This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that if OnStar is unable to configure the vehicle after the OnStar 15-08-44-001 upgrade and Onstar receives a 118 error code when attempting to configure the vehicle. Dealers should receive a sheet with the kit that provides steps to assist with handling this error. Dealer will follow one of the listed steps to resolve the issue. If there are still configuration issues, please contact the OnStar Technical Assistance Centre for assistance.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Chevrolet Avalanche electrical problems
severe 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 3 electrical complaints filed for the 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 8 model years of Chevrolet Avalanche we track for electrical problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (3).
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 13 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This technical bulletin provides repair information for repairing the IP to body harness connector to correct a customer concern for intermittent Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated with Reduced Engine Power displayed and DTC P2138 set.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that may have an OnStar system that has progression tones when pressing the blue or red button. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center with the scan tool data from the OnStar system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the speedometer needle appears to be inaccurate. Dealer should advise the customer the specification for speedometer needle accuracy is +/- 2 MPH at any given speed when looking straight at the needle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about customers that are unable to override the automatic door locking feature. Technician will update the Body Control Module on 2006 to 2007 model years. On 2010 to 2014 model years technician will need to contact Techline Customer Support for calibrations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
My "service air bag" light has steadily been on for a few weeks, checked the fuse, checked basic connectors (no loose wires). Have been doing internet research & found many forum discussions on this topic dating back to 2003! I searched this site & found that there has been no recall related to this issue. Considering once this "service" light is on, the airbags will not work in the event of a…
HVAC blower did not function on certain or all blower speeds. The HVAC blower ran continually with the ignition in the off position and the key removed. *tr
Had electrical trouble with your 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche?
It's a meaningful issue. 3 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 106,474 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Chevrolet/Avalanche.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.