2006 Chevrolet Avalanche Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche ranks 9th out of 9 model years, with a complaint index of 0 and a Good verdict, though that verdict is capped because 2005-2009 records are less complete. NHTSA lists 50 complaints, 2 recalls, and no reported deaths for this year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 0/100
- #9 of 9 Avalanche years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 50
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 5
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 14
- 13 city / 17 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2006 Chevy Avalanche problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes16 (32%)
- Transmission & Powertrain16 (32%)
- Structure & Body9 (18%)
- Airbags8 (16%)
- Engine6 (12%)
- Fuel System6 (12%)
- Electrical System5 (10%)
- Other4 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (8%)
- HVAC1 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Trailer hitch receiver welds have failed and separated from the frame while towing, in one case letting a trailer strike the truck.
- A heater blower wire harness and resistor melted, producing a strong burning odor inside the cabin.
- Owners report the engine compartment catching fire without warning while driving at highway speed.
- Airbag warning lights have illuminated repeatedly, with dealers unable to permanently fix the issue on some trucks.
- A fuel line rubbed against another line under the driver's seat until it wore through, spraying gas near the exhaust.
- Some owners describe stability control or traction control lights coming on along with a brake pedal that behaved unpredictably at highway speed.
2006 Chevrolet Avalanche recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 06V289000Aug 3, 2006Engine38,439 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling
On certain trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 (rpo l8-VIN g) engine have a condition in which the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip may fracture resulting in inadequate retention of the damper.
Risk: If the damper comes loose, a fuel leak may result. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip free of charge. The recall began on august 31, 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc trucks at 1-866-996-9463.
- NHTSA 05V552000Dec 7, 2005Other32,068 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
Certain trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were shipped with tire and loading information labels listing an inacccurate vehicle capacity weight.
Risk: A misprinted label could lead to improper vehicle loading specifications or tire inflation which could result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with corrected labels and installation instructions. At the customer's option, a dealer can install the label for them. The recall began on march 31, 2006. Owners may contact buick at 1-866-608-8080, cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, hummer at 1-800-732-5493, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, saturn at 1-800-972-8876, or isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.
2006 Chevrolet Avalanche fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 13 MPG
- Highway
- 17 MPG
- Combined
- 14 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,650
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Gasoline or E85
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2006 compared with other Avalanche years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche reliable?
- Among the 9 Avalanche model years with data, 2006 ranks 9th worst (meaning lowest complaint volume relative to other years) with a complaint index of 0 and 50 total complaints. Its verdict is Good, though capped due to less complete records for 2005-2009.
- What problems does the 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche have?
- NHTSA complaints are led by brakes and transmission/powertrain issues, each accounting for 16 complaints (32% of the total), followed by structure and body problems (9 complaints, 18%) and airbags (8 complaints, 16%).
- Does the 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for 2006: one for a fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip on 8.1L V8 engines, and one for incorrect tire and loading information labels. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2006 Avalanche compare to other model years?
- The 2006 model has a complaint index of 0, far lower than 2007 (100, Avoid) and 2008 (88, Avoid), and similar in outcome to 2012, which scored 13 and earned a Best verdict.
- What mileage do brake problems show up at in the 2006 Avalanche?
- Brake complaints for the 2006 Avalanche have a median mileage at failure of 127,000 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.