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
798 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, Jan 31, 2023
Truck was revving while driving down the highway, would jump up and down gears while driving down the highway, started making a high pitched whirring noise, and when pulling out of my driveway onto a busy street, stopped moving in the middle of the street. The truck wouldn't go into any gear whether it was Reverse, Drive, Neutral or any of the Manual gears. Two police officers pushed my vehicle off of the busy road onto a side street. No lights came on the dashboard to warn of any problems. I have had the truck towed to a transmission shop for repairs. Research shows that there are many complaints about this issue in this particle vehicle. Please research this problem.
Service brakes, Jan 31, 2023
Was driving got up to stop sign the belt made a squaling noise and the brake pedal was hard brakes failed and i couldnt stop
Service brakes, Jan 27, 2023
My 2016 Chevy Silverado is experiencing the same low speed braking problem that occurs mostly at low speeds like driving in parking lots or stop and go traffic as defined in 19V-645 and N192268490. Driving at these speeds and braking feels like the brakes are completely failing and require excessive force on the brake pedal to stop. What do I do?
Power train, Jan 21, 2023
6l80 transmission filed /malfunctioned it is available or inspection . while driving down a highway running 65mph i noticed a slip in the transmission . all at once my transmission started dropping gears from 6th all the way down to 1st gear .causing increased rpm . i was in the center lane of the highway and could not gain speed to keep up with traffic and was almost hit by a semi truck . as i only had 1st gear 10 mph . i finally managed to get the truck off the highway which left me stranded on the inside lane of a interstate no where to go . i had my family of 5 in my truck on the way home .if it had not been for the fast reaction of the semi driver my family would not be here today . when i got my truck towed home i ran a diagnostic which gave me the code P0796 pressure control soleniod c performance or stuck off. and P0700 transmission control system . i have seen so many youtube videos/ repair videos. of the solenoid pack failure torque converter failure . electrical failure for these trucks i dont understand why their is no recall .
Visibility/wiper, Jan 21, 2023
I remote started my vehicle and the rear defrost caused the back window to shatter. I had previously thought I heard what was a speaker going out/crackling, but upon further research, it appears it was the electronics in the rear defrost arcing. This appears to be a known issue with no US recall.
Visibility, Jan 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact noticed smoke coming from the rear driver's side seat. The contact referenced the failure to TSB: N192265660 (Rear Window Defroster) The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 14, 2023
I was door dashing then a service alert came on the dash… I had pulled over to check what it meant about the trailer brake system. I have never towed or have a trailer to tow around! So continued to drive then my truck cut off then cut on while I was trying to make a turn. Then I pulled over again and luckily a mechanic said it’s wiring that’s defected in my truck and I need to get fix! I don’t have no money to get this fix , is there a way I can get some assistance with this?
Power train, Jan 14, 2023
My 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 has just over 100,000 miles, and the transmission is slipping and making a clunking noise which is going to require replacement with a new transmission. I bought this truck with 48,000 miles and it's my daily driver. This truck was not used to haul trailers with heavy loads. There should be a recall for the transmission on the 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500. I had a 2008 Chevy Silverado 1500, and It had no transmission issues with 275,000 miles on it when I traded it in.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 13, 2023
I parked my truck in the garage and shut it off, after a minute or two the starter engaged by itself, cranking the engine over, luckily I wasn't to far from and heard it. I tried by putting the key in the ignition, nothing, pulled the starter relay, still kept cranking, by the time I got some tools to disconnect the battery smoke was rolling out by the starter, disconnecting the battery did stop the starter. Had it hauled to my nearest chevy dealer. Had to have the starter, engine wiring harness and engine fuse block replaced. It fine now, but why? What would have happened if this happened in the middle of the night? This is an attached to house garage, there could have been a fire with who knows what consequences or outcome!
Service brakes, Jan 10, 2023, crash
I had brakes fixed from recall But they were not properly fixed they gave out on me again barely going 5 miles an hour I hit the back of some one They still are not working properly.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 8, 2023
The reduced power indicator comes on. The code for this has been p2138 and it keeps saying it’s the pedal and I’ve replaced it twice and it seems to still come out. Looking over the internet it seems that this case has been experienced by so many people. GM needs to take responsibility and fix this problem with not only my vehicle but future ones as well. After this experience I’m really not sure I would want to continue purchasing GMs anymore. You need to have a recall on this issue and have it fixed.
Power train, Dec 26, 2022
Transmission 6 speed is acting crazy by jumping without giving it gas, stalling , transmission is garbage
Power train, Dec 25, 2022
Transmission slipping, it shudders really bad at times, I’ve already replaced the transmissions twice. It’s ridiculous
Electrical system, Dec 19, 2022, fire
Rear Defroster malfunction. After starting the vehicle smoke was coming from the rear cab of my truck in the area that the power sliding window meets the rest of the rear window. In the same area, one of the metal strips for the defroster was glowing red hot. Seconds later the rear window shattered within inches of my face. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the defroster malfunctioning. The vehicle is yet to be disabled and the dealer refuses to look at the vehicle until the rear window is fixed. There are messages and recalls from the manufacturer for this issue on the same year make and model as my vehicle but for some reason my trucks vin number is not associated with that recall.
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while making left and right turns, the steering wheel started to jerk, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle took approximately five minutes to restart. The stabili-trak warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the ground and live battery cable in the steering wheel needed to be replaced due to low voltage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Power train, Dec 13, 2022
Torque converter failed causing destruction of transmission.
Service brakes, Dec 12, 2022
ABS is activated at low speed. Hard pedal and stopping is almost impossible at speeds less than 5 MPH in forward or reverse drive.
Steering, Dec 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, requiring extra effort while turning the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle then stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact shifted into park(P), removed the key from the ignition, and then reinserted the key and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure had been intermittent but recently became constant. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V586000 (Steering). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,900.
Service brakes, Dec 4, 2022
At low speeds, the brake pedal requires much more effort but doesn't engage as quickly as normal driving, so the car still rolls forward even though the brake pedal is fully depressed. This is problematic when parking or at stop signs or stop lights. Plus, it is very dangerous.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Nov 21, 2022
I put in a complaint in back in July and haven’t heard anything back. I was wondering what the status was? The complaint was about My stabilitrak and my trailer brake system repeatedly comes on and off
Power train, Nov 14, 2022
Truck is at 130,000 and the transmission is about failing drastically. I have been telling the dealer that there was a problem with the transmission since 80-90k which the truck seemed to "slip" out of gear and slam into gear, was told that they couldn't find anything wrong with it. I've heard that this year truck is known to have a bad transmission and nothing has been done to fix the issue.
Power train, Engine, Nov 12, 2022
In my 5.3 the lifters failed and ruined the cam also. Loud knocking so was unable to use vehicle until repairs were completed. There were no warning lights and I have documentation of fixed repairs along with picture of defective parts
Service brakes, Nov 8, 2022
When backing out of a parking spot or driving slow breaks almost do not work Will barely stop the the vehicle
Service brakes, Nov 2, 2022
1. The brake vacuum failed. 2. Mine and other drivers safety was put at risk because the vehicle was unable to come to a complete stop even when brake pedal was fully engaged. 3. The problem has been since fixed by a mechanic, before we knew of a previous recall on this particular issue. 4. There were no warnings displayed.
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