This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Chevrolet Silverado electrical problems
severe 102 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
102
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
11fires
2injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 102 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.
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 communicates to the dealer technician that the part numbers for the internal wiring harnesses for the 8 speed RWD transmissions are not listed in the Electronic Parts Catalog. Technicians are to refer to the information provided in this document to obtain the internal wiring harness part numbers by application.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician how to repair vehicles that Instrument Panel Cluster, Radio, and Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning display blanks out, Bluetooth phone or Pandora connection dropped, the radio station or volume changes when operating the snow plow. Please advise the customer that engineering is aware of this concern and working on this issue.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Customer Satisfaction Program - Certain 2014-2019 model year Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles equipped with a power sliding rear window (RPO A48) may have areas of high electrical resistance on the rear defroster circuit. This could be caused, in part, by mechanical stress from opening and closing the rear power window, intrusion of debris, and use of the rear defroster. Over time, this condition could generate heat that could melt the areas surrounding the circuit. In rare instances, this heat could cause a non-propagating fire, increasing the risk of property damage or injury. Dealers will replace the buss bar covers and contact cover. If the rear window or sliding glass assembl
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the torque converter and inspect the front pump and the TEHCM for metal.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report two critical electrical problems dominating the 2017 Silverado. Trailer brake systems fail from a defective wiring harness between body control modules—foot brakes don't engage even though the hand controller works, and repetitive warning messages flood the dashboard, obscuring the speedometer and blocking phone/audio functions. Some owners discovered their vehicles are missing recalls available in Canada for the same issue, and dealers in the U.S. refuse coverage. Rear window defroster systems develop dangerous electrical fires: the heating grid overheats and smolders, then the window shatters from thermal stress. Canada issued a recall; the U.S. has not, despite multiple owner reports of smoke, fire, and glass explosions occurring even after dealer repairs were supposedly made.
Infotainment and cluster displays malfunction frequently. The MyLink touch screen and instrument cluster cycle through radio stations, initiate unwanted phone calls, disable the speedometer display, and scroll through apps without user input—all highly distracting while driving. Backup camera systems fail repeatedly, with wiring breaking during repair and triggering additional check-engine lights. Electrical shutdown events occur without warning: the entire electrical system cuts out mid-drive or at startup, forcing a restart or manual steering recovery. Door handles, windshield wipers, horns, and starter motors also fail intermittently. Owners note dealers often lack diagnostic codes and refuse warranty service citing inability to replicate transient problems.
Same Chevrolet Silverado electrical reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Trailer Brake System Wiring Harness Defect
Wiring harness between body control modules fails intermittently, causing loss of trailer brake power and repeated 'Service Trailer Brake System' warning messages. Owners report the defect is documented in GM service bulletins and has led to multiple recalls in Canada (2022-2023 models). Defect prevents safe towing; foot brake engagement fails while hand controller still functions. Some owners report battery drain overnight from continuous fault signaling.
When: Varies; first detected after purchase or during towing trips; recurring across mileage range (5,000–87,531 miles reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of trailer brake power despite foot brake engagement; Repeated 'Service Trailer Brake System' warning chime and dashboard message; Hand-operated trailer brake controller functions but foot brake does not; Dashboard warning obscures speedometer and prevents phone/audio functions; Battery drain overnight; Check engine light or additional error codes
Codes mentioned: Service Trailer Brake System (message/warning), Check Engine Light
Repairs/costs cited: GM dealer reprogramming attempted but ineffective; wiring harness replacement required. Wires break during repair and require splicing. One owner reports thousands in repair costs out of warranty. Dealer service bulletins reference TSB for the harness issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls issued for 2022–2023 Silverados; 2017 model not recalled in U.S. despite documented defect. GM customer service acknowledges the issue but offers no recall or warranty coverage for 2017 models. Dealers state no recall for the VIN.
Rear Window Defroster Electrical Fire Hazard
Rear window defroster grid develops excessive heat, causing wiring and electrical components to smolder, smoke, and ignite. Window subsequently shatters from thermal stress. Canada issued recall (No. 192220470) for 2014–2019 models; no U.S. recall in effect despite multiple reports. Owners report the defect occurs even after recall repair in some cases.
When: Onset varies; typically within first use or after vehicle sits overnight in cold weather; reported at mileage 41,000–123,298 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke/burning odor from rear window area; Hissing or sizzling noise behind rear seats; Electrical melting visible behind headrests; Rear window glass shattering explosively with loud pop; Smoke filling vehicle cabin; reduced visibility; Fire in junction box or electrical connection points; Burning odor detected shortly after vehicle purchase
Repairs/costs cited: Owners pull defroster fuse as temporary prevention. One owner reports repair cost unavailable; another states GM suggested this is 'normal wear and tear' and refused warranty assistance. Recall repair in Canada involved harness/component replacement; incomplete fixes noted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No U.S. recall issued. Canada recall No. 192220470 (2014–2019) exists. GM customer service told one owner 'nothing can be done' and owner must pay out of pocket. One owner's claim was denied; manufacturer referred to insurance. Manufacturer advised failure was 'normal wear and tear.' One owner reported recall repair 6 months prior did not resolve the issue.
MyLink/Infotainment System Phantom Operations
Touch screen and instrument cluster display malfunction independently, cycling through radio stations, initiating unwanted phone calls, changing navigation maps, and scrolling through home screen apps without user input. Behavior is distracting and increases driver workload. System past warranty at time of failure (50,000–57,000 miles).
When: Onset 2.5 months after purchase; worsens over time; occurs regardless of vehicle speed or ignition state
Symptoms owners cite: Radio station browsing function activates without user input; Radio station switches without touch input; Unwanted phone calls initiated to contacts; Clock display switches to full-screen mode; Navigation map jumps and displays incorrect locations; Home screen apps scroll continuously; Instrument cluster speed readout disabled/obscured; System emits audible beep with each unintended operation; Touch screen unresponsive intermittently
Codes mentioned: HMI (Human–Machine Interface) Module fault
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement unit costs approximately $900–$1,000. Owners cite online forums showing problem occurs frequently on MyLink systems in other Chevy products. Owner fears HMI module failure will render truck 'useless.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented in narratives; warranty expired at time of failures reported.
Electrical System Total Loss / Intermittent Shutdown
Complete electrical system failure or sudden power loss while driving or at startup, with no advance warning. Vehicle either fails to start or loses all power mid-drive, forcing restart or manual steering recovery. Multiple warning lights may illuminate including Stabili-Trak. Dealer investigation inconclusive due to lack of check engine light at time of diagnosis.
When: Intermittent; first detected after 3-hour drive; second event after overnight parking; occurs at various mileage (15,000–87,531 miles reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power while driving; Vehicle stalls without warning; No response at ignition turn; All dashboard lights and gauges go dark; All power steering assist lost; Stabili-Trak warning light illuminates (first event only); Windshield wipers activate independently during failure; Vehicle goes into 'limp mode' with reduced power; Negative battery post and cable extremely hot
Codes mentioned: Stabili-Trak warning light, Service warning lights (general), Check Engine Light (intermittent)
Repairs/costs cited: Temporary fix: disconnecting and reconnecting battery cables for 30+ seconds restores function. No permanent repair identified. Battery replaced 3+ times in short period with no resolution. One owner reports issue was not formally documented by dealer due to lack of check engine light.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated investigation a 'waste of money' since no check engine light present at time of service. No recall found for the VIN. Manufacturer referred owner to NHTSA.
Power Loss and Steering Lockup During Turns
Vehicle suddenly loses power and steering becomes locked or manual-only during low-speed turns (parking maneuvers, backing). All interior lights and electrical components flicker off and on. Stabili-Trak and Service Trailer Brake messages appear. Vehicle must be shifted to Neutral or Park to restart. In some events, windshield wipers activate independently.
