145 of the
1,453 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Silverado 3500
are about the electrical system —
10% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2024.
On XXX the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado was taken to Mayse Automotive Group at [XXX] dealership for the complaint of the key getting stuck in the ignition and unable to remove causing a safety and security risk. Service department found that the transmission control in column needed to be replaced. The park switch control was defective and providing incorrect data. Service department confirmed that many vehicles alike have needed same repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The infotainment/control module in my 2024 Silverado 3500HD failed unexpectedly while I was traveling cross-country. The module is available for inspection upon request. Prior to the failure, I did not receive any warning lamps or messages. When the system failed, I lost access to multiple camera systems integrated into the vehicle, including backup and visibility-assistance cameras used to aid lane changes, parking, maneuvering, and identifying obstacles around the truck. Due to the size and height of this vehicle, these cameras provide important visibility of areas that are difficult to observe directly, including pedestrians, cyclists, and children who may be below the driver's line of sight. The loss of these camera systems reduced situational awareness and increased the risk of a collision while backing, changing lanes, or operating the vehicle in crowded areas. The failure also disabled navigation, hands-free functions, audio, WiFi connectivity, and access to vehicle settings controlled through the infotainment system. The vehicle was inspected by a Chevrolet dealer in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The dealer attempted a software reflash to correct the issue; however, the procedure rendered the unit completely inoperable. The dealer confirmed that the module required replacement and quoted an estimated repair cost of approximately $1,500. The required replacement part was unavailable, and despite contacting numerous Chevrolet dealerships, I was unable to obtain a repair during my trip. As a result, I was required to continue operating the vehicle while towing a large trailer for an extended period without the camera systems and related functionality. I have also become aware of GM Service Bulletin PIC6630B, which indicates that GM has identified this failure mode and that it is not an isolated occurrence. Given that a single module failure can disable multiple safety features, I request that it be evaluated by an independent authority accordingly.
NHTSA complaint #11756996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 162,000. It was later discovered upon checking a Carfax report that the mileage was 270,000.
NHTSA complaint #11750622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH with a trailer hitched to the vehicle, the trailer brake failed to respond on and off independently. Neither an independent mechanic nor a dealer was contacted. The trailer brake failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with N232414840 - Customer Satisfaction Program (Equipped with BRK APL CTRL FEATURE-INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE); however, the VIN was not included in the program. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. No assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11744609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving down the XXX Expressway Sunday, XXX, with my children in my vehicle. This is a very heavily traveled highway in [XXX] with heavy traffic. My 2024 Chevy Silverado 3500 Diesel HD Truck with 25,500 miles suddenly started throwing multiple codes, lost power, and steering. Fortunately I was able to "roll into" the emergency lane while muscling the steering in that direction and engaged the emergency brake. My other son was following shortly behind me in his vehicle and pulled over to assist us about 30 mins after my truck was sitting stalled in the HWY. He parked his truck behind mine, put on his hazards, and we were transferring gear from my truck to his truck. At this point my 2024 Chevy HD Silverado Diesel started rolling back on it's own and nearly crushed my son's friend. The parking break was on and it suddenly released on it's own. It took 3 grown men to stop it from crushing my son's friend. The force was so strong that when he lifted his hand to try to stop the truck from rolling, it broke the right rear tail light. He could have been crushed between our two trucks from this situation. I have never been notified by GM of any recalls, however, the truck had to be towed to Ferman Cheverlotte service on Adamo Dr, Tampa Fl and is currently sitting on their lot. I was told by the service tech Michael Stevens that the vehicle had several open recalls that they would address but did not offer any information about what could be wrong. After searching online, I found that GM IS aware of this issue and sent several service bulletins about this exact problem. I had contacted the Ferman service center the week before to bring the truck in because the AC was out and made an appointment for service on Tuesday. The day after I made the appointment my batteries died and had to be replaced by AAA.It is disturbing to know GM and FERMAN Service centers are aware of this safety issue on these HD trucks and never informed me, the consumer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U
NHTSA complaint #11744238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The infotainment system regularly stops producing audio. This applies to all audio, including turn signal, navigation, radio and Apple Carplay. Yes, it's available to inspection. While it's not a huge safety concern, there have been a couple times it's quite working, and I was very distracted by the audio cutting in and out. A few times I've driven down the road with my blinker on because I couldn't hear it blinking as it comes through the speakers. Yes, I've taken it to the dealer, they apply software fixes that they know won't correct the issue. It starts right back up a few days later. No, it has not been inspected by the manufacturer, other than their authorized service center. No warning prior to it appearing.
NHTSA complaint #11738484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Water entered tailgate through drainage hole in tailgate cap. The water then dripped on the tailgate switch causing it to short out. This short circuit caused my tailgate to open and close randomly without pressing any switches or buttons or key fobs. May tailgate has a small ding it it now from where it kept hitting the wall while parked in the garage. I took the truck to the dealership to get repairs done and was charged 308.88 for the tailgate switch and diagnosis that should have been under a recall for this truck. Safety Recall N232426400 Tailgate May Open Unexpectedly issued May 2024. I called the customer service number [XXX] to try and get reimbursed for the repairs and they told me there is no recall on my truck. I had this problem and it clearly states the year, make and model of my truck in the recall, but because my vin wasn't included I'm out of luck? I will attach all the info i have on this matter. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11734635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Recall N192265660 repair failed. Dealer stated that GM refused to participate in the repair. Smoke and smell of burning electrical followed by the rear window exploding. Dealer quoted over $1900 to repair and suggested we go aftermarket and have the repair done elsewhere. Vehicle has approximately 62k miles since last attempt to repair the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11732526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trailer brakes and lights come and go. I start with having everything then loose brakes and lights when I’m driving. This is apparently a known issue that they have a fix for but I have never received anything about a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11728285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle was driven to a job site in Gowanda NY. The computer indicated it neede to clean the exhaust filter. The truck was parked in an open area on a blacktop parking area. The truck finished a Regen approximately 30 minutes later. The vehicle was shut down and left unattended. Approx 30 minutes later, the driver, heard noises, came around a structure and saw the vehicle was on fire. The driver did attempt to use a fire extinguisher to no avail. They then called 911 and the fire department was dispatched. The department put out the fire but the vehicle is a total loss. As this was a work site, the vehicle was towed to our shop and stored inside. The inland marine insurance company hired a fire investigator, and they looked at the vehicle. They determined the fire originated on the lower firewall in the engine compartment. He paused his investigation, to await a representative of GM to be present for destructive analysis to determine exact cause. The GM case number is XXX. This vehicle had errored multiple times and did Regen every 2-300 miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11719216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2021 chevy 3500hd diesel had the engine light come on and the service emissions system popped up in the info screen. It said in so many miles speed would be limited. I took it to the dealer and they said the def tank would need replaced because the tank wiring connector overheated and would cost me over $2k.
NHTSA complaint #11716547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Def pump and heater module had burned terminals. This caused failure to the def pump and heater module. This was the second instance of this happening on this truck in roughly 40,000 miles. Burned terminals can start electrical fires that are a danger to occupants and others in the vicinity. Failure of this system forces a drop in speed after so many miles that make you a danger on the road.
NHTSA complaint #11715205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I’ve heard all the horror stories about faulty electrical issues. I’m chasing an issue now on my 2018 with ONLY 87,000 miles after spending a bunch of money on batteries hub assemblies random control modules to try to fix an issue of stabilitrak, traction control, abs, trailer brakes, power steering etc all going off every 3 seconds. Grounds have all been re done to bare metal nothing is fixing the issue. Steering wheel about flew out of my hands going 65mph when the power steering message along with all the others on the dtc while dinging annoying the shit out of me. I’ve bought nothing but gm trucks my whole adult life and I’ll never do it again. Thing is a piece of shit and you all should be doing something to fix it. I’ve seen people have the fix by replacing a tail light bulb speed sensors ecbm abs modules trailer brake modules harnesses the list is endless. Someone is going to die when they crash from some bullshit electrical problem that can’t be chased down because it’s always something different. The money we pay for these trash trucks is insane for the problems like this that you won’t recall. That’s it these trucks suck and I’ll never buy another one. Trash.
