Electrical System Problems of Chevrolet Silverado 3500 - part 2

Chevrolet Silverado 3500 owners have reported 65 problems related to electrical system (under the electrical system category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Chevrolet Silverado 3500 based on all problems reported for the Silverado 3500.

36 Electrical System problem of the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 06/18/2021

2015 chevy 3500 hd has 65,xxx miles on it currently. Truck periodically and usually randomly displays a "service trailer brake" message which constantly goes off when nothing is being towed. Now about 1 in 15 times driven will it not display this message. Ive had the towing brake module replaced and that did not fix this problem. I'm at my wits end with this truck. Chevrolet / GMC need to step up and make this widely known problem a recall. Thanks.

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37 Electrical System problem of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 02/23/2021

Vehicle parked at my home, stared remotely to defrost. Upon entering smelled slight smoke smell. Noticed right side of rear sliding window had shattered. Checked on line for possible issues, recall in canada. Also found program n192265660 from g. M. . Servicing dealer contacted gm, they won't do anything about issue. Luckily no one was in rear seat where they probably would have been hit with shattered glass. Appears electrical issue caused glass to shatter.

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38 Electrical System problem of the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 03/13/2019

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.

39 Electrical System problem of the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 11/25/2018

Takata recall: there is a recall for 2014-15 silverado (recal # 14v301000). I am having the exact same issues. I have had the truck about a year, 2nd owner, bought it at 30k miles. On Nov. 25 I came out to start my start my truck and I immediately couldn't power up stereo and then I noticed I have no door chime for open door, no chime for key in ignition and no chime for my seatbelt. My turn signal indicator no longer lets me know when it is on. My key fob will not operate keyless start. I believe my vehicle could easily be included in recall. I'm sure there werent many because most dealerships are not giving any signs that they have dealt with this issue. I have all good fuses in both boxes too. The 1 dealership jumped right to replacing stereo for a $1000. Now I just dont have that kind of money nor can I afford to be coming in and out of dealership trying to figure this out. Somebody knows what it is and their not sharing that info. Can you help mefigure out what to do next. I have no audible indicator letting me know door is open while key is in ignition and audible indicator letting me know if seatbelt is buckled and I am a over the road carrier and spend alot of time in my truck. Thank you.

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40 Electrical System problem of the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 09/27/2017

Randomly with no needed instance the instrument cluster reads service trailer break. With or without a trailer connected. With the trailer connected the trailer breaks fails to operate causing a very serious safety concern. After pulling to the side of the road as safely as possible with an approximate of 20k pounds with no brakes on the trailer and turning the truck on and then back off the brakes resume as normal. Other service prompts randomly appear on the info cluster on this particular vehicle, but none as serious as this particular one. Such as service front camera, service stabilitrac, and service def system. While these may all be related to the same cause I feel my life and the lives of the general public are being gambled with while the cause is guessed at. I have taken my truck in for these related issues for a total of three times now. Each time I am sent back out to be the test dummy in this potential death trap. The videos were to big to upload to this form. But I have videos of this issue with and without a trailer connected available upon request. Please excuse my profanity!.

41 Electrical System problem of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 07/28/2017

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.

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42 Electrical System problem of the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 06/03/2017

Started vehicle, drove 100 yards, check charging system popped up on display, smoke immediately started pouring in vents as it burst into flames under the hood. Got kids out and called fire department. Vehicle burned from the motor to the box while waiting for fire department.

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43 Electrical System problem of the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 04/20/2017

While driving the service trailer brake system appear on the dic and there is the loss of all trailer brakes function, which deters the vehicles stopping ability. This has happened on several occasions in the last few months, while driving on the interstate, rural highways and city streets. After the vehicle is stopped and shut off the system must reset and resumes normal operation. Noticed when going to Chevrolet forums on the internet that this is a reoccurring problem on this vehicle, found that general motors has issued a recall bulletin #14514b dated January 2015 addressing this issue, but when at the dealership they indicate that it is VIN specific and will not repair. Contacted general motors customer service by phone and was told the same and that my vehicle by it's VIN was not in the recall list. I am reporting this to you as I am concerned that this will lead to fatal or serious injury on the roadways.

44 Electrical System problem of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 04/10/2017

The dimmer switch for interior lighting is prone to failure. When it fails, all dash and gauge cluster illumination will cease to function, causing dangerous driving conditions after dark. The driver will not be able to see any gauges or climate control features, which may cause a crash.

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45 Electrical System problem of the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 08/15/2016

Plugged in Mini vac to cig lighter and cig lighter shorted to ground causing wires to melt and smoke including power outlet wires.

