Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
When starting the vehicle it turns over as if it wasn't going to start then it starts then put it in drive and it revs up without moving seems like its going to to pull out but barely moves while driving down the highway in curves it p pulls tords traffic like real hard my drivers side mirror hit someone On a corner because of the suspension the going up and down hill it almost put me in the ditch because of jerking
Tl*- the contact owns a 2006 GMC Envoy denali. There was a vibration in the vehicle when the gas pedal was applied while traveling between 30 and 40 MPH. The vehicle would also vibrate at any speed. It felt and sounded as if it needed to shift gears, as in a manual vehicle, but was in the wrong gear. It was involved in a crash in November 2006. Two dealers stated that there was a technical service bulletin that referenced the failure, but there was nothing they could do to correct it. When engaging the brake the vehicle would move forward and a noise could be heard. The noise frequently occurred after a quick stop. This failure had occurred during the same period of time. The dealer diagnosed the failure, and stated they have repaired the noise, but it continued to occur. The current mileage was 14,000, and the failure mileage was 13,118.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 GMC Envoy. While accelerating from an intersection, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact managed to veer to the shoulder of the road. When the vehicle was turned off and restarted, it failed to resume normal operation. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.
Engine suddenly stopped running, placed shift lever to park position. Engine would not restart. Transmission was now locked in park, causing inability to push vehicle to safety. Repair by GMC dealer involved repairing electrical short in factory wiring under dashboard at the firewall, in the area of the brake booster mount. Apparent cause is improper routing of wiring at time of vehicle mfr, causing abrasion of wiring over time.
Accident on 4/25/14 after my 2006 GMC Envoy shut off completely while I was making an left hand turn. I informed GMC of it but got no response. The vehicle has been doing this for the past 6 months. I have contacted GMC since the accident and still have gotten no response.
While driving vehicle, started to rough idle and almost caused a vehicle accident because I was unable to stop the car while driving, engine shutdown while driving and lost all power and braking & steering ability, restated vehicle and got burning gas smell from vehicle exhaust pipe and check engine light on with code p0014, got vehicle serviced and had new sensor installed but now getting pinging sound from engine under load and while driving at speed and minor vibration while at idle. I feel this is a serious issue with this vehicle where almost feel unsafe driving vehicle due to running risk of engine shutdown while at speed and unable to steer or brake when engine stalls due to this condition with code p0014 in cars computer. …
Dt*: the contact stated that the vehicle does not accelerate smoothly and makes a loud noise during the first 3 minutes of driving. The accelerator pedal must be depressed all the way to the floor for the vehicle to move, and then normal acceleration begins after driving 3 minutes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on 05/02/06 who could not duplicate the problem. The dealer representative inspected the vehicle on 07/20/06 and determined that the clutch fan that cools the engine created the noise but could not determine the cause for the acceleration problem. The manufacturer was alerted on numerous occasions who finally identified that it is normal for the vehicle's acceleration to perform in the documented manner. Updated 08/15/06. 8jb
When starting my vehicle and start to drive I notice 2 check engine lights pop on. One engine light has a arrow pointing down and the other just have the engine light symbol and the my speed starts to reduce a lot. I will pull over to the side of the road shut the car off wait for 5-10 minutes and crank it up and after maybe 15-20 minutes of driving it pops back on. I've had the mechanic to diagnostic machine and he has said the throttle body needs changing, had that done and the same problem came back. So I had my old one put back on and then the mechanic say maybe it's the gas pedal sensor. Had that changed and the problem is still their. I love my truck but I don't have the money to kep trying to fix this problem. I need help, from someone, please
Leaving a restaurant I was unable to place my car in reverse or for that matter any gears. The tow truck driver showed me a little plastic peace that broke and advised me it was the shift linkage. I reviewed the information and was amazed to find that it is very common for this little plastic piece to break in the Chevrolet and GMC vehicles. I do not understand why the shift linkage is not one of many recalls with GMC as it is very dangerous when you are unable to place your car in park, reverse, neutral or any gears. I am a very dissatisfied customer and would like for GMC to held accountable for the problem. I should not have to pay a hefty fee for a cheap plastic part that can cause a major accident, injury and or death.
First, gas gauge started miss reading, then a month or 2 later it has been stuck on e with low indicator light on ever since. Second, last week my daughter stopped the vehicle, put the gear selector in park, car kept moving, dash indicator was still indicating drive and kept moving. Good thing she didn't get out of the car. I saw a big recall for GM multiple years but not my model for bad shifter cable and that is what broke. That could have been a very serious incident and could have caused someone to get seriously injured.
Transmission complaints in other Envoy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 GMC Envoy?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 GMC Envoy, 5% of the model year's 436 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 GMC Envoy transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.