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: steering
111 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Aug 12, 2026
For the past 2 years ive been having issues of losing power steering. Lots of parts and modules have been replaced out of pocket. Still not fixed. When it goes out it can be out for days to weeks and is extremely hard to steer. Its gone out or come back in during a turn which is very problematic and unsafe. I always get the same dash message, "service power steering drive with care". The dealership is aware and has seen the malfunctioning steering. So far the rack and pinion gear box has been replaced at $2700, then it was a terminal resistor that was replaced for $2,100, and several other trips in costing more money just to get the steering fixed but technicians have been unsuccessful so far despite their best efforts.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 25, 2026
Approximately one week ago I was driving at a safe speed on a two-lane highway. Suddenly, my steering wheel and truck jerked to the right. For 8-10 seconds a warning message was displayed "Power Steering ... Drive Carefully." I took the truck to my local dealership. They scanned for trouble codes. The technician said something about an interruption communicating with the electrical system. My service advisor took the truck on a 15-mile drive and had no problem. They scanned again and there were no trouble codes. The service advisor said they could not fix the problem if they did not know the cause of the problem. I left the dealership. Since then, I have had 4 more incidents. Once the warning message appeared again, but no jerk of the steering wheel or truck; once there was the same warning message and a jerk of the steering wheel and truck; and twice there were sudden jerks of the steering wheel and truck but no warning message. I have reported each of these incidents to the dealership. I also called Chevrolet Customer Assistance. I explained the problem and asked if they would assign a Field Service Engineer to assist the dealership. hey declined my request. Because I momentarily lose control of steering the truck, I fear for my safety and the safety of others.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, May 15, 2026
Had steering centering go out. Data cable pinched or broken somewhere in system and transmission got out. Also 4x4 system went out.
Steering, Apr 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the message “Service Stabilizer” was displayed and the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle lost its power steering function, and the vehicle was difficult to steer. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,805.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 13, 2026
Truck will shut off then on rapidly when turning left. Alert messages on sensors come on and off as lights flicker on and off. Radio screen will go black randomly or not turn on. AC shuts off and on randomly as well. Very dangerous while driving and you are about to turn left if truck shuts down. This happens at least once a week.
Steering, Jan 22, 2026
The contact owned a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became stiff and then loosened. The steering started turning independently and was uncontrollable. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The power steering warning light and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic, who declined to repair it due to the vehicle having an active recall. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer who also declined to perform the recall repair because the vehicle had a salvage title. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 26, 2025
Wheel will lock up randomly on slow turns like an intersection, parking lot or anything. It’s very random and there’s no reason why it does it. The truck drives fine most of the time. It will say stabitrack service on my dash then it will go away my wheel locks up so I can’t turn it anymore then it will release like 10 seconds after. I nearly been in two accidents from this. The dealership can’t find out what’s wrong with the truck and I don’t feel comfortable knowing it’s not fix.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Sep 16, 2025
Vehicle will cut off as if an electrical short and the Service Stabilitrak indicator will flash on the dashboard along with warning chimes. This has happened several times at low speed (1st gear) especially while turning. The steering wheel locks and can not be turned. I've almost been involved in an accident this week because the truck turns off while making a turn. I was at a stop sign waiting to turn left having to cross 2 lanes of on coming traffic and when I accelerated the trucks electrical cut out and forced the steering wheel to go straight I gave it more gas and the truck turned back on. On another day I pulled up and put it in reverse turned right and the truck shut off I had to put it in park and restarted it to back in my driveway. GM need to fix this.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 2, 2025
While I was driving, my steering wheel was locking up, my dash lights were going off and on, and while my truck was on I wasn’t able to steer. It happened twice that day.