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46 Electrical System problem of the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 07/12/2016

Get in the truck when its cold starts on first try. You drive the truck when it gets hot and stop to purchase something then you get back into the truck put the key in the ignition try to start . It will not start just cranks . I have to let the truck sit for about 10 to 15 minutes then it may start. This problem has cost me (2) new fuel pumps at the gm dealers stranded me in the parking lots in the desert towing etc. After researching they say it is a pass lock problem something about security/ theft. I'm the original owner truck was always hard to start more than3to 4 cranks. Why hasn't this been on a recall for gm?.

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47 Electrical System problem of the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 02/11/2016

I was driving on us highway 12 going approx. 35 mph when the rear end differential lockup and caused me to slid off the road in a turn that also had ice while towing a fifth wheel the accident caused damage to the right front fender and the right rear and right side of the 8 foot bed along with the windshield and a front drive line for 4 wheel drive I have had multiple issues with the front drive line breaking under normal conditions as well I also have video of the rear end differential moving from side to side to show the movement and show what caused the rear end to lock up it had moved an 1/4 of and inch to 1/2 inch in either direction.

48 Electrical System problem of the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 01/01/2015

I never received a recall on my Chevrolet truck which is the same year make and model as this one. Took it to a dealership and had it fixed. They said it wasn't recalled so we had to pay the bill. Isn't their a way to find the recall and get reimbursed for the repair bill and all the associated costs? we have called and made a complaint to NHTSA. Nothing came of it. It still is a safety defect that should be repaired with no cost to the customers.

49 Electrical System problem of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 04/25/2014

First complaint for this problem was reported on 10/21/10. Complaint #10361641. Same problem again dtr light on right side out,smelled burning wire saw that the same thing happened again. Wires leading to light assembly melted and also melted the socket again. I think this could possibly lead to some sort of electrical fire in the engine compartment. I fixed the problem myself the first time and will do so this time.

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50 Electrical System problem of the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 02/06/2014

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact was able to remove the key from the ignition. The vehicle continued to drive as normal. After shutting the vehicle off, the contact removed the key from the ignition while the vehicle was still in the drive gear. The failure caused the battery to drain. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 175,000.

51 Electrical System problem of the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 12/01/2013

The vehicle's engine compartment caught on fire following going through a car wash. I stopped after pulling across the street and noticed false fault indications on the display, followed by smoke blowing from the heater vents. I pulled into a parking space, raised the hood, and saw flames coming from the left rear of the engine compartment as you face the vehicle. I borrowed a fire extinguisher from a store and put the fire out. I have received little information from gm in 2 1/2 months and nothing indicates to me they have taken this engine compartment fire seriously. Had this occurred at speed, in traffic, etc. It would have created a very dangerous situation not only for myself but others in the area.

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52 Electrical System problem of the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 08/21/2013

Exhaust fluid quality poor appeared on the dash display, so I toped it off with more fresh def and the warning went away. 3 days later the same warning came back on the dash display only with a new warning with it that said vehicle speed will be limited to 55mph next fuel fill, it did! I took the truck to the dealer they found bad nox sensors 1&2. Repairs where not done because I felt that should be some sort of recall on defective parts that controls the drivability of a vehicle. On Feb-4-2015 I received a letter from gm after 2 years telling me that my truck may have nox sensors that can become contaminated and that gm is extending the warranty on the nox sensors and the wire connectors for 10/yrs. 120. 000 miles which ever comes first. So I go back to the dealer and show them the letter from gm and show them my receipt from when I came in 2 years ago that shows that the nox sensors were defective way back in 2013 and are still on the vehicle and I need the repairs done per the letter from gm. The dealer is refusing to repair the vehicle because of the mileage that is now on the vehicle, however the defective parts that failed when the vehicle was within the mileage are still on the vehicle and I feel should be replaced and repaired or reimbursement for $800. 00 programmer. I have contacted Chevrolet and they are working with that dealership to try and resolve this issue. Case number is available if needed, gm letter number is 13386.

53 Electrical System problem of the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 08/17/2012

The contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. While driving at various speeds, the rear passenger side turn signal failed without warning. The failure recurred four times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear passenger side socket failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

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54 Electrical System problem of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 10/18/2010

Day time running lights stopped working. When replacing bulbs found sockets burned to bulb base and wires to sockets burnt. Had to replace section of wires and break bulb base to remove. Condition can possibly cause a fire in electrical system.

55 Electrical System problem of the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 10/12/2010

2009 Chevrolet silverado truck had a fire in the dash board on the passenger side while the truck was parked and in the off position. The fire was on the top section of the dash over the passenger airbag area.

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56 Electrical System problem of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 10/10/2010

I got my truck in may and after two months the battery went completely dead without warning so had dealership tow it to service kept two weeks said it was battery. Now same thing happened again. Called roadside assistance from phone because on star wouldn't even work. They come out and jumped it. The jump started truck but now parking break won't release and I have a service light issue,, still waiting for chevy to open to have it towed again. Is anyone else dealing with problems? I was told by the dealer last time that the rocky ridge additions are.

