back door in case of an accident. We discovered we could not unlock or open the liftgate from the inside either. It gave me a very uneasy feeling as we transport children to and from school. This problem is definitely a safety issue. We contacted a local Chevrolet dealer and they are not willing to even check our vehicle unless we fork over $120.00+ and then we have to wait a week for them to even look at it. …
2006 Chevrolet Tahoe tail gate will not open. The key fob is the only way to unlock it-there is no key lock on the outside of the tailgate, and to my utter shock---no interior latch to unlock the tailgate from the inside. There is also absolutely no way to unlock the window separately from the tail gate. This is a serious safety hazard. I have read numerous other complaints regarding this identical issue-and am absolutely shocked that this is not a recall issue-a recall needs to be done immediately--before someone becomes trapped in a car accident or vehicle fire. Very disappointed Chevrolet has done nothing to date to solve this very dangerous problem!! I now have a vehicle that is useless-and Chevrolet needs to do whatever is necessary to resolve his defective and faulty equipment---immediately!
Related recalls
Electrical system
Monroe Truck Equipment (Monroe) is recalling certain model year 2006, 2008 and 2009 Chevrolet C7500 vehicles, 2005-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles, and 2009 Ford F-350, and F-450 vehicles, equipped with Sure Power-brand battery equalizers or DC-DC converters containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound.
Remedy: Monroe will notify owners, and Sure Power will replace the equalizers or converters, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2014. Owners may contact Monroe at 1-608-328-8127.
Electrical complaints in other Tahoe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe, 21% of the model year's 114 complaints. The component named most often is horn (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-070 (electrical system, Feb 11, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 125,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.