Wiper problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

15 problems related to wiper have been reported for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 based on all problems reported for the 2016 Silverado 1500.

1 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 01/03/2025

I purchased a 2016 silverado in 2021. I am writing regarding previously completed recall (n192265660) for my 2016 Chevrolet silverado, which addresses issues related to the rear window defroster overheating and the potential for thermal events. The recall repair was performed in 2020, but I am experiencing a recurrence of the issue. We live in wisconsin, on a cold morning last week, the rear window of my vehicle shattered while I was inside. I believe this was caused by overheating of the rear defroster, since I literally watched it happen in my rear-view mirror, despite the recall repair having been completed. The fracture lines in the glass very distinctly show the source where it shattered, leading directly to the heating element for the defroster. This was a known issue addressed by the recall, and I am concerned that the problem was not fully resolved, as the damage was substantial and could have escalated into a fire hazard. On [xxx], the day of the incident, I tried to get a service appointment to have it looked at and was told there was nothing they could do since the "recall had already been done" to my truck. I contacted customer service and was able to have the truck looked at by a gm service center after they set up an appointment for me. The customer service manager even documented and diagnosed the cause as being the rear defroster that shattered the window, yet they still denied any help or offer to repair it. After nearly 6 weeks of back and forth with gm customer service, and then eventually escalating to the "product assistance claims team" I was still denied any help having the issue resolved even with every piece of evidence showing this was a failed recall repair. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

2 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 02/29/2024

My local chevy dealer has confirmed that the human machine interface (hmi) module has failed on my 2016 chevy silverado, causing the back-up camera to be inoperable. The camera is absolutely necessary at night when backing up due to window tinting and I believe this to be a safety-related issue. There currently is a nationwide back order on a replacement hmi module.

3 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 04/08/2023

Rear window shattered after a few minutes of defroster use. Seems to be a problem on these years of silverado but no recall on mine. No warning, window just popped on its own, safety issue to have window failure during driving.

4 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 01/21/2023

I remote started my vehicle and the rear defrost caused the back window to shatter. I had previously thought I heard what was a speaker going out/crackling, but upon further research, it appears it was the electronics in the rear defrost arcing. This appears to be a known issue with no us recall.

5 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2022

This morning I turned on my rear defrost, and the rear window shattered. There is a memo entitled "global safety field investigations dcs5273 / n192265660". However, when I contacted gm this afternoon (800-630-2438) they had not heard of this memo.

6 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 11/13/2021

While sitting in a parking lot with the rear defrost on, the rear window shattered. There were no visible impact marks. My child was covered in small glass shards. I drove home and will be contacting my insurance company shortly.

7 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 12/24/2020

Cold weather (25-30 degrees?) on 12/24, so remote started truck and began driving (rear defroster auto starts). Heard slight sizzle noise, but couldn't figure out what it was. . . Then wife (riding in back) heard it get worse, then a little smoke, then rear-window on driver side popped/cracked/shattered (truck has a sliding rear window, so 3 sections). Didn't blow out, but is completely shattered. Taped it to keep pieces from blowing apart. Talked to dealer and gm customer care, and they advised of an open customer satisfaction program for this issue, but it only applies to vehicles in certain states (cold weather). . . Including mi, but I'm 1 hour south in northern in. #n192265660-01 is the program number (rear window defroster thermal events - us only _(Mar 25, 2020). The problem also seems to be more common in canada where a full recall is in effect. At this point, however, gm customer care (case # 9-6442774509) says they can't do anything and referred me back to dealer. . . Who I will assume will refer me back to cust care again. I'm waiting on their response. Makes no sense that they will reimburse only for vehicles in certain states. I'm in the same cold climate as michigan and many of the other impacted states. Looking for reimbursement of costs to repair, but for now I'm waiting to make sure someone will pay for it. This is a known issue that gm is refusing to reimburse (even though they are clearly willing in many other states). Any suggestions?.

8 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 11/02/2020

N192220470, a recall supposedly only in canada fully describes the problem. My rear glass exploded when I turned a corner. No objects hit it, no previous damage.

9 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 10/07/2019

Tl- the contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that there was an abnormal smell in the rear of the vehicle. As a result the rear driver side window exploded. The contact stated that she researched the failure online and teh cause of the failure was a faulty defrost fuse. The vehicle was taken to northland Chevrolet 1420 ogden Ave, superior, WI 54880 (715) 392-5111 where the failure was not determined and that the insurance company will cover the repairs. The vehicle was then taken to kolar Chevrolet Buick GMC 4770 w arrowhead rd, hermantown, mn 55811 (218) 727-7481 but the failure was not diagnosed and the contact was informed that the failure would be covered by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was given a case number. The failure mileage was 43,000. Dr.

10 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 04/18/2019

While driving, I had the rear defroster on. I smelled burning plastic, so I rolled-down my windows to vent the fumes. About 2 minutes after I rolled them back up I heard a loud �bang� and saw that my rear windshield, on the passenger side, had completely shattered, with a fist-sized hole right in the middle of it.

11 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 03/02/2019

Rear window shattered unexpectedly. Rear defogger enabled. Noted a burning smell in rear of truck when it happened. Truck has rear power slide window. Driver side panel was the piece that shattered. Truck was parked but had been running for a few minutes. Temperature in mid 20s.

12 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 10/08/2017

Tl- the contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet silverado. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, when depressing the brake pedal,the vehicle began to hesitate. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to local dealer st clair Chevrolet Buick GMC located at 3050 king rd, china township, mi 48054, (810) 637-1546, where they unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated she continue to experience the failure. The contact stated since then she has had both rear view mirrors and back up camera replaced and unknown sensor and valium bag reprogram twice. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v645000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer has been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 17,967. Dp.

13 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 04/04/2017

We are an automobile service center. Our customer dropped their vehicle off on a particularly rainy day. The inside of the glass was covered with thick condensation even though the defroster mode with a/c on was selected. On high speed, there was very little airflow from the vents. Upon lowering the driver's window, the fan speed, noise and flow all increased dramatically. An inspection behind the seats revealed some items but not enough to cover the entire rear of the cab. External inspection found an outlet vent behind the driver's seat. Back inside the truck there was no inside or inlet vent to be found. Removal of the carpeting on the rear wall of the cab revealed a heavy, rubber backed insulating material that effectively sealed off the vent. Removal of a small portion of the insulating material and the carpeting improved airflow immediately and effectively defrosted the glass. The vehicle was parked while we experienced this issue. It is our opinion that this defect is potentially hazardous to drivers both from a visibility stand point and the possibility of increased carbon monoxide levels due to improper cab ventilation.

14 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 12/17/2016

The defrost function does not prevent ice bulid up on windshield and blocks driver vision. Clears passenger side windshield well enough. But with defrost fan speed at the highest level, and the heat temperature as high as I could stand it, and windshield wipers operating, was unable to prevent ice build up and blocking drivers vision. When driving at highway speeds. Never had a vehicel that had such weird ice build up pattern.

15 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 07/27/2016

Windshield has what looks to be water spots on it cannot be seen when windshield is dry but when moist or raining windshield becomes almost impossible to see through I tried spot remover with no luck Chevrolet refused to aknowledge this was a defect and I eventually paid to replace winshield myself even though I only had truck less than a year I recently traded the vehicle for a 2017 and it has the same issue I am done with Chevrolet!!!! last one I will own.


Other Visibility related problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500


Safety Ratings of Silverado 1500 Cars
Silverado 1500 Service Bulletins
Silverado 1500 Safety Recalls
Silverado 1500 Defect Investigations