2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
On the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, the failure owners report most often is other brake problem, and the reports cluster around 65,000 miles. The earliest to appear is radiator or coolant leak, reported by a median of 30,000 miles. Overall it scores 76 out of 100, severe risk for a 2006.
Severe risk for a 2006 — 37th riskiest of the 343 2006 vehicles we can rate. 218 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
What owners report breaking
Owners have reported 40 named failure modes on the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, and the three most-reported carry 29% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.
Other brake problem leads with 26 reports, about 426 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 47k to 80,000 miles.
Other powertrain problem follows with 22 reports, usually reported between 15k to 55,000 miles.
Loss of braking follows with 15 reports, usually reported between 30k to 105,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into brakes (66), transmission (25) and steering (20).
The mileage the reports cluster at
204 of the reports on the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 52,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 47% by 50,000 miles, 86% by 100,000 miles and 97% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 4 filed above the top of the chart.
The busiest stretch is between 30,000 and 40,000 miles, which alone holds 13% of the dated reports.
33% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.
In the order they tend to show up: radiator or coolant leak around 32k, blower motor or climate control failure around 32k, other powertrain problem around 35k and other engine problem around 40k.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 40. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 4 reports came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
How bad it is when it goes
Across the named modes, 12 mention a crash, 8 a fire and 3 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.96, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other brake problem at $300–$1,800, other powertrain problem at $400–$4,500, loss of braking at $400–$3,000 and brake line, hose or caliper failure at $250–$1,600. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
25% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other brake problem | brakes | 26 | 25 | 47k | 65k | 80k | 426.2 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 22 | 21 | 15k | 35k | 57k | 360.7 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Loss of braking | brakes | 15 | 15 | 30k | 45k | 105k | 245.9 | $400–$3,000 | Critical |
| Brake line, hose or caliper failure | brakes | 14 | 13 | 75k | 81k | 94k | 229.5 | $250–$1,600 | Critical |
| Blower motor or climate control failure | hvac | 10 | 10 | 32k | 32k | 48k | 163.9 | $250–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Radiator or coolant leak | cooling | 9 | 9 | 26k | 32k | 44k | 147.5 | $350–$1,900 | High |
| Other engine problem | engine | 9 | 8 | 35k | 40k | 78k | 147.5 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 9 | 8 | 20k | 45k | 62k | 147.5 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 8 | 8 | 31k | 43k | 55k | 131.1 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Tire blowout or tread separation | wheels | 8 | 8 | 26k | 106k | 118k | 131.1 | $200–$1,500 | Critical |
| Other steering problem | steering | 8 | 8 | 21k | 57k | 88k | 131.1 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Differential or transfer case failure | drivetrain | 7 | 5 | — | 73k | — | 114.8 | $900–$4,200 | High |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 7 | 5 | — | 82k | — | 114.8 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure | steering | 6 | 6 | — | 55k | — | 98.4 | $700–$2,600 | High |
| Heater core failure | cooling | 4 | 4 | — | 9k | — | 65.6 | $700–$2,400 | Moderate |
| Wiring harness or short circuit | electrical | 4 | 4 | — | 37k | — | 65.6 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Rust or structural corrosion | body | 4 | 4 | — | 62k | — | 65.6 | $500–$6,000 | High |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 4 | 3 | — | 71k | — | 65.6 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Airbag failed to deploy in a crash | airbag | 3 | 3 | — | 215k | — | 49.2 | $1,000–$5,000 | Critical |
| Loss of power steering | steering | 3 | 3 | — | 53k | — | 49.2 | $600–$2,800 | Critical |
| Exhaust leak or fumes in the cabin | emissions | 3 | 2 | — | 57k | — | 49.2 | $250–$2,000 | High |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 3 | 3 | — | 60k | — | 49.2 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 3 | 3 | — | 3k | — | 49.2 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Electrical fire or melted wiring | electrical | 2 | 2 | — | 85k | — | 32.8 | $1,500–$9,000 | Critical |
| Complete transmission failure | transmission | 2 | 2 | — | 51k | — | 32.8 | $2,800–$8,000 | Critical |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 2 | 2 | — | 121k | — | 32.8 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Power steering pump or fluid leak | steering | 2 | 2 | — | 35k | — | 32.8 | $350–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 2 | 2 | — | 57k | — | 32.8 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 2 | 1 | — | 50k | — | 32.8 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Transmission fluid leak | transmission | 1 | 1 | — | 20k | — | 16.4 | $300–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 1 | 1 | — | 8k | — | 16.4 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Fuel gauge or level sensor failure | fuel | 1 | 1 | — | 16k | — | 16.4 | $300–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure | fuel | 1 | 1 | — | 38k | — | 16.4 | $250–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Audio or connectivity failure | infotainment | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 16.4 | $150–$900 | Low |
| Master cylinder or brake booster failure | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 48k | — | 16.4 | $450–$2,200 | Critical |
| Premature brake pad or rotor wear | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 52k | — | 16.4 | $300–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Parking brake failure | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 47k | — | 16.4 | $250–$1,300 | Moderate |
| Steering column or shaft failure | steering | 1 | 1 | — | 65k | — | 16.4 | $600–$2,500 | Critical |
| Door latch or handle failure | body | 1 | 1 | — | 39k | — | 16.4 | $250–$1,200 | High |
| Air conditioning failure | hvac | 1 | 1 | — | 56k | — | 16.4 | $400–$2,800 | Moderate |
| Unclassified problem | other | 6 | 5 | — | 62k | — | 98.4 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 draws about 3,574 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 100th percentile of complaint rates among 2006 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 61 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2006 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Other brake problem
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet silverado 2500 hd. The contact noticed hydraulic fluid leaking from the hydro boost lines. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the hydro boost lines failed and caused the leak. The contact was informed that if too much fluid was lost, the braking system would completely fail. The vehicle was repaired at the cost of $1,037.54. The manufacturer stated that there was a recall regarding the failure, but no compensation would be provided because the VIN was excluded. The failure mileage was 56,456 and current mileage was 56,600. Updated 03/09/09.*lj updated 03/11/09.*jb
