Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Chevrolet Uplander owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Uplander. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise and noticed that the rear driver's side door had intermittently became inoperable. The check fuel cap warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed. The vehicle had not repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 200,050. The VIN was not provided.
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Uplander. The contact stated while having the vehicle serviced at an independent mechanic, she was informed of a unibody construction failure, and that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and the dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not repairable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Uplander. While driving at any speed, the vehicle made an unusual noise. The doors failed to open and close easily, especially the front doors. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the entire frame was rusted out and separated, compromising the integrity of the frame. The dealer also stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 106,008.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Uplander. While driving highway speeds, the contact heard an abnormal noise under the vehicle and noticed a bar hanging under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lower front body tie bar needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 61,000.
Purchased in jan 06. By sept 11, 2006 steering wheel became tight and heard noise under car when driving. Steering shaft was binding and had to be replaced; could not locate noise. Said May be related to steering shaft. Sept 20, 2006, took car back to dealership for noise under van again; was told e-brake cable was hitting rear suspension. February 11, 2007, had to replace front worn tires with only 23, 275 miles on car and have an alignment. March 9, 2007, traction control and ABS lights coming on as well as vehicle shaking. Was told front brakes were 100% worn and back brakes were 80% worn and would not be replaced under warranty because this was normal wear and tear.(only had 23,989 miles on van). April 19, 2007, heard noised while driving, heard something like a spring pop, service engine light was coming on, and it was stalling when trying to start. …
The motor to the rear latch on the driver side sliding door does not appear strong enough to pull in, bolt shut and lock the hasp over the rear staple. Door requires an external "hip check" or strong push on the rear of the door to hear a "click" that confirms that the door is locked shut. Without this action, the door May repeatedly reopen, up to 20-30 attempts, each time emitting an alarm that makes the vehicle unable to drive. This issue was first raised to the dealer within the first year of purchase, has been repeatedly raised to the dealer, up to a half dozen times over the course of the last two years, and was raised to the manufacturer within the past year. Each submission results in the dealer not being able to reproduce the phenomena or fix the problem. …
I bought my 2006 Uplander used. A week or two after buying it, the passenger back sliding door began giving me problems. It will seem to be closing all the way and then pop back open. I have never taken off when this happens, but I am very observant about it and with a small child I refuse to endanger him in any way. I thought that maybe this was just a fluke and didn't take it to be seen about. I still have not, because my warranty is out and I don't have the money to pay for an expensive fix. I was researching new vehicles, when I started thinking about not just the one or two times, but the 10's and possible 100's of times this has happened and wonder, "will I be stuck with a vehicle that could jeopardize my child, husband's and my safety." I think that it is not a good testament to safety when there are so many people with this problem and nothing has been done to recall and fix it. …
I bought my Uplander at dealership milage was at 24,000. The door would open and not close we finally got this fixed I hope. Just yesterday at milage 45,000 we had to replace tie rod on passenger side. Found out that it did not have grease pin on it called manufactor and they say someone had to have replaced it. I do not believe it had ever been replaced and this is what is causing tire wear and vibrations in the uplanders which also could cause accidents even deaths. Also when driving all lights will go off until you hit brakes I have had diagnotics checked to see if anything would show up. Nothing does. So this is a major concern also . There seems to be the same problems listed from almost everyone and some of these things could cost consumers their life or their families. …
Bought a 2006 Uplander from royal Chevrolet in richmond va. Vehicle was sold to us in July 2007 as new. Starting in oct-nov vehicle engine light comes on, in November tie rods and sway bars had to already be replaced, vehicle vibrates while sitting still,vehicle steering column creaks, clanks and screeches, vehicle sways to right and I have to "overdrive" to keep it on road safely, shakes while sitting still, rattling noise from right side back passenger area, headlight dim on their own while driving at night, rpms rev up with normal driving,gas reads empty with 1/4 tank in it and will not start if parked on downward incline. The only thing taken seriously was the tie rod and sway bars, they were fixed but van still shakes and does not feel safe. I wrote letters to the manufacturer and many weeks have gone by with no contact from them to help me fix my problems.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Uplander. While driving approximately 5 MPH on normal road conditions, the anti-lock braking system began to fully engage for a brief moment unexpectedly. The contact stated that the traction control, ABS and vehicle stability control warning indicators would illuminate intermittently. In addition, the driver and passenger automatic sliding door would not operate properly. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer numerous times for the failures where the sliding doors, steering shaft, yaw sensor, sir module and hub bearings were replaced yet all except the sliding door failure recurred. Most recently, the contact stated that when driving the automatic sliding door chime would activate continuously. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 14,873.
Body complaints in other Uplander years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Uplander?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the body & structure of the 2006 Chevrolet Uplander, 22% of the model year's 158 complaints. The component named most often is body › door (21 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Uplander body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2006 Chevrolet Uplander, though it has 3 recalls for other components. 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 Uplander body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 36,000 miles, and 43% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to body & structure 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.