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 GMC Sierra electrical problems
severe 46 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
46
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
3fires
What stands out
Owners have filed 46 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
The 2017 GMC Sierra electrical system spawns repeated, overlapping failures across multiple subsystems. The most severe issue involves the rear power-sliding window defroster: owners report electrical shorts that produce smoke, burning smells, and sizzling sounds from the rear-seat trim area, followed by the fixed rear glass panel suddenly shattering without external impact. This happens during remote start or defroster activation, especially in cold weather. GM issued Customer Satisfaction Program N192265660 for this defect in certain 2014–2019 Sierra models, but U.S. recall coverage is incomplete—Canada recalls 159,000 vehicles for the identical problem. Owners in non-recall states are told to file insurance claims.
The infotainment system independently changes radio stations, switches to different media, alters navigation, and triggers unpredictable screen flashes, with one owner paying $887 for dealer repair. Owners report the system glitches every drive, creating dangerous distraction.
The "Service Trailer Brake System" warning fires repeated alarms for hours at a time even when no trailer is owned or connected, preventing drivers from hearing other alerts. Dashboard and instrument-panel false warnings appear—like "hood open" when the hood is latched—without corresponding diagnostic codes. Power-loss incidents strand vehicles or restrict them to 10 mph, and the backup camera display blinds drivers with non-dimmable brightness at night. Reverse lights stay on continuously, draining batteries and burning taillight wiring harnesses. Several owners mention the 7-way trailer interface harness shorting and melting, creating fire risk. Transmission jerking at 7 mph, loss of acceleration during highway passing, and uncontrolled door locking-and-unlocking round out the reported electrical gremlins.
Same GMC Sierra electrical reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Rear Window Defroster Electrical Fire and Glass Shattering
Rear power-sliding window defroster wiring overheats, producing smoke and electrical burning smells, then the fixed glass panel on the same side suddenly shatters from thermal stress. This occurs during remote start or defroster use, often in cold weather. The electrical short melts plastic trim components covering the wiring harness.
When: Typically during or shortly after remote start, or when defroster is activated; cold-weather conditions noted in several cases; vehicles with 35,000 to 159,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke and burning electrical smell in cab; Sizzling or static-like electrical sounds from rear seat area; White or thick smoke pouring from rear window trim; Rear fixed glass panel suddenly shatters or spider-webs without external impact; Loud bang or pop sound preceding or accompanying glass failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced glass and, in one case, the 7-way interface harness (TAG #138359). Some owners report glass replacement costs around $500 per side; one owner cited full system replacement. Melted plastic housing and frame damage noted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Customer Satisfaction Program N192265660 applies to 2014–2019 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado trucks with power sliding rear windows. Canada issued 159,000 recalls for this defect; U.S. recall coverage appears limited to certain states. GM told owners in non-recall states to file insurance claims. Recall deemed expired as of 2022 in at least one case.
Service Trailer Brake System False Warnings
Dashboard repeatedly displays 'Service Trailer Brake System' warning and triggers loud chiming alarm even when no trailer is connected or owned. The warning cannot be dismissed and persists for extended periods, sometimes recurring for hours or weeks.
When: Recurring at various mileages from purchase onward; sometimes intermittent, sometimes continuous during single drive
Symptoms owners cite: Repeated 'Service Trailer Brake System' warning message on dash; Loud, startling chiming alarm every few seconds to every 3 seconds; Warning flashes across screen, clearing other display information; Driver distraction and loss of focus; Message cannot be dismissed despite pressing dismiss button; Frequency appears linked to low fuel level in one case
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealer attributing the issue to a low battery and charging/replacing battery; issue persisted or recurred. No permanent repair noted in narratives.
Infotainment System Unintended Operation (Radio/Navigation Glitching)
Touchscreen infotainment system (including Apple CarPlay and radio) independently changes stations, switches between media and radio without user input, changes navigation destinations, pauses or resumes playback, and displays information without being touched. Behavior is unpredictable and occurs repeatedly during every drive.
When: Recurring throughout vehicle operation; one owner reported paying $887.85 for dealer diagnosis and repair at 35,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Radio station changes continuously; Navigation stops or changes destination automatically; Music pauses and switches to radio without user input; Screen content changes and flashes; Volume changes suddenly; Screen hangs on phone calls; Beeping sounds without user action; Navigation GPS accuracy loss (showing vehicle location 20 miles away from actual position)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer repair completed at $887.85 for one vehicle. GM offers an 'upgraded' system that reportedly does not have the issue, per owner allegation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite owner belief that GM acknowledges the defect. Multiple 2017–2020 GMC owners report the same issue.
LED Taillight Moisture Retention and Failure
Fully enclosed integrated LED tail light assembly (brake and turn signal in one LED strip) retains internal moisture despite having no visible moisture ingress point. LED fails to illuminate, triggering dashboard warning for rear signal/brake light failure. Unit is sealed and not serviceable.
When: Age and mileage not specified in narrative
Symptoms owners cite: LED taillight fails to illuminate; Retained internal moisture visible; Dash warning light for rear signal/brake light failure; Reverse light (incandescent) continues to function
Repairs/costs cited: No repair option; entire unit must be replaced at cost exceeding $500 per side. Not serviceable or repairable when LED fails.
Backup Camera Display Blinding Brightness
When vehicle is shifted into reverse at night, the backup camera display illuminates at full brightness and cannot be dimmed. The bright screen is so intense it prevents visibility of exterior mirrors and windows, creating a blinding effect that compromises safe reversing.
When: Occurs at night during reverse operation
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera display comes on at full, non-dimmable brightness; Screen brightness blinds driver; Cannot see passenger-side mirror; Significantly reduced visibility of driver-side mirror; Reduced visibility of surrounding area through windows; Cannot deactivate the display
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer told one owner they could not duplicate the issue. No repairs documented.
Vehicle Power Loss and Stalling
Vehicle loses all electrical power while in motion or at rest. Engine cuts out, dashboard goes dark, and all gauges and warning lights extinguish. Vehicle becomes immobilized or reaches limp-home speeds of 10 mph. Issue persists after vehicle cools down, or resolves temporarily after restart.
When: Various mileages from 14,230 to 84,000 miles; one owner reported issue recurring over 1.5 years
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power while driving at highway speeds (70 mph and 35 mph documented); Engine stalls or cuts out completely; Dashboard lights go out; All gauges fail or fluctuate; Vehicle restricted to very low speeds (10 mph); Steering wheel locks; Brakes lock after power loss; Power and function return after pulling over and letting vehicle rest 20–30 minutes, or after restart
Repairs/costs cited: One case diagnosed as needing battery cable replacement but not repaired. One case diagnosed with Vehicle Control Module (VCM) failure requiring replacement; not repaired.
Running Boards Erratic Activation
Driver-side and passenger-side running boards erroneously extend and retract repeatedly while the vehicle is turned off, creating potential trip and fall hazards and pinching risks.
When: At 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Running boards extend and retract repeatedly without being activated; Occurs while vehicle is off; Trip and fall hazard; Pinching hazard
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer was unable to determine cause. Vehicle not repaired.
Reverse Lights Stay On / Battery Drain and Wiring Harness Burnout
Reverse lights remain illuminated when vehicle is off, continuously draining the battery. Wiring harnesses in the taillight circuit become charred or completely burned, with melted insulation and potential for fire. Fuse box under hood is prone to failure even without corrosion.
When: Age and mileage not specified; described as long-standing GM issue across multiple model years
Symptoms owners cite: Reverse lights stay on after vehicle is turned off; Battery depletes; Taillight wiring harnesses charred or completely burned; Melted plastic insulation on wiring; Fuse box failure; Vehicle could have caught fire
Repairs/costs cited: Owner states GM continues selling replacement fuse boxes and wiring harnesses rather than fixing the underlying defect. Burned harnesses require replacement.
Transmission Jerking at Low Speed
Transmission jerks or hesitates when vehicle reaches approximately 7 mph during acceleration. Issue is persistent and unresolved despite multiple dealer visits.
When: Occurred since purchase; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission jerks when vehicle reaches 7 mph; Occurs repeatedly
Repairs/costs cited: Owner took truck to GMC dealer over 3 times; issue persists unresolved.
Acceleration Cutout at Certain Speeds
Engine loses acceleration authority at set speeds during highway driving. Throttle does not increase engine speed and appears to floor or drop smoothly to idle, then acceleration returns once vehicle slows past a threshold speed. Issue repeats at the same speed drop-off point.
When: Recurring; owner reported issue to manufacturer and NHTSA over a year prior with no response
Symptoms owners cite: Throttle stops increasing speed at set high speed during highway driving; Acceleration control lost at that speed threshold; Throttle drops to floor smoothly without driver input; Acceleration returns when speed slows below threshold; Issue repeats when vehicle accelerates back to that threshold speed; Critical safety risk during passing maneuvers
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reported the issue but received no response or repair.
Door Lock Malfunction
Doors lock and unlock repeatedly and uncontrollably without user input, occurring alongside other electrical faults.
When: Mileage and timing not specified; began 'out of no where' after approximately 1 year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Doors lock and unlock repeatedly; Uncontrolled activation
Repairs/costs cited: No repair noted; owner describes as 'non-stop issue'.
Dashboard Warning and Gauge Anomalies
Instrument panel and warning lamps display erratic or false information, including 'hood open' warning when hood is securely closed. Gauges malfunction without corresponding diagnostic trouble codes.
When: Various mileages: 71,000 miles ('hood open' warning), 80,000+ miles (multiple owners)
Symptoms owners cite: 'Hood open' displayed on instrument panel despite hood being securely latched; All gauges go out and fluctuate; All dash lights come on; No diagnostic trouble codes present despite symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose when no code is present. No repairs documented.
Air Conditioning Compressor Leak
Air conditioning system develops a leak in the compressor, causing the AC to blow warm or hot air instead of cold air during normal driving.
When: At 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: AC blows warm or hot air instead of cold at 35 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic identified leak on AC compressor. Vehicle not repaired.
Front Power Window Malfunction
Front driver-side window fails to roll down or engage the window control mechanism.
When: Mileage not specified; issue present at time of used vehicle purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Front driver-side window won't roll down; Window will not engage
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle purchased used with this defect; not taken to certified GMC dealer for repair.
Wireless Phone Charger Non-Functional
Wireless phone charging pad on center console does not charge modern smartphones, only works with select older, out-of-date phone models.
When: Mileage and timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Wireless charger does not work with current smartphones (Galaxy Note 9, iPhone XR documented); Works only with select older phone models
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; owner expresses frustration with cost of truck relative to non-functional accessory.
7-Way Interface Harness Electrical Short and Fire
Factory-installed 7-way trailer interface wiring harness (TAG #138359 W/O 134971) electrically shorts out, melts through plastic housing, and leaves melted plastic deposits on truck frame. Owner discovered this after months of burning electrical smell in garage.
When: Discovered May 2024; electrical short occurred earlier (January 2024 burning smell)
Symptoms owners cite: Strong electrical burning smell in garage after parking vehicle; Smoke in garage; Melted hole in plastic housing of 7-way harness; Melted plastic on truck frame; Trailer lights malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Owner expects to replace harness at dealer but anticipates pushback based on NHTSA Recall 18E-014 language stating only aftermarket harnesses are affected. This is factory-original equipment.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 18E-014 reportedly specifies only aftermarket 7-way harnesses; however, this defect involves a factory-installed harness.
Synthesized from 46 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Started car via remote start. When I went out to the car I noticed smoke in the cab. I then observed the rear power slide window to be smoking and further discovered the rear defroster wires the be smoldering creating considerable smoke. The tempered glass then began to spider and completely cracked. There is a former recall on the rear slide window involving fire hazards and the wiring…
My rear defrosters shorted out causing a small fire and causing the window to explode. The recall for this issue has already been performed on this vehicle...
Had electrical trouble with your 2017 GMC Sierra?
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 GMC Sierra?
It's a meaningful issue. 46 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 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 13,000 and 71,000 miles, with the median around 48,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,000; a quarter make it past 71,000. 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/GMC/Sierra.
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.