On october the 22nd. 2009 the rear brakes started to make a loud noise. Upon checking the rear brakes I found the rotors had started to come apart. I have replaced the brake pads and rotors at this time. However the pads that I removed from my 2006 chevy 2500 hd truck still had material left on them. There was no metal to metal contact between the pads and the rotors. *tr
Other powertrain problem
Starting 4 days after delivery of this new light duty truck with diesel engine and 6 speed heavy duty automatic transmission, the transmission has almost continually malfunctioned, causing what I believe are dangerous conditions putting myself, my passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians at risk. The malfunctions include acting like in neutral when starting from a full stop, causing the engine to rev, and then the transmission suddenly engages causing the vehicle to lurch, similar problems at the transmission searches for higher gears, even at highway speeds; the engagements are so hard I believe I am at risk should this occur on low traction roads, or on curves. Most disturbing is that moments after coming to a full stop (foot off accelerator), the transmission suddenly (on no fewer than 10 occasions) sends a surge of power to the drive wheels causing the vehicle to lurch. I am fearful that this malfunction may cause the vehicle to be propelled into a vehicle in front of my, or worse, pinning a pedestrian between this vehicle and a fixed object. Also shocking is that upon the vehicle being returned to me for the 3rd time on…
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the driveway with the gear shift in the park position, and without the keys in the ignition, the vehicle rolled forward and crashed into a parked vehicle. There was no warning prior to the incident and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle sustained minor damage to the front. The police were not contacted. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer who was unable to duplicate the problem. The manufacturer was not notified.
Loss of braking
Vehicle sat at the airport for 72hrs. When I left the airport, the brakes felt spongy, but were able to stop the vehicle. On the freeway as I was braking, the brakes began to feel more spongy, requiring increased stopping distance. When I arrived at my residence approximately 45 miles from the airport, I tried to turn into my driveway, only to find I had lost all power steering assist and braking assist. I was able to finally turn in, but had to use my emergency brake to come to a full stop. Once, stopped, I found I could not turn the steering wheel and there were no brakes. I opened the power steering reservoir cap, which immediately spewed a few ounces of p/s fluid over the engine compartment, fortunately not on the hot exhaust. Dealer had the vehicle towed 2 miles to their dealership where they claimed they could not duplicate the problem. However, they did keep it over night and decide to change a p/s pressure relief valve even though they could not duplicate anything. I filed a complaint to gm without anyone taking this serious safety issue as a real problem. This safety issued must be addressed and the root cause must be…
Vehicle sat at the airport for 72hrs. When I left the airport, the brakes felt spongy, but were able to stop the vehicle. On the freeway as I was braking, the brakes began to feel more spongy, requiring increased stopping distance. When I arrived at my residence approximately 45 miles from the airport, I tried to turn into my driveway, only to find I had lost all power steering assist and braking assist. I was able to finally turn in, but had to use my emergency brake to come to a full stop. Once, stopped, I found I could not turn the steering wheel and there were no brakes. I opened the power steering reservoir cap, which immediately spewed a few ounces of p/s fluid over the engine compartment, fortunately not on the hot exhaust. Dealer had the vehicle towed 2 miles to their dealership where they claimed they could not duplicate the problem. However, they did keep it over night and decide to change a p/s pressure relief valve even though they could not duplicate anything. I filed a complaint to gm without anyone taking this serious safety issue as a real problem. This safety issued must be addressed and the root cause must be…
Recalls on the 2006 model year
NHTSA has issued 1 recall campaign covering the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, affecting an estimated 61 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover steering. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
STEERING
1,360 vehicles 2006-02-01- 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.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2006 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
Better and worse years of the same car
Severe risk for a 2006 — 37th riskiest of the 343 2006 vehicles we can rate. Every score on this site is a rank inside its own model year, which is what makes a 2004 and a 2019 comparable at all.
Across the 29 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2013 comes out best at 63 and 2019 worst at 81, with 2006 itself at 76.
If the model year is negotiable, 2013, 2010, 2023, 2012, 2014, 1999, 1998, 2008, 2009, 1997, 2007, 2011, 2016, 2022, 2025, 2002, 2000, 2004, 2003, 2001, 2015 and 2005 score lower than 2006 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2001–2006 generation specifically, 2002 is the strongest year at 71 and 2006 the weakest at 76.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2001-2006 generation, 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 scores best at 71 and 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 worst at 76.
What the numbers say to check
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: other powertrain problem from about 15k, other body or interior problem from about 20k, other steering problem from about 21k and radiator or coolant leak from about 26k.
On a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other powertrain problem has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.
The limits of complaint data
218 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 218 reports, 204 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 94% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?
The most-reported failures are other brake problem (26 reports, median 65,000 miles), other powertrain problem (22 reports, median 35,000 miles) and loss of braking (15 reports, median 45,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 problems start?
Radiator or coolant leak is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 30,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 25,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 52,000 miles.
Is the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 reliable?
It scores 76 out of 100 on our risk index, which is severe — 37th riskiest of the 343 2006 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2006 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is best?
Within the 2001–2006 generation, 2002 scores best at 71 out of 100 and 2006 worst at 76. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed