14648A - Customer Satisfaction. Certain vehicles have a performance issue with their OnStar modules that could impact the vehicle?s battery life. If the vehicle?s OnStar module contains this condition, the OnStar green telltale light will be illuminated even when the vehicle is off. This condition can drain the vehicle?s battery if the vehicle is not started for approximately four days. The condition may also render the OnStar system inoperative, which would disable all OnStar services, including automatic crash response and emergency roadside services. This condition can occur even if the vehicle is not actively subscribed to OnStar. Dealers are to remove the fuse for the OnStar module to r
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Chevrolet Silverado electrical problems
severe 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1fire
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 22 electrical complaints filed for the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with the additional steps that are needed to help perform a successful brake bleed on the 2-Mode Hybrid with Regular Production Option Code HP2. With a battery maintainer installed on the vehicle use brake pressure bleeder that maintains 30 psi for the entire bleed procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CADILLAC/CHEVROLET/GMC: ON SOME VEHICLES AND/OR TRUCKS, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WILL ILLUMINATE, AFTER AN OIL CHANGE, INDICATING LOW OIL PRESSURE AND/OR SES LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE. MODEL 2007-13 CANYON, SIERRA, SAVANA, YUKON, CTS-V, ESCALADE, AVALANCHE, CAMARO SS, COLORADO, CORVETTE, EXPRESS, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin provides repair information for repairing the IP to body harness connector to correct a customer concern for intermittent Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated with Reduced Engine Power displayed and DTC P2138 set.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that may have an OnStar system that has progression tones when pressing the blue or red button. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center with the scan tool data from the OnStar system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Electrical failures on these trucks run the gamut from sudden safety threats to slow-burn corrosion hazards. The most dangerous pattern is the throttle body / accelerator pedal sensor issue: drivers report losing 30–40 mph of power in a few seconds while on highways, triggering "Engine Power Reduced" and StabiliTrak warnings. A dealer will replace the throttle body sensor (which Chevy acknowledges is faulty), but the accelerator pedal sensor—which works in conjunction with it—isn't on any recall list, so the problem typically recurs within days or weeks. Multiple owners mention reading forum discussions of crashes tied to these events.
Total electrical power loss also shows up: vehicle stalls, dash goes black, doors and windows lock up and won't respond. One owner replaced an alternator for $200 and the same failure happened two days later. Another had black smoke from the engine while losing all power and control on the highway.
The fuse/relay junction block in the engine bay corrodes without obvious water damage or age-related wear, getting hot enough to pose a fire risk even when the ignition is off. One mechanic mentioned knowing of a 2009 Silverado that had an engine compartment fire from the same root cause.
Wiring harnesses under the dash fail multiple times on the same truck—broken wires with intact insulation suggest undersized gauge. Side impact sensor wires open intermittently when the driver-side door moves, though there's no visible damage. Instrument clusters go dark. Stalling, stalling, and more stalling—sometimes with the computer reset helping temporarily but never permanently.
Same Chevrolet Silverado electrical reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Throttle body / accelerator pedal sensor system failures causing sudden power loss
Engine power cuts or drastically reduces while driving at highway speeds, triggering 'Engine Power Reduced,' 'Traction Control Off,' and 'Service StabiliTrak' warnings. Vehicle slows from 50+ mph to 20-30 mph in seconds, creating severe accident risk. Multiple owners report throttle body sensor replacement at dealer, but problem recurs because the accelerator pedal sensor also fails; the two components work together but only throttle body has been identified as defective by Chevy.
When: Occurs while driving at various speeds (25-70 mph); one case at 27,000 miles, another at low mileage; some recur within 5 miles of throttle body sensor replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine power loss or severe reduction while driving; Vehicle slows from highway speeds to 20-30 mph without brake engagement; Rough running; Warning messages: 'Engine Power Reduced,' 'Traction Control Off,' 'Service StabiliTrak'; Violent lurch forward when shifting from first to second gear; Problem recurs after throttle body sensor replacement
Codes mentioned: Engine Power Reduced, Traction Control Off, Service StabiliTrak
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body sensor replacement performed by dealers at no charge (identified deficiency); accelerator pedal sensor replacement also performed but Chevy has not identified this sensor as defective. Parts interact but only one is recalled.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin issued but not a recall for throttle body. Accelerator pedal sensor has no recall despite mechanic observations of frequent failure.
Electrical junction block corrosion and short-circuit fire hazard
Corrosion on terminals in the electrical junction block (fuse/relay panel) in engine compartment causes short circuits and excessive heat even with ignition off. No visible water or chemical damage present. Mechanics report this creates fire risk. One mechanic noted a 2009 Silverado had an engine compartment fire due to faulty junction block.
When: Reported at 30,000+ miles; corrosion present despite low mileage and apparent lack of environmental exposure
Symptoms owners cite: Right front parking light stays illuminated with all other lights off; Electrical junction block terminals heavily corroded; Junction block extremely hot even with ignition off; Short circuit condition
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic identified corrosion on terminals in junction block; no specific parts replaced mentioned in narrative. Owner notes problem appears in 2009-2012 Silverados.
Total electrical power loss causing stalling, door lock/window failures, and loss of braking control
Complete or near-complete loss of electrical power while driving, causing vehicle to stall, lights and instrument cluster to go dark, and electric door locks and windows to become inoperable. One owner reported loss of brake functionality and inability to stop truck. Another reported alternator replacement ($200) did not resolve recurring episodes.
When: Occurs while driving at highway speeds (55-70 mph); one case on Kansas City highway with no warning lights; recurred within two days of alternator replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power while driving; Vehicle stalls or loss of engine power; All dash lights and indicators go out; Electric door locks and windows non-functional; Loss of brake function or inability to stop; Lights and locks acting erratically during event; Electric doors and trailer brake behavior occurring; Alarm acting erratically
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced alternator ($200) without resolving problem. Issue recurred two days later.
StabiliTrak and Check Engine warnings with stalling
Vehicle exhibits 'Service Traction Control' or 'StabiliTrak Off' warning lights followed by engine stalling at highway speeds (70 mph). Some owners report doors locking and unlocking independently. ECM module replacement has been performed but failure recurs. Transmission replacement also attempted but problem persists.
When: One case at 79,000 miles; another at 176,300 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service Traction Control or StabiliTrak Off warning illuminates; Engine stalls; Doors lock and unlock independently; Instrument cluster becomes inoperable; Vehicle shudders and stalls; Traction control and Check Engine lights illuminated; Failure cannot be duplicated by mechanics
Codes mentioned: Service Traction Control, StabiliTrak Off, Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: ECM module replaced but failure recurred. Transmission replaced on another case without resolving issue. Computer reset multiple times; sometimes helps temporarily but issue always returns.
Side impact sensor wire harness defect (inadequate gauge/shielding)
Side impact sensor circuit fails when driver-side front door opens or moves, throwing code B0085. Sensor replacement does not resolve issue. Mechanics report Chevy changed wire gauge and have seen multiple failures in the wire shielding with no visible signs of wear. Using ohm meter testing shows wire has contact when door closed but breaks open when door moves even slightly.
When: Occurs when driver-side front door opens or moves
Symptoms owners cite: Service SRS System DIC notification; Code B0085 (side impact sensor); Sensor circuit opens when door moves; No visible wear on wire protective cover, tape, or insulator
Codes mentioned: B0085 (side impact sensor)
Repairs/costs cited: Side impact sensor replaced but issue persists. Wire harness has inadequate gauge or shielding per mechanic observations. No visible damage to wiring despite circuit failure.
Brake system failure / brake warning with no apparent cause
Brakes do not function properly shortly after purchase. Dealer test drive found nothing wrong; owner disputes this. Chevrolet/GM blamed elevation/mountain driving for brake behavior despite minimal elevation changes near owner's residence.
When: Right after purchase in 2010
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes not working right; Unexplained brake warning or malfunction
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer test found no issue. GM blamed elevation/mountain driving but owner disputes this explanation.
Excessive water intrusion into fuse box causing corrosion and starting failure
Excessive water leaks into fuse box, causing multiple fuses to corrode and engine to fail to operate until several restart attempts made. Fuse box required replacement.
When: At 97,312 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fails to operate initially; Multiple corroded fuses; Water leak into fuse box
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse box replaced.
Instrument cluster inoperability and power loss
Instrument cluster goes completely dark with no speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, or engine temp reading. One case occurred while towing trailer. Another case involved cluster becoming inoperable with shuddering and stalling. Dealer refused warranty coverage on one case due to inability to verify mileage without cluster power.
When: One case at 176,300 miles; another while towing trailer (mileage not specified)
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster goes completely dark; No speed, tach, fuel gauge, or engine temp display; Shuddering and stalling; Traction control and StabiliTrak lights illuminate
Cruise control and trailer brake wiring harness breaks
Cruise control and trailer braking system fail due to wiring harness breaks under the dashboard causing shorts. Owner reports this is the second harness failure on truck. Wire insulation remains intact despite break, suggesting undersized wire gauge.
When: Multiple occurrences on same vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control failure; Trailer braking system failure; Short in wiring harness under dash; Broken wire with intact insulation
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness repair performed; noted as second failure on truck. Undersized wire gauge suspected.
Engine stalling and shuttering at all speeds
Engine stalls or shutters while driving at all speeds or even at idle. Occurs repeatedly despite dealer claims of extended warranty on affected part that was never communicated to owner.
When: Occurs at all speeds and at idle
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls; Engine shutters at all speeds and at idle; Recurring issue
Repairs/costs cited: Owner states dealer mentioned extended warranty on part but no notification was provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty mentioned by dealer but owner was not notified of it.
Airbag warning light cycling on and off
Service Airbag warning light comes on intermittently and goes out. Owner reports this as obvious defect but Chevy refuses coverage.
When: Began at just over 29,000 miles; warranty ended two months later
Symptoms owners cite: Service Airbag light comes on then goes out intermittently; Never been in crash
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevy refused to cover as obvious defect; warranty had ended.
Trailer brake system malfunction
Trailer brake service light illuminates and trailer brakes do not work. Owner has not been able to determine fix.
When: Unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Trailer brake service light on; Trailer brakes non-functional
Engine starting difficulty and sensor failures
Truck quits unexpectedly while driving. Sensors placed on motor to address starting issues. Multiple electrical and seal failures occurred within first year of ownership.
When: Within first year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Truck quits while driving home; Starting difficulty; Water intrusion from door seals causing floorboard rust
Repairs/costs cited: Sensors installed on motor.
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
While driving to work in heavy traffic, my 2010 Chevrolet silverado with 27,000 mile suddenly lost power and slowed from 50mph to 25mph in a matter of seconds. Due to the extreme reduction in speed with out my brake lights being engaged, a vehicle following me had to make an emergency maneuver, turn in the right lane, and almost struck a third vehicle. Three warning messages were given that…
Had electrical trouble with your 2010 Chevrolet Silverado?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a meaningful issue. 22 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 30,000 and 79,000 miles, with the median around 49,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,000; a quarter make it past 79,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Chevrolet/Silverado.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.