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ProblemsByVin File / 2006-CHEVROLET-SILVERADO
2006 · Chevrolet

Chevrolet Silverado problems

1 safety recall. 773 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

brakes
313 reports · avg $450
severe
electrical
73 reports · avg $850
severe
powertrain
69 reports · avg $2,500
severe
steering
52 reports · avg $700
critical
suspension
45 reports · avg $900
moderate
engine
39 reports · avg $3,100
severe
airbags
38 reports · avg $1,100
critical
tires
34 reports · avg $150
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2006 Silverado · airbags
THE MODULE ON THE FRONT BUMPER HAS BECOME DEFECTED AND THEREFORE THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT GO OFF DURING A COLLISION. *TR
12/31/2012 · NHTSA ODI #10490531.0
2006 Silverado · powertrain
2006 CHEVY SILVERADO 2500HD HAS DEVELOPED A TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE LEAK AT THE METALLIC COUPLER. VEHICLE ONLY HAS LESS THAN 50K MILES UNDER LIGHT LOAD CONDITIONS. NEVER TOWED ANYTHING OVER 3KLBS. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A VERY HIGH FAIL ITEM AND EVEN THEIR IMPROVED LINES ARE…
12/30/2009 · NHTSA ODI #10297602.0
2006 Silverado · visibility
AT FIRST #5 ON HEATER QUIT WORKING. SOME TIMES IT WORKED OTHER TIMES IT WOULD NOT. I NOTICED A GLOW UNDER THE DASH AND SMELLED BURNT PLASTIC. I CHECKED THINGS OUT THE CONNECTOR HAD MELTED AND GLOWED WHEN THE HEATER WAS ON. IT THREW SPARKS WHEN I SWITCHED TO THE 5 POSITION. THE…
12/30/2008 · NHTSA ODI #10253297.0
2006 Silverado · electrical
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WERE NOT WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
12/29/2010 · NHTSA ODI #10373227.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 06V289000 03/08/2006

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN 8

IF THE DAMPER COMES LOOSE, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463.

Common questions

Is the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 773 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is brakes, with 313 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Chevrolet Silverado has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 773 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Chevrolet. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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