RoadVitals

2006 Chevrolet Suburban Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Body & structure515.2%
  • Interior & seats515.2%
  • Driver assistance39.1%
  • Electrical39.1%
  • Airbags39.1%
  • Brakes39.1%
  • Other / unspecified39.1%
  • Steering39.1%
  • Powertrain (other)26.1%
  • Suspension13.0%
  • Engine13.0%
  • Exterior lighting13.0%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ABLE TO BE OPENED, AN EXTREME HAZARD COULD OCCUR. FURTHERMORE, REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LAMPS, PARKING LAMPS, AND SIGNAL LAMPS FOR THE REAR ARE ALL IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO OPEN THE REAR LIFT-GATE. SIMPLY PUT, THERE SHOULD BE A MANUAL METHOD FOR OPENING THE LIFT GLASS AND THE LIFT GATE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10557419 · filed Dec 27, 2013

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

NHTSA ID 10458071 · filed May 10, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 8, 2022

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

NHTSA ID 10507010 · filed Apr 3, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

STABILITY SYSTEM INDICATOR/TRACTION ACTIVE/TRACTION CONTROL INDICATOR COME ON WHEN MAKING LEFT HAND TURN SOMETIMES VEHICLE STALLS WHEN ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED AND "TRACTION ACTIVE" WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE DIC. DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS A "WHEEL HUB SENSOR". REPLACED LEFT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY, STILL HAVE SAME ISSUE. IN WORK ON REPLACING RIGHT HAND WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY TO SEE IF THIS CORRECTS ISSUE, BUT BY THE LOOK OF SOME OF THE OTHER RESPONSES IT WILL NOT. NEED A RECALL IF THIS IS HAPPENING, POSSIBLE LIFE THREATENING SITUATION IF CAR STALLS WHEN TURNING THROUGH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR

NHTSA ID 10456128 · filed Apr 23, 2012

STABILITY SYSTEM WAS DISABLED WITH ENCODER ACTUATOR HAVING NO COMMUNICATION. NEEDED TO REPLACE TRANSFER CASE TWO/FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ACTUATOR. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE IN MONTHS AND RANDOMLY "FRIED." *JS

NHTSA ID 10455584 · filed Apr 17, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 8, 2022

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 · filed Aug 20, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 8, 2022

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 · filed May 28, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 28, 2022

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 · filed Mar 18, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 7, 2017

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 · filed Nov 13, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 7, 2017

STABILITY SYSTEM INDICATOR/TRACTION ACTIVE/TRACTION CONTROL INDICATOR COME ON WHEN MAKING LEFT HAND TURN SOMETIMES VEHICLE STALLS WHEN ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED AND "TRACTION ACTIVE" WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE DIC. DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS A "WHEEL HUB SENSOR". REPLACED LEFT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY, STILL HAVE SAME ISSUE. IN WORK ON REPLACING RIGHT HAND WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY TO SEE IF THIS CORRECTS ISSUE, BUT BY THE LOOK OF SOME OF THE OTHER RESPONSES IT WILL NOT. NEED A RECALL IF THIS IS HAPPENING, POSSIBLE LIFE THREATENING SITUATION IF CAR STALLS WHEN TURNING THROUGH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR

NHTSA ID 10456128 · filed Apr 23, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Nov 13, 2015

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

NHTSA ID 10484049 · filed Nov 12, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 7, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

STABILITY SYSTEM INDICATOR/TRACTION ACTIVE/TRACTION CONTROL INDICATOR COME ON WHEN MAKING LEFT HAND TURN SOMETIMES VEHICLE STALLS WHEN ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED AND "TRACTION ACTIVE" WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE DIC. DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS A "WHEEL HUB SENSOR". REPLACED LEFT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY, STILL HAVE SAME ISSUE. IN WORK ON REPLACING RIGHT HAND WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY TO SEE IF THIS CORRECTS ISSUE, BUT BY THE LOOK OF SOME OF THE OTHER RESPONSES IT WILL NOT. NEED A RECALL IF THIS IS HAPPENING, POSSIBLE LIFE THREATENING SITUATION IF CAR STALLS WHEN TURNING THROUGH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR

NHTSA ID 10456128 · filed Apr 23, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 20, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .