This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Chevrolet Uplander steering problems
severe 26 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
26
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
3crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 26 steering complaints filed for the 2006 Chevrolet Uplander, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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 4 model years of Chevrolet Uplander we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 26.
Owners have filed 26 steering 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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 a procedure to eliminate a power steering noise due to extremely low temperatures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone calls. Technician will need to determine what type of call the customer is having that is unwanted. The vehicle may receive an incoming call just like any other phone. Typically the customer will hear the phone ringing in the vehicle. This scenario also includes incoming Bluetooth calls. One type of unwanted call can be made if the key pad is faulty the OnStar system will try to make a blue button call for shorted voltage in the circuits. The OnStar module could have an internal fault and produce a ″Phone Unavaila
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin provides a revision for 12-02-32-002 to add the 2013-2014 model years, add noise as a possible condition and add a Note in the Instructions section.
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 develops front-end and steering problems consistently within the first few thousand miles of ownership. Steering column binding with grinding or clunking noise when turning is nearly universal among complainants. Owners report replacing steering shafts, columns, racks, and pinions repeatedly—sometimes three or more times—with the same noise returning afterward.
Suspension geometry issues are endemic. All four tires wear unevenly or develop severe cupping by 20,000–25,000 miles, despite new condition. Owners replace tires multiple times; some report annual replacement over several years. Wheel bearings and hub assemblies fail by 34,000 miles and recur after replacement. Brakes wear at 100% front and 80% rear by 23,989 miles—mileage dealers call "normal wear" but is premature by any standard.
Electrical gremlins plague these vans: traction control, ABS, and stability lights illuminate unpredictably; computers are replaced and reprogrammed without lasting fix. Fuel gauges read empty on full tanks and recur after sensor replacement. Several owners describe complete electrical shutdown while driving.
Most concerning: owners report sudden loss of steering control—vehicles jerking hard left, spinning during evasive maneuvers, inability to counter-steer—with at least one accident resulting in $4,000 damage and another requiring emergency road maneuver to avoid collision. No recall coverage exists for many of these failures despite widespread reporting.
Same Chevrolet Uplander steering reports on nearby years: 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Steering column/shaft binding and noise
Steering column becomes tight or binding, with grinding, clunking, or humming noises from the front end when turning. Reported as difficult to steer and sometimes accompanied by vibration or shaking of the steering wheel itself.
When: Early ownership (3,000-23,000 miles typical); some reports at 33,000-45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Tight or binding steering wheel; Grinding noise when turning left or right; Loud clunking from front end during acceleration or turns; Humming noise from steering knuckle area; Steering column vibrates or shakes violently; Rubbing noise in steering column
Repairs/costs cited: Steering shaft replacement (multiple attempts in some cases); steering column replacement; steering box replacement (recall-related in at least one case); rack and pinion replacement; intermediate shaft replacement; bushing replacement. Repairs often recur.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One recall on steering box noted; steering knuckle recall mentioned but not applied to some vehicles per owners; no other TSBs or programs mentioned
Uneven and premature tire wear
All four tires wear unevenly, especially cupping on all four tires or excessive wear on outside edges, requiring replacement well before normal service life. Tire issues begin early and recur repeatedly.
When: 20,000-23,000 miles (first occurrence common); recurs at 45,000-54,000 miles; some need replacement yearly
Symptoms owners cite: Severe cupping on all four tires; Uneven wear on outside edges of tires; Tires deteriorating and splitting; Blister on tire; Tires requiring replacement every year over four-year period
Repairs/costs cited: Tire replacement (multiple times); 4-wheel alignment performed (multiple times). Owners note Continental brand tires were original equipment on new vehicles.
Suspension/steering geometry misalignment and related vibration
Alignment issues, excessive play in steering, vibration and rattling from the front end, and abnormal suspension noise. Often linked to or exacerbated by tie rod and wheel bearing problems.
When: 3,000-34,000 miles; ongoing throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive play or slop in steering; Front end vibration, shaking, or rattling; Loud rattling from under front of vehicle at highway speeds; Vibration more pronounced on driver's side; Vehicle vibrates when parked or over bumps; Vibrations during braking
Repairs/costs cited: Alignment performed multiple times; wheel bearing replacement; sway bar replacement; front stabilizing control arm replacement; power steering replacement. Problems recur despite repairs.
Tie rod end and front suspension fastener failures
Tie rod ends fail prematurely, with at least one instance of missing grease pin on replacement part. One owner reports tie rod end replacement every year over four years.
