2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 52
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Service brakes
None on file
None on file
33% of complaints
Complaints per year
2006: 52 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 61 |
| 1998 | 67 |
| 1999 | 47 |
| 2000 | 80 |
| 2001 | 72 |
| 2002 | 50 |
| 2003 | 42 |
| 2004 | 41 |
| 2005 | 46 |
| 2006 | 52 |
| 2007 | 39 |
| 2008 | 31 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 29 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2013 | 26 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 51 |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2018 | 19 |
| 2019 | 22 |
| 2020 | 42 |
| 2021 | 40 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 50 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
33% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-14
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-11-06
Power train
17% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
Show complaint excerpts
Leaky tranny line onto exhaust caused small fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-02-12
Air bags
8% · 4 reportsShow complaint excerpts
on 7SEP 2025 @ 1100 While backing out of my driveway in my 2007 Chevy 3500, the vehicleâs airbag suddenly and unexpectedly deployed without any collision. The airbag struck me in the chest and left forearm, causing immediate injury.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-09-07
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-03-17
Also filed under Seat belts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-05-23
Electrical system
8% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
2006 chevy Silverado 3500 w/ dump body parked in driveway @ 3:00 pm. 1:00 am in the morning truck engine & cab was in flames completely destroying both. Cause of fire appears to have started in the engine compartment & to be electrical.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-07-10
Tires
8% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing valve.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 17 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 4 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.