VehicleVerdict

2006 Chevrolet Uplander problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2006 Chevrolet Uplander sits mid-pack among Uplander years: 275 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 195, with 4 recalls and 2 closed investigations. Complainants reported 22 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (51), body & structure (34), and brakes (29), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

275

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

22

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Uplander years?

Uplander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted293 complaints2005: 293 complaints2006: 275 complaints2007: 155 complaints2008: 195 complaints2009: 5 complaints
Uplander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Uplander years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Chevrolet Uplander problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System5119%
Body & Structure3412%
Brakes2911%
Steering2810%
Suspension238%
Fuel System207%
Latches & Locks155%
Tires & Wheels145%
Lighting135%
Transmission104%
Other93%
Airbags73%
Engine73%
Seat Belts41%
Visibility & Wipers41%
Speed Control31%
Driver Assistance21%
Seats10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2006 Chevrolet Uplander have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10V110000SuspensionMarch 19, 2010 · 5,375 units

Defect

THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.

Consequence

A SQUEAKING OR CLUNKING NOISE MAY DEVELOP. THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING THE REAR AXLE TO BECOME PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WILL HAVE A SUPPLY OF RETROFIT PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN AT 1-800-488-0359.

09E005000SteeringFebruary 17, 2009 · 979 units

Defect

DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

Consequence

A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.

06V051000OtherFebruary 15, 2006 · 291 units

Defect

CERTAIN CARGO VANS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS" AND NO. 120. "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." THESE CARGO VANS WERE SHIPPED WITHOUT A TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS BECAUSE THEY WERE INCORRECTLY DESIGNATED AS INCOMPLETE VEHICLES.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE PROPER LABELS, OWNERS MAY BE UNAWARE OF THE CORRECT TIRE SIZE AND MAY OVERLOAD THESE VEHICLES.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS AND CERTIFICATION LABELS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN PERFORM THE INSTALLATION FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

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.

“A DEER RAN ACROSS THE ROAD. IN AN EFFORT TO AVOID A COLLISION, MY WIFE SWERVED BUT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPIN AROUND AND SHE COULD NOT CONTROL IT BY COUNTER STEERING. MY WIFE STRUCK A POST SIDEWAY ON DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOST BY CALIFORNIA INSURANCE WHO HAS THE VEHICLE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 10, 2013 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET UPLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SLIDING DOOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OCCASIONALLY OPENED AUTOMATICALLY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TAKEN TO THE DEALER.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 1, 2012

“SERVICE ABS LIGHT STAYS ON.WE HAVE HAD THE VAN IN FOR SERVICE NOW OVER SEVEN TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM,THE LAST ONE BEING TODAY...08/21/2009. IT STILL IS NOT FIXED. IT OCCURS WHEN WE HAVE THREE PEOPLE IN THE VAN WITH THE THIRD SITTING BEHIND THE DRIVER. NUMEROUS SENSORS, HUBS, AND WIRING HARNESS' HAVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 21, 2009

“A DEER RAN ACROSS THE ROAD. IN AN EFFORT TO AVOID A COLLISION, MY WIFE SWERVED BUT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPIN AROUND AND SHE COULD NOT CONTROL IT BY COUNTER STEERING. MY WIFE STRUCK A POST SIDEWAY ON DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOST BY CALIFORNIA INSURANCE WHO HAS THE VEHICLE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 10, 2013 · crash

“A DEER RAN ACROSS THE ROAD. IN AN EFFORT TO AVOID A COLLISION, MY WIFE SWERVED BUT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPIN AROUND AND SHE COULD NOT CONTROL IT BY COUNTER STEERING. MY WIFE STRUCK A POST SIDEWAY ON DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOST BY CALIFORNIA INSURANCE WHO HAS THE VEHICLE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 10, 2013 · crash

2006 Chevrolet Uplander — common questions

Is the 2006 Chevrolet Uplander reliable?

It is close to typical for the Uplander: 275 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2006 Uplander problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (51 complaints), body & structure (34 complaints), brakes (29 complaints).

Does the 2006 Chevrolet Uplander have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Chevrolet Uplander. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 Chevrolet Uplander under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Uplander years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Uplander years to avoid are 2005. The cleanest record among Uplander years belongs to 2009.

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.