While driving the vehicle the tailgate came open by itself. I had left my house and when I arrived at my friend’s house to pick him up the tailgate was down. I closed the tailgate and while driving a driver honked their horn to alert me that something was wrong. When I pulled off the road the tailgate had come open for a second time.
2023 Chevrolet Silverado electrical problems
moderate 41 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
41
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
1fire
What stands out
Owners have filed 41 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Across 38 complaints, owners describe catastrophic electrical faults that strike unpredictably. The most severe: brake systems fail completely during operation—vehicles lose all braking power and power steering simultaneously, drop from highway speeds to 30–35 mph in seconds, or require over 400 feet to stop. Multiple owners report dealerships cannot reproduce or fix these failures despite clear warning messages like "BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE 62 MPH TOP SPEED." In at least one case, the truck remained at the dealer for 39 days without resolution.
Power tailgate switches malfunction repeatedly, opening and closing while parked—some continuously overnight—which drains batteries completely and permanently damages them. Owners mention a recall (N232426400) exists for this exact issue but their vehicles are excluded. One owner paid $500 out of warranty for a repair that should have been covered.
Instrument clusters black out without warning, leaving drivers unable to see the speedometer or monitor safety systems. Audio systems spike to full volume unexpectedly, startling drivers mid-highway. Complete audio loss occurs intermittently in multiple vehicles. Backup cameras fail, OnStar connectivity drops, engine power cuts out during highway driving, and door locks and seat belts misbehave. Dealers often report these are "known issues" but say affected VINs aren't covered by recalls. Many vehicles remain unrepaired, and GM has not provided fixes for documented problems.
Same Chevrolet Silverado electrical reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2024 · 2025
Failure modes owners describe
Brake system sensor failures causing loss of brakes and power steering
Vehicle sensors disabled brake function without warning while driving. Owners report complete brake failure, unresponsive brake pedals requiring extreme pressure or distance to stop, and simultaneous loss of power steering. Multiple alerts displayed: 'BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE 62 MPH TOP SPEED,' 'SERVICE ESC,' 'SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL,' 'LANE CHANGE ALERT SYSTEM OFF,' and 'TRAILER BRAKES DISABLED.' One owner experienced this twice on the same vehicle; dealership could not duplicate the fault on either occasion. Another owner lost all electrical power at a traffic light, experienced brake failure, and vehicle restarted while in drive with no brakes engaged, jerking forward.
When: Occurring under normal driving conditions; one reported at 65 mph towing, another at intersection stops, another during highway driving. Mileage range roughly 5,901 to 22,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal completely unresponsive or requires excessive force; Loss of power steering during braking events; Vehicle takes over 400 feet to stop from highway speed; Dashboard alerts: 'BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE 62 MPH TOP SPEED,' 'SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM,' 'SERVICE ESC,' 'SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL'; CHECK ENGINE light illuminates; Lane Change Alert System disabled; Total electrical power loss followed by system reboot
Codes mentioned: BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE 62 MPH TOP SPEED, SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM, SERVICE ESC, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, LANE CHANGE ALERT SYSTEM OFF, CHECK ENGINE
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have been unable to diagnose or repair. One vehicle remained at dealership for 39 days without resolution. Another dealership stated 'no current codes' after the vehicle was turned off; technician drove it and 'nothing has happened' and stated 'nothing further he can do.' One owner received a 'Replace Brake Pads and Rotors' message but issue persisted after dealer visit. Another owner reported the issue but vehicle was not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM referred owners to NHTSA Hotline for assistance. No recalls or technical service bulletins mentioned by owners.
