Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 GMC Envoy owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that occasionally the vehicle was not able to be started. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic informed the contact that no codes appeared on the code reader and replaced the battery; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the computer needed to be reset after the battery was replaced. The dealer reset the computer; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and diagnosed that there was a leak in the intake manifold after a smoke test was performed. The dealer replaced the manifold gasket; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2006 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The failure occurred on three separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with fuel pump and fuel pump sensor failure. The fuel pump and fuel pump sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 270,319.
Failure of the dod lifter, also known as the active fuel management system. While at speed on the freeway, the dod lifter on cylinder #7 failed causing a misfire on the cylinder which caused teh engine to shake violently. This is the 2nd failure of a dod lifter on my truck. In nov 2014, a dod lifter on cylinder #6 failed, causing a engine misfire and a violent shake. The cause of the failure was determined to be lack of oil pressurize the dod lifter. Upon deciding to rebuild the motor rather than replacing the motor, we decided to replace all internal components of the motor simply because the motor would need a full tear down anyway. The lifters, oil pressure solenoids of the dod lifters, rockers, rocker arms, springs and camshaft were all replaced thinking that we might as well rebuild the block with new components to save off any future issues. …
For more than a month my truck has cut off completely as I begin to break when I I am coming to a stop or when I am making a turn into a parking lot or at a corner. Sometimes it happens several times in a row during one trip. It always happens when I am in motion but once I turn on the hazard lights, put the car in park, turn off the ignition and restart it, it cranks right back up. I was told, based on my description that it could be a manufacturers defect in the turndown solenoid switch or sensor associated with the automatic transmission. This is a safety issue but I need my vehicle. This problem always occurs when I am on a city street. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 GMC Envoy denali. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and all the warning indicators illuminated. The contact mentioned that when the vehicle would start, it would cut off immediately. The vehicle was taken to betten baker Chevrolet Buick GMC (14120 northland dr, big rapids, mi 49307 [phone]) where it was diagnosed that an electrical failure was found, but the dealer did not know the exact cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 GMC Envoy. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, smoke emitted inside of the vehicle. There were no flames visible. A certified mechanic inspected the vehicle and noticed that the front driver's side window and door housing control box had been burned. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the vehicle exhibited a constant stalling and would restart moments after the failure occurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 208,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the engine compartment of the vehicle. In addition, the contact noticed corrosion on the front passenger's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced and that the sub frame needed to be welded. The engine was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000.
My husband and I were traveling when the vehicle shut off with no warning at all and all the dash board lights came on. The vehicle would not restart but would turn. This happened Saturday 9/2/17 on a country highway out in nowhere . We called a tow truck. Thank god for cellphones. On 11/12/2016 hub bearings replaced. 11/15/16 module and connector replaced and fuel level sensors and ring replaced. Three years ago A/C went out. Replaced.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 GMC Envoy. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact noticed smoke escaping from the air conditioner unit. The contact stopped the vehicle, looked under the hood and noticed that the resister and motor wires were melted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics or repairs. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
While driving down the highway and or while coming to a stop the engine just shuts itself off without warning. Everything in the inside stays on, but you have to put the vehicle in park and re crank. This is an extreme safety hazard and needs to be looked into.
Engine complaints in other Envoy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 GMC Envoy?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 GMC Envoy, 10% of the model year's 436 complaints. The component named most often is engine (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 GMC Envoy engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 GMC Envoy, though it has 8 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 104,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.