When: Initially intermittent (once per month); frequency increasing with time; mostly occurs at low speed or while attempting to turn into parking space
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuts off abruptly during or immediately after turn input; Power steering ceases; steering becomes manual-only; All interior lights and gauges flicker off and on; Stabili-Trak warning message and audible chime; Service warning lights illuminate; Windshield wipers activate without user input; Camera functions fail (backup camera does not engage); Vehicle enters gear selection issues (P, R, D malfunction)
Codes mentioned: Stabili-Trak warning, Service Trailer Brake warning, Check Engine Light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer adjustments and module resets attempted without resolution. Electronic Control Module (ECM) replacement recommended by dealership. Battery cable replacement attempted by independent shop without success. Owner research indicates this is a known issue across multiple forums.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; issue remains ongoing and unresolved.
Backup Camera System Failure
Backup camera wiring and camera unit fail repeatedly under 46,000 miles. Screen displays blue or distorted image; wiring breaks during testing and repair, triggering additional check engine lights and extended shop time.
When: First failure at 7,000 miles (5 months old); second failure at 45,000 miles (4 years old)
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera screen turns blue (no image); Camera image distorted or intermittently functional; Camera system displays 'needs repair' message; Wiring breaks during testing/repair; Check Engine Light triggered by wiring failures
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced wiring at 7,000 miles and camera unit plus wiring at 45,000 miles. Additional wires broke during second repair. Two days of shop time required for diagnosis and repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty repairs covered; no recall or TSB documented in narrative.
Horn Intermittent Failure
Horn fails to operate when depressed. Failure persists after vehicle restart. Occurred on multiple occasions.
When: Failure began in 2023; recurred multiple times through at least 155,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Horn does not sound when button depressed; Failure persists after engine restart
Repairs/costs cited: Horn replaced once; replacement failed again. Current failure not yet repaired at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not notified; no recall available.
Ambient Temperature Sensor Malfunction
Ambient (outside) temperature sensor reads incorrectly, displaying temperatures 40° or more off from actual condition. A/C system does not function properly when sensor input is inaccurate, refusing to engage compressor.
When: Occurs in high-temperature operation (105°F ambient); mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Ambient temperature display reads 40°+ degrees lower than actual; A/C does not engage despite high outdoor temperature; A/C poor performance when sensor is inaccurate
Repairs/costs cited: Service department refused to acknowledge or repair, citing inability to replicate problem. Owner requested warranty service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer refused repair, stating problem cannot be replicated and must not be real. Owner characterizes this as equivalent to being called a liar.
Instrument Cluster and Radio Display Malfunction
Speedometer display, radio, and backup camera display turn off, flicker, or jump around without user input. Speedometer loss prevents driver from knowing vehicle speed. Backup camera display turns off without notice during backing operations, creating safety hazard. Occurs in both 2017 and 2015 models.
When: Multiple instances at various times (morning, afternoon); occurs at various ambient temperatures; mileage varies (50,800–unknown)
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer display turns off randomly; Radio display changes brightness (bright to dim) without user input; Radio changes station without user touching screen; Backup camera display turns off during backing without warning; Display 'jumps around' frequently; No warning lamps or messages
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer states replacement unit available but very expensive; no cost quoted. Owner pays out of pocket.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledges screen replacement is possible but expensive; no warranty coverage indicated; no recall.
Dashboard Warning Light Cycling and Gauge Reset
All instrument panel indicators illuminate simultaneously without warning, or gauges reset as if vehicle was just started. Occurs while driving or upon certain actions (USB charging connection, turn input, acceleration). System may recover after engine restart.
When: Intermittent; occurs while driving at various speeds and during specific vehicle operations
Symptoms owners cite: All instrument panel indicators illuminate together; All dashboard gauges reset and recalibrate; Radio and warning lights shut off and turn back on; Gauges become inoperable temporarily
Repairs/costs cited: Requires engine restart to resume normal operation. No permanent repair applied.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer dismissive; repeatedly fails to call back or schedule service. No recall.
