Is the 2006 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 GMC Sierra 2500 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2006 GMC Sierra 2500?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2006 GMC Sierra 2500 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2006 GMC Sierra 2500

● Typical for this model

2006 GMC Sierra 2500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:36:23.075Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 66
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

2006: 66 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1994	1
1997	14
1998	15
1999	36
2000	48
2001	134
2002	134
2003	160
2004	143
2005	115
2006	66
2007	83
2008	63
2009	31
2010	10
2011	63
2012	30
2013	46
2014	30
2015	89
2016	59
2017	37
2018	35
2019	32
2020	79
2021	51
2022	45
2023	32
2024	104
2025	28
2026	14

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

45% · 30 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

Brake line to rear brakes rusted out.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-08-16

In the city stopping for a stoplight the brakes failed. The vehicle luckily was able to turn into a parking lot. All fluid was lost because the brake lines failed due to rust. No brakes whatsoever except emergency brake.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-25

Power train

18% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and cooling unit and lines.

Steering

15% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing tie rod assembly and linkages.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

My vehicle was totaled and I see their is a recall for the pitman arm that can cause total loss if steering and that is what happened to me

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-10-28

Tires

9% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing valve and tread/belt.

Engine and engine cooling

8% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing cooling system.

FIRE

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2008-10-16Equipment adaptive/mobility08V519000 Mobilityworks is recalling 133 my 2005-2006 Ford E250, my 2000, 2004-2006 E350, my 2000, 2005 E450, my 2005-2006 GMC 2500, GMC 3500, and my 2006 Dodge 2500 vans equipped with ricon platform style…

Remedy: Mobilityworks is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (Please see 07E097). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or mobilityworks at 1-800-769-8267.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

Date not on fileSteering06E010000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

Date not on fileService brakes, air06E050000 Certain federal-mogul national and carquest aftermarket hub assemblies, p/n 515058, sold for use on 2001-2006 General Motors 1500 and 2500 4WD trucks.

Remedy: Federal-mogul will notify its owners and will either credit the customers account or replace the unit. The recall is expected to begin during June 2006. Owners can contact federal-mogul customer service at 1-800-563-8507 ext 3530.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2006 GMC Sierra 2500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 30 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 12 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 10 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 06E010000 · Steering
Recall 06E050000 · Service brakes, air
Recall 08V519000 · Equipment adaptive/mobility

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2006 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 GMC Sierra 2500 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 GMC Sierra 2500?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 GMC Sierra 2500 have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.