2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 194 Electrical System complaints for the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 16% of all complaints for the year. The most common pattern is smoke or fire from the rear window defroster/bus bar area, often after remote start, with median failure mileage at 46,000 miles. A related recall (15V640000) covers the ignition lock housing.
- Electrical System complaints
- 194
- 16% of 1,181
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 12
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Median mileage
- 46,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Smoke or a burning plastic smell emerges from the rear sliding window/defroster area shortly after using the remote starter.
- Some owners report the rear window glass shattering or cracking as smoke or flame appears at the bus bar location.
- A few complaints describe visible flame or a red glow at the rear window along with cab filling with smoke.
- One owner reported the vehicle starting on its own and catching fire under the hood, with the fire extinguishing itself.
- Interior lights reportedly dim or flash on city streets, sometimes alongside complaints about radio display and steering control during a crash.
When 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Oct 30, 2014, latest Aug 14, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- NHTSA 15V640000Oct 9, 2015Electrical System3,073 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks manufactured January 24, 2014, to February 26, 2014, 2015 Chevrolet Suburban vehicles manufactured February 12, 2014 and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles manufactured February 6, 2014, to February 13, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 15573.
Electrical System complaints by Silverado 1500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical system complaints does the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?
- NHTSA lists 194 Electrical System complaints for the 2015 Silverado 1500, which is 16% of the 1,181 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2015 Silverado 1500 electrical system?
- Yes, campaign 15V640000 covers the ignition lock housing on certain 2014-2015 Silverado and Sierra trucks; GM replaces the housing free of charge, and it is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.
- What is the most reported electrical problem on the 2015 Silverado 1500?
- The most common pattern in sample complaints is smoke, burning smell, or fire coming from the rear window defroster/bus bar area, frequently occurring shortly after using the remote start feature.
- At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2015 Silverado 1500?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 46,000 miles at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2015 Silverado 1500.
- Have electrical fires caused injuries or crashes on the 2015 Silverado 1500?
- Across all complaint areas for this model year, NHTSA records 12 fires, 4 crashes, and 3 injuries; several of the fire reports relate to the Electrical System complaints.