VehicleVerdict

2006 Chevrolet Suburban problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2006 Chevrolet Suburban is among the quieter years of the Suburban on NHTSA's books: 33 complaints (78% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (8), body & structure (5), and latches & locks (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

33

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Suburban years?

Suburban NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted1,038 complaints1977: 3 complaints1978: 3 complaints1979: 1 complaints1981: 1 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 4 complaints1984: 6 complaints1985: 12 complaints1986: 7 complaints1987: 21 complaints1988: 35 complaints1989: 68 complaints1990: 67 complaints1991: 65 complaints1992: 226 complaints1993: 616 complaints1994: 1,038 complaints1995: 587 complaints1996: 531 complaints1997: 556 complaints1998: 299 complaints1999: 861 complaints2000: 382 complaints2001: 543 complaints2002: 352 complaints2003: 361 complaints2004: 265 complaints2005: 161 complaints2006: 33 complaints2007: 358 complaints2008: 276 complaints2009: 133 complaints2010: 161 complaints2011: 193 complaints2012: 139 complaints2013: 170 complaints2014: 77 complaints2015: 588 complaints2016: 297 complaints2017: 184 complaints2018: 111 complaints2019: 92 complaints2020: 60 complaints2021: 241 complaints2022: 149 complaints2023: 140 complaints2024: 50 complaints
Suburban NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Suburban years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Chevrolet Suburban problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System824%
Body & Structure515%
Latches & Locks412%
Steering39%
Brakes39%
Airbags39%
Transmission26%
Seats13%
Lighting13%
Suspension13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Engine13%

Does the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban 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.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 15, 2021 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE KEY WOULD ALSO NOT ALLOW THE LIFTGATE TO BE OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER NOR WAS THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 17, 2011

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · May 1, 2012

“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 [PHONE], AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY NEVER HEARD OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 6, 2015

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 27, 2016

2006 Chevrolet Suburban — common questions

Is the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 33 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Suburban year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2006 Suburban problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (8 complaints), body & structure (5 complaints), latches & locks (4 complaints).

Does the 2006 Chevrolet Suburban have recalls?

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

Which Chevrolet Suburban years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Suburban years to avoid are 1994, 1999, 1993, 2015, 1995, 1997, 2001, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2002, 1998, 2016, 2008, 2004, 2021, 1992, 2011, 2013, 2010, 2022, 2023, 2012, 2009, 2014, 2024. The cleanest record among Suburban years belongs to 1982.

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.