Years affected, the mileage it usually shows up at, and what fixes it
About this problem
An air conditioning system cools the cabin by pumping refrigerant through a compressor, a condenser at the front of the car and an evaporator behind the dashboard. If any part leaks, the refrigerant slowly escapes and the air turns warm. Condensers are exposed to stones and road salt, and a weak compressor or a leaking evaporator can also be to blame. A recharge without finding the leak usually only helps for a few weeks.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 since 2012, 2,141 (22.2%) describe air conditioning not cooling, making it the most reported problem we track on the Silverado 1500. The reports cluster on the 2014, 2015 and 2019 model years, and the 2014 drew the most, with 407. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 33,000 and 91,000 miles. 113 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. One recall is related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
The most common complaint is simple: the air conditioning on the Silverado 1500 starts blowing warm air, often within the first few years. Many owners say a dealer found a leaking condenser, and some had it replaced more than once. Complaints peak in the 2014, 2015 and 2019 model years.
How it gets fixed
The usual repair is replacing the leaking condenser and recharging the system. Some carmakers extended warranty coverage on condensers for certain years, so ask a dealer to check the VIN before paying.
Typical cost: A condenser replacement usually runs $600 to $1,200; a compressor is more, often $1,200 to $2,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"When turning into parking lot today at low speed, electrical system went crazy, screen flashed power steering failure, stabilitrac failure, doors locked and unlocked and engine died."
2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 71,000 miles
"Reduced ability to brake my truck almost caused accident.. Warning light popped up abs, brake,traction control with warnings going across dash like brake system failure 62 mph top speed, service trailer brakes. Codes c0021 p0606,& p25a2."
2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 26,210 miles
"I have a 2015 Chevy 1500. It is my daily driver,(in alabama) so when my AC stopped working I figured it needed recharged as I do use it quite often. Recharged it and it worked for 2 days. Then out again."
2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 45,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Chevrolet has sent dealers 53 bulletins that mention this problem on the Silverado 1500. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Customer Satisfaction Program.
This engineering information (EI) is requesting information from technicians to perform the check list provided and contact the engineer listed regarding information to inform dealership personnel on elevated Warranty being see...
This engineering information (EI) closure ends the need for gathering further information from technicians regarding information to inform dealership personnel on elevated Warranty being seen on A/C compressors.
This service bulletin provides a service procedure to correct customer concerns of Air Conditioning (A/C) Not Working and/or Blows Warm Air.
This service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of Loss of Air Conditioning, Weak Cooling, and/or Warm Air Coming from Vents.
Government investigations
Preliminary evaluation PE18012 · 2014–2016 · opened Nov 2018, closed Apr 2022
Before you buy a Silverado 1500
- Run the air conditioning on max for ten minutes on the test drive and feel that it stays cold.
- Ask for repair records showing a condenser or compressor replacement, and on which date.
- Look through the front grille at the condenser for oily spots or damage.
Questions
Which Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years have air conditioning not cooling?
Complaints are highest for the 2014, 2015, 2019 model years. The 2014 drew the most, with 407 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 60,000 miles, and half reported it between 33,000 and 91,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A condenser replacement usually runs $600 to $1,200; a compressor is more, often $1,200 to $2,000.