Owners have filed 462 complaints
about the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with NHTSA between 2006 and 2025.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 22 of 32 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 32
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 54
10.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 41
24% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2006 compares with every other Chevrolet Silverado 1500
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
235.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
194.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
338.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
8721.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
8320.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4711.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
7117.8%
150,000+ miles
369.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2006peak 11Dec 2025
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Montclair, CACrash
POWER TRAIN
On [XXX], at or around midnight, I was traveling [XXX] at approximately 60 mph. The traffic was very light, with few vehicles on the road. It was raining, and I was in the number 1 lane. Two additional lanes were to my left, reserved for toll road traffic. I did not see any other vehicles on [XXX], nor did I see any vehicles to my left in the toll lanes. There was a physical separation between [XXX] and the toll road, consisting of 36-inch plastic candlestick dividers with approximately 10-foot separations. As I was traveling, I suddenly felt a lurch, and the right rear of my 2006 Chevrolet Silverado (Vin# [XXX] ) dropped. My pickup truck immediately began to spin to my left, forcing me into the toll lanes and into the concrete center divider. When my vehicle came to rest, I was facing eastbound in the westbound lanes of the toll road. My lights were no longer except a single amber light flashing, which gave limited warning to approaching vehicles. The California Highway Patrol arrived (unknown why no traffic collision report was taken), my vehicle was removed from the roadway, the right rear wheel and tire had separated from the vehicle and rolled to the right shoulder of [XXX] 150 yards from where my pickup came to rest. The vehicle was towed to the tow yard, where a vehicle inspection was conducted on March 19, 2025. The right rear wheel and tire for some reason were not recovered from the collision scene. The inspection revealed the cause of the collision was a broken/severed axle, not related to driver error. Photographs of the broken axle were taken and are available for review. The axle clearly had a manufacturing defect, poor casting or forging. The defect appeared to be an ongoing problem and separated from the vehicle at the time of the collision for no apparent reason. Depending on the time of day, traffic conditions, and the number of passengers, the collision had the potential to be much worse. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11649348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ferryville, WIFire
STEERING
hi the power steering hose failed and caused a fire and total loss
NHTSA complaint #11629501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Chazy, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A LITTLE WHILD AFTER TURNING THE TRUCK OFF I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM INSIDE THE TRUCK. AFTER PUTTING OUT THE FIRE, I INSPECTED THE WIRES TO FIND THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR HAD SHORTED OUT AND CAUGHT FIRE. I HAVE HAD A SIMILIAR ISSUE WITH MY 2003 AS WELL BUT WAS ABLE TO CATCH THE ISSUE BEFORE ANY FIRE BROKE OUT. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS PART. THANKFULLY NOONE WAS HURT BUT THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11565150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesNorfork, VACrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE BRAKING SYSTEM HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A TREE. DURING THE CRASH, THE FRONT END EXPERIENCED SEVERE DAMAGE BUT THE FRONT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO A PARKING LOT AND A TOWING COMPANY WAS CALLED. THE COSMETIC DAMAGES WERE BEING REPAIRED AND THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED AS OF YET. A LOCAL DEALER (UNKNOWN) WAS CALLED AND INFORMED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER THEN CALLED THE CONTACT AND OPENED A CASE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11299520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesNorfork, VACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE BRAKING SYSTEM HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A TREE. DURING THE CRASH, THE FRONT END EXPERIENCED SEVERE DAMAGE BUT THE FRONT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO A PARKING LOT AND A TOWING COMPANY WAS CALLED. THE COSMETIC DAMAGES WERE BEING REPAIRED AND THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED AS OF YET. A LOCAL DEALER (UNKNOWN) WAS CALLED AND INFORMED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER THEN CALLED THE CONTACT AND OPENED A CASE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11299520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51 milesCitrus Heights, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
DID NOT INFLATE DESPITE 3 GOOD "SWATS" TO THE NOSE OF THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE RUNNING GOING THRU CORNERS AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH
NHTSA complaint #11191625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Kalispell, MT
POWER TRAIN
I was driving down the highway at 65 mph and went to slow down and I had no brakes. Resulting in me having to go into the ditch to avoid a collision. After I was able to get the truck to slow down and to a stop I inspected my braking system to find all of my brake lines were rusted out and I had ruptured my brake lines. Since the incident I have had to replace all my brake lines and both of my brake cylinders on the rear of my truck. Now I have minimal brakes after bleeding them and they are slowly coming back. The truck has almost 400,000 miles on the chassis but a new motor. During this event I was getting a grinding coming from the rear differential, after inspection, I found that my gov lock was bad and needed new spider gears which I have since replaced the rear differential with a posi differential and have had minimal problems since.