Power tailgate switch malfunction draining battery
Power tailgate switch repeatedly attempts to open and close while vehicle is parked, including continuously overnight. The faulty switch draws continuous electrical current, fully depleting the battery and causing permanent battery damage due to short circuit. In one case, owner's key fob became unresponsive and vehicle battery had zero life; battery would not accept a charge and vehicle required towing. Multiple owners report tailgate opening randomly and unexpectedly while parked or driving, sometimes multiple times. Water intrusion documented in at least one case. One owner mentions current recall N232426400 for 2020–2024 Silverados but reports their VIN was excluded from the recall despite identical symptoms. Another owner had paid $500 for out-of-warranty repair of this exact part after learning a recall existed but did not cover their vehicle.
When: Occurring while vehicle parked overnight and during normal operation. Battery drain events occur within hours. At least one event reported at 2,000 miles, another around 38,000 miles. Multiple occurrences across different mileage points.
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate opens and closes repeatedly without driver input; Tailgate opens unexpectedly while driving; Continuous operation while parked, sometimes overnight; Key fob becomes unresponsive; Battery completely depleted and unable to accept charge; Battery must be replaced; Dashboard alert 'Tailgate Open' displays when tailgate is actually closed; Water intrusion into switch mechanism; Rearview camera inoperable (in at least one case with water intrusion)
Repairs/costs cited: Tailgate switch replacement required. One owner paid $500 out of pocket. Dealership employee manually opened and closed tailgate multiple times until message disappeared (no repair). Battery replacement required in multiple cases. Rearview camera not repaired in one case despite water intrusion diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall N232426400 issued for 2020–2024 Silverados but does not cover all affected vehicles; multiple owners report their VINs excluded despite identical symptoms. Some owners mention this recall exists but are informed their specific VIN is not included.
Instrument cluster blackouts and malfunctions
Digital instrument cluster fails intermittently, displaying black screen and becoming completely inoperable. In some cases, the cluster shuts off while vehicle is in motion. The backup camera display also goes black simultaneously in at least one event. Failures occur without warning and no diagnostic trouble codes are stored. Dealership ICP (Instrument Cluster Panel) reprogramming has been attempted but failures reoccur within minutes of vehicle release. One owner reports the cluster 'periodically blinks' startling the driver and putting safety at risk.
When: Occurring at unknown speeds and conditions; one instance at stop light during acceleration, another while reversing. Mileage range from 18,000 to 54,000 miles. Failures reoccur shortly after repair attempts.
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster displays complete black screen; Speedometer and essential gauges unavailable; ABS monitoring unavailable; Cluster periodically blinks during operation; Backup camera display goes black; Cluster failure while vehicle in drive or reverse; No warning prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: ICP reprogramming attempted at dealership but failure reoccurs. One owner reports dealership 'confirmed this problem and said it is a known issue with this year model' but their particular VIN was not recalled. Vehicle remains unrepaired in multiple cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but provided no assistance in one case. No recalls mentioned for this failure mode. Dealership advised it is a known issue with the model year but VIN-specific exclusions apply.
Infotainment system audio volume spikes and reboots
Radio audio suddenly spikes to full volume while driving, startling the driver, followed by infotainment system reboot. Occurs intermittently, approximately 20 percent of the time while driving. Multiple owners report identical issue. Volume spike lasts about 5 seconds before system reboots. Owner reports this is a concern affecting many drivers, with multiple reports found on forums and forums. GM customer care advised owner to 'shut the radio off and drive without it,' stating there is no fix yet.
When: Intermittently during normal driving; occurs approximately 20% of the time. Vehicle under 2 years old at time of reports.
Symptoms owners cite: Radio volume suddenly spikes to full blast; Audio spike occurs even when radio turned down to low volume; Spike lasts approximately 5 seconds; Infotainment system reboots after volume spike; Startling to driver, causing wheel jerking; Can distract driver and cause potential accident
Repairs/costs cited: No repair available. Owner taken to shop 9+ times; each time told 'Software Update should fix it.' Software updates have not resolved issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Customer Care stated 'just shut the radio off and drive without it' and confirmed 'they don't have a fix for this yet.' No technical service bulletin or recall issued despite known issue affecting multiple owners.
Complete audio system failure (no sound output)
All sound in vehicle ceases: no turn signal chimes, no warning sounds, no radio audio, no navigation sounds, no seat belt alerts. Complete silence continues until vehicle is powered off, locked, and left alone for approximately 10 minutes, then audio returns. Issue occurs intermittently and has happened approximately 10 times per one owner.
When: Intermittent; occurs during normal operation and can last indefinite period during single drive cycle until vehicle is powered down.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of all audio output from all speakers; No turn signal sound; No warning chimes (e.g., seat belt unbuckled alert); No radio sound; No navigation audio; No instrumental alert sounds; Persists until vehicle is powered off and restarted
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented. Issue persists across multiple service visits in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Unknown; no manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Auto START/STOP feature malfunction
Auto START/STOP feature fails to engage or re-engage, or malfunctions causing engine to shut off unexpectedly at traffic lights or stop signs without restarting. In one case, feature stopped working shortly after purchase and dealer advised it quit due to low battery voltage; feature remained non-functional. In another case, engine shut off at stop light while attempting to accelerate and instrument cluster went black. When feature was accidentally left on after being disengaged, engine shut off and brake system failure alert appeared.
When: Occurring at stops and traffic lights. One case at approximately 18,000 miles; another case early in vehicle ownership (within weeks).
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off at complete stop without driver input; Engine fails to restart after brake pedal released; Instrument cluster displays black screen during event; Feature stops functioning and will not re-engage; Battery voltage drops below set level causing feature to disable; Hesitation to restart and 'Brake System Failure' alert displayed; Brakes become inoperable
Codes mentioned: BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE, Auto START/STOP sensor failure
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had Auto START/STOP sensor replaced at dealer. Dealer recommended feature be disengaged during operation, implying ongoing issues. In another case, vehicle not repaired; manufacturer referred owner to NHTSA.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer replaced Auto START/STOP sensor and recommended disengaging feature during operation. Manufacturer referred owner to NHTSA Hotline for unresolved brake failure issue.
Trailer hitch connector melting and wiring damage
Trailer hitch connector and wiring harness melted while vehicle was towing a 4,000-pound travel trailer at approximately 65 mph. Owner noticed left turn signal not functioning; when attempting to change the bulb, detected burning plastic odor and saw that the wiring harness connected to the trailer had melted. Local dealer confirmed that both the trailer hitch connector and wires underneath the vehicle had melted.
When: At approximately 2,000 miles, while towing at 65 mph.
Symptoms owners cite: Turn signal warning illuminated; left turn signal not functioning; Burning plastic odor detected near connector; Wiring harness visibly melted; Trailer hitch connector melted; Wires underneath vehicle melted
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle has not been repaired. GM is refusing to fix the problem under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM is refusing to fix the problem under warranty. Manufacturer has been informed of failure.
Front turn signal lamp intermittent failures
Right front or left front turn lamp fails intermittently; when this occurs, the entire front headlamp does not work. Warning appears on dash: 'Check Left/Right Front Turn Lamp,' and turn signal click audible is faster than normal. Issue occurs repeatedly (approximately 6 times over 12 months). Turning truck off for approximately 15 minutes resolves the issue temporarily, but it returns at random intervals.
When: Occurring randomly; one instance documented on 8/27/24. Vehicle under 2 years old at time of reports.
Symptoms owners cite: Right or left front turn lamp fails; Entire front headlamp does not function when turn lamp fails; Dashboard warning: 'Check Left/Right Front Turn Lamp'; Turn signal click audible faster than normal; Failure occurs intermittently and returns randomly; Turning vehicle off for 15 minutes restores function temporarily
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented. Temporary fix is turning vehicle off for 15 minutes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Unknown; no manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Telematics and OnStar system failures
OnStar telematics system loses connectivity and becomes completely inoperative. Owner reports loss of all crash detection, communication, and OnStar-based safety features. Telematics control module has intermittent connectivity; check engine light comes on and off, and OnStar and WiFi connectivity comes and goes. One owner reports all OnStar system buttons are off and will not turn back on.
When: At 52,000 miles (one case); another case reports buttons off since 2/18/26 (specific date suggests recent occurrence).
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of OnStar connectivity; Crash detection unavailable; Communication features inoperative; OnStar buttons unresponsive and will not turn on; Telematics module intermittent connectivity; Check engine light comes on and off intermittently; WiFi connectivity comes and goes
Codes mentioned: CHECK ENGINE (intermittent)
Repairs/costs cited: Telematics module identified as faulty and needs replacement. No repairs documented as completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner notes that dealership stated 'this issue is all over the place on GM products' and says 'This needs a recall.' No manufacturer response or recall documented.
Engine power loss and sudden deceleration while driving
Vehicle suddenly loses electrical power while driving, causing sudden deceleration from highway speeds (70 mph dropping to 30–35 mph almost immediately). In another case, Auto START/STOP feature activated at a red light, vehicle threw all dashboard alerts and died. In yet another case, while parking, ESC control light came on, then trailer braking light, then vehicle lost all power and would not start or lock. Vehicle unable to restart in one instance.
When: Occurring during normal highway driving and at stops. One case while parking.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of all electrical power while driving; Vehicle drops from 70 mph to 30–35 mph almost immediately; All dashboard alerts illuminate simultaneously; Auto START/STOP activates unexpectedly and vehicle dies; ESC control light illuminates followed by trailer brake light; Vehicle loses all power while parking; Vehicle unable to restart; Vehicle unable to lock
Codes mentioned: ESC CONTROL LIGHT, TRAILER BRAKING LIGHT
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Unknown; no manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Backup camera and rearview camera failures
Backup and rearview cameras are inoperable or malfunction. In one case, backup camera screen goes black during reversing and vehicle shuts off simultaneously. In another case, backup camera switched to black screen. In one case with water intrusion to tailgate switch, rearview camera was diagnosed as failed but not repaired. Another case reports backup camera 'won't work at all' and cameras are 'constantly not working.'
When: Occurring during normal backup operations. One case at approximately 38,000 miles; another at 18,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera display goes black; Rearview camera inoperable; Camera screen switches to black screen unexpectedly; Backup camera will not function at all; Water intrusion causing camera failure
Repairs/costs cited: Water intrusion damage documented in one case. Rearview camera not repaired despite diagnosis. Backup camera failures remain unrepaired in multiple cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Unknown; no manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Seat belt failure and retraction malfunction
Driver's side seat belt failed to retract as intended. On inspection at dealership, seat belts were diagnosed as failed.
When: Occurring during normal operation; vehicle at approximately 22,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Driver's side seat belt fails to retract
Repairs/costs cited: Seat belts were replaced at dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Unknown; no manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Door locking mechanism failure
Driver's door unlocked unintendedly while vehicle was in operation.
When: Occurring during normal operation; vehicle at approximately 22,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Driver's door unlocks unintendedly
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Unknown; no manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Radio malfunction
Radio stops functioning intermittently. In one case with multiple other electrical issues, radio stopped working.
When: Occurring during normal operation; vehicle at approximately 22,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Radio stops functioning
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Unknown; no manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Synthesized from 41 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
GM Infotainment Center unreliable and comes on when it feels like causing a panic while you are driving. I have taken it to the dealer twice and was told it is a known issue with no help in sight. The truck has less than 2000 miles on it.
My tailgate randomly opened while the vehicle was parked this fall on three separate occasions. I see there was a recall (N232426400) but it only included the Canadian equipment. Can we be certain the Canadian equipment wasn't used in my vehicle? If the Canadian equipment was faulty it's not a stretch to think the American or other equipment could be too.
Had electrical trouble with your 2023 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 2023 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 41 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 41 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 26,800 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2023/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.