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, Nov 2, 2022
Transmission shudder and now after over 100,000 miles, the transmission is not giving enough power and possibly needs to be replaced
Power train, Oct 25, 2022
Torque converter in the transmission Is shuttering hard enough to make the entire vehicle shake. Could cause the driver to panic and cause them to loose control of the vehicle while trying to figure out what is happening to the vehicle.
Power train, Oct 13, 2022
Vehicle transmission slips and shifts extremely hard up until it suddenly failed.
Power train, Oct 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the RPM fluctuated and that the vehicle was jerking. After pulling over, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained with the mechanic unrepaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but a case was not filed. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
Power train, Oct 3, 2022
The vehicle has a faulty transmission. On numerous occasions the vehicle has issues going from first to second gear, causing a delay in acceleration. This is an issue when trying to turn left across traffic as you never know when the truck will pause leaving you in the way of oncoming traffic. Another incident happened on the highway where a very loud bang was heard and the truck was stuck in gear and wouldn't shift. Upon researching these issues o line it is apparent that this is a widespread issue in which GM acknowledges the problem, but says that's just the way it is and does not want to correct the issue.
Power train, Sep 16, 2022
When shifting into second gear truck will jerk sometimes. Can be hard enough that the stuck stops and tires squeal. Also have had transmission flushed and switched the the recommended transmission fluid and didn’t fix the shifting. Also had it stop moving completely, driving then had no power, rpm’s went high but wouldn’t accelerate. Had to have towed. Safety issue, almost rear ended multiple times due to transmission hard shifting. No power on the highway and had to pull over. Not safe!
Power train, Sep 12, 2022
Truck isn’t shifting after 2nd gear when warmed up. Shut it off for a few mins and it shifts fine. If driven more than 20 mins starts doing it again.
Power train, Sep 7, 2022
Transmission started to shudder, slip, and lose traction, driving on I-74 near Indianapolis. No indication of malfunction on driver display interface. Loss of power in any situation, on a Freeway, can place the vehicle occupants in a dangerous situation, and potentially cause accidents.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 25, 2022
I had to replace the transmission and pay out of pocket because my transmission went out due to the recalls that was never sent to me and I was never notified until now.
Power train, Engine, Aug 20, 2022
There are two problems occuring that seem to be common with this vehicle. First the lifters in the engine have gone bad. Second, there is severe jerking and delays with the transmission going into gear.
Power train, Jul 28, 2022
Truck has hard downshift from 2nd to 1st gear. Has been serviced two times With module replacement and issue is not resolved.
Power train, Jul 9, 2022
Transmission has developed a shudder during acceleration. Rpm’s will jump as the issue is occurring. Feels like truck is almost hesitating.
Power train, Jun 28, 2022
At around 80,000 my transmission in my truck started given me problems. I now have to replace the entire transmission. I am the only owner of my truck. One pays a lot of money for a brand new truck only to have to pay $6,000 for a new transmission.
Power train, Jun 21, 2022
On June 12, 2022 I experienced a full blown transmission failure in my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado at 75,000 miles on the vehicle. The defect represents a safety risk to General Motors consumers and makes the vehicle equipped with the defective transmission unsafe and uncomfortable to drive. The transmission failed on a busy freeway creating unsafe conditions for myself, others in the vehicle and other motorists and top speed of 28 mph. . The vehicle is in for repairs currently and estimated cost of $5,400. As I researched the problem it became obvious that this is an ongoing problem with several model years of General Motors vehicles and the manufacturer is not taking corrective actions as needed. We should not wait for consumers to risk their lives and possibily loss of life before the problem is corrected with a recall for defective transmissions in these vehicles. Lets not let profits rule over consumer safety.
Power train, Jun 9, 2022
Transmission shudder started around 101k miles at speeds between 37 and 47 miles per hour.
Power train, Mar 27, 2022
2/18/22- Sanborn Chevy in Lodi, CA Vehicle was towed in for transmission concern found that the transmission pump was whining found 4th thru 6th gear slipping. Dealership had to replace transmission. Upon talking to dealership informed me that they have been replacing a lot of 2015-2016 transmission with the same concern. I did contact GM Corp told me nothing they could do ... Repair order # 26319 the amount paid was $4559.65 Would like this to be investagated for transmission concerns
Power train, Feb 14, 2022
My vehicle has a very good service record. The transmission failed and had to be replaced at 93,800 miles. My research has revealed this is a common problem with this make/model. The transmission has been replaced and I have filed a claim with GMC. I do not have an extended warranty. However, this appears to be a common problem.
Power train, Service brakes, Oct 26, 2021
I have a 2016 chevy silveradi 1550 LT crew cab when you r driving and apply the brakes they get soft and it's hard to stop and gonna cause a accident the brakes go like into anti lock system and hard to come to a stop .already replaced brakes and rotors no help .and the transmission in the truck is slipping and had all service done now in garage cause the torque convertor is going machenic said cause of the cheap material gm is using this is a big health concern .and makes your rpm go up and get like the tranny is slipping no early sign just boom stuck along the highway .transmission only has 98000 on it .something needs to b done about this before alot of people get hurt
Power train, Aug 24, 2021
At 81,000 miles truck started having a transmission shutter at 25 MPH and 45-65 MPH when transmission is at normal temp. Took truck to the dealership and being told I need a new transmission for $5,000.00. There are many documented transmission issues with Chevrolets. Why is nothing being done to help the customers???
Power train, Aug 11, 2021
Transmission Failure. Truck starts to jerk violently.
Power train, Aug 8, 2021
82000 miles, hard shifting and jerking. 83000 miles truck will hardly go into gear.
Power train, Jul 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 35-45 mph, the vehicle would jerk forward, then decelerate, and jerk forward again. The vehicle was awaiting diagnosis by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 17, 2021
The truck shakes while in slowing down or in a stop .....And the wifi doesn't work I keep I been calling already for months to chevrolet onstar for the resolution and they keep saying it fixed and it not
Power train, Apr 21, 2021
I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION HARD SHIFTING IN LOW GEAR. MAINLY FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. I ALSO EXPERIENCE A POWER LOSS WHILE MOVING AT VERY SLOW SPEED AND APPLYING THE GAS PEDAL. MOST OF THE ISSUES I AM EXPERIENCING HAPPENS WHILE MOVING AT SLOW SPEEDS AND WHEN TURNING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. I HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT BUT THE PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED AND THEY STATED THAT THE HARD DOWNSHIFTS AND POWER LAG ARE DESIGN FEATURES TO PROTECT THE TRANSMISSION FROM SELF INFLICTED DAMAGE.
Power train, Feb 15, 2021
TRUCK HAS 104,000 MILES ON IT. SATURDAY IT STOPPED GOING INTO ANY GEAR AND WOULD NOT MOVE, CLEARLY THE TRANSMISSION. IT INITIALLY WAS JERKING AS I PULLED INTO A SIDE STREET AND ONCE I GOT TO WHERE I NEEDED TO BE AND TRIED TO DRIVE AGAIN, IT WOULDN'T GO INTO ANY GEAR. TOOK TO AAMCO IN ALBANY WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION PUMP FAILED AND WILL NEED A COMPLETE REBUILD AND THERE IS A NATIONAL BACK ORDER FOR THIS PUMP.