2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 798 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 19 Silverado 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 43 involved a crash and 10 involved a fire. 17 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, side/window, curtain, inflatorSep 24, 2026
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500, GMC Sierra 2500/3500 vehicles, and 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The left-side or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace both RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262569920. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 24, 2026.
Campaign 26V611000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/window, curtain, inflatorJul 1, 2021
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 18, 2021. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available. Phase I owner notification letters were mailed on May 5, 2022. Phase II owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 31, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. This recall supersedes NHTSA recall number 20V-736. GM's number for this recall is N202324251.
Campaign 21V504000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, frontApr 8, 2021
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.
A broken pretensioner cable reduces the effectiveness of the driver's seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 21V245000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/window, curtain, inflatorNov 25, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator.
If the end cap separates from the inflator, the compressed gas will escape and the end cap can be propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RRAB modules on the left and/or right side, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on December 22, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. Note: GM filed a new recall, number 21V-504 that supersedes this recall. All vehicles previously recalled under 20V-736 will now be repaired under the new recall number 21V-504. GM's numbers for this recall are N202309680, N202309681, and N202309682.
Campaign 20V736000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, wheel speed sensor/tone ringOct 24, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
Campaign 19V761000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, power assist, vacuumSep 6, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Campaign 19V645000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, pedals and linkagesAug 30, 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, 1500 Crew Cab Special Service, Tahoe Police Pursuit/Special Service, GMC Sierra 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.
If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the nut and reinstall the nut with increased tightness, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18278. Note: The vehicles in this recall need this additional remedy despite being covered by recall 16V069 for brake pedal loosening.
Campaign 18V578000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, frontMay 3, 2018
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 18V291000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalJul 10, 2017
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 17V437000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalSep 8, 2016
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 16V651000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, control armDo not drive until repairedApr 28, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.
Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right front upper control arms and realign the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Until the repairs have been made, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 42190.
Campaign 16V256000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, pedals and linkagesFeb 5, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 1, 2013, to February 1, 2016, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) manufactured March 1, 2014, to February 1, 2016, and 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 29, 2013, to February 1, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.
If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the brake pedal pivot nut and reinstall with an increased torque, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 20760.
Campaign 16V069000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
193 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Apr 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated, after which the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.
Power train, Mar 16, 2024
Torque converter got stuck off
Power train, Feb 11, 2024
At 89,000 miles my transmission started to make a clunking noise took it in to a shop and transmission needed to be replace
Power train, Jan 16, 2024
My 2016 Chevy Silverado hit 100,000 and the transmission started to get clunky and finally went out a couple of days later. When the transmission went out we were stranded, had to call toe service. We had it toed to the closest service center and they said "this isn't the first one of these that they have seen, the transmissions should last way longer than 100k". Had them put a new transmission in the truck and that was about 8k that I wasn't ready to spend. There were not warning lights or anything on the dash stating there was anything wrong. I can't even tell you how disappointed I am, and I have owned chevy trucks my whole life.
Power train, Jan 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle seized in 4WD mode, causing the steering wheel to become firm and difficult to turn. The 4WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where Technical Service Bulletin: PIP5369C was performed to update the transfer case control module with the latest software. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
Power train, Seats, Jan 9, 2024
Powertrain failed and vehicle would no longer move. Engine would rev up, but truck would not move in any direction, almost like the transmission had gone into neutral. Powered the vehicle off, then back on, and it violently jerked, but was enough for me to get to the shoulder. Afterwards, got the vehicle checked out with a scanner, there were no check engine codes coming up, nor were there any lights on the dash. When they checked the transmission oil, there was a lot of metal flakes, which will require a transmission change. Eletric seats also do not allow any movement, making it very difficult when others try to drive the truck.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Nov 5, 2023
Due to multiple electrical issues causes my stabilitrac, lane assist and power steering assist to cut out. After reading multiple forums and speaking to other owners many of these trucks have the same issue and Chevy isn’t addressing at all.
Steering, Power train, Wheels, Oct 30, 2023
My truck starts shaking when I attempt to speed up or slow down, and it hesitates, shudders, and engages in a hard shift when changing gears. My mechanic could not fix it. Has been happening since Dec. 2018. Why is there no recall on this major issue?
Power train, Oct 25, 2023
At 143,000 miles my transmission stopped transmitting engine power to the wheels
Power train, Oct 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the gear shifter was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed transmission temperature sensor and transmission control module. The contact was informed that the transmission wiring harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Power train, Oct 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission experienced rough shifting from first to second gear. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Power train, Sep 6, 2023
My truck started shuddering and having shifting issues. Took to Chevrolet dealership and was told that this has become a common issue with this type of transmission. We ended up having to replace the transmission.
Power train, Sep 1, 2023
While driving on the highway on ramp, the transmission came out of gear. The engine would accelerate but the transmission would not stay engaged. at this time the check engine light came on. Upon having it towed to a dealership and having the vehicle inspected. It was determined that "the Torque Converter came apart causing metal in the pan when hot vehicle would stop pulling". The transmission has been replaced at considerable expense. Dealer had stated to me that they have seen multiple vehicles with this same issue from 2015 to 2020 models. While we were at the dealership two vehicles were checked in with similar issues. This torque converter issue poses a risk while accelerating/passing other vehicles.
Power train, Aug 22, 2023
Transmission (6L80/E) started slipping at around 100,000 miles and needed completely replaced/rebuilt. This is replicated on multiple trucks with this transmission from 2016-2018. Evidence was slipping while shifting between 2-3rd gears. Dealership advised transmission needed completely replaced. Cost associated was ~$4000
Power train, Jul 19, 2023
Transmission bumping or shuddering in 1st-4th gear
Electrical system, Power train, Jul 8, 2023
My vehicle just randomly shuts off, mainly when making a turn. I took it in to the dealership and had several repairs made but none of them fixed the problem. It’s definitely dangerous I almost had a accident at least 3 times. I feel it’s electrical due to the fact everything shuts off, the dash usually flashes before it shuts off. All electronics shut down and the vehicle turns completely off with no control of steering. I’ve come to the conclusion it’s electrical so I’m searching for a solution.
Power train, Jun 27, 2023
Transmission drops out of gear with no warning. No forward or reverse. This is a potential hazard that if it had occurred on an Interstate, whether it be causing an accident or getting hit by other vehicles trying to get to side of road. Vehicle is with a transmission repair shop currently. No repair records yet or actual cause. Mechanic informed me today that transmission needs to replaced due to economics that a rebuilt or re manufactured would be better option. Will save records if when I get all receipts for the repair.
Power train, Jun 15, 2023
Transmission temperature sensor failure exactly as described in special coverage N192291660 occurred on my vehicle.
Power train, Jun 15, 2023
Transmission would shudder when driving. Sometimes loud bang when shifting from first to second gear. Torque converter ultimately failed while crossing traffic. Truck would not move. No gears. Only 58,000 miles on transmission. Never used for hauling. Torque converter had broken metal parts that caused the fluid to become blocked so it could not drive. A rebuilt transmission needed to be installed at my cost.
Power train, Jun 12, 2023
Torque converter shredded itself into my transmission while driving. When I was driving the truck did not show a light on the dashboard to show there was a problem with the engine and I started it up and started to drive. Once I was on a main road it stopped moving in drive and I had to coast to a stop. Once I stopped I had to put it in park and shut off the engine and restart the engine, still no light and now it would move again. I had it towed to the dealership and they said it was the torque converter that shredded metal into my transmission and that I needed a new one.
Power train, May 30, 2023
I was driving down the road when the transmission would no longer change gears. There were no warning lamps or anything to indicate that this was going to happen.
Power train, May 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, while shifting gear, the vehicle lunged forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate or reverse. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence and informed the contact that the transmission and engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Power train, May 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping and failed to properly accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle lunged forward while attempting to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who confirmed that transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Power train, May 10, 2023
Vehicle takes 6 seconds before it does a hard shift into reverse. It also has hard jerks when switching gears. In April it was taken to Don Hall in which I was told that is how this model does and nothing could be done even though it was under a paid for extended warranty. The radio display also glitches out and is extremely faulty
Power train, Apr 27, 2023
Transmission died. Tried to merge highway traffic and wouldn’t accelerate. Push down gas pedal and mph didn’t change but rpm went to 6rpm. Finally engaged. Continued to shudder and hesitate but eventually smoothed out. Had to stop at a traffic light and it did the same thing. Next time I had to stop I completely lost forward motion. Pushed gas pedal and rpm at 6rpm and wouldn’t move. Transmission light came on and had to have it towed. Transmission is being replaced.