2006 Chevrolet Uplander problems & reliability
158 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Chevrolet Uplander, alongside 3 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
7 complaints report injuries (14 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2006 Chevrolet Uplander vehicles were involved in 18 fatal crashes with 9 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 42 | 27% |
| Structure | 34 | 22% |
| Steering | 27 | 17% |
| Suspension | 20 | 13% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 15 | 9% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 14 | 9% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 13 | 8% |
| Tires | 13 | 8% |
| Exterior Lighting | 12 | 8% |
| Power Train | 10 | 6% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 40,000 miles (middle 50% between 15,264 and 81,000 miles), based on 117 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Uplander. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise and noticed that the rear driver’s side door had intermittently became inoperable. The check fuel cap warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed. The vehicle had not repaired…”
Structure · filed Nov 13, 2023
“While driving on highway, car suddenly shifted into neutral and I was unable to get it back in gear. Garage said it needs a new transmission. I was almost hit from car behind because I suddenly had lose of power. No warning lights or any issues indicating something was wrong prior to this incident. Vehicle is…”
Power Train · filed Jan 10, 2022
“The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Uplander. The contact stated while having the vehicle serviced at an independent mechanic, she was informed of a unibody construction failure, and that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and the dealer was made aware of the failure. The…”
Structure · filed Sep 29, 2021
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- POWER SLIDING DOOR
Engineering Analysis EA07019 · opened Dec 11, 2007 · closed Feb 23, 2009
- POWER SLIDING DOOR OPENING
Preliminary Evaluation PE07044 · opened Aug 16, 2007 · closed Dec 11, 2007
Technical service bulletins
705 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Chevrolet Uplander. The 10 most recent:
This PI directs technician to training regarding sliding door operation.
PIT3532C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 30, 2026
This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
PIP5601C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 18, 2025
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
PIT5074R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 30, 2025
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
PIT5074R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 30, 2025
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
PIT5074R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 30, 2025
This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
23-NA-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 28, 2025
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or…
PIP5358D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 20, 2025
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe…
PIT5074Q · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 7, 2024
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8…
PIP4723J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 25, 2024
This 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…
PIT5099H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 12, 2024
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2006 Chevrolet Uplander has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2006 Chevrolet Uplander?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 40,000 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.