CHEVROLET SUBURBAN · model year

2006 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN

33 NHTSA complaints, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2006CHEVROLETSUBURBAN carries 33 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2006 SUBURBAN is latches/locks/linkages with 3 filings, followed by steering (3) and structure:body:hatchback/liftgate (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2006 SUBURBAN, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

33
Complaints
0
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

33 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES3
STEERING3
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
SERVICE BRAKES3
AIR BAGS3
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM2
POWER TRAIN2
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS1
SUSPENSION1
WHEELS1

Recalls (1)

05V55200007/12/2005

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.

Recent Complaints

20220808ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

We were driving down Auburn way and the power seat control module failed and keeps the heated seats running out of control. ( fire is likely and could burn your house down If you park in the garage.) I was lucky to be near a dealership I had to pull over quick it was burning my butt and back The problem is complicated by the fact that the seat safety airbag control wiring goes through the same plug, which should be a big no no. There are no replacement control modules available ( not being made). I had the chevy dealership disconnect the plug so the fire hazard is gone but now none of the air bags work now putting my family at further risk. Air bag wiring needs to be separate from all the other wires and plugs for safety. Now the next problem is the dealerships can't fix the problem because no parts are available.You are welcome to come check out my suburban.

20220808AIR BAGS

We were driving down Auburn way and the power seat control module failed and keeps the heated seats running out of control. ( fire is likely and could burn your house down If you park in the garage.) I was lucky to be near a dealership I had to pull over quick it was burning my butt and back The problem is complicated by the fact that the seat safety airbag control wiring goes through the same plug, which should be a big no no. There are no replacement control modules available ( not being made). I had the chevy dealership disconnect the plug so the fire hazard is gone but now none of the air bags work now putting my family at further risk. Air bag wiring needs to be separate from all the other wires and plugs for safety. Now the next problem is the dealerships can't fix the problem because no parts are available.You are welcome to come check out my suburban.

20220808SEATS

We were driving down Auburn way and the power seat control module failed and keeps the heated seats running out of control. ( fire is likely and could burn your house down If you park in the garage.) I was lucky to be near a dealership I had to pull over quick it was burning my butt and back The problem is complicated by the fact that the seat safety airbag control wiring goes through the same plug, which should be a big no no. There are no replacement control modules available ( not being made). I had the chevy dealership disconnect the plug so the fire hazard is gone but now none of the air bags work now putting my family at further risk. Air bag wiring needs to be separate from all the other wires and plugs for safety. Now the next problem is the dealerships can't fix the problem because no parts are available.You are welcome to come check out my suburban.

20220228SERVICE BRAKES

the electronic brake control computer has malfunctioned. this renders the ABS and traction control systems inoperable. No replacement part or repair is available from the dealership.

20210820FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

We had the 2006 Suburban parked with the engine running while our family was just starting to get in. A couple of them noticed a slight smoke smell which we followed and we trailed it to the rear of the vehicle. While I was pulling off a left rear column trim piece to locate where the smoke was coming from, the far rear dome light fixture started dripping melted and burning plastic close by my head. I looked up and saw the rear dome light fixture on fire and flicked it down into the rear cargo area. One of the family was already fetching a fire extinguisher and as they arrived I used it to put out what fire was left in the headliner.

20210820FireEXTERIOR LIGHTING

We had the 2006 Suburban parked with the engine running while our family was just starting to get in. A couple of them noticed a slight smoke smell which we followed and we trailed it to the rear of the vehicle. While I was pulling off a left rear column trim piece to locate where the smoke was coming from, the far rear dome light fixture started dripping melted and burning plastic close by my head. I looked up and saw the rear dome light fixture on fire and flicked it down into the rear cargo area. One of the family was already fetching a fire extinguisher and as they arrived I used it to put out what fire was left in the headliner.

20190528AIR BAGS

YESTERDAY WAS THE THREE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF TAKATA'S FAILURE TO REPAIR MY AIRBAG. THAT IS THREE YEARS THAT THEY HAVE WANTONLY PLACED MYSELF AND MY FAMILY MEMBERS IN DANGER. FORCE THESE SCOFFLAWS TO REPLACE THOSE IEDS THEY HAVE SET IN FRONT OF MY FAMILY.

Mileage: 80,000

20190318SERVICE BRAKES

SUDDEN AND COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO A BROKEN REAR BRAKE LINE. BRAKES WORKED NORMALLY AND AT THE NEXT STOP THEY WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR WITH NO BRAKING ACTION. I HAD TO USE DOWN SHIFTING TO SLOW AND THEN A SNOW BANK TO COMPLETELY STOP. THERE WAS NO INDICATOR WARNING LIGHTS UNTIL THE BRAKE PEDAL HIT THE FLOOR AND WENT OUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PEDAL WAS RELEASED. THIS HAPPENED ON A CITY STREET WITH NO TRAFFIC AT 3 AM ON MY WAY TO WORK. I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT AT ABOUT 25 TO 30 MPH. AFTER LOOKING AT THE BRAKE LINES THEY ARE DRAMATICALLY RUSTED. THE SERVICE SHOP HAS EXPLAINED COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF ALL LINES NEEDS TO BE DONE (APPOINTMENT TO DO THIS IS 3/20/2019).

Mileage: 180,000

20170607STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER, WOOD CHEVROLET AT (814) 344-8250, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY NEVER HEARD OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.

Mileage: 55,000

20170607SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER, WOOD CHEVROLET AT (814) 344-8250, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY NEVER HEARD OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.

Mileage: 55,000

20170607WHEELS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER, WOOD CHEVROLET AT (814) 344-8250, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY NEVER HEARD OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.

Mileage: 55,000

20170322AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL. WHAT IS A TIMELY MANNER EXPECTED FOR A RESOLUTION FOR MY RECALL? I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ON MY PASSENGER AIR BAG DATED MAY 2016 AND I NOW SEE THAT GM HAS BEEN GIVEN UNTIL AUGUST 2017 TO RESOLVE THE RECALL (15 MONTHS OF LITIGATION). IN THE MEAN TIME I CANNOT TRADE IN OR SELL THAT VEHICLE. GM SAYS WAIT UNTIL AUGUST 2017 FOR THE RESOLUTION. THE GM REPRESENTATIVE SAID I PROMISE IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE AND I SAID IT DOESN'T ALLOW THE TRADE BECAUSE DEALERS WONT TAKE IT WITH AN OUTSTANDING RECALL NOT REPAIRED. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MINE AND MY FAMILY'S SAFETY AND WOULD APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BETTER UNDERSTAND WHY THE GM REPRESENTATIVE HAS TELL ME IT IS ABSOLUTELY SAFE AND WE HAVE HAD ZERO ACCIDENTS FROM IT. PLEASE HELP ME UNDERSTAND WHAT IS A TIMELY MANNER FOR GM TO RESOLVE A RECALL SENT TO ME BY THEM.

Mileage: 130,000

20151113TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE INITIALLY ACCELERATED THEN HALTED. THE "TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVE" MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK ABSORBER AND HUBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 50,000

20151113POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE INITIALLY ACCELERATED THEN HALTED. THE "TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVE" MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK ABSORBER AND HUBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 50,000

20150312SERVICE BRAKES

I WAS PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES PER HOUR. MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND TWO OF MY DASH LIGHTS ILLUMINATED (T/C (TRACTION CONTROL), AND BRAKE LIGHT, ALSO HAD THE READOUT "SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM". LUCKILY, I WAS ROLLING TO A STOP IN MY OWN DRIVEWAY AND AVOIDED HITTING MY OTHER PARKED CARS. I INSPECTED THE BRAKE SYSTEM AND FOUND THAT BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING BETWEEN THE ABS UNIT AND THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE (MORE SPECIFICALLY NEAR THE FUEL TANK) FROM THE METAL BRAKE LINE. THE BRAKE RESERVOIR WAS HALF FULL OF BRAKE FLUID AND COMPLETELY DRAINED WITHIN TEN MINUTES OF JUST SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY . I INSPECTED FROM WHAT I COULD SEE CONCERNING THE UNDERSIDE METAL BRAKE LINES; ALL BRAKE LINES ARE RUSTED AND BRITTLE AND WILL NEED REPLACED. *TR

Mileage: 150,000

20131227STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE IS A 2006 SUBURBAN Z71 4-WHEEL DRIVE, 1/2-TON SUV. ON MANY TAHOES, SUBURBANS AND OTHER GENERAL MOTORS SUV-TYPE VEHICLES, THE LIFT GATE ASSEMBLY CAN BECOME STUCK IN THE LOCKED POSITION OR IN THE UNLOCKED (UNSECURED) POSITION ANY TIME THE BATTERY HAS NO VOLTAGE. IN THE CASE OF IT BEING LOCKED, THE LIFT GATE HAS NO MANUAL MEANS OF BEING OPENED - NO KEY INSERTION LOCATION WHATSOEVER. (THIS APPLIES ALSO TO THE LIFT-GATE GLASS.) THIS IS INDEED A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RESOLVED MANY YEARS AGO. THIS COULD OCCUR IN A CRASH AS WELL AS ANY TIME THE BATTERY IS OLD OR HAS OTHERWISE LOST ITS CHARGE. ELDERLY FOLKS SHOULD NOT BE EXPECTED TO CLIMB OVER THE REAR SEATS TO RETRIEVE THINGS STORED 'IN THE BACK,' BUT EVEN IF THEY COULD GET BACK THERE, THERE IS NO INSIDE MANUAL OPENER MECHANISM TO OPEN THE REAR LIFT GLASS OR LIFT GATE. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN AN INFIRM PERSON MIGHT VERY WELL HAVE PLACED BABIES (OR PETS) IN THAT REAR COMPARTMENT AND IF IT IS NOT AB

