Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 4 | 3% | 0 miles |
| 2015 | 7 | 9% | 3,000 miles |
| 2014 | 4 | 3% | 32,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% | 0 miles |
| 2012 | 3 | 4% | 26,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% | 102,000 miles |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% | 50,000 miles |
| 2006 | 5 | 3% | 60,000 miles |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% | 20,000 miles |
| 2004 | 9 | 1% | 45,000 miles |
| 2003 | 8 | 1% | 32,000 miles |
| 2002 | 12 | 2% | 55,000 miles |
| 2001 | 10 | 1% | 15,000 miles |
| 2000 | 14 | 1% | 37,000 miles |
| 1999 | 20 | 1% | 83,000 miles |
| 1998 | 9 | 3% | 150,000 miles |
| 1997 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 1996 | 5 | 3% | 75,000 miles |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
While utilizing the high beam function of the projection lighting shake or rattle when traveling over bumps on the road causing a flickering affect of the lights. I have had the entire headlight assembly replaced and the defect is still present. I have driven two 2017 and one 2018 Silverado pickups and the defect was also present. This defect is very distracting during nighttime driving and poses a safety risk during normal vehicle operations.
While driving the vehicle during nighttime hours the dashlights and navigation screen will turn to daylight mode which then makes the truck headlights turn off (when in auto mod) and the navigation screen is too bright and distracts you when driving. The dash lights and navigation screen will randomly switch between daytime and night time mode when driving.
Affects all current Chevrolet vehicles currently sold into the USA. Chevrolet has begun using the backup lamps (reverse lights) to illuminate the area around the vehicle even when the vehicle is off and not in reverse gear; typically when the driver is accessing & egressing the vehicle, or has actuated the door lock remote. The result is a vehicle appears to be reversing, or about to reverse, even though it's not capable of movement. Approaching vehicles assume the Chevrolet is about to move, yet are unable to verify the driver can see them and so can't proceed without escalating impact risk; those who do pass will focus attention on the potential movement of the Chevrolet rather than scanning for general pedestrian traffic. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that the vehicle's low beam headlamps had a low projection distance and offered no visibility on the side of the vehicle. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was advised by the manufacturer that the headlamps meet the NHTSA standards. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000. Updated 05/11/16 updated 05/17/16.
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated while entering their vehicle after a rainstorm, they noticed water leaking into the interior of the rear section of the vehicle. A puddle of water was on the floor. The contact stated the water seems to be seeping into the interior from the third rear brake light sealing from the outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.
We purchased this 2014 Chevy Silverado crew cab in January of 2014 it was driven by the general manager of the local Chevy dealership it had approximately 3500 miles on it ,the issues started as soon we got it home 1)the alarm went off while sitting in our drive way (no one around it daylight) 2)the head lights went out while driving it at night 3)the speaker would crackle when you open the doors 4)the doors would not unlock when vehicle was put in park 5) noise from the transmission but the dealership called it normal 6)transmission would shift with a thud sometimes dealership said transmission had to learn our driving habits 7)horn would start off strong then die to a muffle 8)film on the inside of the windshield and the smell of coolant inside the vehicle but the dealership says it can't duplicate the problem but can see the film on the windshield 8)4 wheel drive was making a …
Working in the yard, I noticed out of the corner of my eye that there appeared to be moisture in my passenger side taillight. An inspection of the taillight showed multiple fractures in the housing across the rear portion. These fractures allow water to enter the unit. A fracture roughly a quarter inch up limits the water accumulation. I then checked the driver's side unit & noticed the same failure is starting. At the time of discovery I had just over 1000 engine hours on the vehicle and just over 126K miles. I purchased the vehicle new & I have owned the vehicle roughly 38.5 months. Bulbs have a greater life expectancy than the taillight assembly designed to protect them and promote safety. The dealer says the replacement of the assemblies are my issue. These items are required by state and federal law to meet certain standards. …
I have bought vehicles since I was 17 years old. I have never had the whole left side electronics go bad like in my 2008 Silverado, ltz. The windows would not go up or down. Either side. My mirrors would not come in. Extended cab windows would not work . I replaced left door electronics panel, chev. Dealer mechanic tried to syncronize with vehicle computer ($130.00) found broken wires in harness. Mechanic tried to fix the problem and shut drivers door. Opened door and the wires had broken again plus it shorted out a fuse panel.a new harness and panel was ordered. A week later the new items were installed ( $606.89). The mechanic then said that the left rear door was shorting out and it needed a new harness ($500.99). I waited another week and this harness was installed on 2-13-15. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Silverado years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (20), 2000 (14), 2002 (12), 2001 (10) and 1998 (9) model years. Headlight complaints make up 1% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Silverado headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for any Chevrolet Silverado 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 headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles; 58% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (43 mentions), followed by the brake lights (11).
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.