Steering, Jul 12, 2025
I own a 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 with around 61,000 miles on it. I work from home at the moment so I do not put a lot of miles on the vehicle. I drove the vehicle last on July 5 2025 and it sat in our driveway until July 10 2025. I got into the truck and the dash read “service power steering drive with care” and the power steering would not work and it was very difficult to turn the wheel. I tried starting the truck again and the message still displayed and the loss of power steering became intermittent. The power steering would work briefly and then the steering would lock up become stiff again. I let the truck sit over night and came out the next day in the afternoon to see what it was doing. I started the truck and the message did not display I tried to drive it up and down the road to see if it would come back. I drove for about 5 minutes and parked it back in my driveway and the issue came right back. I’m afraid to drive it completely on any main roads for the fact it might come back while I’m driving and cause me to crash or worse.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 2, 2025
At low speeds and turning right or left the steering wheel locks up if wheel is turned quickly and engine quits momentarily, power is lost to instruments and radio, etc. or in one case the vehicle has shut off completely. I saw that there was a recall for this on earlier models but not for my VIN (2016 Silverado 1500)
Steering, May 23, 2025
Power steering suddenly quit at highway speed. Found a loose negative battery Pole. Tighten it. Then two weeks later it did the same thing at highway speed. No steering at all. Very dangerous at 70 mph on curved roads. Took it to chev dealer truck repair shop. Said the negative cable was bad and an electric motor in the steering housing had an electric short. Able to fix it at $2729!
Steering, Electrical system, May 22, 2025
I have a 2016 Silverado 1500 I bought new. It only has 33000 miles on it. Last week I was backing my boat into the shop and the steering wheel jerked back and forth on its own pretty violently and a stabilitrac warning popped up and the radio screen kinda went dead for a second. Then last night I was pulling in a parking space at a restaurant and it did it again. This time it jerked and went dead enough to cut the truck completely off. I had to put it in park and crank the truck again. It actually reset the radios time and date.
Steering, Mar 13, 2025
I am experiencing intermittent lose of steering control and a stabilitrak light flashing on the dash.
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 17, 2025
Truck lost power and died while making a low speed right turn. Attempted to start vehicle but was unable to immediately after losing power, after trying again for about 30 seconds I was able to get it to start and pull it off the road. I lost control of the steering as the steering wheel locked up. When I turned it back on the truck required me to roll the driver window down and back up and radio stations went back to the default station, letting me know that the truck lost power. This typically happens at low speed, but I have had it lose power while driving on the highway at night and my headlights shut off, luckily it immediately came back on.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, Oct 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the steering and brake systems warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the warning lights were cleared; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V761000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Service Brakes, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 27, 2024
This has happened multiple times, most of the time going at a low mph while turning (I.e into a driveway). However, it has happened driving through a residential neighborhood as I’m going straight or turning. My truck will completely power off and I will lose access to the steering. The steering wheel will lock up, any systems (radio, A/C, etc. that were on will go off). Multiple time I have had my battery/alternator checked after these instances and my battery/alternator passes with flying colors. Luckily each time it has happened I haven’t been in traffic, but if another car was around or expecting me to make a full turn, it could have run into me while my truck just shut down in the middle of the turn. I had to restart the whole car to be able to move out of the way. These instances have happened intermittently and seemingly at random. When I took it to a dealer, they didn’t know what it was and couldn’t reproduce it. Insurance, police or other have not inspected it - again it happens intermittently. There haven’t been warning lamps prior to these instances, but when it happens it says stabilitrak warning or another message on the screen as it shuts down completely.
Steering, May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle made a beeping sound and then intermittently experienced a loss of power steering assist. The Power Steering message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V586000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Apr 23, 2024
When turning at low speeds the steering locks up, stabilitrack warning lights come on, entire dash and information center starts blinking then vehicle chutes down causing total loss of control.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 30, 2023
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Response: Slowing down to make a left turn, Steering locked up, Electrical devices flashing, Service Stabilitrak Indicator, Chimming, Engine shut off then turned back on 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Response: YES truck shut off when turning across traffic 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Response: Has the problem been reproduced -Yes Response: confirmed by a dealer or independent service center -No 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Response: No 5: Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Response: Yes, chimming, then Service Stabilitrak indicator, then steering wheel lock up, engine cut out
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?
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 30, 2023
I was turning at low speeds and my power steering kept going out temporarily causing my steering wheel to jerk abruptly. While this was happening the dash lights and radio all went blank, turning on and off. Huge safety concern.
Steering, Oct 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the steering wheel became firm intermittently making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN provided was invalid.
Steering, Jul 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 25-30 MPH, the power steering became inoperable. The steering wheel was difficult to turn. The power steering fault message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the part to repair the vehicle was on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.