8.1

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$440
Average Mileage:
64,250 miles
Total Complaints:
61 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace instrument cluster panel (29 reports)
  2. not sure (26 reports)
  3. back to the dealer under the extended warranty if <70k miles (3 reports)
  4. GM extended warrenty for speedometer (2 reports)
  5. class action lawsuit (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chevrolet dealer.

problem #61

Jan 032014

Silverado Off Road 71 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles

NOW NOT ONLY DOES MY SPEEDOMETER NOT WORK BUT NOW MY FRICKING GAS GAUGE AND BATTERY GAUGE. THEY BOTH ARE WAY PAST THE LEVEL, NOW I HAVE TO GUESS HOW FAST I'M GOING AND HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE. THIS REALLY SUCKS THE BIG ONE!!!!!!

I ONLY HAVE 41,000 MILES ON THIS TRUCK. THAT IS WHY PEOPLE BUY NEW VEHICLES, SO THEY DON'T HAVE PROBLEMS! BUT I GUESS GM DON'T CARE ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO BUY GM. ALL THEY WANT IS THE MONEY AND SCREW YOU WHEN YOU LEAVE THE PARKING LOT!

WHY HAVE I NEVER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM GM FOR THESE PROBLEMS THAT I'M HAVING. I'M SURE THEY ARE WELL AWARE OF IT! OH YA, AND WHEN I TRYED TO OPEN THE TAIL GATE THE OTHER DAY THE HANDLE JUST SNAPPED RIGHT OFF. YOU CAN SEE IN THERE WHERE THE CABLES ARE JUST HELD TOGETHER WITH PLASTIC, WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH THAT. YOU PAY A SMALL FORTUNE FOR A NEW TRUCK AND IT'S MADE LIKE SH*T. NOT LIKE THEY USED TO MAKE VEHICLES, NOW IT'S ALL JUNK. YOU JUST TOUCH SOMETHING WITH A CORNER OF YOUR VEHICLE AND IT'S ALMOST TOTALED OUT.

NOT TO HAPPY WITH GM PRODUCTS ANYMORE!!!

- Paul H., Wausau, WI, US

problem #60

Dec 142013

Silverado Off Road 71 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles

HELLO, BOY AM I VERY UPSET WITH GM. I ALWAYS BUY GM. I NOW HAVE A 2004 CHEVY SILVERADO THAT I BOUGHT BRAND NEW, IT ONLY HAS 41,000 MILES. I WAS UP NORTH AND ON MY WAY BACK HOME I GOT PICKED UP FOR SPEEDING. $175.30 PLUS 4 POINTS. THEN WHEN THE OFFICER GAVE ME THE TICKET I NOTICE THAT MY SPEEDOMETER SAID I WAS GOING 5 MILES AN HOUR AND I WAS NOT EVEN MOVING.

THEN ON CHRISTMAS EVE ON THE WAY TO DADS HOUSE 35 MILES AWAY. THE SPEEDOMETER SAID THAT I WAS GOING 30 MPH AND I KNOW I WAS GOING AT LEAST 50. THEN A FEW MINUTES LATER IT JUST KEPT ON FALLING, ALL THE WAY DOWN TO ZERO AND I WAS STILL GOING ABOUT 50 MPH. THIS IS TOTAL BULL S------T.

I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER OR NOTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. NOW IT WILL MOST LIKELY COST ME NOT ONLY THE FINE AND POINTS BUT TIME AND GAS TO GO TO COURT FOR THIS. PLUS WHATEVER IT COSTS TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED. THANKS A LOT GM! WAY TO GO!!!!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND NOBODY WILL BUY YOUR VEHICLES. I REALLY DON'T KNOW IF I WILL EVER BUY GM AGAIN???? LOYAL CHEVY LOVER!!!!

- Paul H., Wausau, WI, US

problem #59

Sep 012010

Silverado 4.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

Originally when the speedometer started going out it was intermittent, usually when the ambient temp was below 70 Deg F. Then it started registering but not accurately. Now it doesn't work at all. I use my GPS as my speedometer. I understand there was a limited recall to correct this but my truck was beyond the mileage GM deemed it to be covered under. I think this was a slap in the face to owners like me. Probably the main reason I will NEVER spend another red cent on a GM product for my family.

