Chevrolet Silverado 3500 window and wiper problems
35 of the
1,453 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Silverado 3500
are about the glass, mirrors and wipers —
2% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 1997.
35
Complaints
2%
Share of all complaints
0
Crashes
1
Fires
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers complaints by model year
On April 13, 2026, I experienced two safety-related malfunctions while driving my 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 LTZ on a two-lane highway in light rain. At approximately 6:24:05 PM, the windshield wipers stopped in the upright position for about 2–3 seconds while the vehicle was in motion, causing a temporary loss of forward visibility. At approximately 6:26:56 PM, while traveling around 65 MPH, the forward collision/adaptive cruise system falsely detected a vehicle in my lane when none was present and applied sudden, hard braking without driver input. This caused a noticeable forward pitch of the vehicle. At approximately 6:27:13 PM, the system again indicated a vehicle ahead when there was none. Road conditions were wet, and this unexpected braking created a risk of loss of control or a rear-end collision. The systems involved include the windshield wipers and forward collision/adaptive cruise control. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. There were no warning lamps prior to these incidents. The only indication was a false vehicle detection displayed on the instrument cluster and heads-up display. These issues have not yet been reproduced by the dealer, as they were just reported to both the dealership and GM. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership to date. The truck also has ongoing issues, including frequent audio cutting out (6+ service visits, unresolved) and intermittent failure of the camera system to activate, which has been previously documented and not corrected. Dashcam footage is available for both incidents and can be provided for review. These issues appear intermittent and without warning, making them difficult to anticipate or mitigate during normal driving. The unexpected nature of both the wiper malfunction and unintended braking increases the overall safety risk, especially in adverse weather and highway conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11731205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rear window leaks severely causing electrical issues. This is a known issue for almost 10 years now with multiple TSB’s about this problem across this vehicle platform. The repair for this is over $1000 often times. This should be a recall. We the consumers should not be stuck footing this bill when GM is well aware that this window causes issues and refuses to make a fix to keep this from happening. Especially, seeing that it typically does not seem to happen during the warranty period of the vehicle. My vehicle is less than 3 years old but now over the mileage cutoff and I was just quoted 1000-1500 to repair this very well know issue. GM needs to be liable for this faulty design.
NHTSA complaint #11683165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding a recurring and unresolved mechanical defect in my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, which I believe may constitute a widespread safety and reliability concern affecting this vehicle model. Since I purchased the truck in June 2020, I have experienced seven (7) failures of the air conditioning compressor system. The first six failures were repaired at authorized Chevrolet service centers, and the vehicle is currently undergoing a seventh replacement. All repairs have been documented and performed through Chevrolet dealerships, and I am attaching copies of the service repair orders for your reference. On July 24, 2025, a Chevrolet Customer Assistance representative, Chana Padgett, confirmed to me that the A/C compressor has been on national backorder, which I was told was due to the frequency of failures reported in 2020 Silverado 2500HD models nationwide. This points to a systemic defect, not an isolated case. The vehicle now has approximately 54,000 miles, and the repeated failures have resulted in: Significant loss of use of the vehicle Extended downtime due to backordered parts Decreased resale value and overall reliability Excessive repair costs, inconvenience, and loss of productivity The continued failure of a critical component like the A/C compressor affects not only driver comfort, but also visibility and ventilation—especially in southern states during peak summer months—posing potential safety hazards. I urge the NHTSA to initiate an investigation into this matter to determine if a recall or further corrective action by General Motors is warranted for the 2020 Silverado 2500HD model line.
NHTSA complaint #11677321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A rear defrost system malfunctioned and was smoking in the interior of the vehicle followed by the rear glass shattering. The electrical malfunction could have easily started a fire and glass flying around the cab a highway speeds could definitely be hazard. I called the dealership and they were unconcerned and gave me a quote to replace it. the dealer or the aftermarket glass replacement company have not heard of it happening. I did find a recall in Canada. Strangely enough mine was done in Canada and it happened again.
NHTSA complaint #11652076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the instrument panel was inoperable. The contact stated that the instrument panel failed to function properly while attempting to activate the windshield wiper. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuse block had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,100.
NHTSA complaint #11647041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The auto dimming mirrors have no shut off on them. At night they dim so much you can’t see out of the mirrors. This is so bad I quit driving this truck at night after jack knifing my trailer when my porch light dimmed my mirrors.
NHTSA complaint #11514333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, VEHICLE FILLED WITH SMOKE ACCOMPANIED BY A STRONG BURNING ODOR. AT THE SAME TIME THE HVAC BLOWER STOPPED FUNCTIONING AND THE WINDSHIELD FOGGED UP. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, BURNED WIRES AND MELTED HARNESS CONNECTORS WHERE FOUND AT THE HVAC BLOWER THE HVAC BLOWER MOTOR OVERHEATED DUE TO A SHORT CAUSED BY REPEATED WATER INTRUSION FROM DEFECTIVE AND MISSING BODY SEAMS ALONG THE ROOF, COWL, AND NUMEROUS OTHER LOCATIONS. SAFETY BELT WARNING CHIMES REPEATEDLY FOR NO APPARENT REASON, MANY OTHER ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS INTERMITTENTLY FAIL OR OPERATE ERRATICALLY WHEN IT RAINS OR SNOWS. VEHICLE FLOOR FILLS WITH WATER FREQUENTLY. MOLD HAS STARTED GROWING UNDER CARPET. REPEATED ISSUES FROM DATE OF PURCHASE, ISSUES CONTINUE TO BE UNRESOLVED, DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN UNABLE TO IDENTIFY ALL LEAK SOURCES TO STOP WATER INTRUSION.
NHTSA complaint #11281686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I REMOTE STARTED MY 2015 SILVERADO 3500HD DURAMAX. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES OF IDLE TIME I BEGAN DRIVING THE TRUCK. ABOUT 3/4 MILES DOWN THE ROAD I DETECTED THE SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING OR VERY HOT. MY FIRST THOUGH WAS IT WAS COMING FROM THE OUTSIDE. BEFORE I COULD FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS BURNING HEAVY WHITE/GRAY SMOKE STARTING EXITING FROM LOWER WEATHER STRIPPING ON THE REAR CENTER SLIDING WINDOW. BEFORE I COULD TAKE ACTION I HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND. I LOOKED BACK AGAIN AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WAS ENTIRELY SHATTERED. AT THIS TIME I KILLED THE REAR WINDOW DEFROST AND THE SMOKE QUITE. I WAS TRAVELING AT ROUGHLY 20-30MPH ON A PAVED CITY STREET. IT WAS 35 DEGREES WITH A LIGHT MIST AND FOG.
NHTSA complaint #11195372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MALFUNCTIONED. THE MOTOR FOR THE WIPERS WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES AND THE CIRCUIT BOARD UNDERNEATH THE HOOD WAS REPLACED ONCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BLADE CHEVROLET & RVS (1100 FREEWAY DR, MT VERNON, WA 98273, (360) 424-3231) WHERE THEY INITIALLY REPLACED THE MOTOR AND THEN REPLACED THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WIPERS. THE ADDITIONAL REPAIRS WERE MADE BY THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE WIPER FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *TT UPDATED 11/28/18
NHTSA complaint #11132760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TRAILER TOW MIRRORS DO NOT EXTEND FAR ENOUGH TO SEE REAR OF TRUCK 8 FT WIDE RACK BODY. SPOT FLOOD LIGHTS SHINE OFF BODY BLINDING DRIVERS VISION BECAUSE MIRRIORS DO NOT EXTEND FAR ENOUGH. MY 2013 GMC 3500 SIERRA DUMP TRUCK MIRRIORS EXTEND 2 INCHES FURTHER THEN THE 2015.ONLY HAVE HALF VIEW OF MIRRORS ON MY 2015 CHEVY 3500. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS ISSUE UP TO QUIRK AND LANNAN CHEVEROLET.
NHTSA complaint #11045497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SILVERADO 3500 HD TRUCK IS EQUIPPED WITH TOWING/CAMPER SIDE VIEW MIRRORS EQUIPPED WITH RED TURN SIGNALS EMBEDDED IN MIRROR GLASS. RED TURN SIGNAL LED'S IMPAIR VISION AT NIGHT, AND SHINE DIRECTLY INTO DRIVERS EYES, MAKING IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO SEE OUTSIDE VEHICLE IN DIRECTION OF TURN. THE TURN SIGNAL LED'S ARE MANUFACTURED WITHOUT ANY SORT OF SHIELDING COATING IN MIRROR GLASS WHICH WOULD REDUCE THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE LED'S. ALSO THE MIRRORS ARE MOUNTED TO HIGH FOR AVERAGE HIGTH PEOPLE. TWO INCHES LOWER WOULD HELP A LOT FOR TURNING VISIBILITY.
