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: service brakes
265 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Aug 27, 2022
While back 1,200 pound boat and trailer down a boat ramp, the brake pedal sank to the floor and the vehicle kept rolling. I had to pump it several times to stop it. This has happened every time I go to a boat ramp. Brakes seem to work great other than low speed backing up. I'm scared I might get pulled into the water if I ever tow whatbmy truck is rated for at 11,000 pounds. Please advise.
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.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 17, 2022
Trailer braking system kept indicating that it needed service. While pulling an RV trailer the brakes would pulsate (especially going downhill). This resulted in several “uncomfortable” and dangerous braking situations. The module has been replaced, but the dealership kept the defective part so it is not available for inspection. The dealership saw the message being displayed and diagnosed the event prior to replacing the part. This component should have been covered under a national recall as it is a safety hazard!
Service brakes, Jul 28, 2022
Reoccurring trailer brake system alerts. Occurs when trailer is both hooked up and not hooked up.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 7, 2022
Service trailer brake warning system activating intermittently without a trailer attached. Dashboard message center displays "service trailer brake system" alarm chime activation sounds. Repair facility diagnostics indicate the wiring harness between the BCM’s and brake system has a fault / defect issue. I was advised this is common issue with this vehicle and presents a severe safety concern with a braking system and require immediate repair for my safety. The repairs are not covered under a TSB or recall notice from Chevrolet.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 15, 2022
Service trailer brake system and stalilitrak warning continually pops up due to faulty wiring
Service brakes, May 31, 2022
Trailer service brake/ starilitrak
Electrical system, Service brakes, May 3, 2022
The trailer brake system dings on the dash board constantly, causing the brakes to malfunction and studder which is causing an increased risk of for safety incidents to happen.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, May 3, 2022
I was trying to stop in reverse, no pedal on braking...put in drive it had pedal and a light came on in dash to " service brake assist"
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway and attempting to depress on the brake pedal, the brake pedal was rigid and failed to depress as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to roll to a stop independently. The contact stated he had experienced the failure three times. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.
Service brakes, Apr 25, 2022, crash
I have tooken my 2016 Silverado 5.3 that I bought brand new 4 times to get fixed for a brake recall, it is still not fixed even though in their records it’s fixed, I have had several near misses but I am always ready with the e brake. The brakes get super hard out of no where and I can’t brake at all. Recently I hit 2 vehicles because of this recall. I was backing out of my home and when I tried to brake I hit a car parked in the side of the road, if they would’ve been in the car I would’ve killed the owner of the vehicle for sure. I put it in drive to get out of her car and the brake didn’t work again and crashed into the vehicle in front of me again because of the brake recall. I was injured both time and I am paying for these peoples cars and other stuff. I have been talking to several lawyers just haven’t decided which one I am going to go with. I am scared for my life to drive that truck now and it is sacred to me and my family as my dad died from COVID and it was his truck
Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 6, 2022
"Trailer Brake System" (TBS) warning indicator malfunction. Out of nowhere the TBS warning message and chime started malfunctioning. The malfunction is irregular and often so frequent the vehicle is un-drivable. The rapid warning display and chime is very distracting and presents a very significant distraction resulting in unsafe operation of the vehicle. I have multiple videos of the malfunction, ranging from and occasional chime to a constant chime. Unfortunately they are too large to upload.
Service brakes, Jan 19, 2022
Braking ability significantly decreases when in reverse and also sometimes when traveling at very low speeds like pulling into the driveway or into a parking spot. The brake will be fully applied, and vehicle will continue to move. This can cause a very dangerous collision and potentially cause death or serious injury to the vehicle passengers and/or passengers of vehicles encountered. The 'service brake assist' indicator will light up on the dash at times, other times there is no warning light when it happens. I bought this vehicle a little less than 30 days ago (on 12/20/2021) and have had this happen to me multiple times. I have not had it to the dealer yet, but have an appointment set to have it looked at. My father (a diesel mechanic) seems to think it is due to vacuum loss of the brakes. The vehicle can be available for inspection upon request.
Service brakes, Jan 8, 2022
At lower speeds the brake pedal become stiff making it extremely difficult to stop. Sometimes the antilock breaks will kick in to help, but sometimes that doesn't even stop the truck. On several occasions I have nearly hit other cars because the brakes fail to engage. On one occasion when parking in a multi story parking garage, the truck almost plowed through the side barrier because it wouldn't stop. The brakes also fail when going in reverse at low speeds. It appears that the brake assist vacuum pump is failing as has been reported by a number of other complaints. The brake pads and rotors are all in good shape and the truck has only 68,000 miles.
