VehicleVerdict

2006 Chevrolet Avalanche problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 14 complaints on file for the 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

14

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Avalanche years?

Avalanche NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted562 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 2 complaints2001: 2 complaints2002: 562 complaints2003: 238 complaints2004: 202 complaints2005: 85 complaints2006: 14 complaints2007: 493 complaints2008: 323 complaints2009: 96 complaints2010: 147 complaints2011: 161 complaints2012: 43 complaints2013: 105 complaints
Avalanche NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Avalanche years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission429%
Brakes214%
Engine17%
Fuel System17%
Airbags17%
Other17%
Speed Control17%
Body & Structure17%
Lighting17%
Electrical System17%

Does the 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

05V552000OtherDecember 7, 2005 · 32,068 units

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS DRIVING ALONG AT 60 MPH AND LIGHTLY ACCELERATED AND HEARD A CLUNK. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE ALONG AND SLOWED DOWN TO EXIT OFF THE INTERSTATE. THEN WHEN GOT OFF THE INTERSTATE AND CAME UP TO A GREEN ARROW AND TURNED LEFT. THEN AS SOON AS I ACCELERATED AT 25 MPH, I FELT THE TRANSMISSION GO OUT AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 30, 2011

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND COMING TO A STOP, THE BRAKE LINE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 12, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR AND THAT FUEL WAS NOTICED LEAKING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE HOSE WAS RUBBING IN THE FUEL TANK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 30, 2015

“DRIVING 35MPH ON DRY ROAD. 2WD JUMP OUT OF GEAR ACTED LIKE WENT INTO NEUTRAL I HAD NO DRIVE OR ANY OF MY GEARS CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WITH NO WARNING. WENT TO PUT IN PARK IT GRIND WITH LOUD NOISE. ONLY WAY TO GET TRUCK TO MOVE WAS TO PUT IN 4WD ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 21, 2015

“DRIVING 35MPH ON DRY ROAD. 2WD JUMP OUT OF GEAR ACTED LIKE WENT INTO NEUTRAL I HAD NO DRIVE OR ANY OF MY GEARS CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WITH NO WARNING. WENT TO PUT IN PARK IT GRIND WITH LOUD NOISE. ONLY WAY TO GET TRUCK TO MOVE WAS TO PUT IN 4WD ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 21, 2015

2006 Chevrolet Avalanche — common questions

Is the 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche reliable?

The record is thin — 14 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2006 Avalanche problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (4 complaints), brakes (2 complaints), airbags (1 complaints).

Does the 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Avalanche years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Avalanche years to avoid are 2002, 2007, 2008, 2003, 2004, 2011, 2010, 2013, 2009, 2012. The cleanest record among Avalanche years belongs to 1999.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.