Mileage: 90,000

20130403LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

LATCH/ LOCK JUST STOP WORKING, HAD TO CRAWL OVER SEAT AND TAP ON THE LATCH TO RELEASE TO OPEN. MAJORITY OF THE TIME I HAD NO SUCCESS IN OPENING LATCH TCH IS OPEN AND I DON'T HAVE A KEY TO UNLOCK OR TO LOCK. THE LATCH APPEARS TO BE DEFECTIVE. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

20121112POWER TRAIN

WOULD DRIVE FINE AT TIMES. WHEN RESTARTED, ENGINE WOULD LOSE POWER, VERY SLUGGISH, UNABLE TO PICK UP SPEED. ON DASH, MESSAGE WOULD READ 'SERVICE STABILITY'. TOOK TO OUR LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPAIR, THEY COULD NOT TELL ME WHY MESSAGE WOULD APPEAR, ABSOLUTELY CLUELESS TO THE PROBLEM. THEN TOOK MY VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC, HE STATED HE HAD FOUR OTHER GMC VEHICLES COME IN WITH THE SAME MESSAGE ON DASH. HE STATED IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE TRANSFER CASE. THAT'S MORE THAN WHAT THE DEALER SAID. MY MECHANIC STATED HE ATTEMPTED TO GET THE PART, BUT ITEM IS ON BACK ORDER FROM MANUFACTURER. DOES THIS INDICATE THAT MANY MANY MORE VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM? HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM FOR A WHILE. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES, WAY UNDER THE AMOUNT OF MILES FOR A VEHICLE 6 YEARS OLD. THIS HAS TO BE A DEFECT. PLEASE HELP!!!!! *TR

Mileage: 60,000

20120510STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY SUBURBAN Z71 WITH JUST OVER 95,500 MILES. THE REAR HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE LOCKING MECHANISM APPEARS TO HAVE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT, AND NO OTHER EVENT OCURRED. THE LOCK SIMPLY QUIT WORKING. NEITHER THE DOOR NOR THE GLASS WILL UNLOCK. THERE IS NO MANUAL WAY TO UNLOCK OR OPEN THE REAR DOOR WHEN THE POWER LOCKS ARE NOT WORKING. THERE IS NOT AN EMERGENCY RELEASE TO POP THE REAR DOOR OR GLASS IN CASE OF EMERGENCY. ALL OTHER DOORS ON THE VEHICLE ARE STILL FUNCTIONAL MANUALLY AND ELECTRONICALLY. NO FUSES HAVE FAILED. I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF A RECALL AND HAVE NOT FOLLOWED UP WITH THE DEALERSHIP OR A MECHANIC YET. IN 2006/2007 WE ALSO EXPERIENCED AN ODD ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT REPRODUCE. THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE AN OBVIOUS ELECTRICAL ODOR/BURNING SMELL AND VARIOUS LIGHTING FAILURES AFTER BEING IN HEAVY SNOW ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASSIONS. THE PROBLEM WAS LOGGED BUT NEVER OCCURRED AGAIN. *TR

Mileage: 95,500

20120510ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY SUBURBAN Z71 WITH JUST OVER 95,500 MILES. THE REAR HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE LOCKING MECHANISM APPEARS TO HAVE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT, AND NO OTHER EVENT OCURRED. THE LOCK SIMPLY QUIT WORKING. NEITHER THE DOOR NOR THE GLASS WILL UNLOCK. THERE IS NO MANUAL WAY TO UNLOCK OR OPEN THE REAR DOOR WHEN THE POWER LOCKS ARE NOT WORKING. THERE IS NOT AN EMERGENCY RELEASE TO POP THE REAR DOOR OR GLASS IN CASE OF EMERGENCY. ALL OTHER DOORS ON THE VEHICLE ARE STILL FUNCTIONAL MANUALLY AND ELECTRONICALLY. NO FUSES HAVE FAILED. I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF A RECALL AND HAVE NOT FOLLOWED UP WITH THE DEALERSHIP OR A MECHANIC YET. IN 2006/2007 WE ALSO EXPERIENCED AN ODD ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT REPRODUCE. THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE AN OBVIOUS ELECTRICAL ODOR/BURNING SMELL AND VARIOUS LIGHTING FAILURES AFTER BEING IN HEAVY SNOW ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASSIONS. THE PROBLEM WAS LOGGED BUT NEVER OCCURRED AGAIN. *TR

Mileage: 95,500

Compare 2006CHEVROLETSUBURBAN to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2006 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN have?
The 2006 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN has 33 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2006 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN?
Yes, the 2006 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN?
The most-complained component for the 2006 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN is LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES with 3 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STEERING and STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE.
Is the 2006 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.