VehicleVerdict

2006 GMC Sierra Denali problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2006 GMC Sierra Denali — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Sierra Denali years?

Sierra Denali NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted46 complaints2002: 17 complaints2004: 15 complaints2005: 5 complaints2006: 5 complaints2007: 2 complaints2008: 21 complaints2009: 8 complaints2010: 12 complaints2011: 40 complaints2012: 15 complaints2013: 10 complaints2014: 19 complaints2015: 24 complaints2016: 42 complaints2017: 15 complaints2018: 26 complaints2019: 46 complaints2020: 10 complaints
Sierra Denali NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sierra Denali years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 GMC Sierra Denali problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes240%
Fuel System120%
Steering120%
Transmission120%

Does the 2006 GMC Sierra Denali have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“2006 SIERRA DENALI WITH JUST OVER 75,000 MILES. WITH 1/2 BLOCK WARNING AND ONLY TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF 20MPH, I WAS UNABLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ALL OF THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WHEN I RAN INTO A VAN IN THE INTERSECTION. I FELT VERY LITTLE RESISTANCE FROM THE PEDAL AND THE ABS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 2, 2010 · crash

“THE VIN NUMBER IS COMING UP AS A 2006 GMC SAVANNA ON YOUR SITE SAFECAR.GOV UNDER RECALL LOOKUP BY VIN. IT SHOULD BE 2006 GMC SIERRA DENALI 1500 TRUCK.I WOULD LIKE IT CORRECTED IF POSSIBLE SO I CAN SEE CURRENT RECALLS. THANK YOU *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 16, 2015

“FRONT DIFFERENTIAL VIBRATION/NOISE AT 47-70 MPH. INTERNAL BEARINGS REPLACED DUE TO SIGNIFICANT METAL FOUND ON MAGNETIC DRAIN PLUG. TECHNICIAN STATEMENT "BEARINGS COMING APART" STATED. IDENTICAL COMPLAINT WITH IDENTICAL REPAIR REPEATED 4 TIMES WITHIN 85,000 MILES. FIRST REPAIR OCCURRED AT 34,000…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 13, 2007

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 GMC SIERRA DENALI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 1, 2011

2006 GMC Sierra Denali — common questions

Is the 2006 GMC Sierra Denali reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2006 GMC Sierra Denali have recalls?

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

Which GMC Sierra Denali years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sierra Denali years to avoid are 2019, 2016, 2011, 2015, 2014. The cleanest record among Sierra Denali years belongs to 2007.

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.