2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Silverado 3500 › 2006
These records cover every 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
52 complaints5 involved a crash3 involved a fire4 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
Since repair work was performed on this vehicle in late 2025, it has intermittently experienced sudden, complete brake lockup on all four wheels without any pedal input. This has occurred during sharp turns and during straight, steady highway driving, both suddenly and after gradual buildup…
Since repair work was performed on this vehicle in late 2025, it has intermittently experienced sudden, complete brake lockup on all four wheels without any pedal input. This has occurred during sharp turns and during straight, steady highway driving, both suddenly and after gradual buildup; regardless of the pattern leading up to it, the lockup itself is abrupt and unexpected. On March 25, 2026, driving approximately 70 mph on the Glendale Freeway (SR-2) between Mountain Ave and Foothill Blvd, at approximately 39,900 miles, all four brakes suddenly applied with no pedal input, causing the truck to skid toward a stop while traffic continued to pass at highway speed. Smoke was visible from the front wheels and in my mirrors. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality occurred, but the vehicle poses an ongoing risk of sudden, uncommanded loss of control, especially hazardous at highway speed with surrounding traffic. The dealership's inspection found blue thermal discoloration on all four brake rotors, consistent with extreme, sustained overheating, and recommended full brake system replacement estimated at $23,875.25. I am retired, on a fixed income, and cannot readily absorb a repair of this magnitude for an intermittent but serious safety defect. This vehicle uses a Hydro-Boost brake system. GM has published service information (Bulletin PIT3665J) describing a known condition on this platform where the brake pedal can move or self-apply, caused by the internal dump valve failing to seat due to steering system contamination. This bulletin covers Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks across model years 1998-2020, among other GM platforms. Given the severity of this failure and the number of vehicles affected across more than two decades, I believe this warrants review as a potential safety defect.
- Air bags
on 7SEP 2025 @ 1100 While backing out of my driveway in my 2007 Chevy 3500, the vehicle’s airbag suddenly and unexpectedly deployed without any collision. The airbag struck me in the chest and left forearm, causing immediate injury. Since the incident, I have been experiencing chest pain and…
on 7SEP 2025 @ 1100 While backing out of my driveway in my 2007 Chevy 3500, the vehicle’s airbag suddenly and unexpectedly deployed without any collision. The airbag struck me in the chest and left forearm, causing immediate injury. Since the incident, I have been experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath. Prior to this incident, I had taken my truck in for service due to concerns about the airbag recall affecting certain GM vehicles. At that time, I was informed by the dealership that my truck was not included in the recall year range. Despite this, the airbag has now malfunctioned in a way that has caused me injury. I attempted to contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the GM/Chevy Safety Office to report the matter, but both offices were closed at the time.
- Wheels
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving at a low rate of speed, the contact heard an abnormal, thud-like noise emitted from the vehicle. The contact pulled into an independent tire shop and inspected the tires. The contact found no defect with the…
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving at a low rate of speed, the contact heard an abnormal, thud-like noise emitted from the vehicle. The contact pulled into an independent tire shop and inspected the tires. The contact found no defect with the tires and chose to proceed with driving the vehicle. While driving at approximately 40 mph, the front passenger-side tire detached from the vehicle without warning. Due to the failure, the vehicle crashed into a ditch. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the contact sought medical attention for pain in her back. The contact was diagnosed with a sprain to the right side of her neck and right side of her back. The vehicle was then towed to a different independent mechanic, where they determined that the wheel assembly hub had detached from the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 07E106000(Wheels) and linked the failure to the recall. The manufacturer was informed about the failure. The vehicle was not repaired but remained in the possession of the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Tires
