KnownCarProblems2006 GMC Sierra Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 53 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 GMC Sierra, most often about the brakes (51% of complaints, typically around 45,000 miles). It is 11th of 18 Sierra model years by number of complaints and has 4 recalls.
Most common 2006 GMC Sierra problems
Brakes
27 complaints · 51%Half of these problems showed up before 45,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
Antilock braking system (ABS) activates consistently as vehicle nears full stop. It's audible and you feel the pulsation in the brakes. The road conditions are normal and there is no reason for the ABS to activate.
I have a 2006 GMC Sierra with the same ABS issues that are recalled for older vehicles. Abs engages at low speeds when coming to a stop increasing stopping distances. I took it to dealer and they replaced the rear brakes. Truck has only 41000 miles on it, I wouldn't think the rear drum brakes would be worn out. I…
Electrical
7 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 61,500 miles.
My 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 crewcab was running idle as I was preparing to leave for camping trip. I was checking to insure all lights on vehicle and trailer were functioning properly before departing. I noticed upon departure that smoke was coming from inside the steering column. I turned off running lights and when…
The driver's side seat heater randomly comes on. If you turn it off it comes right back on again and cycles through the various heat settings. It creates a dangerous distraction in the florida heat. I've taken it to numerous dealers, none of which can fix it. I call gm and they won't even consider it until I take it…
Suspension
6 complaints · 11%Parts named most often: front, rear.
: the contact stated while traveling various speeds, the vehicle bounced uncontrollably when hitting a rut in the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, who determined bigger shocks needed to be installed. Updated 10/17/2006 -
Tl contact owns a 2006 GMC Sierra. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the brakes were engaged and the vehicle began to shake excessively. A rattling noise was heard in the front end of the vehicle while driving over gravel or rough road surfaces. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for routine maintenance…
Steering
4 complaints · 8%Parts named most often: rack and pinion.
Dt: the contact stated the steering wheel locked when he applied the brake. After three attempts the dealer has been unable to repair the problem. Another dealer informed him this was the design of the vehicle. The manufacturer advised him to take it to the dealer. Updated 11/29/05.
Very difficult, if not impossible, to turn steering at idle. Duration of problem approx. 1 year. June 2009 dealer replaced part in steering. Dealer cold not find a problem in steering, but replaced a part. Problem continues; very difficult to turn at idle or low speed. I do not feel it is safe.
Visibility and wipers
3 complaints · 6%Parts named most often: defroster/defogger/hvac system.
Turned off engine, HVAC fan still on. Will not turn off. This is the dual climate control system. Had to remove fuse so the battery will not discharge. Service bulletins were issued for this problem but did not include all vehicles, including ours.
Air bags
3 complaints · 6%Parts named most often: frontal.
A/c & heater fan control and passenger air bag resister/connector found under the passenger dash, possible fire and safety issues if vehicle is parked in a garage.
The contact owns a 2006 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that the air bag lights were illuminated. The dealer stated that the air bag sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2006 GMC Sierra recalls
Wheels and tires: rim
Risk: If a customer replaces a wheel and only relies on the rim size designation that is indicated on the label, a wheel that is of a different rim contour designation may be installed. It may be difficult or impossible to mount the tire on a wheel with the wrong contour. If the tire is mounted on the wheel with the wrong contour, the wheel and tire may not perform as intended, which could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: A label that will correct the label originally installed will be mailed to consumers along with installation instructions. The customer will have the option for dealers to install the label. The recall begaon on november 7, 2006. Owners should contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2239, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, and gmc trucks at 1-866-996-9463.
Full defect summary
Certain sport utility vehicles and trucks fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles have an incomplete tire rim designation on the certification/tire label located on the driver's door edge. In addition, the label may also be missing the tire load rating on the label. Although this information is not required by the standard, if a tire of a lesser load rating is installed, the tire may not be able to sustain the loads encountered during use.
Engine: engine and engine cooling
Risk: If the damper comes loose, a fuel leak may result. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip free of charge. The recall began on august 31, 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc trucks at 1-866-996-9463.
Full defect summary
On certain trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 (rpo l8-VIN g) engine have a condition in which the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip may fracture resulting in inadequate retention of the damper.
Equipment: labels
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Steering: hose, piping, and connections
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2006 GMC Sierra
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 GMC Sierra?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: brakes (27 complaints, typically around 45,000 miles); electrical (7 complaints, typically around 61,500 miles); suspension (6 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2006 GMC Sierra have?
- 4 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from August 11, 2006 (wheels and tires). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2006 a bad year for the GMC Sierra?
- It is 11th of 18 Sierra model years by number of complaints, with 53 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.