Electrical System Problems of Chevrolet Silverado 3500 - part 2

Chevrolet Silverado 3500 owners have reported 75 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: 01/04/2023

There are several problems I’ve noticed some I fix myself! first of all, I was driving my truck at night on the country road and all of a sudden it starts losing power shut down on me on a little road with no pull over spots in kentucky and just dies completely. My service charging system light came on. I worked on this forever. I noticed it. All of my grounds were completely nasty and pretty much not making contact. I fix the ones that I can find only two I know there’s more, I’ve changed the generator three times and the battery once, the problem happened again and again and again the only way I can stop my truck from dying is when that light come on if I got out and I took the negative wire off of my battery and then put it back on it would run again for about another three days and then if I didn’t see it, I’m stranded very dangerous. Finally I took it to my mechanic up the road and he basically did the same things. I did something about a door switch also though not another battery another generator and he added new battery cables so far it hasn’t done it again. Now my truck when starting to slow down, it will vibrate and shake you to death. You hit a little vibration in the road say a rumble strip. This thing will shake you through the roof in about make you run into another vehicle , also, it’s hard to fill up the gas if you have to turn the gas nozzle almost straight up and down if you’re low on gas to make it except it or you’ll be sitting there for 30 minutes putting gas in your truck. I noticed also all of my wheels are having rough spots on them everywhere and they are rusting into . Another thing that happens this truck eats breaks for breakfast. I have put in the past two years at least have the change the brakes, calipers rotors and all twice a year sometimes three times a year. Also, the trailer brake system light comes on nonstop along with a service stability track on when happen. No wasey no cruise control. I am a masterelect. Maintain truck it ju.

See all problems of the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 🔎.

37 Electrical System problem of the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 11/30/2022

I purchased a certified pre-owned 2020 chevy Silverado 3500hd (6. 6 gas) November 2021. Within the next few weeks, I noticed brake squeaking that kept getting worse and the truck braking system would not stop like the 2500 I had traded in when I purchased the 3500hd. I had to adjust the trailer brake gain control up to as high as 9 or 9. 5, should not have to adjust that high. I had trouble stopping at intersections and quick /emergency braking situations while pulling our trailer. This tells me the truck braking system is not working properly. Prior to leaving on a trip, I was having squeaking noise from the brakes that got louder and louder and more frequent. The dealer (champion Chevrolet) checked the truck and brakes and told me it had the wrong brake pads and had replaced them. The first time I pulled off the interstate on my trip to florida, the brakes began to squeak as they did before. This happened during the entire trip. Over the next few weeks after returning from my trip I had a couple of close calls trying to stop at traffic signals. My breaks would not stop me and I went into the intersection barely missing other vehicles. I am almost to the point of parking the truck until the dealer can make repairs that will fix the issues, but we use the truck to pull a trailer that is a major part on our income. I’ve had the truck back to the dealership I purchased the truck from and they keep saying it is a brake pad issue. They have changed the pads twice so far (I think), and within days the squeaking and noise starts again. Periodically I keep getting a message (service trailer brake system) on my dash display that is difficult to get the warning to stop displaying. The trailer brakes had been checked several times and I have hooked other trucks to the trailer and it works fine. So, the issue is with my truck and the braking system. Jeff moore.

See all problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 🔎.

38 Electrical System problem of the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 09/06/2022

According to gm 2009 to 2015 chevy silverado transmission control module and wiring harness failed. People have been without their cars for more than a year ours has been down for 6 months. No dates for the parts to be back in stock.

See all problems of the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 🔎.

39 Electrical System problem of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 06/12/2022

Rear sliding window plastic is getting hot and melting.

See all problems of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 🔎.

40 Electrical System problem of the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 04/28/2022

Gm recall n2123544170 dpf regeneration temperature /def heater for cold weather operation to keep def from freezing and also for thawing frozen def. . . Dealer to replace def tank and internal heating element. . . Dealer was unable to give a time line for replacement parts needed to fix truck. (parts are back ordered)so truck ecm=electonic control module. Throws trouble code to reduce engine power that starts taking away engine power at 65 mph. . . Then 55 mph. . . Then 45. . . All the way down to 5 mph. This can happen at any time or anywhere that can result in possible accidents. . . ! gm needs to make this a priority as thousand of vehicles are affected!.

41 Electrical System problem of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 12/10/2021

During snow removal the night of December 10, 2021 into the morning of December 11, 2021, vehicle was in reverse traveling approximately 10-20 mph (actual speed at impact is unknown). Upon impact with a tree in the rear of the truck, the airbag system in the vehicle was engaged. The seatbelts locked up, and the airbag chemicals in the steering wheel and front passenger airbag compartment were activated, however, none of the airbags physically deployed. Attached phots will show the source of impact. The frame is likely twisted. Additional photos attached show that the seat belts locked up and that the airbag system was engaged without deployment of bags. Currently working with mankato motors CO, 1815 madison Ave, mankato, mn 56001, with a phone number of 507-625-5641. Vehicle has not been inspected yet to provide full report of findings and damage assessment. Vehicle was drivable to move from incident location to my residents and current location of the vehicle is 638 clay CT. , mankato, mn 56001. Vehicle has been washed to show all damage and provide for ease of investigation and inspection.

See all problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 🔎.

42 Electrical System problem of the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 10/13/2021

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the tailgate would lower independently. Additionally, the contact stated the failure had been occurring from the day of the vehicle purchase and had gradually worsened. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

See all problems of the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 🔎.

43 Electrical System problem of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 10/11/2021

Driving my truck, without a trailer, the "service trailer brakes soon" fault came on my truck. This is a known problem that gm is aware of with their itbc system for years & have done selective recalls for. This a hazard to the motoring public. There is no warning when this fault happens while pulling a trailer & when it does pop up, you lose all trailer brakes. I had the same problem with my 2010 silverado, after numerous visits to the dealership & thousands of dollars & filed complaints with gm & NHTSA, nothing was done. When taken to the dealership, if the fault isn't on the screen, they claim they can't find or fix the problem. I pull a 10,000 pound 5th wheel, I need trailer brakes when I apply them.

44 Electrical System problem of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 09/26/2021

Was driving my 3500 (an 8000# truck capable of towing 20k#) and suddenly the vehicle lost power and steering, forcing me to the shoulder of a curvy mountain road, going downhill. Truck then started blinking lights and telling me to restart. Upon restart, the truck would not engage the transmission. Truck was in drive but the motor was just rev'ing. I turned truck off and then back on and it seemed to return to normal. Am not comfortable driving truck at this time. Gm has been notified of the issue, and, has not diagnosed an issue, as of this writing.

45 Electrical System problem of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 07/02/2021

Serpentine belt broke . I have it available. Recommended service is 150k miles or 10 years . It broke at 55k and 5 years. Lost brake and steering assist. Almost impossible to stop or turn vehicle. It is a diesel and uses hydraulic assist. Dealer replaced belt could not determine cause of problem. Has not been inspected. No warning.

46 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.

47 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.

See all problems of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 🔎.

48 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.

49 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.

See all problems of the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 🔎.

50 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!.

51 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.

52 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.

See all problems of the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 🔎.

53 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.

54 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.

See all problems of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 🔎.

55 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.

See all problems of the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 🔎.

56 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?.

See all problems of the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 🔎.

57 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.

58 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.

59 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.

See all problems of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 🔎.

60 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.

61 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.

62 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.

63 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.

See all problems of the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 🔎.

64 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.

65 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.

See all problems of the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 🔎.

66 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.

67 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.

68 Electrical System problem of the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Failure Date: 07/01/2010

Air condition actuator fails.

69 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.

70 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.



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