When: 45,000 miles (some); others recurring annually over multi-year period
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise from front end at low speeds; Tire wear and vibrations; Fractured tie rod
Repairs/costs cited: Tie rod replacement; inner tie rod boot replacement; replacement part found to lack grease pin (owner questioned whether part had ever been originally replaced). One owner replaced tie rod end consistently every year for four years.
Brake system degradation and uneven wear
Front and rear brakes wear prematurely and unevenly. Brake failure or malfunction occurs even at very low mileage. Uneven wear not explained by alignment issues per dealer statements.
When: 23,000-24,000 miles (common); some as early as 23,989 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Front brakes worn 100% at 23,989 miles; Rear brakes worn 80% at 23,989 miles; Uneven brake pad wear; Rear brakes malfunction at low speeds, increasing stopping distance; Vibration and shaking during braking
Repairs/costs cited: Brake pad replacement multiple times; front rotors resurfaced. Owners report needing brake work again at 40,000+ miles. Dealers told owners this was normal wear and tear despite very low mileage.
Wheel bearing and hub assembly failures
Wheel bearings fail or require replacement, sometimes multiple times. One bearing replacement at 34,000 miles recurred. Hub assembly also fails early.
When: 14,873-34,000 miles typical; some recurrence after replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling noise from under front when going over bumps; Vehicle vibration; Grinding or clunking from wheels
Repairs/costs cited: Wheel bearing replacement; hub bearing assembly replacement; some replacements recurred
Electrical and power steering control failures
Traction control, ABS, and stability control warning lights illuminate intermittently or unexpectedly. Power steering system experiences binding or stiffness. Some cases involve complete electrical shutdown during driving.
When: Early ownership to 74,000 miles; intermittent nature makes timing unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control and stability service lights illuminate unexpectedly; ABS warning light on and off intermittently; All dashboard lights illuminate unexpectedly; Vehicle stalls when warning lights activate; Clicking sound in steering column before stalling; Interior and exterior lights shut off during driving; Power steering stiff or binding; Hard starts
Codes mentioned: P0463 (fuel tank level sensor)
Repairs/costs cited: Main computer module replacement (twice in one case, with reprogramming multiple times); ABS control module replacement (did not fix issue); power train control module reprogramming; generator voltage regulator replacement; fuel sensor replacement and subsequent re-replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reported GM offered no assistance; one dealer requested diagnostic fee but owner declined
Steering rack/pinion and intermediate shaft defects
Steering racks and pinions fail or develop problems requiring replacement, sometimes repeatedly. Intermediate shafts also fail with clunking noises.
When: 3,000 miles (reported in at least one case); recurring over ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking noise from front end; Steering zig-zags across road unpredictably; Loss of steering control
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replacement (three times in one case, recurred each time); intermediate shaft replacement. One owner has hired lemon law attorney.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated liability only if exact same repair needed multiple times; bushings later identified as problem, but replacement did not resolve clunking
Fuel gauge and sensor malfunction
Fuel gauge reads empty on a full tank. Fuel level sensor fails prematurely and recurs after replacement.
When: 16,000 miles (first replacement); recurs at 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Gauge reads empty on full tank; Gas gauge inaccurate
Codes mentioned: P0463
Repairs/costs cited: Float replacement; fuel sensor replacement (required replacement again later); second fuel sensor replacement performed in 2006 per one complaint
Loss of steering control and vehicle handling anomaly
Vehicle exhibits sudden jerking to one side, loss of steering control, inability to counter-steer, or unpredictable steering response that creates immediate safety hazard and collision risk.
When: Throughout ownership; one case resulted in $4,000 damage after second occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerks to the left unexpectedly; Vehicle spins when attempting evasive maneuver; Cannot counter-steer to regain control; Steering zigzags across road; Vehicle loses control requiring safety maneuver
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repairs listed for this failure mode; vehicle returned from previous repairs when failure recurred
Synthesized from 26 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I was driving my uplander when the vehicle jerked to the left. It resulted in my driving over a concrete median and causing $4000.00 of damage to vehicle. I did not realize until I picked the van up from repair that this may possibly not be my fault. Driving home on the day I picked the van up from repair, the van again jerked to the left and I almost had another wreck. I have owned the van…
I looked up every problem an recall for the 2006 Chevy uplander cause we bought the van when it had 40,000 miles since we got it it was in an out getting fixed the siding doors would just open the electrical was an is all messed up the back suspension makes a clicking sound we had to get a new transmission the steering knuckle broke are van has every problem an recall that is listed about this…
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2006 Chevrolet Uplander?
It's a meaningful issue. 26 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 18,000 and 59,000 miles, with the median around 30,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,000; a quarter make it past 59,000. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.