Most common 2006 GMC Envoy Denali XL problems
Share of the 42 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Envoy Denali XL complaints by model year
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2006 GMC Envoy Denali XL:
Fuel Level Gauge System Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than…
What 2006 GMC Envoy Denali XL owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
The initial time (3/14) it occurred, I was out of town with my family, embarrassed to say the least. However, mainly uncomfortable, tired, and frustrated because my 87 years old dad was stranded for hours as well as my 66 years old sister who is recovering from cancer. This problem was a serious problem because of our location. We had gone to get dinner and ice cream after getting ice cream we back in the vehicle for it would not start. I called 911 no police ever showed nor would even stop to assist. After 2 1/2 hours, we contacted a church member to find out about a mechanic in the area that could possibly come check it out. Another church member came to check it first, by now 3 hours have lapsed and the vehicle starts. …
With no advance warning, the fuel gauge started reading empty immediately when tank was filled. Possibly related or not, the flap in the fuel filler neck disappeared about the same time the problem started. Once the problem began, the fuel light would come on when the car was started and would stay on constantly. The check engine light is always on as well. As fuel level decreased sometimes the gauge would apparently read correctly (e.g. Below 3/4 tank). Stopping or starting sometimes caused the gauge to fluctuate; often the gauge goes up and down several times a minute. Over the last eight months the condition has worsened and the gauge often reads empty, with occasional swings up to approximately correct level (estimate based on miles driven since filling tank). However, the gauge never went below 1/8 tank, even though it was less than two gallons from empty in a 24-gallon tank.
Engine & cooling
Takata recall I have had to make many repairs on this vehicle. However, now the lifters in the engine collapsed. The vehicle only has about 87,000 miles on it. This is unacceptable. There have been many complaints about this vehicle and the lifters collapsing. We are a one income family and the repairs to this vehicle are astronomical. Well over 3500.00 dollars. This vehicle is not drivable and has been sitting for a year now at my mechanics. The vehicle is of no use to me and has become a huge paper weight now. The worst part is I still owe on the vehicle too. GM needs to take responsibility and do a recall on this vehicle for the afm lifters, or pay for the repairs to this vehicle. I will never buy another GM product again. Own up to your mistakes and take accountability for this problem. I am not the only one this has happened to. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 GMC Envoy Denali. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the electronic stability control and traction control warning indicators began to illuminate. Immediately there was a substantial reduction in the speed rate. The failure occurred repeatedly whenever the vehicle was in operation. On two separate occasions the engine stalled without prior warning and restarted after waiting a few moments. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer seven different times. The ECM was reprogrammed and there were no additional repairs performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the constant malfunction. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.
Electrical system
While driving, in pitch black darkness on 6/10/2016 around 1:00 am, my headlights suddenly went off. The only way I could obtain lights was using the high beams. Low beams do not work and high beam only works in manual on/off mode. We checked the lamps and fuses. All are in excellent condition. I have no lights while driving or in park. The side view mirrors move on there own and at any time, while driving , in park and when the car is not running. This has been going on since the door panel recall was repaired. The dealer has informed me that there is no recall on that either. Last year (2015) I had to replace the airbags (suspension) on both rear wheels. The car would drop down lower than any mid size car. Once started the bags would inflate but the car May drop at any give time while driving. GM did not cover this cost and the dealer wanted over $1200.00 to repair. …
The vehicle will abruptly go from 70 MPH to 30's (semi-trailer closing in fast) and I can't do a thing about it!! Service stabilitrack has been a thorn while under warranty and persists to be a problem now that it is out of warranty! From early on, <10,000 miles and over 10 times since, this vehicle had been in to two different dealers and the problem, though intermittent, still exists and is a huge danger to me and my kids but I can't just go buy another car or trade this in like some people (including the car dealership managers) portray is the best option when I should be able to get GM to fix the car or replace it when they can't seem to figure out why the problem persists. …
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 GMC Envoy Denali XL a good car?
There isn't enough complaint history for the Envoy Denali XL to compare model years reliably. So far owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 GMC Envoy Denali XL?
The fuel & propulsion system — 19 complaints, 45% of all complaints for this model year, most often about delivery. Next are the engine & cooling (6) and electrical system (6).
How many recalls does the 2006 GMC Envoy Denali XL have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2006 GMC Envoy Denali XL. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
At what mileage do 2006 GMC Envoy Denali XL problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 67,000 miles; 24% 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.