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How paint problems are infuriating 2015 Chevy Silverado owners

A check of recent truck forums finds that a number of owners of 2015 Chevy Silverados are having problems with paint flaking or peeling off. The problems are serious enough that people are taking their complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, because they aren’t receiving help from the dealerships.

On one discussion about “weak paint”, one owner asked “Has anyone else noticed that the paint on 2014+ silverados chip and scratch very easily? Seems like every time I wash my 2015 I find new chips or scratches.”

Another person adds, “Yes the paint quality on the 2014+ trucks is poor, my 15 already looks about how my 08 did after it was 7 years old. You can thank the epa for that.” And yet another posted, “My black 2015 gets scratches just by looking at it. I have a buddy who needed to get his front end repainted a month after purchase because of all the stone chips.”

A person who claims to work for a dealership denies there is a problem with the paint on 2015 Chevy Silverados “Well as a painter at a Gm dealership, your 2015 weak paint complaint is completely false. The paint is actually pretty good vs the 09-13s. We haven't been seeing any issues with 14 and ups at all.”

But yet another owner fires back “about the fragile paint on the K2XX trucks, worst paint I have ever seen, but the problem is wide spread over all the newer GM vehicles, water based paints suck but our air has improved 700 percent since GM was forced to switch.”

Chevy Silverado Paint Problem Complaints Are Widespread
The complaints are widespread, from different climates all over the U.S. and Canada. A check of the website CarComplaints.com, that compiles consumer issues on all types of vehicles, finds that the concerns are serious enough that many owners have taken their complaints to NHTSA.

For the 2015 model year there have been four complaints to NHTSA over paint problems with the 2015 Chevy Silverado. The complaints are that the paint either peels or chips too easily. The paint problems seem even more pronounced for the 2014 Chevy Silverado. For the 2014 Chevy Silverado there are 33 complaints, again for peeling or excessive chipping.

I have messaged the public relations person who oversees truck production for General Motors but haven’t heard back yet. It is true that the auto companies are constantly reformulating paint mixtures to be more environmentally friendly but paint peeling within the first few months or even the first few years is inexcusable. I can’t find any recalls for paint for these model years but there are enough forums and complaint sites to indicate that the issues are widespread enough to trigger concern.

Mary Conway covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin. Follow Mary on Twitter at @maryconwaymedia.

Comments

Anthony S Cigliana (not verified)    July 19, 2017 - 5:54PM

I own a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. Not even 3years old looked at it the other day had paint pealing off the bottom of both doors! It is bad enough that it runs like a 6 cylinder! A joke when it comes to performance! Now the paint is peeling off the doors! Most likely the last gm product I buy! Trying to work out something with the dealer now! General Motors knows they have a problem they just seems like they do not care!

Nicole (not verified)    September 4, 2017 - 11:44AM

In reply to by Anthony S Cigliana (not verified)

Where you able to work anything out? The dealership just tells me it's wear and tear! But this is not wear and tear I have a 2 year old truck that has the paint of a 10 year old truck! I'm not sure where to even start because I was completely shut down at the dealer . Any suggestions

Stu (not verified)    September 4, 2017 - 8:37PM

In reply to by Nicole (not verified)

I had my entire truck repainted under warranty. I was also in contact with GM themselves. Truck now looks great with no flakes. The dealerships don't get paid much for repaint jobs so many don't want to do it. Try a private body shop that knows how to do warranty claims with GM. That's the route I went and couldn't be happier.

Nicole Thomas (not verified)    September 4, 2017 - 11:37AM

I own a 2015 1500 black rally
Edition Silverado and have had several problems with my paint! My whole step actually looked like someone lifted it with a fork lift and punctured a hole in it. The dealership couldn't figure it out. I paid and had it fixed at an auto body shop that said they have never seen anything like this. That there is no way a rock did it. (It was under the truck so the only way I started to notice was the peeling paint next to the step) Then on top of that the whole driver side step is bubbling and peeling paint! Peeling paint on the bottom of the doors. For a two year old garage kept truck you would never believe it by the looks of the paint! I'm disgusted by the quality.

Tony Cigliana (not verified)    September 4, 2017 - 8:43PM

2014 silverado charcoal color ! Purchased 10-20-14 paint flaking off bottom of both doors! Took to local dealer they blew me off told me I had to take it where I bought it! No help Cheverolet blew me off also! So I try showing it off to everyone I can and tell them what to expect from GM/ Cheverolet! $34,000 and no quality what so ever! My tires out lasted the tires! Iam 57 years old and this is a first for me!! My brothers are professional body tech they can not believe they willnotback there product!!! Last Cheverolet for me!!

Mike (not verified)    September 9, 2017 - 3:15PM

My 2014 Sierra is peeling in the same exact place on both rear doors. Dealer admits it's factory defect but neither dealer or GM will fix. "Out of warranty ". Neighbors 2014 Silverado is peeling in exact spot as mine. This is obviously a large scale problem. What recourse do we have?

brad Danches (not verified)    September 12, 2017 - 3:29PM

I to am having problems with my 2015 Silverado 3500, the chip looks like spiders are appearing all over the truck. Just not right. I will give you the dealers name if not resolved.

Fred (not verified)    September 23, 2017 - 12:43PM

I have a burgundy 2015 Silverado, only 55000km....about 300 k miles. Front fenders look like they were shot with a salt loaded shotgun. This thing has never been off-road, but the paint seems to chip if you look at it. We also have a 2015 black Ford Escape with about the same mileage. These vehicles are driven on the same roads, yet there are only 3 chips on the escape....the chev, fenders are practically polka dot .........pure gm crap.

Scott (not verified)    September 25, 2017 - 10:33PM

2017 midnight edition 1500
500
paint is blistering on the hood.
Taking it to the dealer tomorrow.
The salesman said the dealership they got ot from, on a trade, my have put a coating on it wrong. We shall see.

Merritt Landry (not verified)    October 9, 2017 - 6:33PM

2015 GMC Sierra. 2 years old. 20k miles Paint is peeling on roof by windshield. Dealership is refusing to fix under warranty. It's really sad that GM will not stand behind their product.

Dwight Hemmert (not verified)    October 11, 2017 - 12:50AM

I have a 2014 White Chevy Silverado 38k miles with paint flaking off the passenger door around the window and rock chips flaking paint off the side of the truck. The first time I took the truck in on a Saturday but of course the warranty guy doesn't work the weekend. So I bring it back during the week and he's not there again but this time they take pictures to document the problem. Why they didn't do that the first time is beyond me. They tried to tell me that the truck was probably wrecked and repainted in a low budget non-certified shop, which I know is not the case because the truck has never been wrecked. It has been two weeks and I still haven't heard anything back. I have called twice but keep getting the run around. I've about had it with Capitol Chevrolet

Steve (not verified)    October 12, 2017 - 5:27PM

I Own 5 Chevrolet express passenger vans. 1-2009,2-2011's, 1-2014 and a 2015. the 2009 and both 2011 the paint is peeling off I contacted the dealer they told me that they weren't covered because they all were over the mileage warrant. I just talked to GM Corp they told me that the mileage didn't make any difference but that the paint wasn't covered. This is the same problem that GM had in the 90's. In the last 4 years I have purchased 9 GM vehicles the 5 vans for our business and 4 for personal use, but will not buy another GM. GM loyalty means nothing. The paint isn't sticking because of a primer problem just like before.

Osiel obispo (not verified)    November 24, 2017 - 10:29AM

I have a 2015 Silverado HIgh Country and the other I was washing the truck and paint start to peel off from the hood I stop washing it took to the dealer and since the truck has46000 Mike’s is off the warranty but it is still in the 3 years i think GM should honor the paint since paint has nothing to do with the miles

colton matlock (not verified)    December 5, 2017 - 5:52PM

I bought my 2016 Chevy 7 months ago and it looks like shit, so many paint chips , makes me want to trade it in on a different male, pay 60,000 for a truck that looks like shit after 7 months its crap.

Nancy (not verified)    January 1, 2018 - 11:26AM

2015 Silverado Black LTZ Z71. Very disappointed in the paint. I am very particular about the care of my vehicles, especially a $50 000 truck. Paint scratches and chips with the slightest touch. Also have had to replace the low beam headlight bulb 3 times in 2 1/2 years. If you notice a headlight or running light burned out on an oncoming vehicle, it most likely is a Chevrolet truck, suburban, or Tahoe.

Darren Hill (not verified)    January 5, 2018 - 3:17PM

Bought a 2015 Cheverlot Silverado brand new from the dearship and with in 2 years I got a chip on my roof that then began to peel and created a chipped spot on my roof the size of my hand and is continually peeling bigger and bigger. Took it into the dealership I bought it from and they said they would not do anything for it because it has 40k miles warranty runs out at 36k. I reported it to Cheverlot customer care and they said they have 0 reports for paint issues on 2015 Silverados so there is no recalls and they would not do anything for me either. I can't believe a manufacturer will not stand by their product and make it right, it is despicable.

Gary Giese (not verified)    January 16, 2018 - 12:30AM

I have a 2015 silverado have been to dealer many times to be told its rock chips not covered by dealer paint is crap they know it but wont do anything about it

Steven P. Burton (not verified)    February 6, 2018 - 11:45PM

2/6/2018 - Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71 Paint
I own a 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71, the paint is a siren red tint coat. I have a little over 6,000 miles on the truck. I started noticing small chips in the hood and in the front on the rear quarter panels on both sides, the doors are doing the same. The beginning of February 2018, I hand washed the truck and noticed more chips in passenger’s side rear door and additional chips in the rear quarter panels. Very maddening to see this beautiful truck starting to look abused after only 6,000 miles. I can only imagine what the truck is going to look like after 12,000 miles.
I took it in for its first service at 5,000 miles and asked the service writer if there were any complaints about paint and of course the Chevy service writer said no, blamed it on rocks. I replied that my red 2012 z71 had 100,000 miles on it and it did not have anywhere near the chips as my brand new one currently now has. The Chevy service writer then replied that the issue must be rocks.
I am going to talk with Chevy again this weekend, I know now that I am not the only one having to deal with this issue. I've paid a pretty penny for this truck and it burns me up every time I see an old or new chunk of paint missing. Not a satisfied customer.

Mark Johnson (not verified)    May 31, 2018 - 10:51AM

In reply to by Steven P. Burton (not verified)

I started my "customer care" complaint around the same time as you.
Brianna, with chevy customer care, told me via phone today (5/31/18) that the claim is denied.
Chevy never looked at it. They rely on the dealer.
Why have a customer care division if you only rely on the dealer determination?
Chevy also refused to provide ANY documentation at all. All they give is a "service request" number. They will not give you anything in writing.

Val Barrett (not verified)    March 18, 2018 - 10:01AM

My 2015 Silverado has this problem. I filled a complaint with Chevy. Got a case number and everything. I have 75k mikes on my truck. They told me that the factory warranty was expired and they would not pay to fix. Two different dealerships said it was a factory defect.

Claude desjardins (not verified)    April 1, 2018 - 12:53PM

I have 2016 Silverado and the front number grill hold have more chops than cars that go down gravel roads for years washed off dealer decal and left scratches with it .I' couldn't understand why but thought thin paint..

Michael (not verified)    April 17, 2018 - 5:56PM

I just noticed the entire front bumper on my 2016 GMC Denali in Deep Red,is all chipped and peeling. I had noticed a couple other chips on prior washes and just figured it was my bad luck. Now I know it’s bad paint.

shawn broome (not verified)    April 28, 2018 - 8:55PM

Have a 2014 Z71. Left for Atlanta knowing I had a small chip in passenger side quarter panel. Got home on Sunday after driving through wind and rain and the small chip was the size of a softball. Of course I’m getting the same responses as all of you. Chevy senior advisor told me this is an environmental problem after the chevy body shop told me it was a factory paint adhesive problem? Infuriating to say the least. My Chevy will be sold.

Mark Johnson (not verified)    May 9, 2018 - 12:34PM

Chevy STILL has yet to address this. My 2018 Chevy Silverado Redline Edition looks like absolute garbage in the front. Hundreds of paint chips. I can possibly understand the hundreds on my bumper as it is up front but.....the 40 plus on the TOP of my hood?
Brought it to my dealer at 3.5 months old and was told that the vehicle was driven for several months during the winter and that GM concluded it was an "outside influence".
Apparently the Silverado is not made to be drivin in winter, or outside for that matter.
I have small chips on the window pillars, the side of the truck....and even on the tailgate. Apparently backing up in winter is enough "OUTSIDE INFLUENCE".

A quick google search shows many many posts, videos, etc complaining about chips in the paint.
I seems to be more prevalent in solid colors such as my Black Silverado.

Buyer beware unless you are good with paint chips.

Mark Johnson (not verified)    May 31, 2018 - 10:45AM

After a number of phone calls to Chevy "Customer Assistance", they claimed that the dealer said it was "outside influence" and they are denying any claim.

So, in short, YOUR PROBLEM, NOT OURS

This determination was made without one single person from Chevrolet customer assistance/warranty claims looking at the vehicle.
They claim that the dealer service advisor is "gm certified".

My RAM drove the same roads and had a few chips after 2 winters. This Silverado has SEVERAL HUNDRED after one light winter season.

Sadly, the only people that see any of these comments here are those that have searched Google for "Silverado paint chips" . This article appears on page 1 of the search.
The only people that would search for that are those affected by it.

PLEASE, share this page via facebook, twitter, youtube, ....anywhere!!

Chevy will continue to do nothing unless there is more about this available on social media. We have already bought the truck. We already gave GM the profit.
Best thing is to share our factual experience with the truck.

I will be dumping this GARBAGE 2018 Silverado as soon as I can!!!

troy Sapara (not verified)    August 10, 2018 - 12:06PM

I have a 2014 GMC Denali and have paint nickel flaking problems on the front bumper and also rear passenger door

Steve Jones (not verified)    August 12, 2018 - 12:17PM

I had a 2014 that was chipping very easy so I traded it in. Now after 4500 miles on my new 2018 red 1500 $57,000 truck it. Is doing the same thing. Just noticed 2 chips on the side bed. After owning the last one I am very careful about getting behind anyone, I stay 200 to 300 feet behind people. And always stay back away from dump trucks, low boys and semi trucks. In the hopes that I am keeping this from happening but with no luck. I drive like a grandpa al the time. There is definitely a problem with the paint on these new silveradios . Very upset after spending this kind of money

Mark Johnson (not verified)    August 27, 2018 - 10:12AM

In reply to by Steve Jones (not verified)

Steve,
WRITE A COMPLAINT TO GM/CHEVY EXECUTIVES.

[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

The executive offices will at least contact you back (usually promptly). Most likely, they will do nothing other than deny that there is an ongoing problem. But, perhaps after enough owners complain, they may actually take it seriously and stand behind the trucks that we bought.

I actually spoke with the executive offices again today, 8/27/18. I had emailed a 3 month update notifying of more chips appearing all summer long. So much for the original diagnosis that it was all from winter sand/salt. GM maintains that there is not a problem and they have not received any complaints. They maintain that all of my paint chipping is due to atmospheric conditions or outside influence.

People experiencing excessive paint chipping should contact the executive offices and notify them. Chevrolet customer care will dismiss and deny any complaints on paint chipping.