The vehicle experiences intermittent 1-to-2-second total audio dropouts across all stereo sources, including the turn signals, radio and Apple CarPlay. Because the vehicle generates and routes audible safety alerts through the infotainment module and audio amplifier, the audible turn signal indicator (blinker clicking sound) and critical driver safety chimes (forward collision alert, backup park assist, and seatbelt warnings) fail to sound during these cutouts. The infotainment system is already running software build W231E-Y181.3.2-SIHM22B-499.3 231 release-keys, and the intermittent loss of turn signal and safety chimes persists. Per GM Bulletin PIT6406, dealerships are instructed not to replace the radio or amplifier while GM Engineering investigates, leaving the vehicle with an unresolved intermittent failure of audible safety indicators.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 seat belt problems
115 of the 18,180 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 describe seat belt won't latch or retract, most of them for the 2014 model year.
- owner complaints
- 115
- worst model year
- 2014
- typical repair cost reported
- $600
- typical mileage
- 70,000
By model year
Often reported together
No deployment 15Airbag light 4Won't start 2Steering lock-up 2Stalling 2Headlights 2Engine failure 2Transmission failure 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to latch the seat belt, the seat belt pretensioner failed and an internal wire detached. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the seat belt pretensioner assembly was fractured into two pieces, resembling an explosive failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 163,015.
The seatbelt on the driver's side broke off from the anchor cabling.
I am having difficulty getting the driver side seat belt buckle to latch.
Turned from [XXX] into my street, about 9 houses down, i could not brake or turn steering wheel. Ended up hitting 2 cars, the problem was that the air bags did not deploy and the seat belt did not lock. truck was totalled. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-50 MPH, the driver's side curtain and front air bags, and the passenger's side curtain air bag deployed without impact. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt automatically retracted during the failure, but both the front driver's side and passenger's side seat belts had failed to retract manually after the failure. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The air bag warning light illuminated after the failure. The contact sustained a burn on the back of the upper arm and a cut on the front of the forearm. The contact did not receive medical assistance. The contact was able to continue driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 272,200.
I was a front seat passenger in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and was properly wearing my seatbelt at the time of the incident. The vehicle struck a deer, and during the collision, the passenger seatbelt failed to properly restrain me. I was thrown forward and struck the windshield. The seatbelt did not appear to lock or tighten as expected during impact. It is unknown whether the seatbelt pretensioner or airbag system activated properly. This created a serious safety risk, as the seatbelt did not perform its intended function of restraining the occupant during a crash. The vehicle was declared a total loss following the incident and is no longer available for inspection. The incident was documented through insurance and/or police reports. There were no known warning lights or prior indications of a problem with the seatbelt system before the crash. This failure resulted in occupant injury risk due to lack of proper restraint during the collision.
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the engine turned off and the instrument panel became inoperable. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the message "Tailgate Open" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and, upon inspection, noticed that the tailgate was closed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. An employee at the dealer closed and opened the tailgate several times until the message disappeared. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the radio stopped functioning, the driver's door unlocked unintendedly, and the driver’s side seat belt failed to retract as intended. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the seat belts had failed. The contact seat belts were replaced. Most recently, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. In addition, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. After a while, the vehicle was able to stop. The message "BRAKE System Failure” and “Replace Brake Pads and Rotors" was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the front driver's side seat belt retainer failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the seat belt retainer was fractured from the left side of the driver’s seat belt mounting. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with front driver's side seat belt retainer failure. The contact was informed that the front driver's seat belt retainer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired, but an appointment was scheduled for the repair. The contact had experienced the failure twice. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 53,198.
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a vehicle restraint system failure. I was involved in a collision with a deer. During the incident, the seat belt pretensioner activated; however, the seat belt did not properly restrain me. I experienced forward movement despite the pretensioner activation. The airbags did not deploy. Because pretensioner activation is intended to lock and tighten the seat belt during a collision, I am concerned that the restraint system failed to function as designed. This raises concerns about occupant safety and the ability of the seat belt system to provide protection in future crashes. I am submitting this complaint to document a potential safety defect and request review of this restraint system failure.“After reporting the seat belt restraint failure to General Motors, I was informed that because I was not injured, no action would be taken and no further review would occur.” Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Related recalls
Seat belts: front
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2014-2015 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have received an incorrect replacement tensioner cable assembly as part of a previous recall remedy or a subsequent repair. The flexible steel cable connecting the driver's seat belt to the outboard side of the seat may be repeatedly bent over the seat side shield as the driver enters and exits the vehicle causing the cable to fatigue and separate.
- Risk
- A broken pretensioner cable reduces the effectiveness of the driver's seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver seat belt lap pretensioner, free of charge. The recall began on May 5, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, and GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N212330040.
Recall number 21V245000 · Recall details
Seat belts: critical fasteners
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
- Risk
- If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8785, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Recall number 20V811000 · Recall details
Seat belts: critical fasteners
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
- Risk
- If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.
Recall number 20V792000 · Recall details
Seat belts: pretensioner
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2020 Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles equipped with carpet floor covering. When the front seat belt pretensioners deploy, hot gas may vent through an opening in the pretensioner bracket, possibly igniting the carpet.
- Risk
- A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will close off the opening in the pretensioner bracket, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267. GM's number for this recall is N192270600.
Recall number 19V814000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe Police Pursuit and Special-Service vehicles. The flexible steel cable connecting the driver's seat belt to the outboard side of the seat may be repeatedly bent over the seat side shield as the driver enters and exits the vehicle causing the cable to fatigue and separate.
- Risk
- If the pretensioner cable becomes fatigued or breaks, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pretensioner cable and seat side-shield, free of charge. The recall began June 19, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is 18156.
Recall number 18V291000 · Recall details
Seat belts: pretensioner
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V‑651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Recall number 17V437000 · Recall details
Seat belts: pretensioner
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Recall number 16V651000 · Recall details
Questions about the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 seat belt
Which Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years have seat belt won't latch or retract problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2014 (19 complaints), 2007 (12 complaints) and 2015 (11 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix seat belt won't latch or retract on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $600 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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