Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2006 GMC EnvoyRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls and 603 owner complaints for the 2006 GMC Envoy. Most complaints involve fuel system, gasoline (226) and electrical system (142). The EPA rates it 15–17 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
15–17mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
9campaigns
Latest Sep 2015
Owner complaints
603
Top: fuel system, gasoline
Fuel cost / yr
$3,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

9 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Visibility: power window devices and controls

Free remedy

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer and GMC Envoy vehicles, and 2006 GMC Envoy XL and Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT vehicles. Fluid may enter into the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board, causing window switches to become inoperative. Previously, the affected vehicles may have had their master power window switch module treated with a protective coating, instead of having it replaced.

VisibilityReported Sep 24, 2015NHTSA 15V599000

Exterior lighting: headlights

Free remedy

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.

Exterior lightingReported Aug 14, 2015NHTSA 15V519000

Visibility: power window devices and controls

Remedy pending

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.

VisibilityReported Jul 2, 2014NHTSA 14V404000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

603 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2005 – Aug 2026
  1. Fuel system, gasoline226
  2. Electrical system142
  3. Exterior lighting71
  4. Fuel/propulsion system49
  5. Engine40
  6. Visibility29
  7. Power train28
  8. Electronic stability control (esc)27
  9. Fuel system, other27

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Envoy model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2002570
2003642
2004718
2005624
2006603
2007278
200877
200917
Crashes reported
16
Fires reported
29
Injuries reported
11
Deaths reported
1
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Fuel system, gasoline

226 reports
“The contact owns a 2006 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The failure occurred on three separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with fuel pump and fuel pump sensor failure. The fuel pump and fuel pump sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 270,319.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 8, 2021Fuel system, gasoline, EngineODI 11443055

Electrical system

142 reports2 crashes23 fires
“Went to drive home at night lights were working then all the sudden went out. Pulled over checked fuses n restarted auto and still no lights, the dash board lights were out as well. Safety of other drivers and my family were affected. Did have to have a friend come and get us. And went to get auto next day n still no lights. When got home checked everything agine and fuses were ok the wireing look all intact. Still no lights. Or dash lights.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 12, 2022Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11468914

Exterior lighting

71 reports4 crashes3 fires
“The contact owns a 2006 GMC Envoy. The contact stated while driving with the low beam headlights engaged, the low beams headlights failed to illuminate, causing a reduced visibility of the roadway. The contact engaged the high beam headlights and was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V519000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 3, 2024Exterior lightingODI 11612389
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
5.3L 8-cyl · 4.2L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Envoy 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142017$3,800523
Envoy 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142016$4,000555
Envoy 4WD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
142016$4,000555
Envoy 4WD
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
142016$4,000555
Envoy XUV 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
141915$4,300592
Envoy XUV 4WD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
131815$4,300592
  • Envoy 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L
    14 city · 20 hwy · $3,800/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • Envoy 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L
    14 city · 20 hwy · $4,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • Envoy 4WD
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L
    14 city · 20 hwy · $4,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • Envoy 4WD
    Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L
    14 city · 20 hwy · $4,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • Envoy XUV 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L
    14 city · 19 hwy · $4,300/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
  • Envoy XUV 4WD
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L
    13 city · 18 hwy · $4,300/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 GMC Envoy as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 1735
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2006 Envoy questions

How many recalls does the 2006 GMC Envoy have?

9 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2006 GMC Envoy problems?

Owners filed 603 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel system, gasoline (226), electrical system (142), exterior lighting (71). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2006 GMC Envoy get?

The EPA rates the 2006 GMC Envoy at 15–17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026