I've had plenty of Chevrolet in the bay over the years, and the electrical-system complaints on these don't surprise me. 14,363 on the NHTSA record across 282 model-year entries (2005–2025) is not a fluke. The complaints are spread across the lineup — no single model is doing all the work. That tells you it's an engineering or supplier pattern, not a one-off bad year. 14 fatality reports on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Chevrolet vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Average shop fix runs about $850 — not catastrophic, but it adds up over time. Across the 8,483 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 68,904 miles. Read the specific complaints before assuming the worst — the category covers everything from a forty-dollar switch to a twenty-five-hundred-dollar module.
Chevrolet electrical problems
14,363 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Chevrolet vehicles for electrical issues. 34 active recall campaigns. See electrical across all makes →
Worst-affected Chevrolet model-years for electrical Top 25 by complaint volume
Active recalls — Chevrolet electrical 12 on file
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Bolt EUV vehicles previously repaired under Recall 21V-650
A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles
If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured March 26, 2013, through August 15, 2013
An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch
If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
General Motors is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD Medium Duty trucks
If a driver is unaware that the ABS system is malfunctioning, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Gm is recalling 857,735 my 2006-2008 Buick lucerne; Cadillac dts; Hummer h2; my 2007-2008 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; Chevrolet avalanche, silverado, suburban, tahoe; GMC acadia, sierra, yukon, yukon xl, Saturn outlook; and my 2008 Buick enclave vehicles equipped with a heated wiper washer fluid system
This may cause other electrical features to malfunction, create an odor, or cause smoke increasing the risk of a fire.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV vehicles that were previously remedied under recall number 21V-650
A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac ATS and model year 2013 Cadillac XTS; model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala; and 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles
If the brake lamps flash when the vehicle is not slowing, a following driver may not adjust vehicle speed when the vehicle is in fact braking, and the brake lamps are illuminating as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-701
A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles
Unexpected automatic emergency braking can cause the vehicle to abruptly stop or slow down, increasing the risk of a crash.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Express and GMC Sierra vehicles equipped with a single, manual, rear climate control module (CCM)
If the CCM overheats, there is an increased risk of a fire in the vehicle's headliner.
Common questions
How many Chevrolet electrical complaints are on file with NHTSA?
14,363 complaints across 282 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. 34 active recall campaigns cover electrical issues across the Chevrolet lineup.
Which Chevrolet model has the most electrical complaints?
The 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer leads with 590 complaints in this category. Next: 2005 Silverado (335) and 2005 Impala (293).
What does it cost to fix Chevrolet electrical problems?
Independent shops average $850 for electrical repairs across the Chevrolet lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Chevrolet electrical recalls?
Yes — 12 active recall campaigns cover electrical on Chevrolet vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.