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57 Electrical System problem of the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 07/09/2010

2006 chevy Silverado 3500 w/ dump body parked in driveway @ 3:00 pm. 1:00 am in the morning truck engine & cab was in flames completely destroying both. Cause of fire appears to have started in the engine compartment & to be electrical.

58 Electrical System problem of the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 07/01/2010

Air condition actuator fails.

59 Electrical System problem of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 02/02/2010

While driving home around 10 pm with small children; my truck started to surge, became difficult to control, and the gages did not register anything ( all at 0). This road was in the middle of nowhere and outside a bad area, so I called my husband to come follow me home and I drove home slowly all the while enduring a chugging motion. What is normally a 20 minute trip became an hour and a half trip. When I got home and shut the truck off my husband looked at it thinking that the fuel injectors could be the problem since they had just been recalled and replaced. The truck would not start when he went to restart it and the dash said 'unknown driver". Through some research we discovered it is a faulty passlock system. We went through the recommendations and it was fixed. This occured again today August 18, 2011 while driving and I now can not start my vehicle or have it towed because it can not be put on a truck because everything is locked up tight and can not be unlocked. We changed the batteries in the key fobs to no avail. The windows are stuck open and it is rainy season here. They lights come on and the information center keeps says 'unknown driver. " I am now afraid to drive my truck for fear that the next time I will not be able to control it. I have an 18 year old that drives my truck to college and I live in great fear that he will not be able to control the vehicle if it does the same thing whild driving it.

60 Electrical System problem of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 01/07/2010

Speedometer failure at 92,000 miles. Speedometer swings over actual speed. This is a problem on several Chevrolet models tahoes and pickups. I have a neighbor and his went out at 82, 000 miles.

61 Electrical System problem of the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 01/02/2010

My 2008 3500 duramax diesel truck went into limp mode while on the interstate 15 next to the concrete k-rail. Imagine heavy traffic, a fully loaded semi behind you, and then slamming on the breaks. This is what happened. The semi slammed on his breaks, trailer crossed two lanes, other vehicles skidded off the freeway. I was almost killed, as was others. Turns out a rodent had chewed a sensor wire and the wires crossed detecting a condition with the engine. Over 20 vehicles were involved in this near fatal crash. When I asked the dealership why it did this, they explained "it is designed to reduce speed to about 15 miles per hour to same engine components, and that this is in most vehicles today". I personally don't care about engine components, but further research found that his is being driven by the insurance companies that ultimately pay for warranty repairs. This is a major safety risk, and will kill people.

62 Electrical System problem of the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 03/24/2008

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 diesel. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a loss of power and steering. The dealer stated that the hydro boost could have caused the failure. The failure had occurred on two previous occasions and was repaired under the warranty. As of March 24, 2008, the warranty no longer covered the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were 39,000. Updated 04/11/08 power brakes were also lost. Updated.

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63 Electrical System problem of the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 03/08/2008

After disengaging cruise control my speedometer was registering 80mph plus as my speed. When coming to a stop the speedometer registered 35 mph. The speedometer went up to 100mpg when I stayed with expressway traffic, keeps on going up,even though my foot is off the gas pedal. This is a defect in the dash instrument cluster. (as told by gm repair person) I was not notified of a recall because there isn't one.

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64 Electrical System problem of the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 07/10/2007

Speedometer on my truck reads incorrectly. This morning I started my truck and was instantly going 25 mph, which then indicated I was driving at 60mph going with the flow of traffic on a 35mph road. Also while driving on the highway my speedometer reading will slowly drop until it reaches 0mph. I just bought the truck in July and didn't realize there was a problem with this until I was increasing my speed on the freeway and flying past cars at probably 90mph, but my speedometer said I was going 60, that is when I looked and just saw the speedometer slowly creep down to 30. I purchased the truck at 64000 and noticed the problem several days after. Lately the speedometer almost always adds 20-30 mph in the morning when I start it. (its really fun to be stopped at a stop light doing 100mph). I have not corrected the problem. I just called the dealer to day and they said because my mileage is over 70000 miles they will charge me to fix it. I really don't have the money to fix a problem that if you look online appears to be happening to a lot of different people with a lot of different vehicles. I also discovered there is a class action law suit about this but I really don't know any of this because I just bought this truck in July and was never told by the dealer or have I received any recall or service notices yet.

65 Electrical System problem of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 01/01/2005

Tl-the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,000. Pam.



Silverado 3500 Service Bulletins
Silverado 3500 Safety Recalls
Silverado 3500 Defect Investigations