2006 Chevrolet Suburban Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .