This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician with the correct way to remove the front shock electrical connector terminals. Technician will need to slightly bend the end of the J-38125-12A release tool. There is a purple Terminal Position Assurance that will align itself in the release position when the release tool is inserted into the release hole. There is a metal locking tab on the terminal that will need to be pushed in before the terminal will pull out of the connector.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Chevrolet Silverado electrical problems
severe 73 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
73
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
7fires
When does it fail?
Of the 73 electrical complaints filed for the 2016 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
Owners have filed 73 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 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 information to the technician about vehicles that have a reduced or loss of power steering assist, steering wheel jerks or kicks back when turning, Service Stabilitrak message with warning chime, engine stall, Instrument Panel Cluster going blank or inoperative, radio/Integrated Center Stack going blank, Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning going blank, hood ajar message and/or dome lamps flash when shifting into reverse, alarm sounds when locking doors or door locks cycling, and or wipers continue to run for a short time after turning off and then stop/park in the incorrect location. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes U0073, U0078, U0029
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to diagnose and repair vehicle that may have a "Check Trailer Wiring" or "Service Trailer Brake System" message on the Driver Information Center when a trailer is connected to the vehicle. Diagnostic Trouble Code C1114 set in the Chassis Control Module. Chassis Control Module has to determine the type of trailer brake system that is being used. The Chassis Control Module can be sensitive to a variety of trailer wiring issues. The technician will need to make a trailer tester using Electric Trailer Brake Magnets and 7-way trailer connector to determine if it is a vehicle or trailer issue. If the concern i
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have hard or unable to rotate ignition key concern. When the concern is present the steering wheel will need to be rotated in either direction to alleviate the pressure between the steering column lock pin and lock plate. Please communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a low voltage reading on the volt gauge during the first several minutes after a cold start. Dealer should communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2016 Silverado's electrical system spawns a half-dozen distinct failure modes that create genuine safety hazards.
Rear defroster fires and window shattering dominate the complaints. Owners remote-start in cold weather; the defroster automatically engages. Within seconds to minutes, they hear hissing or sizzle, smell electrical burning, see smoke near the rear sliding window, then hear a loud pop or cracking as the driver's-side rear window pane shatters. GM has issued a recall program (N192265660) covering certain model years with power sliding rear windows; however, many owners report their VINs are excluded despite matching year and configuration. Dealers sometimes cite a "customer satisfaction program" limited to certain states, leaving out-of-state owners without coverage. One owner noted a GM technical bulletin exists for water leaks at the sliding window power components, which can short the defroster circuit and overheat the glass.
Stalling at low speed or during turns occurs repeatedly. The engine shuts off with no warning, killing power steering and brakes—a hazard when turning into intersections or changing lanes on highways. Some owners report the instrument cluster displays "open/close driver's side window" before restart; others note a faulty ignition switch or loose battery cable connection. Dealers cannot consistently replicate the issue, yet it happens multiple times per vehicle.
Instrument cluster and infotainment glitches cause erratic behavior: screens go blank, gauges spin wildly, radio switches stations or goes silent without operator input, MyLink touchscreen becomes unresponsive. Some failures coincide with phone calls or Android Auto use. During these episodes, safety-system warning lights (ABS, traction control, air bags) flicker or vanish, leaving owners uncertain whether protection systems are functional.
Unstable electrical connections—chiefly loose or corroded battery terminals and suspect wiring harnesses—trigger cascading failures: stabilitrak warnings, loss of braking assist, steering lockup. Reprogramming engine control modules or transmission computers sometimes helps briefly.
Trailer brake system warnings activate constantly despite no trailer attachment, often accompanied by engine stalls, steering lockup, and brake issues. Owners report defective wiring between body control modules (BCMs) and brake systems.
Power inverter shorts, fuel injector failures, and starter relay malfunctions cause electrical smoke in the cabin. One owner reported the starter engaging by itself after shutdown, eventually smoking until battery disconnection prevented fire.
AC condenser welds fail, leaking refrigerant around 63,000–79,000 miles with no warning light.
Same Chevrolet Silverado electrical reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Rear Defroster Circuit Fire and Rear Window Shattering
High electrical resistance areas on the rear defroster circuit (especially near the power sliding window) generate heat under mechanical stress and moisture intrusion, potentially melting insulation and deforming or shattering the driver's-side rear window pane. Cold-weather remote start automatically engages the defroster, triggering the fault.
When: Typically 35–35°F or below; occurs within seconds to 20 minutes of engine start, most in cold-weather months
Symptoms owners cite: Hissing or sizzle noise from rear window area; Smoke or hot electrical smell near sliding window; Loud pop or cracking sound; Rear window pane shattered or partially shattered (driver's side middle pane); Crackling noise before shattering
Repairs/costs cited: Full rear window assembly replacement; some owners cite $500–$1500+ glass replacement costs. Dealers have replaced wiring harness and defroster elements under recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Recall Program #N192265660 (Status: Complete, issued March 25, 2020) applies to 2014–2019 model-year vehicles with RPO A48 power sliding rear window; however, many 2016 owners report their VINs excluded despite matching. Customer satisfaction program limited to certain cold-weather states (MI, IN border dispute noted). Canadian recall in full effect. Some dealers claim recall already completed (2020) but issue recurs.
Stalling at Low Speed or During Turns
Engine shuts off suddenly and unexpectedly while turning, merging, applying brakes, or reversing—sometimes at highway speed (65 mph). Power steering and power brakes become inoperable. Vehicle restarts after a few seconds or requires key-cycle restart. Stabilitrak warning may illuminate; some owners report instrument cluster displaying 'open/close driver's side window' message before restart.
When: Intermittent; happens multiple times per vehicle over weeks or months; mileage range 3,000–130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies suddenly with no warning; All electrical power lost momentarily; Power steering locked; no power brakes; Instrument cluster goes dark or displays 'open/close driver's side window' prompt; Stabilitrak light flashes; Vehicle restarts after few seconds or forced ignition cycle; Often occurs during low-speed turns, lane changes, or when brakes applied
Codes mentioned: C279A, U0422-71
Repairs/costs cited: Loose or corroded battery cable terminals (positive/negative) confirmed in at least two cases; ignition switch replacement attempted in one case but failure recurred; dealer unable to replicate or diagnose in most instances; transmission reprogramming attempted in one case with unclear outcome.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM notified in multiple cases but no recalls or TSBs issued for 2016 model. One owner cited NHTSA recalls exist for earlier model years but not 2016. No warranty coverage or manufacturer assistance documented.
Instrument Cluster and Infotainment Malfunctions
Instrument cluster display goes blank, blinks on/off, or gauges reset (speeding to 0, then pegging out, then reading normally) while vehicle is in motion. Radio/MyLink touchscreen switches stations, mutes, goes silent, scrolls through menus, or becomes unresponsive. Brightness fluctuates to extreme levels. Safety-system indicators (ABS, traction control, air bags, trailer brake system) flicker or vanish during episodes, leaving occupants unsure whether protections are active. Failures often occur at highway speed and are sometimes linked to phone calls or Android Auto use.
When: Intermittent; can happen at low and high speeds; some reports span 2–3 years of recurring issues; mileage 1,500–98,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer and gauge cluster inoperable or erratic; Display screen blinks off and on; Extreme brightness fluctuation; Radio station changes independently; MyLink touchscreen unresponsive or scrolls on its own; Bluetooth mutes or reverts to non-hands-free mode randomly; Safety system warnings (ABS, traction, air bag, trailer brake) flash or disappear; Occasional vehicle stall while feature is failing
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers recommend reflashing entire vehicle modules (engine, transmission, BCM, instrument cluster); computer controller replacement attempted in one case. One owner noted vehicle must be completely re-flashed because system does not recognize instrument cluster. Costs not specified by owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some dealers issued TSBs for whole-vehicle reflashing; one owner outside NHTSA campaign 16V084000 (Electrical System) despite burning odor and radio failure. No recalls issued. Manufacturer offered no assistance in some cases; one dealer informed owner vehicle out of warranty.
Battery Cable and Electrical Connection Faults
Loose or corroded connections between positive and negative battery terminals, or defective wiring harnesses between body control modules (BCM) and brake/steering systems, interrupt power delivery and cause cascading electrical failures. Symptoms include sudden loss of all electrical power, steering lockup, brake failure, and stabilitrak activation.
When: Can occur at any speed; some failures reported early in ownership (3,000 miles); others at high mileage (130,000+ miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power and engine shutdown; Steering wheel jerks and locks; Brake function lost or degraded; Stabilitrak light flashes; Dashboard lights flicker; Vehicle requires key-cycle restart or sits 1+ hour to recover
Repairs/costs cited: Battery cable connections cleaned or tightened; in one case dealer identified positive/negative terminal connection issue as root cause but did not repair. Wiring harness between BCMs and brake system cited as defective in trailer brake warning cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in several cases but declined warranty coverage or recalls. No assistance offered.
Trailer Brake System Warning Malfunction
'Service Trailer Brake System' warning message and chime activate intermittently or continuously without a trailer attached. Vehicle may stall, steering wheel may lock, or brakes may behave erratically during warning episodes. Wiring harness fault between BCMs and brake system identified as root cause.
When: Intermittent to constant activation; can occur while parked (under 5 mph, locking steering) or at highway speed (55+ mph). First reported early in ownership; some persist for weeks.
Symptoms owners cite: 'Service Trailer Brake System' warning message displayed; Audible chime or alarm (sometimes constant); Steering wheel locks while parking; Engine stalls (especially at low speed or while turning); Brake system behaves erratically or becomes unresponsive; Safety distraction due to frequent false alarms
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness between BCMs and brake system identified as defective; replacement cost not specified. No parts or repair procedures documented by owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSBs or recalls issued. Repairs not covered under warranty. Manufacturer offered no assistance.
Power Inverter, Fuel Injector, and Starter Relay Short Circuits
Electrical components short internally, generating smoke and overheating. Power inverter failed at 5,000 miles; windshield washer motor shorted at similar mileage. Fuel injector failed shortly after. Starter relay engaged by itself after engine shutdown, causing engine to crank involuntarily and generating smoke near starter until battery disconnection.
