CarBrief

NHTSA has 587 owner complaints on file for the 2006 Envoy[1], and fuel system reports lead the list. The car also has 8 recalls on record[2], so check recall status before you buy or keep one.

587owner complaints[1]
8recalls[2]
15–17MPG combined (EPA)[3]

Reported problems

These are owner complaints sent to NHTSA. They are unverified, and one complaint can name more than one part. Of the 587 complaints[1], 15 mention a crash[1], 28 a fire[1] and 10 injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1].

Component group Complaints Fires Median miles at failure
Fuel system, gasoline[4] 225 0 60,000
Electrical system[5] 137 23 90,503
Exterior lighting[6] 63 2 110,000
Engine[7] 53 3 102,000
Fuel/propulsion system[8] 47 0 85,000
Visibility[9] 29 4 90,000
Power train[10] 28 2 80,150
Fuel system, other[11] 27 0 62,500

Fuel system. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, In a sample of 12 complaints we read, every one mentions a fuel gauge that reads empty, swings between empty and full, or reads wrong, and about half tie it to filling the tank[4].. Some owners also mention a check engine light or a low fuel alarm. One owner says the car ran out of gas while the gauge showed full[4]. This group has no crashes, fires or injuries[4].

Electrical. This group carries the most fires, 23 of its 137 complaints[5]. In a sample of 12 texts, 3 describe a burning smell or melted wiring, such as a blower resistor or fuse block[5]. Another 3 describe stalling, a loss of power, or stability control and ABS acting when they should not[5]. Six mention the fuel gauge again[5].

Exterior lighting. In a sample of 12 texts, about half describe headlights going out or coming on late while driving[6]. Two describe glare from the headlights or high beams[6].

Engine. In a sample of 12 texts, 6 describe the engine stalling, shutting off or showing a reduced power warning while driving[7]. The sample is small, so it does not tell you how often this happens across all cars.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 8 recalls for this model year[2]. Newest first:

Ask a GMC dealer to check the VIN for open recalls.

Fuel economy

EPA lists a 4.2L 6-cylinder and a 5.3L 8-cylinder, both with a 4-speed automatic and regular gas[20][3]. Combined ratings run from 15 to 17 mpg across versions[20][3][21][22].

EPA estimates annual fuel cost from $3,950 to $4,450 depending on version[3][21]. These costs use EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Safety ratings

Our data has only rollover results. NHTSA gives the Envoy 4 stars with a rollover risk of 19.1%[29]. The Envoy XL also gets 4 stars with a risk of 19.8%[30].

Engine and size

EPA lists a 4.2L 6-cylinder and a 5.3L 8-cylinder[20][3]. Our data does not include horsepower. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Envoy (2WD and 4WD)[31][32][33][34] 192 in 74 in 72 in 113 in 4,425 to 4,802 lb
Envoy XL (2WD)[35][36] 208 in 75 in 75 in 129 in 4,784 to 5,000 lb

The lightest listed Envoy is the 2WD SLE/SLT at 4,425 lb[31]. The heaviest is the 4WD Denali at 4,802 lb[34].

How 2006 compares with other years

2002: 557 complaints, 15 recalls20022003: 624 complaints, 9 recalls20032004: 704 complaints, 2 recalls20042005: 511 complaints, 2 recalls20052006: 587 complaints, 8 recalls58720062007: 253 complaints, 5 recalls20072008: 77 complaints, 0 recalls20082009: 17 complaints, 0 recalls2009
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Envoy model year. The 2006 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
200255715
20036249
20047042
20055112
20065878
20072535
2008770
2009170

NHTSA lists these complaint and recall counts by Envoy model year[2]:

Year Complaints Recalls
2002 557 15
2003 624 9
2004 704 2
2005 511 2
2006 587 8
2007 253 5
2008 77 0
2009 17 0

With 587 complaints, 2006 ranks third behind 2004 and 2003[2]. With 8 recalls, it ranks third behind 2002 and 2003[2]. The 2007 to 2009 model years have far fewer complaints[2]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so read them as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2006 Envoy?

The 2006 Envoy has a long complaint file, led by fuel system complaints (a sample describes gauge problems), and 8 recalls[1][4][2]. The fuel system group has no crashes or fires, but the electrical group has 23 fires among its 137 complaints[4][5]., but the electrical group has 23 fires among its 137 complaints[4][5]. The driver's door module recalls involve a fire risk even when parked[12]. Before buying, have a dealer check the VIN for open recalls, and test the fuel gauge and headlights. Remember that complaints are unverified and not adjusted for sales[1].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2006 GMC Envoy?
Fuel system complaints lead with 225 of 587[1][4]. In a sample we read, owners describe a fuel gauge that reads empty after filling[4]. The electrical group has 137 complaints[5].
Does the 2006 GMC Envoy have recalls?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls, including four for a driver's door switch module that can short and start a fire[2][12][14][15][16].
What gas mileage does a 2006 GMC Envoy get?
EPA combined ratings run from 15 to 17 mpg depending on version[20][3][21][22].
Is the 2006 GMC Envoy safe in a rollover?
NHTSA gives it 4 stars for rollover, with a 19.1% risk for the Envoy and 19.8% for the XL[29][30].
Which Envoy model year has fewer complaints?
The 2007 to 2009 model years have 253, 77 and 17 complaints, against 587 for 2006[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 587 owner complaints on file for the 2006 GMC Envoy (15 mention a crash, 28 a fire, 10 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every GMC Envoy model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. EPA rating for Envoy 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  4. 225 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. 137 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 23 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 90,503). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 63 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (3 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 110,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 53 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 102,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 47 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 85,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 29 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 4 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 90,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 28 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,150). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 27 complaints name the fuel system, other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 15V599, filed September 24, 2015: Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 15V519, filed August 14, 2015: Exterior Lighting › Headlights. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 14V404, filed July 2, 2014: Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 13V248, filed June 13, 2013: Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 12V406, filed August 16, 2012: Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 06V417, filed October 31, 2006: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 05V552, filed December 7, 2005: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 05V455, filed October 5, 2005: Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, And Connections. NHTSA recall database
  20. EPA rating for Envoy 2WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Envoy XL 2WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Envoy XL 4WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Envoy 4WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Envoy 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Envoy XL 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Envoy XL 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA rating for Envoy XUV 2WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. EPA rating for Envoy XUV 4WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  29. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD/4WD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  30. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD/4WD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENVOY 4DR SUV 2WD SLE/SLT: length 192 in, width 74 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,425 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENVOY 4DR SUV 2WD DENALI: length 192 in, width 74 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,625 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENVOY 4DR SUV 4WD /SLE/SLT: length 192 in, width 74 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,542 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  34. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENVOY 4DR SUV 4WD DENALI: length 192 in, width 74 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,802 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  35. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENVOY XL 4DR SUV 2WD SLE/SLT: length 208 in, width 75 in, height 75 in, wheelbase 129 in, curb weight 4,784 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  36. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENVOY XL 4DR SUV 2WD DENALI: length 208 in, width 75 in, height 75 in, wheelbase 129 in, curb weight 5,000 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.