2006 Chevrolet Uplander

The 2006 Chevrolet Uplander is a minivan that was marketed as a versatile family vehicle. It was offered with a 3.5L V6 engine (rated at 200 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque) and a 3.9L V6 engine (rated at 240 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque) paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciated the Uplander’s spacious interior and relatively low price point. Common complaints centered on the van’s lackluster fuel economy, unrefined driving experience, and some reliability issues.

Engine

3.5L V6 (LZE)

• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, engine overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, and/or coolant smell.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, poor fuel economy, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per injector
  • Recalls: None Found

3.9L V6 (LZ9)

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine consumes excessive amounts of oil between oil changes. Low oil light illuminates.
  • Solution: In some cases, piston ring replacement or valve stem seal replacement may be necessary. In severe cases, engine replacement is required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+ depending on the severity
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak around the valve cover, burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic (4T65E)

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission shifts roughly, hesitates, or slips between gears. Check engine light may illuminate with transmission-related codes.
  • Solution: In some cases, a fluid change and filter replacement can resolve minor issues. More severe cases may require valve body repair or replacement, or a complete transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid change) - $3000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Stalling, poor acceleration, shuddering at low speeds.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Leaf Spring Sagging/Broken
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sits lower than normal, especially when loaded. Reduced ride quality.
  • Solution: Replace the rear leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per side
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Struts/Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll.
  • Solution: Replace the worn struts and/or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600 per corner
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power door locks stop working, intermittent operation.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 per door
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sliding Door Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sliding door fails to open or close electrically, manual operation only.
  • Solution: Replace the sliding door motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sliding Door Cable Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sliding door becomes difficult or impossible to open/close. Cable may be visibly frayed or broken.
  • Solution: Replace the sliding door cable.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Headliner fabric detaches from the backing board and sags down.
  • Solution: Replace or re-glue the headliner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2006 Chevrolet Uplander has several common issues spanning engine, transmission, suspension, electrical, exterior, and interior components. Engine issues like intake manifold leaks and oil consumption can be costly to address. Transmission problems, particularly harsh shifting and potential torque converter failures, are also a concern. Suspension wear and electrical faults further contribute to the overall ownership experience. While some issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to repair, others can be quite significant and require substantial investment. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and thoroughly inspect the vehicle before purchase.