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 GMC Envoy XL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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
Took vehicle in for recall for driver master switch. Window and door lock continue to fail intermittently even after dealer says he corrected recall. The vehicle has had a history of windows, door not working and has been at the dealership multiple times, please push GMC to fix this issue. The latest letter stating this vehicle May catch fire is very concerning.
Dear sir, today while driving my 2003 Envoy SUV (approx 40,000 miles on the od ) I was making a left turn onto a major highway. About 3/4 way through the turn the car accelerated full speed without my help. Since the roadway was wet (not raining at the time) the car sped and spun violently to the left and crashed into the concrete barrier separating the four lane highway. We ( my wife and I) hit the barrier with a strong impact but suffered no serious injury. (we were belted) this automobile is used as a towed vehicle as we travel the country in a motorhome. The car has a vary heavy and stout steel towing base plate on the front. The base plate was bent badly but it protected the car from serious damage I have been driving for some 42 years without ever having a chargeable accident. I have never experienced such a condition. …
I own a 2006 GMC Envoy XL. Last May of 2009 I was driving on us state 30 with my children when the driver's side door start smoking vigorously without warning. Just as this happened the vehicle shut down in the middle of the highway while I was driving. I was able to restart the vehicle after a few attempts and remove it from traffic. I then tried to open the drivers door to get out (the handle its self was not smoking) and it would not open. I climbed into the passenger's side and manually opened the door, got out, then removed my children also. This incident was reported to GMC and their answer was that the car shutting off was designed as a safety feature. Explain how this could be safe in my situation? The consumer stated the 4-wheel drive recently failed for the fourth time in disastrous weather conditions. …
While driving I turned on my left blinker to turn. The wiper came on and it sprayed windshield washer fluid. I put it back into the neutral position and they kept spraying and would not stop. I pulled over turned the vehicle off and back on. The wipers came back on immediately and continued to spray wind washer fluid. Then my speakers started to play a distorted sound. I turned off vehicle again about 4 more times and every time the wiper blades and spray came back on. I had to stay parked on the side of the road for about 10 minutes then they stopped. Or so I thought, as I started to drive and hit 20mph the wiper blades came on and it started spraying again till it finished the entire gallon of wind washer fluid. As I pulled into my drive way the wiper blades kept on cleaning with no liquid. I turned off the vehicle and the wiper blades continued for a few more seconds then stopped. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 GMC Envoy XL. The contact stated that the low beams failed to work. The contact had to use the high beams each time the failure recurred. The vehicle was included in a recall for the failure. While waiting for months, the failure occurred to the point that the low beams no longer functioned. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V755000 (exterior lighting) and 14V404000 (visibility) and stated that the part needed was not available within a reasonable timeframe to schedule the recall repair. The dealer did not provide a specific date for when the part would become available. The manufacturer was notified. The contact was not able to use the low beams due to the failure. The failure mileage was not available. Ma 08/05/15 updated 08/24/2015
I have experienced a check engine warning light display on what is now the third time for the same issue. The diagnostic code for each of these three check engine light displays on my 2006 GMC Envoy was for a problem with the fuel tank level sensor in the fuel tank. The first time I experienced the problem, GM replaced the fuel tank level sensor unit under warranty. I experienced the same issue in the summer of 2009 with approximately 65000 miles on it. I replaced the fuel tank level sensor myself to correct the problem. Again today (9-2-11) I had the check engine light come on & a code check revealed a problem with the fuel tank level sensor. The vehicle has 83000 miles on it.
2006 GMC Envoy. Consumer writes in regards to electrical system failure. The consumer stated when he/she initially took the vehicle to the dealer for the recall, there was no problem. Thirty days later, the recall work that was performed, malfunctioned. Also, there was a problem with the brake light system. Even after changing the bulb, the rear brake lights did not work even though the light on the hatch did. The consumer stated as he entered the vehicle, while it was raining, water entered the door module, which caused it short out. Eventually, the left door lock and window controls, stopped working. Updated 06/23/14.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 GMC Envoy XL. The contact stated that the power windows and power locks failed intermittently. The contact also stated that the windshield wipers would independently operate when the switch was in the off mode. In addition, the contact smelled a burning odor. The dealer discovered that the window switch was burned. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V404000 (electrical system); however, the part needed for the repair was unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was unavailable.
NHTSA investigations
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…
Electrical complaints in other Envoy XL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2006 GMC Envoy XL?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 GMC Envoy XL, 21% of the model year's 109 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › module (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 GMC Envoy XL electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2006 GMC Envoy XL, though it has 5 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 GMC Envoy XL electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 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.