This informational bulletin explains how to care for wiper blades.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 GMC Sierra visibility problems
severe 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $350 · see visibility across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$350
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 3 visibility complaints filed for the 2006 GMC Sierra, 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
Of the 16 model years of GMC Sierra we track for visibility problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (3).
No new NHTSA visibility 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 visibility 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 the percentage of UV protection or tint offered by the windshield or side glass. Technician should be advised Windshield reduces UV rays down to 4% or less. Front side door glass reduces UV rays down to 35% or less. Windshields are SOLAR glass with a light transmittance of >/=70%. Front door glass are Solar glass with a light transmission of >/=70%. Rear door glass, quarter windows and back windows can use either Solar glass (>/=70%) or Privacy glass, which has a light transmittance of 20%.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DOOR GLASS POPS OUT OF RUN CHANNEL.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗UNWANTED OPERATION OF REAR WINDOWS.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FRONT BLOWER INOPERATIVE STAY RUNNING DURING LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 GMC sierra. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact noticed a burning odor. She then noticed that the blower motor on the wiring harness melted, causing the vehicle to smoke. The contact called the dealer who offered no assistance. The contact did not inform the manufacture. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was approximately 68,000. The failure…
Had visibility trouble with your 2006 GMC Sierra?
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 visibility problem on the 2006 GMC Sierra?
It's a meaningful issue. 3 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $350.
At what mileage does the visibility typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, visibility issues most often appear around 88,900 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 $350 for visibility 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 visibility?
No active recalls currently cover visibility 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/GMC/Sierra.
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.