Owners of 2014 Chevrolet Silverados want the FTC to force a recall for their air conditioning problems

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Owners of 2014 Chevrolet Silverados are taking action trying to force General Motors to either recall their trucks or reimburse owners for the persistent problems with their air conditioning. Thousands of owners have reported problems and the condensers to fix the air conditioning are on back order.

When the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado was voted Rocky Mountain Automotive Press Pickup Truck of the year, no one could have known that down the road the truck would develop huge problems with its air conditioning system. I’ve written two articles about the problems and they consistently draw the most comments. Now 2014 Chevrolet Silverado owners are asking the Federal Trade Commission to step in and force a recall.

Thousands of owners affected

I detailed the problems with the air conditioning in both 2014 Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras last month and also in October of 2016. Instead of air conditioning the vehicles start blowing hot air. Dealers are charging around $1000 to put in a new condenser to fix it. Owners say it is a faulty design and General Motors should be expediting the repairs.

An owner named Matt recently posted a comment on one of my stories. “Just called Federal Trade Commission, they were very surprised to hear there is no recall. Number is - 1-877-382-4357. Please give them a call and file a complaint.” Matt’s complaint is very similar to others I’ve heard. Matt writes, “The A/C unit went, now a national back order. Dealer said when it gets here it gets here, GM said call the dealer to find out when. There aren't even any after market condensers to get. Just how many vehicles are affected by this. I do know it covers Silverados between 2013 and 2016, I imagine it affects GMC also's. I've been waiting since April 2017 with 3 vehicles in front of me at the dealer.” Matt says he has also contacted a lawyer about a potential class action suit.

Chevrolet and GMC losing loyal customers

Scott W. speaks for a lot of owners when he commented on my story. Scott also bought his truck new in August of 2013. “I am sitting at 30 days since the part was ordered. As with everyone else I placed complaints to the dealership and GM customer service. I am in Tucson AZ which will average 100 degrees until the end of September. It is absolutely ridiculous that GM has not fast tracked design-engineering to create a resolution. Last time I checked they are one of the largest manufacturers on the planet. I also thought that with the large truck segment and loyal buyers, GM would step up and create solutions. I am shocked that they have not released a statement for dealers to explain what action they are taking. When you spend $50k on the new truck...you have very high expectations. GM, you are losing good customers!!”

Freddy M. commented on my post, that he, too, is fed up. “I also bought a brand new 2014 GMC Sierra that the AC went out on. I have already spent several hundred dollars to re-charge the unit and for new hoses only to have it all leak out the first day after. I have since ordered a new condenser unit that has been on BACK ORDER for over 3 months and still no news on when it will ship. I will assume that this back order is due to the ongoing problems with this particular condenser and the overwhelming need for them due to their poor design. GM should definitely step up and take care of this obvious problem with this particular condenser unit. It's probably going to cost me close to $1,000 out of my pocket and I have been without my truck for 3 months and still waiting.... I have been a loyal GM fan my whole life, but it might be time to start looking at other brands.”

An owner named Craig posted a response that he received from General Motors. “Hello Craig, Thank you for following up with us. I certainly understand how stressful this situation is for you and I do apologize for the delay you're experiencing with parts. I can confirm the condenser is on national backorder. GM is working with two suppliers in order to alleviate this backlog for customers and are filling orders as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, there is no ETA for delivery at this time. If you'd like, we'd be glad to connect with your dealership just to make certain your part is ordered and formally document your concerns in our system. If this is of interest, feel free to send us your contact information, dealer name, and current mileage. Jasmine GMC Customer Care. Been a month so far waiting for a new condenser, I agree that this may well be the last GM truck I own, my last truck was a 2012 GMC Sierra and had air conditioner problems and now my 2015 GMC Sierra, get it together GM!”

One of the problems in mandating a recall is that typically federal agencies only require companies to recall vehicles if there is a risk of danger to the driver or passengers. A lack of air conditioning is uncomfortable but may not rise to the level of danger in all circumstances. It is surprising to me that General Motors hasn’t stepped up to fix such popular and important vehicles for the automaker.

Mary Conway reports Car News at TorqueNews.com and you can follow Mary at @maryconwaymedia and send her news tips.

Submitted by Cathy G. (not verified) on July 6, 2017 - 5:14AM

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I too am one of the hundreds of people waiting on a condenser for my 2015 Chevy Tahoe. I can't believe I'm make payments on a vehicle that has been sitting on the lot in the 115+ Arizona weather. I had to pay for it to be towed being that when the condenser and compressor went bad the freon was so hot it burned out the surrounding belts. It is unbelievable that a problem of this magnitude nation wide is being covered up. My Tahoe has been parked at the dealer for 6 weeks and today my service advisor told me there are 19 vehicles ahead of mine. Calling GM was useless and no answer or ETA from the dealer. I'm considering on contacting a Lemon Law Attorney. Something must be done!

