AC & Heater complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 0% | 100,000 miles |
| 2020 | 2 | 0% | 49,000 miles |
| 2017 | 3 | 0% | 104,000 miles |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% | 38,000 miles |
| 2015 | 3 | 0% | 60,000 miles |
| 2014 | 15 | 1% | 82,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% | 2,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 0% | 97,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% | 5,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 0% | 111,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% | 75,000 miles |
| 2006 | 13 | 4% | 48,000 miles |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% | 75,000 miles |
| 2004 | 10 | 1% | 75,000 miles |
| 2003 | 7 | 1% | 52,000 miles |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% | 56,000 miles |
| 2000 | 1 | 0% | 12,000 miles |
| 1999 | 2 | 0% | — |
| 1998 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 1997 | 6 | 1% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact's son owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the windows started to get foggy with the defroster activated. The occupants inside the vehicle started smelling a burning wire odor inside the vehicle. The odor became stronger with smoke entering the cabin of the vehicle after turning off the defroster. The occupants then heard a loud popping sound coming from the vehicle. The contact's son immediately pulled over and the occupants inside the vehicle frantically exited the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rear window had shattered into several pieces. Despite the failure, the glass remained intact with a hole at the bottom of the window. The contact operated the vehicle normally. The contact stated that no injuries was reported. …
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was smoke coming from the rear middle cabin sliding window. After stopping to inspect the failure, the contact witnessed an amber burning in the middle rear sliding window rail. The contact used water to extinguish the burning amber and moments later the rear driver's side cabin window suddenly exploded. During the failure, there were no flames. The contact stated that no injury was reported. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who referred the contact to an Auto Glass repair shop and the window was replaced. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the rear sliding glass defroster element overheated. The contact was unsure but thought that the defroster had activated independently. The contact stated that the heating element had caught fire, burned a hole through the weather stripping, and shattered the rear sliding glass. The contact extinguished the fire with a can of soda. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact noticed smoke coming from the rear driver's side seat. The contact referenced the failure to TSB: N192265660 (Rear Window Defroster) The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
A/C unit does not work. Recharge the system and it leaks out. GM/Chevrolet knows of the issue and has recalled other models using the same equipment. Not on the Chevrolet Silverado models. No mention of leaks or issues by the dealership during regular maintenance. On June 20th 2020 I paid to have the system recharged, didnt blow really cold but gradually it got warmer, now it blows hot air. Last fall oct 2019 it was not blowing cold air, in February 15 2920 while driving the air seemed to get warmer, could not keep the cab cool. After reviewing recall information and other reviews of issues I see that the $1,100 or more for replacement of certain equipment, plus the long delay because GM/Chevrolet has a shortage of the specific parts (back ordered). I think this should be a recall to force GM/ Chevrolet to fix this issue they have known about since before my truck was even built.
Tl* the contact 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while inside the vehicle in the driveway he turned the vehicle on once the key was in the ignition switch the rear defroster warning light illuminated as the rear window exploded. The vehicle was taken to durand Chevrolet, inc (223 washington st, hudson, ma 01749, [phone] where the window was inspected. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage approximately 39,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the cabin became foggy, and the contact noticed that there was smoke coming from between the sliding window and the rear passenger's side window. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact then heard an abnormal gunshot like sound coming from the rear passenger's side window. The contact noticed that the rear passenger's side window had sustained a spider web crack, and the shattered glass was falling gradually. The contact was able to drive to residence, and the contact had not driven the vehicle since the failure. The contact stated that the defroster was engaged during the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the vehicle would soon be towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. …
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the remote start feature on the key fob was used to start the vehicle, which then automatically activated the window defroster. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the rear passenger's side window, and then a loud explosion was heard. Additionally, a strong fuel odor was detected while entering the vehicle. The rear passenger's side window shattered; however, no glass fell from the window. There was no impact on the rear passenger's side window that could have caused it to shatter. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the rear passenger's side window needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years have ac & heater problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (15), 2014 (15), 2006 (13), 2004 (10) and 2003 (7) model years. AC & Heater complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for any Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ac & heater problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles; 36% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the defroster/defogger/hvac system (50 mentions), followed by the appliance › air conditioner (28).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.