This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Chevrolet Colorado electrical problems
moderate 55 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
55
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 55 electrical complaints filed for the 2006 Chevrolet Colorado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Owners have filed 55 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 19 model years of Chevrolet Colorado in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
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 Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 Colorado suffers from chronic electrical problems that dealers and GM have acknowledged but not fixed. The Passlock anti-theft system is the headline issue: it intermittently blocks engine start by cutting fuel, forcing owners to wait 10–30 minutes for the system to reset before the truck will crank. This happens without warning, sometimes multiple times per week, and has left owners stranded on highways and in remote areas. One owner even reported the engine shutting off while driving. Dealers cannot replicate the problem during diagnostics, making it nearly impossible to warrant repair.
The blower motor and fan control fail on lower speeds (1–3), with only high speed (4) working. The root cause is a corroded resistor block and melted connector near cabin flammables—a fire hazard. Temporary fixes involve jiggling the connector, but permanent repair means replacing the harness and resistor.
Additional electrical gremlins include instrument cluster backlighting failure (making gauges unreadable at night), brake lights that fail repeatedly (one owner had eight replacements), power windows that stop working, and a wiring harness between the cab and rear doors that breaks from repeated use, disabling airbags. One owner reported an engine fire in the wiring harness after just six weeks of ownership. Throughout the complaint cluster, owners report GM either denies responsibility or refuses warranty coverage for repeat failures, leaving them to pay hundreds of dollars for repairs.
Same Chevrolet Colorado electrical reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Passlock/Anti-theft system no-start
The Passlock security system intermittently prevents engine start by blocking fuel supply. Engine cranks but does not fire. Owners report the anti-theft light illuminates on the dashboard. The vehicle will start after waiting 10–30 minutes, allowing the system to reset. Problem occurs unpredictably, sometimes multiple times per week or month; dealers cannot diagnose when vehicle is running normally. Some owners report the system has also shut off the engine while driving.
When: Occurs throughout vehicle life; complaints range from 22,000 miles to 140,000+ miles; some report issues within months of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cranks but will not start; Anti-theft/passlock light illuminates on dashboard; Vehicle starts after 10–30 minute wait; Engine stalls while driving (several reports); Problem intermittent and unpredictable; Dealer cannot replicate when diagnosing
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers and independent mechanics have replaced ignition switches and passlock sensors; costs reported at $300–$500+ per repair; some owners cite quotes of $400+ for passlock sensor replacement; one owner reported ignition switch part #63779 cost $416.74
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM dealers acknowledge the problem as known but claim no solution available; GM has stated problem cannot be repaired if not occurring during diagnosis; no recall issued despite widespread complaints
Blower motor resistor/wiring harness failure
Cabin blower motor only operates on speed 4 (high); speeds 1–3 do not work. Root cause is a faulty resistor block and corroded/overheated connector, often accompanied by a bad grounding block. The plastic connector shows evidence of overheating, melting, and burning. Some owners report the resistor is located inside the cabin near flammable materials, posing a fire risk. Problem may be temporary if wires are wiggled or connector is cleaned, but returns. Full fix requires replacement of wiring harness and resistor.
When: Reported at various mileages; some issues appeared within first few years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Blower fan only works on high speed (setting 4); Speeds 1, 2, and 3 do not function; Fan may work intermittently after warm-up; Problem can be temporarily fixed by moving/jiggling wiring connector; Defogger and heating inoperable on lower speeds; Visible burn marks and melted plastic on resistor and connector
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quoted $200 for entire control panel replacement; owners have reported $328 repair cost; full fix involves replacement of resistor block, wiring harness, and connector; one owner found and repaired corroded grounding block ($0 self-repair), which resolved the issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has no service bulletins or recalls for this issue; dealers suggest control panel replacement
Instrument cluster/dashboard electrical failures
Multiple electrical failures affecting driver information display: instrument panel backlighting completely fails, making gauges unreadable at night; instrument cluster randomly stops working (gauges, lamps, odometer all fail simultaneously); driver information system malfunctions; ABS warning light comes on intermittently with no apparent cause. These failures are intermittent and unpredictable.
When: Reported at various mileages; some issues persistent for extended periods
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument panel backlighting fails completely; Gauges unreadable at night (cannot determine speed); Entire instrument cluster randomly stops working; ABS warning light comes on and goes off intermittently; Driver information system faulty
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer determined entire instrument panel ($$$) must be replaced; one owner reported this classified as manufacturing defect but refused under warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer refused warranty repair, claiming manufacturing defect rather than covered warranty item
Brake light switch failure
Brake lights fail to illuminate when brake pedal is depressed. One owner had the brake lights replaced eight times by the same dealer, who eventually refused further repair. Another owner had brake light failure repaired under recall #06030 five years prior, but the same failure recurred; manufacturer refused to repair citing age and mileage.
When: One case at 134,074 miles; another case recurrence after initial recall repair five years prior
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights fail to illuminate; No warning indicator on dashboard; Repeated failures after replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Recall #06030 replaced brake light switch; one owner replaced lights eight times; dealer eventually refused further repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall #06030 addressed this in 2006; manufacturer refused to repair subsequent failures citing vehicle age and mileage
Exterior lighting failures (headlights, all lights)
Headlights quit working, sometimes completely and sometimes intermittently. Left headlight reported to go out but come back on when touched. One owner reported all exterior lights failed simultaneously along with other electrical issues. Bulb replacement does not resolve the problem.
When: Various mileages reported
Symptoms owners cite: Both headlights quit working at once; Headlight goes out but comes back on with physical contact; Bulb replacement does not resolve issue; All exterior lights fail simultaneously (in one case with other electrical failures)
Repairs/costs cited: Bulb replacement ineffective; wiring or connector issue suspected but not detailed
Power window wiring failure
Power windows lose function (driver and passenger windows), caused by wiring problem. One owner had repair done in January 2013 under service order #243247 at dealer Ken Dixon in Waldorf, MD, but the same problem recurred in February 2016. Mirrors a known recall (NHTSA campaign #14V404) for the same make and model.
When: Problem recurred in early February 2016 after repair in January 2013
Symptoms owners cite: Driver and passenger power windows lose power; Windows inoperable
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost $300 in January 2013; same problem recurred approximately 3 years later
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer refused to repair recurrence without customer cost; case mirrors NHTSA campaign #14V404
Wiring harness failure (rear door/airbag circuit)
Wiring harness running between cab and rear doors breaks or becomes corroded, causing airbag warning light to stay on and affecting airbags, interior lights, and stereo speakers. The harness experiences repeated breaks from opening and closing rear doors. Owner had repairs done under warranty twice (2008, 2009) and fixed it twice more out of pocket after warranty expired. Factory defect per owner.
When: Issues began within warranty period; recurring problem post-warranty
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag readiness light stays on after starting vehicle; Wires break from repeated opening/closing of rear doors; Interior lights inoperable; Stereo speakers inoperable; Airbags may not deploy or could deploy without crash
Repairs/costs cited: Repaired under warranty in 2008 and 2009; owner self-repaired twice after warranty expired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite known factory defect; warranty covered first two repairs
Engine stalls while driving
Engine shuts off without warning while vehicle is in motion. Vehicle will restart after stopping, though in one case it would not restart and required towing. Problem occurs 5–6 times in one owner's experience. Dealer cannot find cause and states computer shows no problems.
When: Various incidents reported; one case at 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning while driving; No warning before stall occurs; Vehicle can be restarted after stopping (usually); In one case, would not restart and required tow
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch was replaced in one case (50,000 miles); no definitive fix identified in other cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer instructed owner to keep driving vehicle as computer shows no problems
Stereo/audio system failure
All stereo components fail simultaneously in at least one case reported alongside other electrical failures (no-start, fan failure, exterior lights out, instrument cluster issues).
When: Reported at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: All stereo components stop working
Electrical fire
One owner reported fire in engine wiring and fuse box while parked with engine off in a GMC store parking lot. Vehicle had been owned for six weeks. GMC stated it was not a factory issue and declined to provide information, citing confidentiality.
When: Six weeks after ownership began
Symptoms owners cite: Fire in engine wiring and fuse box; Vehicle parked with engine off
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GMC stated it was not a factory issue; no information provided to owner
Synthesized from 55 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
The passlock system is an issue with this vehicle. The vehicle will not start on occasion, or in my case several occasions. Not only is it inconvenient, but I ask, what has happened to people who have stalled with this vehicle at stop lights or in other situations? I live in an area where the weather can drop to -30 (f). 10 minutes to wait for the system to reset can have detrimental…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet colorado. The contact stated that when the ignition switch was turned into the on position, the vehicle would make an igniting noise but would not start. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.
Some times the truck will not start for ten min. I have had the truck 3 times stop running and had to coast off the road. It restarted after sitting without repair. *tr
Have experienced problems with my truck's pass lock/anti-theft switch. The truck will not start and it takes ten minutes before the truck restarts. I had only about 22,000 miles on the truck when the problem first occurred. This issue continues to be a problem. The truck on has 26,000 miles. This problem could easily become a safety issue if truck shuts off in traffic. There should be a…
I am going to get gas and go in side to pay and it wont start cranks no advise I had the same 5 times before the midway Chevrolet fix it a bad ignition switch part #63779 o a bill for the parts $416.74 the theft system would work and it would stop working it is a switch for the gas I think I need to be pay back. *tr
Had electrical trouble with your 2006 Chevrolet Colorado?
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 Colorado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 55 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 51 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 35,900 and 78,000 miles, with the median around 58,205. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,900; a quarter make it past 78,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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/Colorado.
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.