RoadVitals

2006 Chevrolet Suburban

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
23
Latest Aug 8, 2022
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Dec 7, 2005
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 23 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban, most frequently naming the body & structure, interior & seats and driver assistance categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 779 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Body & structure515.2%
  • Interior & seats515.2%
  • Driver assistance39.1%
  • Electrical39.1%
  • Airbags39.1%
  • Brakes39.1%
  • Other / unspecified39.1%
  • Steering39.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Dec 7, 2005
32,068 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 05109View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

AirbagsElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Aug 8, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID
11478146
Incident
Apr 30, 2022
Brakes
Filed Feb 28, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID
11454497
Incident
Feb 28, 2022
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Aug 20, 2021
Fire reported

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.

NHTSA ID
11429880
Incident
Aug 15, 2021
Airbags
Filed May 28, 2019

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.

NHTSA ID
11210451
Incident
May 27, 2016
Mileage
80,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Mar 18, 2019

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).

NHTSA ID
11187432
Incident
Mar 15, 2019
Mileage
180,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSteeringSuspension
Filed Jun 7, 2017

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.

NHTSA ID
10993754
Incident
May 6, 2015
Mileage
55,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Mar 22, 2017

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.

NHTSA ID
10967852
Incident
May 2, 2016
Mileage
130,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedPowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 13, 2015

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.

NHTSA ID
10790233
Incident
Oct 1, 2011
Mileage
50,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIP5601C

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

PIT5074R

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

PIT5074R

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

PIT5074R

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

23-NA-001

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.

PIP5358D

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Suburban by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2024371358.1
20231143364.8
20221064365.9
202118412468.5
2020424060.2
2019763058.4
2018814055.0
20171415058.2
20162176159.1
201542811159.8
2014593151.2
20131184151.9
20121014151.9
20111483152.3
20101173150.1
20091065149.6
20082134150.9
20072914157.5
2006Viewing231034.1
20051297046.7
20042046158.1
20033017663.8
20022864862.9
200144081163.3
2000282111063.5
19996342660.4
19982013153.3
19974143559.7
19963604762.6
19954577865.9
19948586469.4
19934992367.2
19921895269.6
1991524160.8
1990544162.0
1989624162.9
1988304049.0
1987181050.7
1986701
1985901
1984601
1983300
1982110
1981110
1979100
1978300
1977200

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.