During a trip with 6 month old tires, two out of 6 tires failed. One was a deemed a road hazard by the manufacturer. given these tires were purchased and installed on a tow vehicle with ratings for the vehicle and failed on a 75 degree day with a light mist. I would suspect that the tires are not capable of meeting the rated specs. The tires were purchased january from treadwright corp.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet silverado 3500. While the contact was turning into his driveway at 5 mph, the brake line fractured without warning. The contact attempted to depress the brake pedal, but it failed to engage and the vehicle did not come to a complete stop. The emergency brake…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet silverado 3500. While the contact was turning into his driveway at 5 mph, the brake line fractured without warning. The contact attempted to depress the brake pedal, but it failed to engage and the vehicle did not come to a complete stop. The emergency brake was not applied. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
Takata inflators: my 2006 chevy 3500 driver side airbag deployed overnight while the truck was locked, not running, and had no keys in it in my driveway. This IS unacceptable! The truck was not in an accident. Thankfully I wasn't driving down the road when it deployed, or I could have been…
Takata inflators: my 2006 chevy 3500 driver side airbag deployed overnight while the truck was locked, not running, and had no keys in it in my driveway. This IS unacceptable! The truck was not in an accident. Thankfully I wasn't driving down the road when it deployed, or I could have been killed. 2006 should be included in the recall. My truck was manufactured 5/2006 and the recall includes trucks made 12/2006 and newer. What can be done by chevy to pay for my repair? Additionally, the night before the air bag deployed on its own the passenger side rear window fell into the door. Again it was parked in the driveway locked not running, keys not in it!
- Air bags
Railroad hyrail vehicle equipped, after market, with hyrail wheel assemblies which allow the vehicle to operate on railroad tracks. Once hyrail (flanged) wheels are retracted, the vehicle IS operated over the highways and public roads like any other vehicle. On 3/16/12 a bnsf employee was operating…
Railroad hyrail vehicle equipped, after market, with hyrail wheel assemblies which allow the vehicle to operate on railroad tracks. Once hyrail (flanged) wheels are retracted, the vehicle IS operated over the highways and public roads like any other vehicle. On 3/16/12 a bnsf employee was operating the hyrail vehicle on hwy 34 near trenton, ne. A semi pulled out in from of him, causing him to rear end the semi at about 65 mph. Delayed airbag deployment led to him having extensive injuries, including lacerations to his forehead, collapsed lungs, spine fractures and rib fractures. Concern IS that the installation of hyrail wheel assemblies might be impacting the airbag sensor. The hyrail wheel assemblies extend approx. One foot of steel framework ahead of the front and rear bumpers. The placement of these assemblies might inadvertently be affecting airbag deployment in crashes on the railroad track and on public roads.
- Electrical system
Plugged in MINI vac to cig lighter and cig lighter shorted to ground causing wires to melt and smoke including power outlet wires.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet silverado 3500. While driving 40 mph, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle did not stop. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the steel brake line had rusted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,110.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet silverado 3500. While driving at various speeds and attempting to stop the vehicle, the brakes failed. The contact rear ended another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to an…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet silverado 3500. While driving at various speeds and attempting to stop the vehicle, the brakes failed. The contact rear ended another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the brake lines were corroded. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
- Service brakes · Steering › Rack and pinion › Pinion shaft
TL* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet silverado 3500. While driving up a mountain at approximately 30 mph, the steering wheel turned in the opposite direction of the intended turn. As a result, the vehicle wandered off the road uncontrollably. There was also a loss of braking ability; however, the…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet silverado 3500. While driving up a mountain at approximately 30 mph, the steering wheel turned in the opposite direction of the intended turn. As a result, the vehicle wandered off the road uncontrollably. There was also a loss of braking ability; however, the vehicle eventually came to a stop after applying the brake pedal numerous times. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the intermediate shaft bolts fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 308,000.
