Model year guide

2006 Chevrolet optra

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2006 Chevrolet optra is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

2006 Chevrolet optra — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2006 Chevrolet optra at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints2
Combined22–23 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2006 Chevrolet optra recalls 2

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #07V482000 · 16/10/2007

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES LOCATED IN GUAM AND SAIPAN, THE HEADLAMP LOW BEAM OR DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT (DRL) FUNCTION MAY BE INOPERATIVE DUE TO A MELTED SPLICE PACK (S201) ON THE IP HARNESS.

Fix: DEALERS WILL CHANGE THE HEADLAMP LOW BEAM SPLICING TYPE AND SEPARATE IT FROM SPLICE PACK 201 TO PROTECT HOUSING MELTING DUE TO POTENTIAL POOR CONTACT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 2, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GM DAEWOO AT 1-671-648-8453.

Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly NHTSA Campaign #07V328000 · 20/07/2007

CERTAIN VEHICLES LOCATED IN GUAM AND SAIPAN WERE BUILT WITH A SEAT BELT BUCKLE WITH AN IMPROPER ULTRASONIC WELD OF THE SPRING RIB AND FIXATION RIB OF BUCKLE UNDERCOVER IN BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS. A SPRING RIB OR FIXATION RIB COULD BREAK AND REMAIN INSIDE THE BUCKLE, AND THE SEAT BELT TONGUE MAY NOT BE INSERTED INTO THE BUCKLE, OR THE PUSH BUTTON MAY BECOME STUCK, RESULTING IN AN OCCUPANT NOT BEING ABLE TO UNLATCH THE …

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 2, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GM DAEWOO AT 1-671-648-8453.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2006 Chevrolet optra common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

2006 Chevrolet optra MPG & running costs

Combined22–23 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,975
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Passenger volume95 cu ft
Cargo volume12 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$2,875 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2006 Chevrolet optra costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,875
Fuel only$14,875
Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
169.3–180.3 in
Width
68.1 in
Height
57.1–59.1 in
Wheelbase
102.0 in
Curb weight
2,765–2,855 lb
Front track
57.9 in
Rear track
57.9–58.3 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2006 Chevrolet optra — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 312

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 312.

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

Bulletin PIP5601C · Jul 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

Bulletin PIT5074R · May 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

Bulletin PIT5074R · May 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

Bulletin PIT5074R · May 2025

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).

Bulletin 02-00-89-002X · Sep 2024

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in que…

Bulletin PIT3271P · Sep 2024

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exc…

Bulletin General Communication · Electrical System · Aug 2024

This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.

Bulletin 01-06-01-011P · Engine · Aug 2024

GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more caref…

Bulletin 24-NA-141 · Power Train · Jul 2024

This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce c…

Bulletin 16-NA-383 · Fuel/propulsion System, Engine · Jun 2024

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the OPTRA. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 5

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2006 Chevrolet optra. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Electrical

On certain vehicles, heat generated within the headlamp switch and/or daytime running light (DRL) module could melt the headlamp switch or DRL module and cause a fire, which may result in injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary replace the DRL module and the headlamp switch and install a relay in the headlamp circuit.

Transport Canada #2014182 · May 2014

Lights And Instruments

On certain vehicles, the Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) module may fail, causing one or more of the following conditions: the DRLs may flicker but remain illuminated; the DRL indicator in the instrument panel may flash; the DRLs may remain illuminated after the vehicle is turned OFF; the DRLs may cease to function and the DRL indicator in the instrument panel will turn OFF. A loss…

Transport Canada #2012274 · Aug 2012

Lights And Instruments

On certain vehicles, an instrument panel harness connector could melt, which may cause a loss of headlamp function. Loss of headlamp illumination, should it occur during a rainy/snowy day, or during hours of darkness, could compromise the driver’s ability to see the road and its users, which could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dea…

Transport Canada #2012275 · Aug 2012

Lights And Instruments

Certain vehicles may experience a loss of headlamp low beam or Daytime Running Light (DRL) function as a result of a melted instrument panel harness connector. Low beam failure would lead to reduced visibility during hours of darkness. DRL failure may render the vehicle less visible to other motorists and pedestrians during daylight hours. Both cases could lead to a vehicle cra…

Transport Canada #2007315 · Sep 2007

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, a piece of the seatbelt buckle lower cover may break off and become lodged in the buckle assembly. As a result, the seatbelt tongue may not latch in the buckle or the push button may become stuck, preventing the occupant from unlatching the buckle. These buckle malfunctions could prevent a person from using the seatbelt system, resulting in an increased ris…

Transport Canada #2007255 · Jul 2007

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

2006 Chevrolet optra trims & engines on record

Trims
5 lt
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl

2006 Chevrolet optra vehicles on record

Other Chevrolet optra model years

2006 Chevrolet optra — frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Chevrolet optra have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2006 Chevrolet optra. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

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

Across all 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are exterior lighting, steering.

What gas mileage does the 2006 Chevrolet optra get?

The 2006 Chevrolet optra has U.S. EPA estimates of 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.