VehicleVerdict

2006 GMC Envoy problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 469 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 11.4 times the median Envoy year — the 2006 model ranks #5 of 15 Envoy years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 182 reports (39% of the total).

469

NHTSA complaints

9

Recalls

3

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

32

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Envoy years?

Envoy NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted682 complaints1995: 1 complaints1996: 3 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 24 complaints1999: 13 complaints2000: 41 complaints2001: 10 complaints2002: 626 complaints2003: 510 complaints2004: 483 complaints2005: 682 complaints2006: 469 complaints2007: 285 complaints2008: 102 complaints2009: 25 complaints
Envoy NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Envoy years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 GMC Envoy problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System18239%
Electrical System10522%
Lighting5011%
Visibility & Wipers337%
Engine276%
Other153%
Steering133%
Transmission123%
Airbags92%
Brakes61%
Body & Structure51%
Suspension41%
Tires & Wheels31%
Speed Control20%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)20%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2006 GMC Envoy have recalls?

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

15V599000Visibility & WipersSeptember 24, 2015 · 9,932 units

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

15V519000LightingAugust 14, 2015 · 429,170 units

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

14V404000Visibility & WipersJuly 2, 2014 · 184,611 units

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

13V248000Visibility & WipersJune 13, 2013 · 193,652 units

Defect

General Motors (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 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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Owners will be contacted and dealers will test the driver's door module. If the module is functioning properly, a protective coating will be applied. If the module is not functioning properly, it will be replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. GM will notify Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners, Isuzu and Saab will contact their respective owners. The recall began on August 2, 2013. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463, Isuzu owners at 1-800-255-6727, and Saab owners at 1-800-955-9007. GM's campaign number is 12180. This recall is an expansion of recall 12V-406.

12V406000Visibility & WipersAugust 16, 2012 · 278,174 units

Defect

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, SAAB 9-7x, and Isuzu Ascender vehicles, originally sold or currently registered in 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. Fluid may enter the driver's door 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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Parts for this recall are expected to available in March 2013. GM will notify Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners when parts are available. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, and GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463. Isuzu owners will be notified by Isuzu Motors when parts are available. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727. SAAB owners will be notified by SAAB Cars North America when parts are available and for inquiries, owners may call SAAB customer service at 1-800-955-9007.

07E014000LightingFebruary 26, 2007 · 308 units

Defect

CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NO 335-1120L-AS, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE LAMP HOUSING SHAPE DEFORMED DISTORTING THE ASSEMBLY ANGLE OF THE REFLECTOR AND INFLUENCED THE AIMING POSITION. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT 909-822-3288.

06V417000AirbagsOctober 31, 2006 · 794 units

Defect

CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.

Consequence

IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, A FRONT PASSENGER'S LEVEL OF INJURY MAY BE INCREASED.

Remedy

BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-877-477-1022 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPURCHASING THEIR VEHICLE.

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.

05V455000SteeringOctober 5, 2005 · 123,592 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A POWER STEERING HOSE THAT IS NOT TO SPECIFICATION. UNDER EXTREME STEERING MANEUVERS, SUCH AS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL FULLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE BRAKING, THE HOSE MAY FRACTURE AND LEAK FLUID.

Consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, POWER STEERING ASSIST WOULD BE LOST AND INCREASED STEERING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRO-BOOST POWER BRAKES, IT COULD ALSO RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND INCREASED BRAKING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED. IF THE POWER STEERING FLUID SPRAY WERE TO SPRAY ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER STEERING HOSE(S) FOR TWO SUSPECT DATE CODES AND REPLACE THEM IF REQUIRED. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

I OWN A 2006 GMC ENVOY. THE GAS GAUGE IS READING EMPTY EVEN WHEN IT IS FULL. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND FOUND MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IF I RUN OUT OF GAS WHILE DRIVING IT COULD RESULT IN A REAR END COLLISION. NOT TO MENTION THAT THIS CAR IS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 2, 2011

BOTH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS AND HIGH BEAMS CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. WAS PULLED OVER FOR DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT. WIRES IN PASSENGER HEADLIGHT MELTED, DIDNT CHECK DRIVERS SIDE. THERE ARE RECALLS ON THE 06 ENVOY HEADLIGHTS, BUT I WAS INFORMED THAT IT DOESNT APPLY TO MY VIN. EVEN THOUGH I AM…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 28, 2020 · crash · fire

BOTH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS AND HIGH BEAMS CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. WAS PULLED OVER FOR DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT. WIRES IN PASSENGER HEADLIGHT MELTED, DIDNT CHECK DRIVERS SIDE. THERE ARE RECALLS ON THE 06 ENVOY HEADLIGHTS, BUT I WAS INFORMED THAT IT DOESNT APPLY TO MY VIN. EVEN THOUGH I AM…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · June 28, 2020 · crash · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 GMC ENVOY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ACTIVATED, A STRONG BURNING ODOR EMITTED THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. SUDDENLY THE HEATER BLOWER FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BUT LATER DISCOVERED THAT THE HEATER BLOWER…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 28, 2012 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 GMC ENVOY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE ESCAPING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER UNIT. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE, LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE RESISTER AND MOTOR WIRES WERE MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 19, 2011 · fire

2006 GMC Envoy — common questions

Is the 2006 GMC Envoy reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 469 complaints put the 2006 model at #5 of 15 Envoy years. It is one of the Envoy years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 Envoy problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (182 complaints), electrical system (105 complaints), lighting (50 complaints).

Does the 2006 GMC Envoy have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 GMC Envoy. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 GMC Envoy under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which GMC Envoy years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Envoy years to avoid are 2005, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008. The cleanest record among Envoy years belongs to 1997.

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.