RoadVitals

2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
18
Latest Dec 24, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
15%
of 122 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
2
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 18 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming electrical

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

ElectricalEngine
Filed Dec 24, 2025

Had new Western Wideout snowplow (recommended by Western) installed by Western dealership on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500hd with the factory snow plow prep package (RPO VYU). Vehicles instrument cluster, HVAC, Radio and other electrical systems cut out while operating snowplow. GM is well aware of this issue per GM Service Bulleting NO.: PIT5387C (Feb 2016) through PIT5387P (10/17/2024), as well as GM Upfitter Integration UI Bulletin #124K (11/7/2019). All list this specific vehicle. This issue effects snowplows by all manufactures and is not confined to Western. Per the above bulletins published by GM, GM is to supply and install a wiring harness under a unique one time warranty procedure that does not expire with the vehicles base warranty. GM dealerships as well as GM's consumer assistance hotline state that GM part number 84043394 (fitting 2014-2019 vehicles) referenced to in PIT5387C and other bulletins has been discontinued. UP Bulletin 124k refers to and instructs to install GM part number 84288774 VYU Snow Plow Jumper harness per the latest version of GM service Bulletin PIT5387. With a note stating "this jumper harness and installation will be provided (one time) without charge". GM dealerships and GM customer assistance (parts) state that PN 84288774 does not appear in their parts system as a valid GM part. The official GM parts store [XXX] lists this part but shows that it does not fit this vehicle. Therefore neither GM nor Western is able to provide any actionable solution to this known and documented issue. GM manufactured, sold, promoted, advertised and continues to state that snowplows can be installed on these vehicles with (or without) GM's factory snow plow prep option. Additionally GM continues to issue and publish Bulletins instructing GM dealerships how to fix this issue despite being fully aware of this impossibility. GM has also made it impossible for GM to honor GM's own warranty that is still in effect for A KNOWN SAFTY ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI

NHTSA ID
11706942
Incident
Nov 10, 2025
ElectricalOther / unspecified
Filed Dec 24, 2025

Had new Western Wideout snowplow (recommended by western) installed by Western dealership on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500hd with snow plow prep package. Vehicle's Instrument cluster, HVAS, Radio and other electrical systems cut out while operating snowplow. GM is well aware of this issue which has been discussed and documented per GM Service Bulletin No.: PIT5387C (Feb 2016)- PIT5387P (10/17/2024), as well as GM Upfitter Integration UI Bulletin #124k (11/7/2019). Western states the fix for this issue is for GM to supply and install a wiring harness (per the above GM bulletins) GM dealerships as well as GM consumer assistance hotline state that GM part number 84043394 (fitting 2014-2019 vehicles) referenced to in PIT5387 and other bulletins has been discontinued. Therefore GM can not nor will ever be able to obtain or install this wiring harness in the future. GM Upfitter Integration Bulletin #124K instructs to install a different part number 84288774 VYU Snow Low Jumper harness per the latest Version of GM Service Bulletin PIT5387. "Note: that this jumper harness and installation will be provided (one time) without charge." GM dealerships state PN 84288774 does not appear in their system as a valid GM part. Parts. The official GM parts store at [XXX] , list this part but shows it does not fit this vehicle. Therefore neither GM nor Western is able to provide any actionable solution to this KNOWN safety issue. Western (and other manufactures) still manufacturing, recommending and installing snowplows for this specific vehicle. GM, manufactured, sold, promoted, advertises and continues to recommend snowplows to be installed on these vehicles (with the GM factory snow plow prep option), and continues to issue bulletins instructing GM dealerships how to fix this issue despite being fully aware GM cannot supply these parts. Therefor GM has made it impossible for GM to honor their own warranty that still currently in effect, for a KNOWN SAFTEY ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

NHTSA ID
11706936
Incident
Nov 3, 2025
BrakesElectrical
Filed Jun 6, 2025

Tranmission isn't running right and gas and brakes are not working properly. Also fuel pump or relay gets hot shuts off while driving.

NHTSA ID
11665358
Incident
May 29, 2025
Electrical
Filed Dec 9, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the instrument cluster intermittently switched between safety features and the radio. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was scheduled for a diagnostic test within the next several days. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to several dealers for diagnostic tests; however, the contact declined the diagnostic test due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11629596
Incident
Dec 9, 2020
ElectricalSteering
Filed Sep 24, 2024

- Electronic power steering assist malfunctioning. Available for inspection - Vehicle jerks steering to the left or right at highway speeds, causing near miss accidents. - Dealer performed alignment and did not know how to fix. They were able to replicate the issue. - No other inspection - "Service Power Steering Drive With Care" message intermittently displays and almost immediately goes away. No check engine light or other warning lights.

NHTSA ID
11616188
Incident
Sep 12, 2024
Electrical
Filed Oct 14, 2023

Electrical connections not sealed at horn assembly leads to corrosion and horn to stop functioning.

NHTSA ID
11549926
Incident
Jan 6, 2023
Electrical
Filed Dec 31, 2022
Fire reported

While my wife and two young kids were driving down the road with sThe rear heater element caught fire and shattered the rear passenger side back glass. There was no warning lights, or prior failures with this system. This problem has not been inspected by anyone at this point due to being a holiday weekend.

NHTSA ID
11499646
Incident
Dec 31, 2022
Electrical
Filed Nov 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and towing a 2005 Dump Trailer, the message "Service Trailer Brake System" was displayed, and the trailer brake failed. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon inspecting the trailer wires and fuses, he noticed that the parts were in good condition. The contact was able to continue driving however, the failure had been reoccurring intermittently while driving. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID
11493708
Incident
Nov 15, 2021
Mileage
60,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 15, 2022

The infotainment center seems to malfunction and push buttons on it's own or not respond to input, which seems related to a more serious problem I experienced where the gauge cluster was not reading anything out when I was driving, including not knowing what speed I was at or what gear I was in. I had to turn the vehicle off several times and restart it several times before the issue resolved.

NHTSA ID
11489358
Incident
Sep 30, 2022
BrakesElectrical
Filed Sep 22, 2022

My trailer brake warning bell keeps coming on all the time saying service trailer brake , then says connected. I have pulled the fuse as to not here this bell all the time. I just changed the module and it still does it. It is very annoying and not haveing brakes for the trailer really sucks. When will this be fixed.

NHTSA ID
11485876
Incident
May 20, 2019
BrakesElectrical
Filed Sep 7, 2022

I’m getting a service trailer brake system notification( it’s has been showing up for awhile now). I’ve seen several times where this has come up with individuals that own the same year and makes. Why hasn’t Chevrolet address this situation yet. Any solution would be helpful.

NHTSA ID
11483395
Incident
Sep 7, 2022
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Dec 10, 2021

Failure of the HMI caused a flickering screen during driving operations with warnings and cautions constantly flashing making it very difficult to concentrate on the road conditions and traffic. Parking the vehicle using the back up camera was also affected making it impossible to see approaching objects from the rear.

NHTSA ID
11443311
Incident
Dec 3, 2021
Electrical
Filed Jan 20, 2021

I REMOTELY STARTED MY TRUCK. IT WAS APPROX 20 DEGREES OUTSIDE. APPROX 5 MINUTES LATER I GOT INTO THE TRUCK, AND STARTED BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. I HEARD A CRACKLING SOUND, AND MY REAR WINDOW JUST DISENTIGRATED. IT IS A 3 SECTION HEATED POWER WINDOW.

NHTSA ID
11389004
Incident
Jan 14, 2021
Mileage
130,000 mi
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Feb 17, 2020
Fire reported

WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING I HEARD A SIZZLING SOUND AND LOOKED IN THE BACK AND SMOKE WAS ROLLING FROM BEHIND MY PASSENGER BACK SEAT. I REALIZED IT WAS COMING FROM THE WIRE CONNECTION FOR REAR DEFROSTER. THE SMOKE STOPPED AFTER ABOUT 10 SECONDS SO I CONTINUED DOWN THE ROAD AND AFTER ABOUT 30 SECONDS A LOAD BOOM OCCURRED AND THE PASSENGER REAR SECTION OF MY ELECTRIC SLIDING WINDOW WITH DEFROST EXPLODED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WASN'T COVERED BY WARRANTY OR RECALL. THIS IS BEING RECALLED IN CANADA ON THE SAME TRUCKS BUT NOT U.S. TRUCKS.

NHTSA ID
11309754
Incident
Feb 14, 2020
Mileage
104,000 mi
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Mar 6, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR STARTED LEAKING WATER INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE LEAK COULD SHORT OUT THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HASELWOOD CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (501 W HILLS BLVD, BREMERTON, WA 98312, (360) 616-3272) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE XM SATELLITE RADIO ANTENNA SEAL FAILED, BUT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE FAILURE WAS CONSIDERED WATER DAMAGE AND WAS NOT COVERED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE MANY SIMILAR FAILURES WITH OTHER GM VEHICLES AND MANY DEALERS WERE RUNNING OUT OF PARTS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL OR WARRANTY COVERAGE; THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

NHTSA ID
11184615
Incident
Feb 6, 2019
Mileage
65,000 mi
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 26, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOCKING NUT IN THE GEAR SYSTEM WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BROADWAY CHEVROLET (920-498-6666, LOCATED AT 2700 S ASHLAND AVE, GREEN BAY, WI 54304) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN GLUED THE PART IN LIEU OF REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REMEDY SHOULD HAVE CONSISTED OF MORE THAN JUST GLUING; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE DID NOT RECUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BLACK FUSE BOX UNDERNEATH THE HOOD SHORT CIRCUITED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SAME DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT HE WAS FORTUNATE THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT CATCH ON FIRE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE MANUFACTURER AND A TEAM OF SPECIALISTS WERE SENT TO THE DEALER TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,000.

NHTSA ID
11142870
Incident
Apr 15, 2018
Mileage
24,000 mi
ElectricalSeat belts
Filed Jul 4, 2017

THERE IS NO PASSENGER SEATBELT REMINDER.

NHTSA ID
11002957
Incident
Jul 15, 2016
Electrical
Filed Nov 8, 2016

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE BUT I AM EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH MY AUDIO SYSTEM IN THE 2016 SILVERADO 2500 HIGH COUNTRY TRUCK. THE AUDIO SEEMS TO GO IN AND OUT OF STEREO SOUND AND ALSO SSEMS TO BE CHANGING ITS EQUALIZATION PERIODICALLY. THERE DOESN'T SEEM TO BE AND RHYME OR REASON WHEN THIS HAPPENS; DOESN'T HAPPEN WHEN I HIT A BUMP, OR STOP SUDDENLY, OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. THE SOUND SYSTEM WILL JUST RANDOMLY CUT IN AND OUT IN THE MANNER DESCRIBED ABOVE. IT IS MILDLY ANNOYING AND IF ANYONE KNOWS WHAT THIS COULD BE I'D APPRECIATE THE HEAD'S UP. IT'S BEEN TO THE DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE AND I ASKED THEM TO TAKE A LOOK AT IT WHICH OR COURSE, THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING. I KNOW I'M WHINING BUT WHEN YOU SPEND $51K FOR A VEHICLE YOU WANT EVERYTHING TO WORK ON IT, RIGHT!

NHTSA ID
10925015
Incident
Nov 2, 2016
Mileage
2,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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