NHTSA complaint #11702927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kalispell, MT
SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving down the highway at 65 mph and went to slow down and I had no brakes. Resulting in me having to go into the ditch to avoid a collision. After I was able to get the truck to slow down and to a stop I inspected my braking system to find all of my brake lines were rusted out and I had ruptured my brake lines. Since the incident I have had to replace all my brake lines and both of my brake cylinders on the rear of my truck. Now I have minimal brakes after bleeding them and they are slowly coming back. The truck has almost 400,000 miles on the chassis but a new motor. During this event I was getting a grinding coming from the rear differential, after inspection, I found that my gov lock was bad and needed new spider gears which I have since replaced the rear differential with a posi differential and have had minimal problems since.
NHTSA complaint #11702927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montclair, CACrash
POWER TRAIN
On [XXX], at or around midnight, I was traveling [XXX] at approximately 60 mph. The traffic was very light, with few vehicles on the road. It was raining, and I was in the number 1 lane. Two additional lanes were to my left, reserved for toll road traffic. I did not see any other vehicles on [XXX], nor did I see any vehicles to my left in the toll lanes. There was a physical separation between [XXX] and the toll road, consisting of 36-inch plastic candlestick dividers with approximately 10-foot separations. As I was traveling, I suddenly felt a lurch, and the right rear of my 2006 Chevrolet Silverado (Vin# [XXX] ) dropped. My pickup truck immediately began to spin to my left, forcing me into the toll lanes and into the concrete center divider. When my vehicle came to rest, I was facing eastbound in the westbound lanes of the toll road. My lights were no longer except a single amber light flashing, which gave limited warning to approaching vehicles. The California Highway Patrol arrived (unknown why no traffic collision report was taken), my vehicle was removed from the roadway, the right rear wheel and tire had separated from the vehicle and rolled to the right shoulder of [XXX] 150 yards from where my pickup came to rest. The vehicle was towed to the tow yard, where a vehicle inspection was conducted on March 19, 2025. The right rear wheel and tire for some reason were not recovered from the collision scene. The inspection revealed the cause of the collision was a broken/severed axle, not related to driver error. Photographs of the broken axle were taken and are available for review. The axle clearly had a manufacturing defect, poor casting or forging. The defect appeared to be an ongoing problem and separated from the vehicle at the time of the collision for no apparent reason. Depending on the time of day, traffic conditions, and the number of passengers, the collision had the potential to be much worse. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11649348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Providence, RI
POWER TRAIN
The auxiliary transmission fuel pump system is prone to failure. This makes it so the start/stop feature will not work, as the vehicle will stall when stopped (causing an unsafe situation), and it cannot pass state inspection. The part is entirely unavailable from Chevy, and results in the vehicle being scrapped. There is no way to permanently bypass this system.
NHTSA complaint #11632021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Providence, RI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The auxiliary transmission fuel pump system is prone to failure. This makes it so the start/stop feature will not work, as the vehicle will stall when stopped (causing an unsafe situation), and it cannot pass state inspection. The part is entirely unavailable from Chevy, and results in the vehicle being scrapped. There is no way to permanently bypass this system.
NHTSA complaint #11632021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ferryville, WIFire
STEERING
hi the power steering hose failed and caused a fire and total loss
NHTSA complaint #11629501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 187,000 milesCentertown, MO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon a vehicle inspection performed by an independent mechanic, it was discovered that the brake line and the fuel line were severely corroded. Upon further inspection, the contact stated that the brake lines had blown out. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and that the lines needed to be replaced. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000.
NHTSA complaint #11581206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 187,000 milesCentertown, MO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon a vehicle inspection performed by an independent mechanic, it was discovered that the brake line and the fuel line were severely corroded. Upon further inspection, the contact stated that the brake lines had blown out. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and that the lines needed to be replaced. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000.
NHTSA complaint #11581206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Chazy, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A LITTLE WHILD AFTER TURNING THE TRUCK OFF I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM INSIDE THE TRUCK. AFTER PUTTING OUT THE FIRE, I INSPECTED THE WIRES TO FIND THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR HAD SHORTED OUT AND CAUGHT FIRE. I HAVE HAD A SIMILIAR ISSUE WITH MY 2003 AS WELL BUT WAS ABLE TO CATCH THE ISSUE BEFORE ANY FIRE BROKE OUT. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS PART. THANKFULLY NOONE WAS HURT BUT THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11565150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kingsland, GA
ENGINE
Service Engine Soon light came on while driving. Code P0327 - Knock Sensor 1, Circuit Low Input (Bank 1) shown on code reader. Took vehicle to local service station and had both knock sensors and wiring harness replaced. Mechanic said that the rear knock sensor was corroded due to water getting to the sensor. Drove vehicle for about 2 weeks and service engine light came back on. Took vehicle back to service station where knock sensors were replaced again. Mechanic again stated that the rear sensor was corroded due to water getting to the sensor. Drove vehicle for about 1 week and the Service Engine light has come back on for the third time with the same P0327 code showing.
NHTSA complaint #11543556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Bay, FL
AIR BAGS
My air bag singnol is on
NHTSA complaint #11434468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Albans, WV
STRUCTURE:BODY
The Frame has excessive rust especially the crossmembers that are in-between the two main lateral frame beams. In this vehicle they have rotted all the way through and there is nothing left of them and they look like swiss cheese. This particular vehicle also has only 130,000 miles on it which I personally feel is very excessive for them milage. I do understand it is a little older at this point but I have a dodge van and a Chevy sedan both having over 200,000 miles on them. Both also have been driven in West Virginia all winter long with salt exposure that do not show this amount of rust in the frame components. I feel this is a flaw in the manufacturing I have been looking online and it seems to beyond a common problem with this make and model of vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11434280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesCottage Hills, IL
POWER TRAIN
EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS BROKE OFF AND IS NOW LEAKING EXHAUST FUMES IN SIDE THE TRUCK ALSO EMISSIONS IS EFFECTED FOR OSHA OR EMISSION TEST THIS IS A PROBLEM OF SAFETY I HAVE SEEN ALOT OF PEOPLE WITH SAME PROBLEM AND YET NO RECALL ,IT IS A PROBLEM IN ALL PHASES OF OPERATION OF THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 49,000 MILES DON'T HAVE A PHOTO BUT SURELY YOU ARE REALLY FAMILIAR WITH THIS PROBLEM USUALLY ITS THE FRONT AND REAR BOLTS CAUSE IS INFERIOR MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP ALSO CAN CAUSE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE THE COST OF THIS REPAIR SHOULD BE ON GM AS IT CAN RUN 1000S TO FIX
NHTSA complaint #11399892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesCottage Hills, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS BROKE OFF AND IS NOW LEAKING EXHAUST FUMES IN SIDE THE TRUCK ALSO EMISSIONS IS EFFECTED FOR OSHA OR EMISSION TEST THIS IS A PROBLEM OF SAFETY I HAVE SEEN ALOT OF PEOPLE WITH SAME PROBLEM AND YET NO RECALL ,IT IS A PROBLEM IN ALL PHASES OF OPERATION OF THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 49,000 MILES DON'T HAVE A PHOTO BUT SURELY YOU ARE REALLY FAMILIAR WITH THIS PROBLEM USUALLY ITS THE FRONT AND REAR BOLTS CAUSE IS INFERIOR MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP ALSO CAN CAUSE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE THE COST OF THIS REPAIR SHOULD BE ON GM AS IT CAN RUN 1000S TO FIX
NHTSA complaint #11399892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesCottage Hills, IL
ENGINE
EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS BROKE OFF AND IS NOW LEAKING EXHAUST FUMES IN SIDE THE TRUCK ALSO EMISSIONS IS EFFECTED FOR OSHA OR EMISSION TEST THIS IS A PROBLEM OF SAFETY I HAVE SEEN ALOT OF PEOPLE WITH SAME PROBLEM AND YET NO RECALL ,IT IS A PROBLEM IN ALL PHASES OF OPERATION OF THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 49,000 MILES DON'T HAVE A PHOTO BUT SURELY YOU ARE REALLY FAMILIAR WITH THIS PROBLEM USUALLY ITS THE FRONT AND REAR BOLTS CAUSE IS INFERIOR MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP ALSO CAN CAUSE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE THE COST OF THIS REPAIR SHOULD BE ON GM AS IT CAN RUN 1000S TO FIX