Windshield Wiper Failure
Windshield wipers stop functioning without warning during heavy rain, reducing visibility to 50 feet. Problem appears to be in engine compartment fuse block, which is not user-serviceable. Vehicle out of warranty.
When: Occurred during torrential rain while driving on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers stop working during operation; Wipers cut on and off intermittently before complete failure; No warning lights or messages
Repairs/costs cited: Not yet taken to dealer; owner knows truck is out of warranty and repair not covered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None; vehicle out of warranty.
Electrical Fire in Fuse Junction Box
Electrical fire occurred in engine compartment fuse junction box. Front passenger side marker light would not turn off; after battery disconnect/reconnect, fire ignited in junction box with several wires and plugs sustaining damage. Engine cranked on its own during the fire.
When: Marker light failure initial problem; fire occurred morning after battery reconnect
Symptoms owners cite: Front passenger side marker light stuck on; Electrical fire in fuse junction box; Multiple wires and plugs burned/damaged; Engine attempted to crank and start on its own; Top half of junction box destroyed
Repairs/costs cited: Owner had to disconnect battery immediately to stop fire. Significant damage to junction box components.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not documented.
Front Crash Collision Sensor Malfunction
Forward collision sensors malfunction and display false warnings that vehicle is too close to or about to strike another vehicle when no vehicle is present. Sensors replaced but failure recurred.
When: Detected while vehicle was stationary at approximately 14,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Inaccurate warning that vehicle is too close to another vehicle; Warning displays when no vehicle is present
Repairs/costs cited: Sensors replaced by dealer; failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; no further action documented.
Starter Failure / Key Ignition Start Failure
Vehicle fails to start when ignition key is turned. Remote key start may work. Failure occurs without warning. Starter replacement required.
When: Occurred at approximately 41,000 miles; failure without warning
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle does not start with ignition key turn; Remote start may restore function
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed starter failure; vehicle not repaired at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated no recall available.
Door Handle Interior Locking Failure
Driver's door interior handle mechanism fails; handle moves but door does not unlock/open. Requires exterior handle use to exit. Function restored after vehicle power cycle. Occurs during blizzard/emergency situation.
When: Occurred while vehicle stopped in snow storm/blizzard on back country road
Symptoms owners cite: Interior door handle moves but does not engage mechanism; Door cannot be opened from inside; Window must be lowered to access exterior handle
Repairs/costs cited: No permanent repair applied; issue resolved after engine restart.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Radio Display and Audio Adapter Issues
Radio display brightness changes from bright to dim without user input. Radio station changes without touch input. Power adapter for USB-connected devices (Garmin) loses power intermittently; reconnection attempts required.
When: Ongoing across various driving conditions; latest incident February 18, [year]
Symptoms owners cite: Radio display brightness changes without user control; Radio station changes without user touching screen; USB power adapter stops powering connected device (Garmin); USB connection requires repeated reinsertion to maintain power; Device loses power even after successful reconnection
Repairs/costs cited: Shown to dealer immediately after occurrence; owner expects no diagnostic findings due to intermittent nature.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer inspected after incident; no findings reported.
Air Conditioning Condenser Failure
A/C system blows hot air; condenser found cracked. Dealer noted this is a recurring failure from 2015–2016 models.
When: Detected at approximately 81,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: A/C blows hot air when turned on; A/C compressor leaking
Repairs/costs cited: Condenser requires replacement; vehicle not repaired at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; case number issued. Dealer also noted forward drive engagement switch should not remain on Auto to prevent unintended 2WD-to-4WD switching.
Synthesized from 102 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
2 times total electrical and engine failure while driving.
Had electrical trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a meaningful issue. 102 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 33 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 15,500 and 75,000 miles, with the median around 41,645. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,500; a quarter make it past 75,000. 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/2017/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.