Service brakes, Jan 3, 2022
While driving slowly in parking lot, lost braking. I had minimal braking for the next 5 minutes. Message on dashboard said SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST. Which indicates a problem with the brake boost assist system. Further investigation indicates a re-programing of the braking software may be needed. i would like to see this issue of re-programing the braking software a re-call on my 2106 truck. Ref: NHTSA - 19V645 & 20V603
Service brakes, Dec 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH from a complete stop, the brake pedal was depressed but went all the way to the floorboard and hesitated to respond, causing a 3 feet delay in stopping distance. The brake assist warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving and whenever he would depress the brake pedal several times. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Service brakes, Dec 15, 2021
Loss of brakes at low speeds, may require pumping of brakes. Had an update performed and thought bit was corrected. Have experienced it 4 or 5 times since. Vehicle continues to roll a few feet before stopping. Corrects itself after restart of vehicle.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the brakes intermittently failed, and the brake pedal was stiff. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic did not diagnose or repair the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Service brakes, Dec 6, 2021
I have a hard brake pedal at low or idle speeds. First noticed it while trying to park in a parking deck while on vacation. I almost ran into the wall. I looked online for the cause and noticed there is a recall for this issue for our year truck. I contacted the closest dealer but they informed me that my vin number did not pull up the recall. We have a "Texas" edition. I'm wondering if this edition has the same vacuum brake assist pump being recalled but has not been reported.
Service brakes, Nov 10, 2021
Hard brakes. If I press on the brake peddle 2-3 times while making a stop the peddle becomes stiff and difficult. ABS kicks in. Truck was taken into the servicing dealership under the recall but was told there was no problem. It has continued ever since. So is this still under the recall or am I on my own?
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
Service brakes, Oct 6, 2021
Brakes fail at low speed. I have seen numerous reports of this problem dating back to 2018 and nothing seems to be happening with a recall. This is a very danger problem that needs to be addressed immediately. GM service confirmed there is no recall on this common problem. Although there has been no accident, it has been close and pedestrians are at particular risk.
Service brakes, Aug 31, 2021
Intermittent reduction in braking power while performing parking maneuvers (parallel parking). Feels like loss of power brakes requiring very heavy force to stop vehicle - very unnerving. Vehicle was taken to dealership for inspection and dealer replaced brake pads and rotors on front & back. Dealer claims issue is unrelated to recall 19V645 & 20V603 but I suspect it is as symptoms are identical.
Air bags, Service brakes, Aug 19, 2021
I am writing in concern to a brake pump malfunction and air bag sensor failure. The vehicle is available for inspection and has been inspected/confirmed by dealerships. The brake pump is bad and falls under the recall by GM but because it was over the mileage threshold, it didn’t qualify. The brakes don’t work well at all. The air bag sensor in the passenger seat went bad and now shut off all my airbags and GM won’t add my vehicle to the recalls they have already issued on other vehicles for the same issues. My safety is at risk with my lack of air bags for us. Others’ safety is risk due to the bad brake pump that I cannot guarantee will continue working, especially upon an immediate need to brake in any emergency situation. I have contact the manufacturer 2 separate times and they refuse to include my vehicle in their safety recalls. This is a serious matter. Someone could get hurt or worse. I had no warnings or indications that these were issues until they became one. I had to get quotes of $1200 to get these two issues resolved and don’t understand how this is a known problem but they refuse to help me in any way. I’m not asking for a replacement truck or engine. Just functioning safety features!!! The truck is only 5 years old.
Service brakes, Jul 21, 2021, crash
1) Brake system, yes. 2) The vehicle did not stop when the brake pedal was depressed (known issue with GM). 3) Yes, GM provided an independent investigator and confirmed the brake system failure. 4) Yes. 5) No. On May 29, 2021, at approximately 9:35 AM, I was traveling Northbound on Interstate 5 and exiting the freeway on Highway 46. As I exited the freeway, there was slow moving traffic, I began to brake and experienced no braking at all and the ABS kicked in. At that time, I was traveling at approximately 10 miles an hour when the impact accorded with the vehicle in front of me.