2006 Chevrolet Express Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jul 2, 2026 · 12 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Express years
Fewer complaints than other years 21st of 31 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Chevrolet Express. That ranks 21st out of 31 Express model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is air bags (2 complaints, 17%), typically at around 79,750 miles. Complaints mention 2 crashes, 2 injuries. There are 16 safety recalls covering this model year.

Chevrolet Express
Chevrolet Express photographed in Washington, D.C. , USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2006 Chevrolet Express problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Air Bags2 · ~79,750 mi
Electrical System2 · ~232,373 mi
Power Train2 · ~41,000 mi
Electronic Stability Control (esc)1 · ~41,000 mi
Engine1 · ~41,000 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Seat Belts1
Seats1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1 · ~25,620 mi
Steering1 · ~258 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Air Bags217%79,750——
Electrical System217%232,373——
Power Train217%41,000——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)18%41,000——
Engine18%41,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling18%———
Seat Belts18%———
Seats18%———
Service Brakes, Hydraulic18%25,620——
Steering18%258——
Structure18%62,529——
Suspension18%40,000——
Unknown or Other18%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2011, with 3 complaints
2006: 2200622010: 1201012011: 3201132014: 2201422016: 2201622026: 220262

n = 12 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2006 Chevrolet Express recalls (16)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityJul 29, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V303000 · 8 vehicles

Problem: Van products is recalling 8 vans equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. The lift fails to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations on motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.

Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.

Fix: Van products is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lift free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityJul 29, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V304000 · 8 vehicles

Problem: Van products is recalling 8 vans equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift system accessible for motor vehicles," the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. The pressure sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. The lift could stow even though someone or something is still on the lift.

Risk: A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.

Fix: Van products is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityJul 29, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V306000 · 6 vehicles

Problem: Customizers is recalling 6 vans equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations on motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.

Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.

Fix: Customizers is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lift free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityJul 6, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V270000 · 185 vehicles

Problem: Main mobility is recalling 185 model year 2005 through 2009 chevrolet express and gmc savana vans manufactured between april 1, 2005 and june 25, 2009, equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations in motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.

Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.

Fix: Main mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or main mobility at 1-716-759-6811.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityJul 6, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V272000 · 185 vehicles

Problem: Main mobility is recalling 185 model year 2005 through 2009 chevrolet express and gmc savana vans manufactured between april 1, 2005 and june 25, 2009, equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift installations in motor vehicles." the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. The pressure sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. The lift could stow even though someone or something is still on the lift.

Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.

Fix: Main mobility 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 main mobility at 1-716-759-6811.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityFeb 6, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V049000 · 86 vehicles

Problem: Mobility is recalling 86 my 2005-2006 ford e-series and chevrolet express van equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations on motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.

Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.

Fix: Mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or mobility at 714-674-0480.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityFeb 6, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V050000 · 43 vehicles

Problem: Mobility is recalling 43 my 2005-2006 ford e-series and chevrolet express vans equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift system accessible for motor vehicles." the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. The pressure sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. The lift could stow even though someone or something is still on the lift.

Risk: A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.

Fix: Mobility 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 mobility at 714-674-0480.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityJan 28, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V038000 · 3 vehicles

Problem: Obs is recalling 3 ricon wheelchair lifts which it installed on my 2006 blue bird and chevrolet express school buses. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations in motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.

Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.

Fix: Obs is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or obs at 1-330-453-3725.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityOct 24, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V568000 · 42 vehicles

Problem: Cummings is recalling 42 my 2006-2008 ford e150, e350, chevrolet express, my 2006 ford e250, gmc savanna, dodge sprinter conversion vans, and my 2007 newmar dutchstar motor homes equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These buses fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installation in motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.

Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.

Fix: Cummings is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or cummings at 1-763-498-7887.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityOct 24, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V569000 · 42 vehicles

Problem: Cummings is recalling 42 my 2006-2008 ford e150, e350, chevrolet express, my 2006 ford e250, gmc savanna, dodge sprinter conversion vans, and my 2007 newmar dutchstar motor homes equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift systems for motor vehicles." the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. The pressure sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. The lift could stow even though someone or something is still on the lift.

