Most common 2006 GMC Envoy XL problems
Share of the 109 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Envoy XL complaints by model year
Best Envoy XL years: 2002, 2006. Years to avoid: 2003, 2004. Compare all years →
2006 GMC Envoy XL recalls (5)
Visibility › Power window devices and controls
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer and GMC Envoy vehicles, and 2006 GMC Envoy XL and Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a new driver's door switch module, free of charge. The recall began on November 2, 2015.
Exterior lighting › Headlights
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737.
Visibility › Power window devices and controls
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the part number on the door module, and install a new door module if necessary, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available.
Visibility › Power window devices and controls
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board.
Remedy: Owners will be contacted and dealers will test the driver's door module. If the module is functioning properly, a protective coating will be applied. If the module is not functioning properly, it will be replaced.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2006 GMC Envoy XL:
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.
Driver's Master Power Window Switch
On August 15, 2012 General Motors (GM) announced a regional recall action (12V-406) involving model year (MY) 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Isuzu Ascender and MY2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the salt belt states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New…
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 XL owners say
Fuel & propulsion system all 71 →
Filled SUV up at gas station. Gas gauge went to full. Proceeded out of gas station when the gas gauge went to empty, gas gauge will now not stay in one place, continues to act up and mostly stays on empty and the bell rings constantly. I am unable to determine how much fuel I have and concerned that the SUV will think its out of gas and shut off.
Driving on the highway after putting fuel in and fuel gauge suddenly shows empty and my vehicle stalled. The fuel guage would then show full at times then empty. Now it shows empty all the time and has stalled 3 more times while driving in traffic.
Electrical system all 23 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 GMC Envoy XL. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. In order to restart the vehicle, the contact would have to jumpstart the battery. Shortly after charging the battery, the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who stated that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.
While vehicle was running, a burn smell eminitting from driver side door. Immediately brought vehicle to local repair shop for repair. They diagnosed the smell and window failure to the driver side master switch. The repair shop used original replacement part. This month again, my switch does not work and windows currently are not working. Frustrating because GMC accepted no responsibility. I still have the old switch and receipt and should be eligible for reimbursement for the labor and replacement part cost. Thank you
Windows, wipers & sunroof
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 GMC Envoy XL. The contact stated that the front driver's side door switch failed. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V599000 (visibility). The vehicle was taken to city Buick GMC (43-60 northern blvd, long island city, ny 11101 at [phone]) and repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the frontal driver's side door switch was inoperable. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to another independent mechanic for a second opinion where it was diagnosed that the module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 161,000.
While vehicle was running, a burn smell eminitting from driver side door. Immediately brought vehicle to local repair shop for repair. They diagnosed the smell and window failure to the driver side master switch. The repair shop used original replacement part. This month again, my switch does not work and windows currently are not working. Frustrating because GMC accepted no responsibility. I still have the old switch and receipt and should be eligible for reimbursement for the labor and replacement part cost. Thank you
2006 GMC Envoy XL engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 15 |
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 GMC Envoy XL a good car?
Based on 109 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Envoy XL rates average: 35% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Envoy XL at the same age. It is one of the best Envoy XL 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 GMC Envoy XL?
The fuel & propulsion system — 71 complaints, 65% of all complaints for this model year, most often about storage › tank assembly. Next are the electrical system (23) and windows, wipers & sunroof (7).
How many recalls does the 2006 GMC Envoy XL have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2006 GMC Envoy XL, the most recent from September 24, 2015 (power window devices and controls). 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 GMC Envoy XL?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002 and 2006. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003 and 2004. See the full GMC Envoy XL years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 GMC Envoy XL problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 31% 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.