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Electrical systemPart report

2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
123about this part
Share
17%of 714 total for the year
Median mileage
36,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 123 complaints about the electrical system of the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 17% of the 714 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 12 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Twice on starting the vehicle the steering (the column unlocked)would not steer. It was impossible to turn the column no matter if I move it forward or reverse. No amount of twisting would allow it to steer. I worry it may fail in action on the road. The dealer said the steering module needed updating and then because it was 57 miles out of warrentee charged me $186. No garrentee it won't happen again.”

NHTSA complaint #11406082, filed 2021-04, 36,060 miles

“While I was driving on the highway, approximately 55mph; the check engine light came on; smelled like plastic burning at the same time; I was able to stop on exit ramp as thick black smoke filled the inside. Good samaritans helped me get out as flames were ignited under the hood. Several like mini explosions accompanied the flames.”

NHTSA complaint #11114421, filed 2018-07, 15,500 miles

“I had a deer run into the side of my 2017 silverado and airbag deployed after autobody replaced and fix truck the truck the airbags deployed again while truck was being programmed GM claims there investigation comes back there not at fault but refuses to release any documentation to us making us think there is much more there investigation is hiding and they dont want to become liable”

NHTSA complaint #11210389, filed 2019-05, 57,000 miles

“While driving to the store the rear glass blow up for no reason, dealers said it has something to do with the rear defrost. My car got full of smoke, I thought it was going to catch on fire.”

NHTSA complaint #11400395, filed 2021-03, 80 miles

“My 2017 silverado had a recall for the rear defroster. The recall repair was performed 6 months ago. Over this past weekend, an electrical fire smell appeared in the vehicle, and shortly thereafter, the rear sliding window began to smoke from behind a plastic part. I immediately pulled the truck over and shut down the engine and evacuated my family. The smoke stopped and I removed the fuse and relays for rear defrost to prevent future fire. Clearly the recall repair did not accomplish fixing the safety issue.”

NHTSA complaint #11373039, filed 2020-11, 75,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20262822%
20252624%
20244313%
20236316%
202214021%
202111313%
202011716%
201919117%
201810420%
201712317%
201611915%
201516515%
201434124%
2013114%
20122110%
2011275%
2010216%
20094310%
20089110%
20078110%
20064813%
200518936%
200426734%
200319524%
2002204%
2001235%
2000203%
1999254%
1998236%
1997285%

Other parts of the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Transmission and drivetrain
191 complaints
Brakes
190 complaints
Engine
114 complaints
Other or unknown
77 complaints
Steering
58 complaints
Fuel system
32 complaints
Air bags
30 complaints
Body and structure
20 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 complaints
Vehicle speed control
18 complaints
Exterior lighting
16 complaints
Suspension
15 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology