2006 Chevrolet SSR

The 2006 Chevrolet SSR is a unique retro-styled roadster pickup truck. In 2006, it came standard with a 6.0L LS2 V8 engine producing 390 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with either a 4L65-E four-speed automatic transmission or a Tremec M10 6-speed manual transmission. Owners generally appreciate the SSR’s distinctive styling and powerful engine. Some common dislikes include limited cargo space, quirky handling, and the top mechanism complexity.

Engine

6.0L LS2 V8

• Oil Pressure Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil pressure gauge reads zero or fluctuates erratically, potentially triggering a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the oil pressure sensor, which is often located at the rear of the engine.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Lifter Tick
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise coming from the engine, especially at idle. Often related to collapsed lifters.
  • Solution: Replace the affected lifters. This can be a labor-intensive job.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Exhaust Manifold Bolts Breaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking or hissing noise, especially on cold starts. Exhaust smell in the engine bay.
  • Solution: Remove and replace the broken exhaust manifold bolts. May require drilling out the broken bolts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4L65-E Four-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission shifts harshly, slips between gears, or fails to shift at all.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Tremec M10 6-Speed Manual Transmission

• Difficulty Shifting into Certain Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding noises when shifting, especially into reverse or lower gears; increased shifter effort.
  • Solution: Repair or replace synchronizers or the entire transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Leaf Spring Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sits lower than normal, affecting ride quality and handling.
  • Solution: Replace the leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Front Sway Bar End Links Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise coming from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the sway bar end links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Convertible Top Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Top fails to open or close properly, gets stuck, or makes unusual noises.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the hydraulic pump, cylinders, or wiring for the convertible top mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Driver Information Center (DIC) Pixel Loss
  • Description/Symptoms: Pixels on the DIC screen fade or disappear, making it difficult to read information.
  • Solution: Replace the DIC unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tailgate Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate handle breaks or becomes difficult to operate.
  • Solution: Replace the tailgate handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Window Defroster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear window defroster stops working or only partially defrosts the window.
  • Solution: Inspect and repair the defroster grid or replace the rear window.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Radio Display Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Radio display fades, flickers, or becomes unreadable.
  • Solution: Replace the radio unit or repair the display.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows operate slowly, erratically, or stop working altogether.
  • Solution: Replace the power window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2006 Chevrolet SSR, while desirable for its unique styling and performance, faces common issues primarily related to the convertible top mechanism, engine components (especially lifter tick), and transmission issues (mainly in the automatic variants). The costs of repairs can range from relatively inexpensive fixes like replacing sway bar end links to more substantial expenses such as transmission rebuilds or convertible top repairs. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and inspect the vehicle thoroughly before purchasing.