NHTSA complaint #11399892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesSAN Antonio, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ON THE GAUGES ALL TURN OFF MAKING IT HARD TO SEE THE SPEED LIMITS. BRAKES SOUND AS IF GRINDING BUT CANT TELL IF ITS BRAKES OR DIFFERENTIAL AND U JOINTS. NOISE GETS LOUDER IN THE CABIN OF THE TRUCK AS I DRIVE ON THE ROAD. 3. SIGNAL LIGHTS TURN ON BRIGHT WHILE ON LEFT HAND TURN SIGNAL. AND CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND OTHER COMPONENTS WONT WORK
NHTSA complaint #11385029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesSAN Antonio, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ON THE GAUGES ALL TURN OFF MAKING IT HARD TO SEE THE SPEED LIMITS. BRAKES SOUND AS IF GRINDING BUT CANT TELL IF ITS BRAKES OR DIFFERENTIAL AND U JOINTS. NOISE GETS LOUDER IN THE CABIN OF THE TRUCK AS I DRIVE ON THE ROAD. 3. SIGNAL LIGHTS TURN ON BRIGHT WHILE ON LEFT HAND TURN SIGNAL. AND CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND OTHER COMPONENTS WONT WORK
NHTSA complaint #11385029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesSAN Antonio, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ON THE GAUGES ALL TURN OFF MAKING IT HARD TO SEE THE SPEED LIMITS. BRAKES SOUND AS IF GRINDING BUT CANT TELL IF ITS BRAKES OR DIFFERENTIAL AND U JOINTS. NOISE GETS LOUDER IN THE CABIN OF THE TRUCK AS I DRIVE ON THE ROAD. 3. SIGNAL LIGHTS TURN ON BRIGHT WHILE ON LEFT HAND TURN SIGNAL. AND CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND OTHER COMPONENTS WONT WORK
NHTSA complaint #11385029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Logan, WV
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE PASSLOCK LIGHT COMES ON AND THE TRUCK WON'T START. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS GETS BRIGHT THEN DIM. BACK AND FORTH. WHEN THE PASSLOCK COMES ON IT WILL KEEP THE TRUCK FROM STARTING FOR DAYS AT A TIME. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THE TRUCK ANYWHERE
NHTSA complaint #11378501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Logan, WV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE PASSLOCK LIGHT COMES ON AND THE TRUCK WON'T START. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS GETS BRIGHT THEN DIM. BACK AND FORTH. WHEN THE PASSLOCK COMES ON IT WILL KEEP THE TRUCK FROM STARTING FOR DAYS AT A TIME. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THE TRUCK ANYWHERE
NHTSA complaint #11378501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,100 milesOxnard, CA
POWER TRAIN
TRUCK DRIVING TRANSFER CASE GO IN NEUTRAL, THEN NEED TO PARK AND PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK AND IN NEUTRAL, THEN PUSH THE 4X4 BOTTOM,THEN CHANGE TO 2WLD. MAKES A LOT NOISE.UNSAFE TO DRIVE.HAPPEN IN THE HIGHWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11359844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,603 milesWellsville, NY
WHEELS
DUE TO FAULTY UNDERCOATING FROM FACTORY THE BACK CROSSMEMBERS ROT AND CAUSE SHOCKS TO BECOME DISPLACED AND GAS TANK TO UNSECURED ALONG WITH REAR SHAKELS TO GO THREW THE BOTTOM OF TRUCK BED.... WILL COST OVER $2500 FOR REPAIRS
NHTSA complaint #11355237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,603 milesWellsville, NY
SUSPENSION
DUE TO FAULTY UNDERCOATING FROM FACTORY THE BACK CROSSMEMBERS ROT AND CAUSE SHOCKS TO BECOME DISPLACED AND GAS TANK TO UNSECURED ALONG WITH REAR SHAKELS TO GO THREW THE BOTTOM OF TRUCK BED.... WILL COST OVER $2500 FOR REPAIRS
NHTSA complaint #11355237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,603 milesWellsville, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DUE TO FAULTY UNDERCOATING FROM FACTORY THE BACK CROSSMEMBERS ROT AND CAUSE SHOCKS TO BECOME DISPLACED AND GAS TANK TO UNSECURED ALONG WITH REAR SHAKELS TO GO THREW THE BOTTOM OF TRUCK BED.... WILL COST OVER $2500 FOR REPAIRS
NHTSA complaint #11355237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisville, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THERE'S COMMON PROBLEM WITH GAS LINES AND FRAMES RUSTING OUT THE 2006 CHEVY PICKUP TRUCKS THAT IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. THE PRICE FOR THE GAS LINES ARE WAY OVER PRICED AT $318.
NHTSA complaint #11351765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.