Submitted by Anthony (not verified) on July 10, 2017 - 4:56PM

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I called the FTC at the number you listed. It was very easy. Took 5 minutes. They also referred me to the Michigan consumer protection agency wherr their corporate office is. That number is 877-765-8388. I don't want to buy a Ford but I was a year out from a new truck anyway and won't buy another Chevy if this is their idea of customer service. A month in 100 degree weather in a new 50k truck...ridiculous. Already had a Tahoe with the same issue and traded that in for a Ford explorer sport.

Submitted by Matt (not verified) on July 11, 2017 - 10:12AM

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Spoke with GM, still no ETA on condenser. Also, said that there is now an open recall on the steering assist. Said, steering RECALL not a hazard, since when isn't having steering NOT a HAZARD. When they figure out how to fix it they will let us know, I have a 2014 Silverado LT.

Just had my AC hose line replaced. My mechanic replaced the line and got it on line for $75.00. This was the second hose. First was covered with warranty. When back to Chev. And they said $230.00 for the lone $185.00 per hour for the labor. Ripped off ripped off. My total bill $170.00. That’s with free on and new air filter..

Submitted by Heather Mathieson (not verified) on July 24, 2017 - 12:12AM

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This problem is also true for the Cadillac Escalade as well. I'm on week 8 of waiting for this part! GM and Cadillac are doing nothing. It's shocking.

Submitted by Lori Cook (not verified) on July 24, 2017 - 3:40PM

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I have a 2014 Chevy Silverado LT. AC went out end of April. After recharging and leaking out again, took it in for service and paid to have the diagnosis of faulty compressor. Took it to Chevy dealer who made us pay again for another diagnostic service to be told the same thing. Part has been on order since June 5th. Still no part, still no AC. Only answers from many calls to customer care is that the condenser is on national back order.

Submitted by Anthony Chanez (not verified) on July 24, 2017 - 7:47PM

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I had the same problem with the same truck and year. Called GM and harassed the hell out of them for 2-3 weeks to pay for the repair since I was out of warranty. Eventually they agreed to pay for 90% of the repair. Found a local dealer in Southern CA with a pipeline to getting the new condensers. Please report GM to the NHTSA and Michigan Consumer Protection Agency to force them to recall the condensers. SO many people having our same problem. I used a free app on my phone to record all the conversations with them. Their call center # in the Philippines is 866-790-5600. Request a live agent in America.

Submitted by Buzz (not verified) on July 25, 2017 - 11:35PM

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2015 Escalade platinum and the condenser went out. Been 2 months. Nothing yet. While the vehicle waits for a fix unfortunately the warranty clock keeps winding down. The waiting game is getting old. I've owned vehicles before and dumped them after a big issue. It's hard to dump something that doesn't have AC. Thanks GM. Always wanted an escalade. Now I regret not buying a rover. At least I know I'll have issues.

Call 866-790-5600. GM call center. Tell them you want to talk to someone in the states and harass the hell out of them. I got mine paid for outside of warranty. Also report this to the NHTSA and Michigan consumer protection agency. GM can't get away with this.

Submitted by Borto (not verified) on August 4, 2017 - 10:31AM

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I have been waiting 9 weeks and counting for a condenser on my 2015 Tahoe. I believe it will be delivered as soon as daytime temps reach 60.

Submitted by Cathy G. (not verified) on August 4, 2017 - 11:49AM

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I'm still waiting for my 2015 Tahoe. I need a condenser and more being that in AZ 120° weather the Freon burned and melted the surrounding parts. So not only is there NO ETA (if I had a dollar for every time I've been told that) my Tahoe continues to sit at the dealer for now 11 weeks a 5 days. My Chevy dealer is more than willing to trade it in for me, but I'll never buy GM again. After sitting all this time unable to be driven I'll probably need new tires and a battery too. This is the first and last time I'll try to do good by buying American made. We should find a way to copy this entire forum to the Media, GM, FTC, BBB, and anyone else that's turning a blind eye.

Submitted by Lawrence (not verified) on August 17, 2017 - 9:55PM

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I bought a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado about 5 weeks ago. The AC did not work from the moment I bought the truck. It has been sitting at the dealership for 4 weeks now waiting on an AC condenser. With no end in sight. I have talked to Chevrolet and GM, they both said they are aware of the situation. I asked if they would give me another vehicle of similar likeness but they said no. They said your vehicle will be fixed under warranty. I have never owned a Chevrolet. My father is a big Chevrolet guy. The company has terrible customer service. I have had a brand new truck that I can't even drive. My first payment is due in 7 days. Ridiculous

Submitted by Jameson Williams (not verified) on September 21, 2017 - 6:55PM

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Well you could take the route of this being an EPA violation because Chevrolet now knows that this is an issue. They continue to use a part that is known to be faulty and causes the release of refrigerant into the environment. Get the EPA involved!!

Submitted by William Desjardins (not verified) on November 29, 2017 - 5:45PM

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2015 Silverado cracked condenser at 52k miles. Add me to the list. Fourth gm vehicle and will be my last.

My 2000 z71 with 250,000 miles never had a problem with the A.C. The truck is across the street and still no problems. My new 2014 GMC with 39,000 with the same pinhole right side top weld failed. No luck with recalls. I was quoted $1,000.00 to replace it and Auto Zone is selling the part for 140.00. Very very HAPPY WITH GMC

Submitted by Isabelle Carlile (not verified) on February 22, 2018 - 1:21PM

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Bought my 2014 Silverado while it was still under warranty with 22,000 miles. A/C condenser cracked at 58,000 miles. Cost of fixing it is $1300, no help from dealer. They said “it is out of their hands”. Guess I’ll be driving around in the Florida heat. Very poor customer service.

Submitted by Deidre Smith (not verified) on March 2, 2018 - 12:44PM

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2014 Silverado, Same issues. Went out back in 2017 shortly after 63,000 miles and won't fix it. Will be upside down on loss if we trade without fixing. Currently, having it repaired out of pocket then we will never purchase a Chevy again. Entire unit burnt up and locked. $600 payments for garbage every month!

Submitted by Rob Tate (not verified) on March 14, 2018 - 4:00PM

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I have a 2014 Silverado, bought it late 2016 with 27k miles. Condenser went out with 41k about 2 weeks ago. The dealer wants $1,100 to fix and offered a 10% discount because GM won't pay a dime towards the fix of this known issue. The dealer indicated that GM actually extended the warranty on certain models but of course mine isn't one of them. GM's response was the vehicle has too many miles beyond the bumper to bumper warranty for them to provide any "Payment Assistance". I think the term payment assistance ticked me off the most... I don't need help paying for the repair I want GM to stand behind their product and do the right thing. There is no way that a vehicle with 40k miles should be having an issue with the condenser. GM will not be receiving any of my money in the future.

Submitted by Brian Kinney (not verified) on May 3, 2018 - 6:50PM

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I have a 2011 GMC SLT crew cab. Same problem . Dealer acts like this is the only truck it has happened to. Mine went over 2 years ago. Not paying thousands to fix it when I see a lot of post about it in forums. Been with GM over 2t years. Maybe time to change.

Submitted by Michael Wyatt (not verified) on May 5, 2018 - 4:06PM

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Bought my 2014 Silverado new. AC went out at 30K miles, and again at 45K miles. Dealer says it will cost almost $900 to repair. This is my 5th, and last GM truck.

Submitted by Chris Stamper (not verified) on May 15, 2018 - 7:53PM

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2014 Sierra SLT
1/2017 - AC cooling line and bracket broken & replaced
5/2018 - condenser leak and A/C blowing hot air. Just got a new condenser and it has what appears to be a foil, self-adhesive patch on the top right corner

Submitted by Jason (not verified) on May 18, 2018 - 11:26AM

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Bought my 2014 Silverado Texas Edition in July of 2015 with 17K miles on it. No issues until December 17 when the A/C went out with 58k miles on it. I refuse to fix this out of pocket. Same run around from every dealer. $1100 to fix. Now I hear that GM is paying for Escalades, Yukons, Tahoes with these issues, but not the Silverado. WTF??

Well bought our 2014 Silverado LT in 2015 not syre AC ever worked right. Everyone has said $1000 - $1300 to fix theirs Gates of Granger said $2900. A 5 year old vehicle should no have AC problems plus I paid for leak test in fall last year charged it and stated valve leaking charged and replaced and now in spring same isse

Submitted by Keith Minnicks (not verified) on May 22, 2018 - 5:11PM

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Bought my 2015 with 38k from Phoenix last fall. I love in bullhead so don't need ac In winter but in summer it hits 120. I notice ac not working first time u tried to use it in late February. I've paid to have it filled only to be empty next day and then told cracked compressor. I live on disability and first new vehicle I bought myself in over 10 years. Now I'm going to have to come up with over 1000 to fix truck. Ridiculous and no recalls when it's clearly a manufacture defect.

Submitted by RYAN SHANE (not verified) on May 24, 2018 - 9:21PM

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I have A 2014 Silverado. Dealt with the cracked line 2 Summers ago. Now today no a/c again. Checked out the condessor and sure enough it's leaking from the weld. It's a faulty component. Next truck will be a Dodge or a Ford.

Submitted by Jeff (not verified) on May 28, 2018 - 3:12PM

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Just bought a new 2018 Silverado 1500 and the A/C has never worked. Condenser on order for a month so far and they just advised they have 20 on back order. No ETA. Will probably be winter by the time I turn the A/C back on. Worst thing is, we traded in our 10 year old van due to A/C failure in its last days hoping to have A/C for the summer.

They changed the design slightly, the newer one has a small plate over where the weld was braking its pretty easy to see with a flash light right through the grill.One dealer in my area had a few on the shelf. cost me $175 out the door and i did it myself. GM is pretty pathetic with their quality.