AI Damage2006 Chevrolet SSR: common problems
Owners of the 2006 Chevrolet SSR filed 5 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 5
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 80% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 20% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel/propulsion system 20% of all complaints
- 4 Powertrain 20% of all complaints
- 5 Service brakes 20% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 4 complaints (80% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Powertrain: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Service brakes: 1 complaints (20% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 6 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
- manual, 6-speed
Drive: RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 5 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Fuel level gauge not functioning properly. Also, vehicle has accelerated while brake was being depressed almost causing rear end collision...had to put into neutral.
Put the truck in reverse and the transmission cable broke. It is plastic and the catalytic converter heats the plastic and cracks it. The underhood fuse block went while driving. The truck shut off on me while I was driving and would not restart. The dealer said this is a big issue with this truck.
Engine stalled, brakes faded and auto stopped. Attempted to start many times (6) before the engine would start again. The engine ran roughly but sufficient to drive to a gm dealer for repair (new ignition switch). On 04/05/10, the same problem occurred again. Speed at that time was idling at a stop light.
Driving 55mph; check engine light came on; engine and all electricals shutdown; same codes as bulletin 10009520; tsb 3089; returning from trip in mountains - could have resulted in loss of life; still see recent posts of this situation: how can it possibly be closed?
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 14,282 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 39% most complained about).
On average one model year of the SSR has 19 complaints (4 years in the data). This year has 5, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Chevrolet SSR?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, engine and cooling, fuel/propulsion system. Total complaints: 5. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: stalls while driving (20%), warning lights, check engine (20%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2006 Chevrolet SSR?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2006 Chevrolet SSR from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2006 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.