VehicleVerdict

2006 GMC Sierra 1500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 sits mid-pack among Sierra 1500 years: 182 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 219, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 6 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 70 reports (39% of the total).

182

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

6

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Sierra 1500 years?

Sierra 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted1,025 complaints1994: 15 complaints1995: 3 complaints1996: 7 complaints1997: 100 complaints1998: 68 complaints1999: 182 complaints2000: 215 complaints2001: 171 complaints2002: 192 complaints2003: 210 complaints2004: 253 complaints2005: 218 complaints2006: 182 complaints2007: 310 complaints2008: 439 complaints2009: 280 complaints2010: 216 complaints2011: 362 complaints2012: 146 complaints2013: 147 complaints2014: 1,025 complaints2015: 923 complaints2016: 440 complaints2017: 472 complaints2018: 415 complaints2019: 856 complaints2020: 648 complaints2021: 704 complaints2022: 699 complaints2023: 542 complaints2024: 431 complaints2025: 141 complaints2026: 84 complaints
Sierra 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sierra 1500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes7038%
Electrical System2212%
Tires & Wheels137%
Transmission137%
Suspension105%
Body & Structure95%
Airbags95%
Engine84%
Fuel System84%
Steering63%
Lighting53%
Other32%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Speed Control11%
Seats11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Child Seat11%

Does the 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 have recalls?

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

07E106000Tires & WheelsDecember 17, 2007 · 130,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.

Consequence

WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.

06E050000BrakesJune 6, 2006 · 6,800 units

Defect

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL NATIONAL AND CARQUEST AFTERMARKET HUB ASSEMBLIES, P/N 515058, SOLD FOR USE ON 2001-2006 GENERAL MOTORS 1500 AND 2500 4WD TRUCKS. ON THE SUBJECT HUB ASSEMBLIES, THE ABS SENSOR CORD DEPARTS FROM THE HUB ASSEMBLY AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE. AS A RESULT, THERE IS A FIT ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE ROTOR DUST SHIELD INTERFERING WITH THE ABS SENSOR CORD. IF THE HUB ASSEMBLY IS INSTALLED DESPITE THIS INTERFERENCE, THE GAP BETWEEN THE ABS SENSOR AND THE TONE WHEEL MAY BE ALTERED. THIS MAY WEAKEN THE OUTPUT OF THE ABS SENSOR. DIMINISHED OUTPUT COULD RESULT IN AN UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS AND STOPPING DISTANCE COULD BE AFFECTED.

Consequence

IF STOPPING DISTANCE IS LIMITED, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY ITS OWNERS AND WILL EITHER CREDIT THE CUSTOMERS ACCOUNT OR REPLACE THE UNIT. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-563-8507 EXT 3530.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“MY WIFE WHILE DRIVING OUR 2006 GMC SIERRA WAS INVOLVED IN A T-BONE ACCIDENT. SHE WAS DRIVING SOUTH IN HER LANE AND WAS CUT OFF CAUSING HER TO HIT THE CAR THAT TURNED IN FRONT OF HER. SHE COULD NOT STOP IN TIME AND WHEN SHE HIT THE OTHER CAR HER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. SHE DIED FROM BROKEN RIBS THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 6, 2016 · crash

“THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR OVERHEATED AND MELTED THE WIRING HARNESS,ALMOST CAUSED A FIRE,BURNT MY FINGERS TRYING TO STOP IT FROM STARTING TO BURN,MY 7 YEAR OLD WAS WITH ME. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 5, 2010 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A NON-LEVELED SURFACE, IT ROLLED BACKWARDS INTO A RIVER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. AFTER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT CONCLUDED THAT THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT ENGAGE ITSELF INTO PARK, WHICH ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO SHIFT INTO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 12, 2009 · crash

“LOSS OF TRACTION ON WET ROAD , HIT ROCK CUT AT 50 MPH NO BRAKE NO ANTI-LOCK NO STEERING NO CONTROL . VERY THIN WATER ON ROAD DID NOT FELL SLICK AFTER CRASH BY HAND OR MY SHOES. 8JB ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 18, 2006 · crash

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WOBBLED FROM SIDE TO SIDE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WERE LOOSE AND NEEDED TO BE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 5, 2006

2006 GMC Sierra 1500 — common questions

Is the 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sierra 1500: 182 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2006 Sierra 1500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (70 complaints), electrical system (22 complaints), transmission (13 complaints).

Does the 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 GMC Sierra 1500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which GMC Sierra 1500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sierra 1500 years to avoid are 2014, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2020, 2023, 2017, 2016, 2008, 2024, 2018, 2011, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2012. The cleanest record among Sierra 1500 years belongs to 1995.

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.