NHTSA complaint #10854204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AC/HEATER FAN BLOWER MOTOR STOPPED WORKING. WINTER STARTED TRUCK TO DEFROST WINDSHIELD BLOWER WOULD NOT WORK TOOK TO DEALER REPLACED BY DEALER UNDER VEHICLE WARRANTY. SEPTEMBER 24, 2014 (MILES 94000)STOPPED WORKING AGAIN REPLACED BY DEALER AT NO COST. I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FROM CHEVROLET STATING I HAD 10 YEARS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE OR 150000 MILES TO BE ABLE TO BE REPAIRED AT NO COST. NOT SURE WHY IT IS NOT LISTED HERE ON THIS WEBSITE.
NHTSA complaint #10641098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET 3500 . THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOWS ON BOTH SIDES FELL OUT ON THE ROAD AT DIFFERENT TIMES. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDOWS WERE MANUFACTURED BY C. R. LAURENCE COMPANY IN HOUSTON TEXAS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #10358716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE ELECTRIC SIDE MIRRORS ON THIS TRUCK ARE WAY TOO SMALL. SPECIFICALLY, THEY ARE TOO SHORT. UPON INQUIRING AT THE GM DEALER, I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY CANNOT BE CHANGED DUE TO THE ONBOARD COMPUTER WILL NOT ACCEPT ANYTHING BUT THE ORIGINAL. THEY CANNOT EVEN BE CHANGED TO A MANUAL MIRROR. UPON INQUIRING AT A LOCAL TRUCK AFTERMARKET STORE, I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY HAVE HEARD THIS MANY TIMES BEFORE BUT UNFORTUNATELY OFFER NO SOLUTION AFTERMARKET OR OTHERWISE. THESE MIRRORS ARE WOEFULLY TOO SMALL, THEREFORE CANNOT BE ADJUSTED PROPERLY AND IN FACT ARE NEARLY USELESS. I HAVE INFORMED GM VIA EMAIL AND BY RESPONDING TO THEIR SURVEYS. THEY OF COURSE, IGNORE ME. THANKS, DAVE
NHTSA complaint #10216296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET C3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL ON LOW SPEEDS. AS OF DECEMBER 11, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V159000 (VISIBILITY: WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER). THE CONTACT FELT THAT HIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 205,000. UPDATED 03-04-08
NHTSA complaint #10211457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NO INCIDENT..,HOWEVER WHILE IN ALASKA IN 2005. I WAS TOLD BY A STATE TROOPER THAT MY VEHICLE SIDE MIRRORS DO NOT MEET DOT STANDARDS, THEY ARE TOO SMALL TO PROPERLY VIEW THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE: 2000 CK3500, CREW CAB, 4X4, DUEL REAR WHEELS..,PULLING A 29' TRAVEL TRAILER. THE TROOPER IS RIGHT, MY MIRRORS DON'T EVEN VIEW BEYOND THE REAR FENDERS MUCH LESS THE TRAILER. MY QUESTION IS; HOW CAN THE VEHICLE INDUSTRY PUT A PRODUCT ON SALE IF IT DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS IT WAS MADE TO DO? NOBODY BUYS A VEHICLE AS DESCRIBED WITHOUT USING IT TO PULL SOMETHING AND THE VEHICLE SHOULD MEET THOSE REQUIREMENTS PER THE STANDARDS SET BY DOT NATIONALLY AND BY STATES.
NHTSA complaint #10207844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
OUR 2001 CHEVROLET 3500 TRUCK RIGHT REAR WINDOW STARTED FLUTTERING AND BLEW OUT LANDING IN ROAD AND CAUSING VEHICLES TO BRAKE TO AVOID BROKEN GLASS. THE REPLACEMENT IS NOT THE GLASS, BUT THE ENTIRE WINDOW UNIT...$278.00 AND 2 1/2 HOURS LABOR FOR A TOTAL $463.00. THE DESIGN IS ALL PLASTIC WILL A FRICTION FIT. IT IS SO COMMON A FAILURE THAT THE PARTS PLACE SAID THAT THEY KEEP A 1/2 DOZEN ON-HAND. THIS IS A SAFETY ITEM BECAUSE IT FAILS INTO THE PATH OF ON-COMING VEHICLES. I WANT A REFUND AND A NATION-WIDE RECALL. TOM & KRISTI FANCETT
NHTSA complaint #10203081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.