Risk: A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.

Fix: Cummings 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 cummings at 1-763-498-7887.

Equipment adaptive/mobilitySep 22, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V488000 · 18 vehicles

Problem: Quality van sales is recalling 18 my 2005-2007 ford e-250, my 2006 ford e-350, and chevrolet express vans equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations in motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.

Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.

Fix: Quality van sales is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or quality van sales at 1-800-408-8550.

Equipment adaptive/mobilitySep 22, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V489000 · 18 vehicles

Problem: Quality van sales is recalling 18 my 2005-2007 ford e-250, my 2006 ford e-350 and chevrolet express vans equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift systems for motor vehicles." the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. The pressure sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. The lift could stow even though someone or something is still on the lift.

Risk: A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.

Fix: Quality van sales is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or quality van sales at 1-800-408-8550.

Seat beltsApr 15, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V238000 · 4,003 vehicles

Problem: Gm is recalling 4,003 my 2006 chevrolet express and gmc savana full-size passenger, cargo, or cutaway vans. The front and rear seat belt buckles will not latch or will not unlatch.

Risk: In the event of a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the buckles and, if found to be inoperative, the entire buckle assembly would be replaced. For buckles found to be operative, dealer will replace only the upper buckle cover. The recall began on april 30, 2008. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or through their website at <a href=http://www.gmownercenter.com>http://www.gmownercenter.com</a> . Note: this campaign is an expansion of a previous recall (please see 05v558).

Seat beltsDec 19, 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V558000 · 425,593 vehicles

Problem: On certain full-size passenger, cargo, or cutaway vans, the front and rear seat belt buckles will not latch or will not unlatch.

Risk: In the event of a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the buckles and, if found to be inoperative, the entire buckle assembly would be replaced. For buckles found to be operative, dealer will replace only the upper buckle cover. The recall will be conducted in phases. The first phase mailing began during march 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

Equipment:other:labelsDec 7, 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V552000 · 32,068 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connectionsOct 5, 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V455000 · 123,592 vehicles

Problem: Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification. Under extreme steering maneuvers, such as turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right while braking, the hose may fracture and leak fluid.

Risk: If this were to occur, power steering assist would be lost and increased steering effort would be required. On vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, it could also result in loss of power brake assist and increased braking effort would be required. If the power steering fluid spray were to spray onto hot engine parts, an engine compartment fire could occur.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the power steering hose(s) for two suspect date codes and replace them if required. The recall will begin on october 14, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, buick at 1-866-608-8080, cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, isuzu at 1-800-255-6727, or hummer at 1-800-732-5493.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

I was driving approximately 70 mph on the highway when I came up behind a vehicle whose three brake lights were completely inoperative. The vehicle suddenly stopped, but there was no brake light illumination to warn following traffic. The only reason I realized the vehicle was stopping was because…

Unknown or Other · received Jul 2, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11747878

Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Express. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 178,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 394,745.

Electrical System · received Mar 11, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11723693

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet express. While driving 30 mph, the vehicle vibrated severely and stopped when the brake pedal was depressed. The failure occurred constantly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, but the cause of the failure was not found…

Suspension · received Aug 8, 2016 · NHTSA complaint 10894065

I bought a chevrolet van express with a 6.0 v8 engine a year ago with only 37000 miles. Approximately 2 months after purchase, i began having trouble with the engine and stabilitrak system in addition to the low beam headlight failure detailed below same across the entire v8 6.0 engines produced by…

Electronic Stability Control (esc) · received Jul 21, 2016 · NHTSA complaint 10887623

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet express. While driving 50 mph, the vehicle jerked and stalled. The vehicle would not restart and was towed to the dealer. The technician stated that the ignition needed to be repaired. The ignition was originally repaired at 54,322 miles. The vehicle was…

Electrical System · received Sep 12, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10632737

Other Chevrolet Express years

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See all Chevrolet Express problems by year, every Chevrolet model, or the Chevrolet VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Express?

Owners most often report air bags, electrical system, power train problems. The top one, air bags, accounts for 2 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2006 Chevrolet Express?

Yes, 16 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2006 Chevrolet Express a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Express model years, the 2006 has fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.