RoadVitals

2006 GMC Envoy Xl

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.
109
Latest May 30, 2019
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.
5
Latest Sep 24, 2015
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.
3
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.
5
4 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 109 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 GMC Envoy Xl, most frequently naming the fuel system, electrical and visibility categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 3 NHTSA investigations name it; and 646 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

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

5 campaigns 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

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

Sep 24, 2015
9,932 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer and GMC Envoy vehicles, and 2006 GMC Envoy XL and Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT vehicles. Fluid may enter into the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board, causing window switches to become inoperative. Previously, the affected vehicles may have had their master power window switch module treated with a protective coating, instead of having it replaced.
The risk: The protective coating may not eliminate the risk that the circuit board could short and result in a fire, even while the vehicle is unattended.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a new driver's door switch module, free of charge. The recall began on November 2, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 15700.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 15700View on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Aug 14, 2015
429,170 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.
The risk: Headlamps that do not illuminate reduce the driver's ability to see the roadway and reduce the vehicle's visibility to oncoming vehicles, both of which increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14291.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 14291View on NHTSA.gov

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

Jul 2, 2014
184,611 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.
The risk: A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the part number on the door module, and install a new door module if necessary, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. An interim letter was mailed to owners in August 2014. A second owner letter will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-955-9007 (SAAB), and 1-800-255-6727 (Isuzu). GM's number for this recall is 14309. NOTE: This recall provides a new remedy for all vehicles covered by recall 13V-248. Vehicles whose modules were modified but not replaced as part of the previous recall remedy must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 14309View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RQ17002ClosedRecall Query

Loss of Headlights

Opened Apr 24, 2017
Closed Mar 29, 2021

The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
EA12004ClosedEngineering Analysis

Driver's Master Power Window Switch

Opened Jun 11, 2012
Closed Jun 21, 2013

On August 15, 2012 General Motors (GM) announced a regional recall action (12V-406) involving model year (MY) 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Isuzu Ascender and MY2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the salt belt states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The recall remedy requires the inspection and repair or replacement of the master power window switch, which GM refers to as a driver door module (DDM). At the same time, GM implemented a special coverage program to replace failed DDMs for vehicles registered outside of these states. ODI was not satisfied with GM's exclusion of non-salt belt vehicles and continued its investigation. On June 13, 2013, GM submitted a related recall notification (13V-248) to reclassify the initial special coverage program into a safety recall for vehicles that were not previously repaired under special coverage.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis EA12-004 on June 11, 2012 to further investigate allegations of DDM thermal incidents in model year (MY) 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. Thermal incidents involve cases where fire-related events such as smoke and melt are present. ODI has received 170 reports alleging a thermal event occurred. Complainants stated that the DDM melted and in some cases produced odor and/or smoke. Fourteen of these incidents led to a fire where visible flames were reported or the damage extended significantly beyond the DDM. In addition to the 170 reports listed above, ODI received 63 reports alleging the DDM acted erratically or became inoperative. In response to ODI's Information Request (IR), GM provided 619 unique consumer complaints that related to the alleged problem. Seventy-seven of those reports led to a fire with flame, and 4 reported injuries of smoke inhalation and/or slight burns from contact with hot switches. GM also submitted 20,400 warranty claims for replacement of the DDM, most of which involved inoperative switches. The problem condition is caused by fluids, such as rain water, entering the driver's door module and subsequently causing corrosion that could result in an electrical short in the printed circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. However, the electrical short may also cause overheating that could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke or in some cases fire with flame. The circuit board was redesigned and GM implemented the new design into vehicle production on May 14, 2007. All failures cited above occurred in vehicles produced before this build date (i.e., with the original design DDM). GM also reported that all MY 2006-2007 GMT360/370 platform vehicles and MY 2005 SAAB 9-7x vehicles utilized the same DDM and therefore ODI expanded the subject population to include these vehicles.This investigation is closed on the basis of GM's announcement of safety recalls 12V-406 and 13V-248. The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID, see the attached list for ODI numbers.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMLed to recall 12V406000
DP10001ClosedDefect Petition

Fuel Level Gauge System Failure

Opened Jan 7, 2010
Closed May 23, 2011

The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank. One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.Summarily, the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

Recent owner complaints

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

AirbagsBody & structureSeat belts
Filed May 30, 2019
Crash reported3 injuries reported

ON HIGHWAY US-31 IN MUSKEGON COUNTY MICHIGAN, VEHICLE (ENVOY) WAS AT ALMOST A COMPLETE STOP FOR A VEHICLE STOPPED AHEAD WHEN STRUCK FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELLING AT 70+ MPH. THE ENVOY WAS THEN PUSHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THE ENVOY. THE ENVOY SUFFERED MAJOR REAR END DAMAGE AND SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE. NONE OF THE FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. BOTH FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATBELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN. THE SEATBELTS STRETCHED OUT TO THEIR LIMIT. BOTH FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT AND PASSENGER SEAT TWISTED INWARDS TOWARD THE CONSOLE. SEVERE BODILY INJURIES OCCURRED. ON 08/23/2018, GMC WAS MADE AWARE OF THIS. A CASE WAS OPENED. THE EVENT DATA RECORDER WAS RECOVERED BY GMC. THE EDR SHOWED THE IMPACT VELOCITY, NON-DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS AND NON-RESTRAINT OF SEATBELTS. GMC THEN CLOSED THE CASE STATING THAT BECAUSE THERE WAS NO TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY, THERE WOULD BE NO FURTHER INVESTIGATION OR COMPENSATION. THE 2006 GMC ENVOY WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS BY THE AUTO INSURER.