- tmyersla, Baton Rouge, LA, US

problem #58

Sep 012012

Silverado V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

I love this truck, but I only have interior accessory problems. At 50,000 my blower resistor motor failed, but that is an easy DIY fix. Now at 55k, my speedometer arm just points down to the ground and doesn't move. I provided a youtube link to a nice video on how to remove your dash cluster easily. The video is made by a company that only deals in fixing instrument clusters, which is probably a goldmine for them. They will send you a quote that will include the parts, labor, and shipping to have everything done. For me, it was $235, and they guarantee the parts they replace for life, regardless if you sell the truck. Their website is southernelectronics.com

What is sad about this issue is that GM had it covered under their warranty, but it expired in 2011. I will eventually pay the cash (before my inspection is up), but for now, I am just using an iPhone app to calculate speed (Waze).

This site is seriously awesome! Thanks a lot

- gurcsik, Philadelphia, PA, US

problem #57

Nov 242010

Silverado 1500 4.8 v8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,000 miles

This should not happen but now that it has the cost is way to high unless they can cover this under a warranty fix. $540.00

- Kurt M., Jackson, WI, US

problem #56

Jan 112011

Silverado 4.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,284 miles

With so many problems with this years instrument cluster, why hasn't a recall been issued. Spent the better part of an entire weekend trying to find a used one in wrecking yards only to find they all were gone or damaged.

- baldwinoregon, Eugene, OR, US

problem #55

Jan 112011

Silverado Z-71 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,400 miles

My Mother's 2003 GMC Sierra had the same problem. I noted that when it is very cold, the speedo would stick. The Odometer still works, but not the speedo. Cranking up the heat and warming the vehicle before moving it helped. Once stuck while moving, it is stuck. I could reset it by stopping the vehicle, and cycling the ignition on and off with the truck in gear, This wouldn't let the engine crank, but it would ratchet the needle back down to 0. Once the interior of the cab was warmed up, it seemed to work fine. I will definatly be checking into this speedometer extended warranty I've read about on here!!

Update from Jun 10, 2011: Speedo stuck for good so the truck was taken to Parker Chevrolet in Champlain, NY where I purchased it. I explained the problem and they replaced the cluster at no charge. Set the odometer to the correct miles and had it back to me in less than 4 hrs.

- Michael B., Champlain, NY, US

problem #54

Nov 262010

Silverado 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,000 miles

I have 77,750 Miles on my truck and have had it sense 23000, It has been a good truck with no problems,(still looks new) until now, On a trip in Nov. coming home the speedometer was reading 20 to30 mph high. after I got home and turned the engine off it stayed at 30 mph. It then worked ok for a few days,but now it is stuck at 45 mph and won't work at all. I am taking it to the dealership that I bought it from and see what they will do. But after reading the other complaints I may not have much luck. Roy

- royk, Dunnellon, FL, US

problem #53

Jan 142011

Silverado LT 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 93,000 miles

I own a 2004 Silverado LT w/ 93,000 miles. Speedometer stopped working. Found this website regarding the problem. I think if Chevrolet knew about this problem, it should have been a recall item. Very unhappy!!! Anyone who has this same problem should register on this site and tell your story. Did I say I was very unhappy!!!

Mike

- mdonovan, Wilmington, DE, US

problem #52

Jan 082011

Silverado V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,800 miles

After reading the complaints and lack of a proper response, I am very disappointed to see GM's typical stance. Chevy needs to step up and fix these types of problems. There is always an exception or an excuse why they won't take responsibility for solving these types of issues. Most of us buy a warranty when we finance but the deck is certainly stacked in the house's favor when it comes to needing repairs. Chevy dealers make plenty of profit from the warranty and purchase of a vehicle.They need to save some money for customer care or they'll never climb out of bankruptcy. I, for one, will not buy another GM product based on their unethical practices.If any auto maker asks for a bailout, guess what I will urge my congressional representative to do?

- dnobleb123, Burlington, WA, US

problem #51

Nov 192009

Silverado 4.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,000 miles

There is an extended warranty on the speedo. I had to take the truck to the dealer so they can check and see if it is covered under this warranty. I don't why they need it for 2 days to check out the problem. The kicker is if they determine the truck does not fall under the warranty, I will be charged 100 dollars for what?

- Angel G., Wharton, NJ07885, US

problem #50

Jul 012009

Silverado 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 138,000 miles

I think that if GM has a recall on a product no matter how may miles is on the vehicle I think they should stand behind it and fix it I can not help it if the original owner did not get it fixed and stuck the problem on me. GM needs to fix my speedometer NOW and why should i have to pay to get something fixed that they knew was bad in the first placed can someone explain it to me?

- Carl S., Bono, ARK, US

problem #49

Sep 022010

Silverado 1500 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,900 miles

Speedometer stopped working when mileage was roughly 69970 or so. It started working okay the next day, and then stopped again. I started researching the issue online and found the extended coverage deal that Chevrolet set up, which went up to.....drum roll please............70k!!!, and guess how many miles I had when I found that out (answer: 70012). And by the time I called the dealer and was told that they are very strict about that 70k limit, I was at like 70050 or something like that. Let me first say that I am almost sure this was planned by Chevrolet once they found out about it, that's why it was set to 70k, and that's why most people started having the issue right after 70k. Once they tested it and found out that was the magic number, they found a way to bend over the customer and take away their responsibility and cost. Just post the issue, the reference #, and then anything that doesn't apply isn't a legal issue for them.

All that out of the way, I wanted to see if anyone else has been having this issue coupled with the ABS sensors going out? I started getting a grinding and clicking from the front brakes, and the pedal gets mushy towards the bottom, and pulls the truck to the right. Once the ABS light on my dash comes on, the noise and mushiness are gone, but only for a second. This is usually after the speedometer stopped working. Just now, as I was parking before I am typing this, my ABS and brake light came on, and my pedal felt like the brakes were dead. Not sure what is going to happen once I start it up and try and head home, and I still need to get it to my friends shop that I know will fix it right. Wish me luck, hopefully I won't have to be filing a law suit due to being in an accident. A big thanks to Chevrolet for informing me that this was going to be happening. At least if I had an idea it was coming up I would know there's a chance my brakes could go out. I have already dealt with all of the other issues that everyone else has had on here with the steering, this same brake noise before (the joint needed to be lubed, is what I was told).

Update from Nov 16, 2010: I ended up getting my dash cluster fixed by someone in TX that I found on Ebay. There were several different people out there offering the service to replace all of the stepper motors and the bulbs in the instrument cluster. I selected his service based on positive feedback from previous customers. His name is clusterrepairman. It ended up costing me about $74 all together (with shipping costs both ways) to get it repaired. He did an outstanding job, and cleaned up the unit. Since the motors are junk anyway, you will want to get them all replaced if you do one, and might as well put new light bulbs in also, they are most likely factory junk also. So, that all being done, I still have the fuse for the anti lock brakes taken out, as I believe I am experiencing the issue with a bad/dirty sensor in the wheel hub, or possible bad hub all together. I will have an update on that soon. I have some front end suspension parts being replaced soon. I found out from my mechanic (that I trust), that the suspension parts were all cheap too (on a 4X4!!). GM used cheap Mexican parts. The replacement parts are good old USA made Moog components. There might not be many things left that we make here in the USA, but we do it right.

I will send out update once all that is done.

- bohead01, Maryland Heights, MO, US

problem #48

Jan 012009

Silverado 1500 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

I own a 2004 Chevy Silverado Z-71 and of course the speedometer quit working about a year or 2 ago. I never had the pleasure of receiving the letter informing me about the class action lawsuit to get it fixed. Can anyone give me information on how to join? I'd really like to get this problem fixed, and I don't think I should have to pay several hundred dollars out of my pocket for something Chevy already knew was wrong with the cluster wiring.