- Service brakes
Anti-lock sensors develop rust and fail. at slow speeds when you apply the brakes they pulse and take extra time and distance to stop
- Seats
The drivers heated seat comes on and changes settings at will, and when it will turn itself on it goes to each level of heating levels. I.e, ( low/med/ high) ,and stay on even if I turn it off. Then comes back on with -in a few munities as it IS not working properly. does not matter if it IS…
The drivers heated seat comes on and changes settings at will, and when it will turn itself on it goes to each level of heating levels. I.e, ( low/med/ high) ,and stay on even if I turn it off. Then comes back on with -in a few munities as it IS not working properly. does not matter if it IS rainy, snowy or foggy, or sunny, the drivers heated seat will come on, off, and change settings constantly, that I have to pull over because the seat gets so hot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
2006 duramax lbz. from new truck intermittently has code p003a - turbocharger boost control position not learned, p0087 low fuel pressure and change fuel filter display on dash. truck IS totally stock. first couple of times when at dealer they would do diagnostics and change fuel filter saying…
2006 duramax lbz. from new truck intermittently has code p003a - turbocharger boost control position not learned, p0087 low fuel pressure and change fuel filter display on dash. truck IS totally stock. first couple of times when at dealer they would do diagnostics and change fuel filter saying that was it and they would reset all codes. No drivability issues when this happened. recently (august 5, 2014) while traveling pulling a trailer truck went into derate/limp mode (first time) all codes returned. took to dealer, changed fuel filter and reset codes now it IS happening about weekly october 1, 2014 took to dealer reset codes did not change filter as it was just done and they did not find anything wrong with fuel. (Miles 94000) dealership said everything checks normal and chevrolet does not show and bulletins for this issue. *tr
- Visibility/wiper
Ac/heater fan blower motor stopped working. winter started truck to defrost windshield blower would not work took to dealer replaced by dealer under vehicle warranty. september 24, 2014 (miles 94000)stopped working again replaced by dealer at no cost. I received a recall letter from chevrolet…
Ac/heater fan blower motor stopped working. winter started truck to defrost windshield blower would not work took to dealer replaced by dealer under vehicle warranty. september 24, 2014 (miles 94000)stopped working again replaced by dealer at no cost. I received a recall letter from chevrolet stating I had 10 years from date of purchase or 150000 miles to be able to be repaired at no cost. not sure why it IS not listed here on this website. *tr
- Service brakes
In the process of exiting from our home, while towing a large boat, a brake line ruptured releasing the brake fluid and causing a complete failure of the brake system. I inspected the ruptured area and found that all the brake lines were severely rusted and ready to fail at any time in the near…
In the process of exiting from our home, while towing a large boat, a brake line ruptured releasing the brake fluid and causing a complete failure of the brake system. I inspected the ruptured area and found that all the brake lines were severely rusted and ready to fail at any time in the near future. the vehicle was towed to a repair facility to have the brake lines replaced. estimated cost IS $950. had this failure happened one minute later the results could have been catastrophic! *tr
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Ignition
TL* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet silverado 3500. while driving at an unknown speed, the contact was able to remove the key from the ignition. the vehicle continued to drive as normal. after shutting the vehicle off, the contact removed the key from the ignition while the vehicle was still…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet silverado 3500. while driving at an unknown speed, the contact was able to remove the key from the ignition. the vehicle continued to drive as normal. after shutting the vehicle off, the contact removed the key from the ignition while the vehicle was still in the drive gear. The failure caused the battery to drain. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 175,000.
- Service brakes
Driving home from a camping trip pulling 30FT 5TH wheel , pushed on brake pedal to slow down & pedal went almost to the floor , pulled over & found brake line leaking under master cylinder on top of frame rail , repaired line to get home , upon inspection of brake lines, they are very weak, since…
Driving home from a camping trip pulling 30FT 5TH wheel , pushed on brake pedal to slow down & pedal went almost to the floor , pulled over & found brake line leaking under master cylinder on top of frame rail , repaired line to get home , upon inspection of brake lines, they are very weak, since then I've had to fix 2 more brake lines, luckily not pulling anything ,i have friends with these same trucks & inspected there's & also look the same,1 friend took his to dealership & they told him that this IS normal? I feel they did not use the correct kind of metal when producing these vehicles brake lines .i work in the service field & have never seen brake lines rot the way these trucks do , these trucks are bought for pulling & a lot of them on the road, so I was hoping you could look into this matter for safety reasons. thank you *tr
- Steering · Wheels
While driving on a public michigan road I stopped at a four way road at a stop sign and was hit by another driver. *js
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and towing a trailer, the limp mode warning lamp illuminated as the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and towing a trailer, the limp mode warning lamp illuminated as the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 99,950 and the current mileage was 205,000.