NHTSA complaint #11711287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Email Subject I am reporting a serious safety-related defect involving sudden and complete vehicle shutdown while driving in a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST. Component/System Involved: The failure appears related to the 12-volt electrical system and associated vehicle control electronics. When the vehicle detects the 12V battery as dead or critically low, it immediately disables propulsion and control systems. The exact failed component is UNKNOWN. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Incident Description: This failure has occurred twice under similar conditions (ambient temperature approximately 25°F). On November 28, 2024 and again on January 2, 2026, after driving approximately two blocks at low residential speeds, the vehicle abruptly and completely shut down while in motion. In both incidents, the shutdown was immediate, without warning, and accompanied by a loud thud and an extremely abrupt stop. Safety Risk: In both incidents, the vehicle became completely immobilized in the roadway. I was unable to steer to the side of the road, restart the vehicle, or shift it into gear to move it out of traffic. This created a significant risk of collision. A similar failure at highway speeds could result in a severe or fatal crash. Warnings or Prior Symptoms: No warning lamps, messages, alerts, or other symptoms appeared prior to either shutdown. Problem Confirmation or Reproduction: The issue has occurred twice under cold-weather conditions. Inspections: After the first incident, the 12V battery was inspected and no issues were found. Following the second incident, the vehicle is currently being inspected at a Chevrolet dealership. No police or insurance inspections were performed. This behavior suggests the vehicle lacks a fail-safe or degraded-operation mode for 12V system failure and instead performs an immediate shutdown while in motion, which may represent a serious safety defect warranting investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11709144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Power unlatching tailgate opens unexpectedly (after big rain storm) The exact problem in this recall: Safety Recall N232426400 Tailgate May Open Unexpectedly However, my truck VIN wasn't part of the recall, even tho it shows it should be in the document above. I had to disconnect the tailgate switch myself to stop the tailgate from randomly opening while pulling a 5th wheel RV..... 3,000 miles from home. Just had it fixed at the dealer for $144, who said it wasn't coved under recall.
NHTSA complaint #11700055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There is a common and very dangerous electrical wire routing problem on my vehicle, along with 3 dozen others and my dads (separate but same truck) i confirmed with (FB group for owners of 17-19 L5P GMC diesel trucks) where the alternator positive wire from the alternator to the battery is run right along and across a rather sharp part of molding from the air intake tube. This routing location and rough intake plastic molding rubs through the alternator wire creating a possible electrical short/ corrosion problems that can lead to battery and electrical system compromise, as well as fire risk! A short-circuit condition can cause damage to engine components and, in rare cases, start a fire in the engine compartment. I have 92,000 miles on this 2019, my father has the problem starting on his at only 40,000 miles and may others have issues as well to very degrees of severity between 25 and 150k miles. I discovered this issue while performing routine air filter maintenance and happened to see the rub damage. no modifications have been done, this is the way the wire is routed from the factory. IMO and estimations This issue far supercedes the danger and severity of the recall that currently exists for the engine block heater cord for these models of trucks. 2 of the photos show the damage and exposed wire as soon as i found it. The last shows the location and the part that caused the rub damage along with a temporary mitigation method: electrical tape with a rubber hose installed as a buffer until a permanent fix can be installed.
NHTSA complaint #11696384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and towing a trailer or an RV, the brake pedal was depressed, and the trailer brake failed to engage. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact stated that the manual trailer brake was able to activate, and the trailer brake engaged to slow the trailer or the RV. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the tow hitch wiring harness needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the tow hitch was factory installed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,500.
NHTSA complaint #11689106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the message “Trailer Brakes Disabled” was displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed the contact the vehicle was operating as designed, and that neither the vehicle nor the trailer would be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.
NHTSA complaint #11681573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1st incident: When driving the vehicle dashboard shut off, no indicators working such as speedometer, gauges etc and brakes were not working, luckily I was in a 60 miles an hour zone so I had to just let the vehicle come to a gravity stop. To turn off the engine and start it back up again. 2nd incident: when driving the dash lights turned off and on like flickering on and off and all the gauges mentioned above did not work, and brakes did not work. This is very scary! All power in the truck is lost while driving and braking issue!
NHTSA complaint #11677598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while hauling a 2020 Heartland Cyclone, the trailer brakes unexpectedly deactivated. The contact stated that the trailer brake was disconnected, and the warning light to check the trailer winch was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of failure. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer and the contact was informed that the trailer brake module had failed and needed to be replaced. The trailer brake module was replaced. The failure and repair were linked to an unstated Technical Service Bulletin; however, the VIN was not included. The TSB stated that the RV battery was interfering with the vehicle battery and causing the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
NHTSA complaint #11668128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.