2018 Chevrolet Silverado Electrical System Problems

An electrical component related to the vehicle's rear sliding glass window and rear defroster malfunctioned and overheated, causing smoke to fill the cabin of the truck as it was being driven down a busy highway. Immediately following the smoke, the rear window violently shattered due to overheating from the malfunction. This dangerous defect was known to exist in our model and year of truck, as documented in Customer Satisfaction Program N192265660. This bulletin shows that GM knew about this exact issue, yet allowed the vehicle to be sold and driven. This incident was incredibly dangerous and easily could have caused my wife (who was driving) to crash the vehicle due to limited sight and distraction. My wife called me following this incident and was terrified and confused. There were no warnings, signs, or symptoms suggesting an issue with the electrical component until the incident occurred. We immediately contacted GM, who advised we were not permitted to get the vehicle fixed until they completed their inspection; however, it has been nearly a week and no inspection has occurred at this time.

This complaint is submitted as additional information related to a previously filed safety complaint for the same vehicle and incident. Since the original submission, General Motors Product Assistance Claims verbally denied responsibility, refused to inspect the vehicle, refused to provide written confirmation of their denial, and ceased responding to emails and calls. GM previously instructed me not to repair the vehicle and promised a rental vehicle and tow, neither of which were provided. The vehicle remains unsafe to drive due to smoke intrusion and shattered rear glass and has been left exposed to freezing and rainy conditions. This incident appears consistent with a known rear window defroster thermal defect similar to GM Customer Satisfaction Program N192265660. GM’s refusal to inspect or mitigate increases safety risk.

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 30,434. It was later discovered upon checking Carfax, Auto Check, and VIN Inspect that the mileage was 134,000.

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The vehicle was a private sale. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, the contact became aware that the title was incorrect, and it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. At the time of registration, the mileage was 43,000. The contact stated that a Carfax report indicated that the mileage was 149,000.

To Whom It May Concern, Below is my support statement regarding recurring safety and reliability issues observed in the vehicle over an extended period: 1. Sensor Malfunction and Resulting Damage The front and rear proximity sensors exhibit repeated failures. During reversing, the system issues false warnings when no obstruction is present. Conversely, while driving forward, the system fails to provide warnings when approaching walls, sidewalks, or other fixed objects. These failures have directly contributed to multiple instances of exterior damage, including impact with hard surfaces, as well as damage to tires and rims. 2. Warning System Deficiencies The engine warning system has proven unreliable. Significant oil leaks occurred without any corresponding check engine notification. On separate occasions, the check engine light illuminated briefly before extinguishing without resolution. 3. Diagnostic Inconsistencies Independent diagnostic inspections identified multiple ECM fault codes. However, upon subsequent service visits, these codes were cleared or dismissed without adequate explanation, creating uncertainty regarding the vehicle’s underlying condition. 4. Excessive Repair History Despite Limited Use Over the past several years, the vehicle has required multiple costly repairs despite being operated only for routine transportation. It has not been utilized in off-road conditions or to its full 4x4 capacity, yet has demonstrated significant and repeated mechanical deficiencies. The issues experienced indicate systemic failures in critical safety systems, monitoring functions, and diagnostic reliability. These unresolved defects have resulted in repeated safety risks, physical damage, and disproportionate maintenance requirements

Number one electrical system left side wire harness manufacturer installed in properly, not watertight and ran through a pinch point causing wires to break. Safety was put at risk due to power failure from fuel pump and brake lights failing which could’ve caused a potential accident. Been confirmed by an independent service center. Reached out to the manufacturer. They said there was no recalls. It was very unhelpful. On the failure happened a light did come on. Number two media end navigation system this is a safety risk because at certain times it will switch between screens at will by itself. They will also put calls on hold, causing you to instinctively reach for your phone and taking your attention from driving as well as switch off of navigation moving your attention from driving, this is a clear definition of distraction and not serving the purpose it was created for which is also been confirmed by an independent shop. I reached out to GM. They said there was no recalls. And there is no service light. P.s.I just found out that I could make a complaint here so I do not have any of my old documentation. I just went to the dealership this morning to try and get some help and I had no luck. They would not be helpful at all. They just want to sign me up for a service meeting and charge me another $500 to look at it only to tell me they can’t order me a wearing harness again.

Doors automatically lock with the keys in the ignition and running locking in anyone who is still in vehicle who cannot open to door physically. It will also prevent you from entering the vehicle without a second set of keys or other methods of unlocking the door (onstar, locksmith). This could put occupants in danger and exposed to the elements unexpectedly and also place inside children in danger. Diagnosis - Keyfob - If battery in keyfob is low, the programming of the vehicle is set to automatically lock even if vehicle is in the ignition and running. when unlocking vehicle with the defective fob, vehicle will unlock, then immediately lock preventing entry. Remedy - Replace battery in key fob and truck works as normal.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly lost electrical power before returning to normal functionality. The contact stated that during the brief failure, the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who observed damages to the main wiring harness, due to a failure with the over molding protective shell. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Have had 3 rear door actuator locks fail. Refer to complaint 11538814. Will be able to upload files at request.

Entire system (everything) shut down without warning, sometimes kick back on, and other times not at all. Extremely dangerous as it will occur no matter traveling on highway or turning a corner in a parking lot. There are discussion boards in which many people have experienced this problem and clearly it is because of "Bad Battery Cables" and common within the 2014-2018 models. My truck is currently in a dealership garage to have the cables replaced and I have to have a rental car while the cables are on backorder for 5 to 10 days (maybe longer). How is this not a "recall" when so common and so dangerous? Dealership could see in a diagnosis that power had been lost and communication lost, over and over and over. There has never been a dash warning light come on at all.

Hi i toke in my truck twice because of it was jerking was told it was fine noting was wrong my truck is now doing it so hard it feels like I been hit by another car

The trailer brake signal will alert an unnecessary amount of times randomly.

Rear window defrogger overheated and caused the back electric sliding window to shatter and when door was closed the window blew out!

At random the touch screen/radio will continuously switch through screens and apps while operating and will become extremely warm to the touch. The display screen on the instrument panel will also scroll through randomly. The heat will stay on continuously even though it is off.

The component or system that failed or malfunctioned, FUEL PUMP ( METAL FLAKING IN FUEL SYSTEM ) has caused 1 or more CYLINDERS to FAIL. It is available for inspection upon request. My safety as well as the safety of many other motorists was put at high risk due to the fact that I had a 40ft. trailer hitched to the truck at the time the engine power was reduced. thus causing my vehicle to loose power while driving on a major highway. The 2018 Chevy Silverado was diagnosed by the Chevrolet Dealership doing-business-as ASCHENBACH CHEVROLET located at 925 East Main Street, Wytheville, VA 24382. The vehicle has not been inspected by the Manufacturer. When pressing down on the gas pedal, the truck would not accelerate as normal, then a message appeared on the dash-screen ENGINE LOOSING POWER. MAJOR ENGINE FAILURES & REPRODUCED REPAIRS: **JANUARY 2022 ENGINE REBUILT/REPLACED - Seguin Chevy Dealership **APRIL 2022 FAILED KNOX SENSORS - POWER REDUCED - Rush Elgin Chevy **NOVEMBER 2022 ENGINE REPLACEMENT, FAILED FUEL INJECTORS, GLO PLUGS & COOLANT LEAK - Robbins Chevy Dealership ** SEPTEMBER 2023 FAILED FUEL PUMP, FUEL INJECTORS - Aschenbach Chevy

turned on rear window defrost and unit started smoking badly with a chemical smell while driving truck. I pushed button to turn rear defrost off so it wouldn't start on fire but the unit had heated up so badly it shattered the window it was touching.

The following Recalls were found on Kelly bluebook, that matched the issues I have been having with my vehicle perfectly. When calling the recall center, they stated my vehicle year 2018 Chevy Silverado and serial number were not listed for this but it's the exact diagnosis of what I'm experiencing. The Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash. As the vacuum level drops, the brake assists decrease, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The brakes inflate on their own as if someone is pressing them down while driving. The vehicle begins to jerk horribly causing the inability to steer or maintain control of the vehicle or the ability to stop. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This is very dangerous. I have no control over the speed of the vehicle or if the brakes will fail, or if the brakes will burn up due to fighting with the accelerator while driving. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, the manufacturer inspected it and stated they could fix the issues, paid but then the same malfunction kept happening even after payment and supposedly being fixed. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? None related to the issues, Stabilitrak warning and then random hill assist to inflate the brake vacuum

WARNING LIGHT CAME ON TODAY 08/17/23-TRAILER BREAK SYSTEM-WHILE DRIVING. I DON'T PULL NOR HAUL ANYTHING WITH THIS VEHICLE, IT STAYS PARKED.. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE WIRING SYSTEM AND NEED TO BE RECALLED ON THIS ISSUE. I SEE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT, AND WARRANTY OUT. 2018 MODEL AND KEPT BLINKING ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING. FOR SAFETY REASIN I NEED THIS REPAIR TAKEN CARE OF. NEED A RECALL SO CAN BE REPAIRED AT KNOW COST.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after five minutes. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.