2006 GMC Sierra 2500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2006 GMC Sierra 2500 sits mid-pack among Sierra 2500 years: 78 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 57, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 30 reports (39% of the total).

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Sierra 2500 years?

Sierra 2500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sierra 2500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 GMC Sierra 2500 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Brakes	30	38%	▼ down
Transmission	12	15%	▲ up
Steering	10	13%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	7	9%	— flat
Engine	5	6%	▼ down
Electrical System	4	5%	▼ down
Airbags	3	4%	— flat
Suspension	2	3%	▼ down
Fuel System	2	3%	▼ down
Body & Structure	1	1%	▼ down
Latches & Locks	1	1%	▼ down
Visibility & Wipers	1	1%	— flat

Does the 2006 GMC Sierra 2500 have recalls?

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

08V519000OtherOctober 6, 2008 · 133 units

Defect

MOBILITYWORKS IS RECALLING 133 MY 2005-2006 FORD E250, MY 2000, 2004-2006 E350, MY 2000, 2005 E450, MY 2005-2006 GMC 2500, GMC 3500, AND MY 2006 DODGE 2500 VANS EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, "PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES." THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.

Consequence

A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy

MOBILITYWORKS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR MOBILITYWORKS AT 1-800-769-8267.

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.

06E010000SteeringFebruary 1, 2006 · 1,360 units

Defect

CERTAIN FABTECH AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS71000 AND FTS71001, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2001-2006 GM C/K 2500 PICK UP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE PIN LOCATED INSIDE THE PITMAN ARM CAN SHEAR OFF DUE TO A REVERSE BENDING FATIGUE CONDITION, RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Consequence

LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH WITH POTENTIAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

FABTECH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PITMAN AND IDLER ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FABTECH AT 909-597-7800.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I HAVE A 2006 GMC SIERRA 2500 HD WITH 32000 MILES. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES AND ROTORS TWICE BECAUSE THEY HAVE RUSTED AND ROTTED AWAY. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY EXHAUST BECAUSE OF RUST AND THE ENTIRE UNDER CARRIAGE AND FRAME ARE HEAVILY RUSTED. I HAVE JUST RECENTLY NOTICED THAT THERE IS EVEN…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 2, 2009

“THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP. AT TIMES, I HAD TO STOP THE TRUCK AND PUT IN PARK BEFORE IT WOULD ENGAGE IN DRIVE. FINALLY IT LOST ALL BUT 1ST GEAR. TOOK TO DEALER AND TORQUE CONVERTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. GMC MADE ME PAY HALF THE $3200 REPAIR. I DO NOT LIVE IN A COLD CLIMATE. A HEAVY DUTY TRUCK…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 12, 2013

“MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND I SEE THEIR IS A RECALL FOR THE PITMAN ARM THAT CAN CAUSE TOTAL LOSS IF STEERING AND THAT IS WHAT HAPPENED TO ME”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 18, 2019 · crash

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL VALVE SYSTEM BLISTERED CAUSING AN AIR LEAK. THE CONTACT CHANGED THE TIRE AND THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND WAS IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 25, 2006 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 GMC SIERRA 2500 HD. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND SMELLED BURNING COOLANT AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE BEGAN TO RAPIDLY INCREASE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICED THE ENGINE OVERHEATING WITH COMPLETE LOSS OF COOLANT. IMMEDIATELY, WATER WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 7, 2011 · fire

2006 GMC Sierra 2500 — common questions

Is the 2006 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sierra 2500: 78 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2006 Sierra 2500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (30 complaints), transmission (12 complaints), steering (10 complaints).

Does the 2006 GMC Sierra 2500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 GMC Sierra 2500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which GMC Sierra 2500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sierra 2500 years to avoid are 2003, 2004, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2024, 2020, 2015, 2007, 2011, 2008, 2013, 2012, 2014, 2009, 2010. The cleanest record among Sierra 2500 years belongs to 1994.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2006 compare to other Sierra 2500 years?

What are the most common 2006 GMC Sierra 2500 problems?

Does the 2006 GMC Sierra 2500 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2006 GMC Sierra 2500 — common questions

Is the 2006 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?

What are the most common 2006 Sierra 2500 problems?

Does the 2006 GMC Sierra 2500 have recalls?

Which GMC Sierra 2500 years should you avoid?

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