NHTSA ID
11210852
Incident
Aug 21, 2018
Mileage
160,000 mi
Driver assistanceFuel systemSteering
Filed May 7, 2019

STEERING WHEEL LOCKS. IT CANNOT BE TURNED TO THE RIGHT AS IT WILL CAUSE THE ENTIRE CARE TO SWERVE. WHEN REVERSING THE CAR TURNS IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF WHERE YOU ARE TURNING. I'M BACKING INTO TRAFFIC AND HAVE TO MANUALLY PULL THE STEERING WHEEL AS IF THERE IS A POWER STEERING ISSUE. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON DAY AFTER PURCHASE INDICATING I NEED CATALYST CONVERTER AND SENSOR. NO WAY TO PREDICT WHICH WAY THE CAR WILL TURN. IF I HIT A BUMP THE CAR SWERVES TO THE RIGHT CAUSING ME TO SWERVE INTO NEXT LANE. IN MOTION I AM CONSTANTLY SWERVING INTO DANGER.

NHTSA ID
11206098
Incident
Mar 27, 2019
Electrical
Filed May 1, 2019

2006 GMC ENVOY ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING CODE PO601 FIND OUT IT'S THE PCM

NHTSA ID
11204939
Incident
Aug 15, 2018
Mileage
198,000 mi
Exterior lightingOther / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Feb 5, 2018
Crash reported

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE WITH NEW TIRES ON IT. EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR WAS STARTING ON THE DRIVERS SIDE TIRE BEFORE THE YEAR MARK OF ME PURCHASING IT. THERE WAS NO RECALLS OPEN ON THAT TIME THAT WE COULD FIND. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FOG LIGHTS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. IT HAD ELECTRICAL SHORT THAT NO ONE SEEMED TO FIND AND THERE WAS NO WAY TO LOCATE WITHOUT EXPENSIVE DIAGNOSTIC TIME. WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALER ABOUT RECALLS THEY INFORMED ME THE ONLY OPEN WAS A WINDOW SWITCH. AFTER A FRONT END ACCIDENT AT 30 MPH THE TIRE BLEW OUT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE ON IMPACT. I WAS INFORMED IN MY ESTIMATE THAT THERE WAS A OPEN RECALL WHICH COULD LEAD TO INCORRECT RIM SELECTION / TIRES FOR THE CAR CAUSING AIR LEAKAGE AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT. IF I HAD KNOWN THIS BEFORE HAND MAYBE THIS COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED!

NHTSA ID
11067043
Incident
Jan 28, 2018
Mileage
189,000 mi
Body & structureVisibility
Filed Nov 27, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 GMC ENVOY XL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR SWITCH FAILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V599000 (VISIBILITY). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CITY BUICK GMC (43-60 NORTHERN BLVD, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101 AT (347) 670-4210) AND REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONTAL DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR SWITCH WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A SECOND OPINION WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,000.

NHTSA ID
11048558
Incident
Oct 30, 2017
Mileage
161,000 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed May 6, 2017

I AM SO SICK OF MY 06 GMC ENVOY XL. I TRULY GIVE UP. I HAD THE STABILITRAK AND REDUCED ENGINE LIGHT COME ON MY CAR FOR FIVE MONTHS. I HAVE REPLACED THE STEERING WHEEL SENSOR, THE THROTTLE BODY, AND HAD THE RELEARN THE IDLE THING DONE, TO NO AVAIL. THIS MAKES MY FOURTH TIME GOING TO THE DEALER, BECAUSE I THOUGHT THEY COULD FIX IT. I HAVE ALWAYS BOUGHT GM. IF GOD BLESSES ME WITH ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO BUY A CAR, IT WILL NOT BE A GM. IT THROWS MY CAR OFF. I'VE HAD TO PULL OVER AND START THE CAR OVER A THOUSAND TIMES. I'VE SEEN MANY FORUMS ONLINE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, BUT THERE IS NO RECALL? I'VE EVEN CALLED GM. I STILL HAD TO PAY MONEY. RESETTING THE COMPUTER HAS DONE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. JUST WANTED TO RANT, BECAUSE BESIDES GIVING ME SOME OF MY MONEY BACK (TO THE TUNE OF A GRAND), WHAT CAN I DO?

NHTSA ID
10983824
Incident
May 6, 2017
Mileage
181,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Sep 13, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 GMC ENVOY XL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE POWER WINDOW SWITCH FAILED TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V404000 (VISIBILITY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V599000 (VISIBILITY). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

NHTSA ID
10906097
Incident
Sep 10, 2016
Mileage
170,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 25, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 GMC ENVOY XL. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ORDER TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO JUMPSTART THE BATTERY. SHORTLY AFTER CHARGING THE BATTERY, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

NHTSA ID
10888234
Incident
Jul 25, 2016
Mileage
123,000 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.

02-00-89-002X

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).

PIT3271P

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.

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

GMC Envoy Xl by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2006Viewing1095357.2
20041871447.9
20032283659.8
2002703555.8

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.