When: Early in ownership (5,000–5,500 miles on one vehicle); one starter relay failure at unknown mileage but post-purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Electrical smoke in cabin (power inverter, washer motor); Components fail to function; Starter engages involuntarily after engine shutdown; Smoke rolling from starter area; Engine cranks continuously until battery disconnected
Repairs/costs cited: Power inverter, windshield washer motor, fuel injector replaced. Starter, engine wiring harness, and engine fuse block replaced in starter relay case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer (Cox Chevy of Bradenton, Florida) refused to investigate root cause, focusing only on radio instead of systemic electrical failures. GM engineers visited to inspect but no recall or TSB issued.
AC Condenser Weld Failure and Refrigerant Leakage
AC condenser cracks at the weld seam, causing refrigerant to leak to atmosphere and loss of cooling. No warning light or indicator precedes failure. Defect similar to GM TSB 17336 for like vehicles. Affects multiple owners at similar mileage.
When: Around 63,000–79,000 miles; no warning indicators
Symptoms owners cite: Air conditioner stops producing cold air; No warning light illuminated; Refrigerant odor possible
Repairs/costs cited: Full AC condenser replacement required; some owners cite replacement cost not covered under warranty. One owner identified weld failure independently via online research.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM TSB 17336 exists for similar vehicles but no direct owner recall noted. Manufacturer offered no assistance; repairs not covered by warranty at 7+ years and 79,000+ miles.
Loss of All Electrical Power While Driving
Complete loss of engine, brakes, steering, dashboard lights, and all controls while vehicle is in motion, often while turning on a highway. Vehicle shuts off with no recovery for 1+ hours. When power returns, vehicle starts normally.
When: Intermittent; can occur any time vehicle is in motion; one incident at highway speed while turning
Symptoms owners cite: All power lost simultaneously; Engine shuts off; No dash lights; No braking or steering control; Vehicle becomes uncontrollable; Restart requires 1+ hour wait or forces vehicle into immobile state
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented by owners; suspected loose battery connections or main electrical fault.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs issued. Manufacturer not notified in documented cases.
Reduced Power / Accelerator Pedal Sensor Fault
Vehicle loses power and cannot exceed 20 mph after accelerator pedal is depressed. Check engine light illuminates. Diagnostic codes (C279A, U0422-71) indicate electrical failure. Replacing the accelerator pedal does not resolve issue; problem recurs intermittently.
When: Early in ownership (30 days post-purchase, at 77,000 miles); intermittent recurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to accelerate normally when pedal depressed; Speed capped at 20 mph; Check engine light illuminates; Reduced power mode activation
Codes mentioned: C279A, U0422-71
Repairs/costs cited: Accelerator pedal replaced twice; issue persists. Vehicle serviced by dealer four times without resolution. Portable diagnostic scanner used by owner to retrieve codes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not contacted. Dealer unable to diagnose or repair.
Rear Door Lock Failure
Rear passenger door fails to lock or unlock via key fob or manual controls. Door will not open from inside or outside, trapping occupants. Lock mechanism unresponsive to both electronic and mechanical inputs.
When: Reported at unknown mileage; safety-critical issue in emergency
Symptoms owners cite: Door will not unlock via key fob; Door will not unlock manually from inside; Door will not unlock from driver's side control panel; Door will lock manually but cannot be opened; Passengers or driver trapped inside during emergency
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
Vacuum pump fails, degrading brake booster function. Electronic brake control module calibration reprogrammed to improve hydraulic brake boost assist utilization when vacuum assist depleted. Issue occurred at 47,781 miles.
When: At 47,781 miles; prior recall claim (June 29, 2020) stated issue already resolved but failure recurred
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes fail during long drive (200 miles); No warning light prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Private mechanic verified vacuum pump failure ($100 diagnostic); dealer reprogram of electronic brake control module with new calibration completed August 8, 2023. Recall previously claimed complete but issue returned.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Recall (same recall N192265660, completed 6/29/2020) stated issue already resolved via ECM reprogramming; however, brakes failed again in July 2023. GM refusing further coverage.
Synthesized from 73 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Vehicle was stationary, in driveway of residence, running after being started with remote start. Temperature outside was about 35f. Front and rear window defrosters typically come on when the vehicle is remote started in the winter months. Rear window of truck has three separate panes, the two outer panes are stationary and the middle slides opens via a switch in the overhead console. All…
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.…
I turned on the rear defrost to the vehicle. Within about 30 seconds, I saw smoke rising from the center part of the rear window as if the defroster had started a fire. I immediately turned the rear defrost off and the smoke ceased. Within a mater of seconds, the right panel of the rear window popped very loudly as it shattered, presumably from the fire. I was driving on a rural road when…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet silverado 1500. A neighbor alerted the contact that the vehicle was on fire. Upon inspection, the contact noticed flames. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not towed. A determination of whether the vehicle was destroyed was not determined. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was…
Had electrical trouble with your 2016 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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a meaningful issue. 73 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 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 33,000 and 77,000 miles, with the median around 42,226. A quarter of owners report trouble before 33,000; a quarter make it past 77,000. 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/2016/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.