Owners of 2014 Chevrolet Silverados are furious they can't get their AC fixed
Owners of 2014 Chevrolet Silverados are apparently not getting much help in solving problems with the air conditioning on their trucks. I first wrote about this problem with 2014 Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras in October of 2016.
Since then I have received dozens of comments from other angry owners, convinced that General Motors is not doing anything to help them.
Scott P. writes, “My 2014 Sierra 1500 as a leak in the AC condenser. Only have 50k miles. Can't get a replacement compressor anywhere. Whatever inventory was available has been bought out and marked up heavily, as much as $800 for the condenser. What is GMC doing to resolve this issue? Why aren't they on the hook for the epidemic failure?”
Angry with General Motors’ failure to act
Phillip A. is furious that GM has not issued a mass recall for this widespread issue. “Add my Chevy Silverado to the long list of AC issues. Started a case document with GM. Was told it's not a big problem or a recall issue. Been to the dealer three times now. This past appointment ended with an empty box for my parts. Compressor was suppose to be inside the box and nothing, what a waste of another day. Now it's going to be reordered and was told the compressors are back ordered. For a isolated issue, parts should not be back ordered. I for one will not be buying a new truck from GM.”
Bill is also angry, he says, “My 2014 Silverado will more than likely be my last GM product ever. Mine needs a condenser, 3 year old truck with 60k miles on it and it's on intergalactic backorder. Dealer told me about a TSB regarding a updated condenser so I tried calling the Customer Assistance Center to see if they could provide some "cost assistance". I was told that since I bought it used they couldn't help me. Really? So this is how GM supports its products? Hope they enjoyed the bailout money Obama gave them, I'll be trading this $%#@ at the Ford dealer across the street.”
Steven B. is irate. “Hot air blowing with AC on. I googled "AC problems 2014 silverado" and got lots of hits. I replaced the compressor line, but it still wouldn't hold freon. I contacted GM (1-800-222-1020) and told them my warranty was out (48000 miles), but have owned the vehicle less than 3 years. They set me up with a local dealer to have the AC checked out. Yep, it was the compressor and it would cost $1098.00 to repair. I explained to the GM rep that this is my 4th new GM truck, and I've never had AC issues with any of them. They said they'd see what they could do. Well, after sending me to the dealership to confirm the AC problem, GM refused to help on the cost. I intend to write letters to the editors of most of the auto magazines about this. I encourage everyone to do the same.”
There are forums with dozens of pages of similar complaints about the 2014 Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras. The owners understand that problems can develop, what they can’t understand is why GM is refusing to help them resolve the issues.
Michael D. is terribly disappointed in GM. “AC CONDENSER gone in my 2014 Sierra. $1200 to fix. HOWEVER!! I found out today it would be up to 2 months to get the part because, 18000 units are on back order! YES! 18000 units! Why is there not a recall on this issue? Ridiculous.”
Contacting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Brian H. says that he contacted NHTSA and they recommend banding together. “25,500 miles and yes my AC has gone out. Chevy support was useless and no voluntary recall. I was instructed by the National Highway Traffic/Safety admin to do the following: Contact: State attorney general Advise on recourse Possibly take part in a class action lawsuit Contact the Federal Trade Commission - 877.382.4357 lodge a complaint. If enough of us file a complaint they will act (just don't know how many that will take).”
Just this afternoon, I received this complaint, from an owner named James. “I have been waiting for over 60 days for a A/C condenser for a 2014 silverado, Chevy customer care offered the standard we cant help you the part is on back order excuse and then asked what do you want us to do about it? Chevy and their team of lawyers have already calculated their loss and dont care about this problem. Contact DOT and file a compliant and follow up with your state attorney office. Don't let this slide, Chevy and GMC must learn for their lack of service.”
It certainly appears that this issue will cost GM truck sales in the future. It is unfortunate that owners are currently suffering, especially as the hot weather is hitting across the country.
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.