- Air bags · Seat belts
TL* the contact owned a 2006 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, another vehicle crashed into the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt ripped. The contact sustained back, shoulder, chest, and wrist injuries. The driver of…
TL* the contact owned a 2006 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, another vehicle crashed into the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt ripped. The contact sustained back, shoulder, chest, and wrist injuries. The driver of the second vehicle was fatally injured. The vehicle was destroyed and was not diagnosed to determine the cause of the air bag failure. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage and vin was not available.
- Service brakes
Brake failure when stepping on brakes on highway. Steel brake line from front to rear brakes ruptured and pedal went to floor with no warning. from reading on web this IS a commend problem with corrosion on brake lines due to poor quality materials used in manufacturing. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph after refueling, he noticed fuel leaking from the front fuel tank. The contact mentioned that he could hear the rear pump running and while attempting to inspect the fuel cab, it spew diesel all over…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph after refueling, he noticed fuel leaking from the front fuel tank. The contact mentioned that he could hear the rear pump running and while attempting to inspect the fuel cab, it spew diesel all over him. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The vin was not available. The failure and current mileage was 52,621.
- Engine
Duramax diesel turbocharger replacement. Second identical occurrence, see odi number 10522941. work order states "customer states the check engine light came on this morning. Advise. Dtc p2563=turbocharger boost control. System test found turbo vane sticking in turbo. Control solenoid and position…
Duramax diesel turbocharger replacement. Second identical occurrence, see odi number 10522941. work order states "customer states the check engine light came on this morning. Advise. Dtc p2563=turbocharger boost control. System test found turbo vane sticking in turbo. Control solenoid and position sensor operating. Replace turbocharger and all needed seals and gaskets. Reprogram ecm as needed. Fill cooling system." this second p2563 trouble code and turbocharger replacement, 28,342 miles since the first replacement, cost me $2,889.74. There seems to be a trend of this specific failure. *tr
- Engine
Duramax diesel. check engine light came on when started. Invoice stated code was: "check engine light IS on. The vanes inside aren't working. p2563=turbocharger boost control. Command solenoid with tech2, won't operate solenoid not operating. Replace solenoid and retest. Solenoid now operates…
Duramax diesel. check engine light came on when started. Invoice stated code was: "check engine light IS on. The vanes inside aren't working. p2563=turbocharger boost control. Command solenoid with tech2, won't operate solenoid not operating. Replace solenoid and retest. Solenoid now operates but tc vane place stops/sticks at 69% and won't move. Remove and replace turbocharger position sensor to inspect. Vane cam won't move. Tac case #11223434. See ro for details. Replace turbocharger, clear dtc, relearn tc position and retest." turbocharger replaced under original warranty with $100 deductible. *tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11010544This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 11000158This service bulletin includes information on Interior Cleaning - Instrument Panel (IP), Hard or Plastic Surfaces, Seats, Carpet, Leather, Vinyl, Fabric Cleaner, Stain Remover, Restorer - Product Availability.
- 10253770This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire Radial Force Variation (RFV).
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10251888This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 10251887This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10250347This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
- 10250013High Voltage Safety ? High Voltage Disabling
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249535This preliminary information (PI) provides information om Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes (E4398, E4399, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491 or E6961).
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247748Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information.
- 10247747Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information
- 10247716J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10247093Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information.
- 10247092Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information
- 10247063A/C Blows Warm Or Poor Performance.
- 10247061J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10246963Changing Turn-By-Turn Voice Response To Metric Or English Units
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
Every Chevrolet Silverado 3500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.