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 ↗2006 Chevrolet Uplander brakes problems
moderate 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
When does it fail?
Of the 11 brakes complaints filed for the 2006 Chevrolet Uplander, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 15 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 brakes 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 communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides technicians with a brake lathe calibration procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides technicians with a brake lathe calibration procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code P0442. Technician will need to review Techlink article from May 2013 titled "Using the Evaporative Emissions System Tester" Technician will need to follow these steps to help diagnose the issue. First after the P0442 has been verified do not disturb any of the fuel system components. The technician now can use the scan tool to close the Evaporative Emissions System. If possible change the tank pressure sensor units from inch_H2O to milimeter_Hg for better resolution. Now the vehicle can be star
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 Uplander's brake system shows multiple systemic problems. ABS warning lights come on early and stay on—one owner at 4,000 miles, another at 21,400. Dealers replace wheel speed sensors repeatedly (sometimes three times) or recommend EBCM replacement, but the light often returns. One owner had the van serviced seven times for the same ABS issue without resolution.
Brake pads and rotors wear out fast. One owner replaced the full brake set five times in 18 months. Another reports premature wear at 60,000 miles despite new rotors. Owners suspect this is not normal wear but a systemic failure, possibly tied to emergency brake malfunction—the emergency brake pedal won't hold and returns to the unlock position even though the service brakes lock solid.
The most dangerous issue is brake-line routing. Multiple owners describe rear brake lines running directly under the frame. Bumps and vehicle motion cause the frame to rub the lines until they fracture and leak. One owner has already replaced them twice and the third set is already leaking. There is no factory fix for this design flaw.
Less common but serious: intermittent brake locking, pulling to one side, stabilization light illumination, and a complete brake-line fracture failure at 120,000 miles that prevented the driver from braking at speed.
Same Chevrolet Uplander brakes reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
ABS warning light illumination
ABS light comes on and stays on. Owners report the light triggers intermittently or persistently despite new or replaced brakes. Dealers cite failed wheel speed sensors, malfunctioning electronic brake control module (EBCM), or unresolved electrical issues after multiple service visits and part replacements.
When: Varies; one owner at 4,000 miles, another at 21,400 miles with only 3 years of ownership; one complaint after 7+ service attempts over extended ownership
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light comes on and stays illuminated; Light appears intermittently or persistently despite brake service; Owner reports concern that brakes will fail despite new brake pads and rotors; Noticeable difference in brake handling and performance when ABS light is on
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced left front wheel speed sensor ($250 part + $120 labor). Multiple wheel speed sensors replaced (up to 3 replacements). Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) replacement recommended. Numerous sensors, hubs, and wiring harnesses replaced without resolution in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty expired in one case; GM refused refund when owner used independent mechanic. No assistance offered in other cases.
Premature brake wear and repeated brake replacement
Brakes wear out prematurely and require repeated replacement. One owner replaced brakes and rotors 5 times in 18 months. Another reports brakes worn at 60,000 miles. Issue appears unrelated to normal driving or driving style.
When: 5 replacements within 18 months; premature wear at 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes require replacement far sooner than expected; Brake light comes on after repeated replacements; Rotors require machining
Repairs/costs cited: Full brake and rotor replacement performed multiple times. One owner suspects emergency brake malfunction is root cause rather than normal wear.
Brake line rubbing and fracture due to routing
Brake lines are routed directly under the frame. Vehicle motion over bumps causes the frame to rub and eventually fracture the lines, causing brake fluid leaks and brake system failure.
When: 120,000 miles in one case; recurring at 60,000 miles in another
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lines wear through from frame contact during normal driving over bumps; Brake fluid leaks from damaged lines; Loss of brake effectiveness; Brake lines start leaking again after replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Brake lines replaced twice in one case, still leaking on third set. Owner states poor placement is unfixable without design change.
Intermittent brake locking and pulling
Vehicle experiences intermittent locking of brakes and pulling to one side, especially when braking or reversing. Stabilization light illuminates. Dealer unable to duplicate failure despite extended service.
When: 61,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes lock intermittently while driving and braking; Vehicle pulls hard to the right; Rubbing noise from front end; Stabilization light illuminates; Problem occurs when reversing or braking
Repairs/costs cited: Left vehicle at dealer for one week; dealer unable to duplicate or resolve.
Emergency brake malfunction
Emergency brake pedal or lever does not lock in place. Pedal returns to unlock position immediately after being pressed, even though service brakes are locked and immovable. May contribute to premature brake wear.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Emergency brake pedal does not hold; returns to unlock position when released; Warning message states emergency brake is on even after disengaging; Service brakes locked and cannot be moved
Repairs/costs cited: Owner suggests emergency brake lines and pedals should be replaced as recall item rather than wear-and-tear repair.
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet uplander. The contact stated that whenever the vehicle was parked on an incline, the fuel level indicator would display that the fuel tank was empty and the vehicle would not start. In addition, the brakes were worn prematurely, the ABS warning light would illuminate intermittently, both driver and passenger sliding doors were malfunctioned and the headlights…
Had brakes trouble with your 2006 Chevrolet Uplander?
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 brakes problem on the 2006 Chevrolet Uplander?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 11 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 21,360 and 61,117 miles, with the median around 57,200. A quarter of owners report trouble before 21,360; a quarter make it past 61,117. 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 $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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/Uplander.
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.