- Correna F., Tecumseh, OK, US

problem #47

Dec 012009

Silverado 1500 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

New member, glad I found it, now I am really worried about other problems with the truck...The speedo quit working and wondering what the best recourse or action to be taken. Has anyone replaced the speedo on their own? Ours is out of warranty. Where is the best price. It has been a good truck thus far, service 4WD light comes on, have to replace the back brakes but after 100K that is to be expected. Mechanic said front brakes are fine yet. The tailgate lever broke on us, poor design. Plastic. Going to check brake lines tomorrow now that I know they have been having problems with them rusting out.

- darrent, Oshkosh, WI, US

problem #46

Jan 012010

Silverado LS V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

So I called Chevrolet, and they told me that there was a special coverage for this problem. It was not listed as a recall, but a special coverage problem.......BUT my truck had over 80,000 miles at the time that I determined this. At the time that the problem began, I did not have over the mileage......anyhow if it was 7 years or 80,000 miles, they would fix it, otherwise......They told me im screwed!

This is an est. $800 repair with the part costing at $500, and the mechanic at the dealership charging who knows how much per hour for labor. Needless to say, I will be driving my POS Chevy around town dodging the cops hoping to not get a ticket since the speedometer and the tachometer will not work correctly.

- Tonya S., Sweetwater, TX, US

problem #45

Jul 022009

Silverado LS 5.3L Vortec

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,000 miles

I bought the truck used in july 2009 and supposedly was able to go to a dealer to have fixed and heard that there is a recall, was hoping to get replaced because you shouldn't be able to sell a car that is a hazard to the roads.

- Shane P., Conneaut, OH, US

problem #44

May 162009

Silverado 1500 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

Took 04 Chevy in 4 cluster panel not working and G.M. dealer would not even look at it when told what problem was and how many miles on truck. Said it was a recall and I had 2000 miles over warranty. Thanks so f----ing much. I don't have money to get it fixed.the truck is starting to not run due to cluster panel.. Not because of any maintenance problems on my part. The truck is not payed off and has to sit while I try to come up with money that I don't have to get it fixed and still make a 465.00 mth payment. I believe if it is a recall then G.M. should fix it no questions asked.

- jimhughes6940, Franklin, TN, US

problem #43

Aug 102009

Silverado 1500 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles

I took my truck to the local dealer and they refused to fix the speedometer. they said it was not sticking when they tested it. They must think i am a liar. this is the only Chevy vehicle that I own and with service like this it may be the only one I will ever own. I recently bought a Nissan and they will fix any problem that I may have no questions asked. I asked the service manager who will pay for the speeding ticket should I get one and he had no comment. If you take a problem vehicle to a service department shouldn't they just fix it. I think they are just lazy and do not want to fix it. And guess what they charged me to check it. that is garbage. I might be taking by business to another dealer. the speedometer sucks it should be recalled. This is why Chevy is not doing so well my 2 import cars run great.

Update from Sep 4, 2009: still sticking

- David M., Newburg, PA, US

problem #42

May 122009

Silverado 2500HD 6.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles

2004 Chevy 2500HD. Speedometer went crazy right at 41K miles.Same as other complaints; reads anywhere from 80 to 105MPH. From complaints on web, there were faulty speedometers in several 2004 Chevy models. Obviously a piece of trash factory equipment, but it appears that GM is not very much interested in remedying this defect. Maybe they should spend a couple of dollars more on vehicle components, and a little less on executive compensation and absurred union retirement agreements!!!!! Not that I expect much satisfaction, but I will pursue this through the 800 number and web site listed in one of the previous posts.

Update from May 19, 2009: Went by dealer to inquire about recall on these gauge clusters, but there is officially none. However, further inquiries revealed that GM has extended the factory warranty to 78K miles for this part, so most private vehicles should be covered by factory repair.

You have to pursue this on your own though, as factory is not notifying owners of this remedy.. Sadly, it seems they are hoping many will not find out about it, and they will not have to replace many gauge clusters.

While there I also asked about the clunking steering column noises common to these trucks. Service knows immediately what you mean, but factory is not doing anything about it at this time; about $200 to replace the steering shaft from your pocket. I guess it will take a class action law suit like the one that got the gauge cluster problem solved. A pretty sad example of their business practices IMO, no wonder they are in such trouble.

- alhay111, River Ridge, LA, US

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