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.
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.
Electrical system, Oct 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the TPMS warning light illuminated. Additionally, a message was displayed indicating that the driver’s side window be closed. The contact stated that the vehicle then lost motive power and stalled. The contact shifted into park and restarted the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly while driving and he was concerned about his safety as he lived in a mountainous region. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
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.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 2, 2022
Trailer break warning keeps going off. Service trailer break
Air bags, Sep 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V504000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service brakes, Sep 24, 2022
On 09/22/2022, the power assist for the brakes suddenly and without warning failed during slow forward and reverse maneuvering in a parking lot, resulting in an increase in brake pedal pressure and travel to slow and stop the vehicle. Contact with a proximate vehicle was narrowly avoided. A service brakes message appeared in the central information panel between the tachometer and speedometer. Turning off the ignition and then turning the ignition switch back to start the vehicle extinguished the service brake message, and power assist for the brakes returned to nominal function. This occurrence is a safety of driving concern because of its sudden onset without warning and the need to immediately compensate with the application of significantly increased brake pedal pressure to slow and stop the vehicle. A corresponding increase in braking distance was not measured but was distinctly noticed.
Other or unspecified, Sep 22, 2022
Car Key FOB. While driving down the highway my driver side door lock opened. I pushed the button down and continued to drive. Within a few minutes the button popped open again, again I pushed it down. This continued off and on until I got to my destination. I Googled my problem and finally found an answer that fit my issue and corrected the problem. Apparently the FOB button with certain FOB's sticks and makes intermittent contact with the open car door button. Removing the FOB battery solves this issue. Risk, car door can unlock at any moment resulting in a safety problem. Documented by Google searches and reports, and my own experience but my issue has not been inspected by anyone. I'm sure if I replace the battery in my FOB the issue will continue. No warning lights, just the sound of the door unlocking while driving or stationary.
Other or unspecified, Sep 21, 2022
The transmission is shuddering. I only have 68687 miles on vehicle. MY CORRECT phone number is 706 280 0828, but your system will not let me enter it. It would only accept my old number which is no longer valid
Engine, Sep 19, 2022
Radiator leaks because of excessive cycling of thermostat. See also Bulletin number PI1513F
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!
Service brakes, Sep 12, 2022
At low speeds the brakes become hard and vehicle will not stop requiring increased stopping distance. It appears there is a recall for this, but my VIN does not seem to be included. Reference NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000.
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.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 29, 2022
While driving truck suddenly shuts down. This will often happen while turning or after applying the brakes. This has happened in parking lots as well as while traveling at 50 miles an hour. Usually shuts down for a few seconds and then starts back. Sometimes it shuts off completely and I have to place it in park and restart. The last time was while in traffic.
Steering, Aug 27, 2022
I was traveling 30 to 35 miles a hour down about a 4 degree incline with a slight corner at the bottom when my power steering quit on me,no vehicles were coming my way, i stopped the truck and i was in the oncoming, i had to put alot of muscle just to get back in my lane, when i got the truck home i let it sit for a little while, got back in and it was working, i started to take it for a drive and the power steering quit,so i parked it and tried to drive it again and the same as before the power steering quit,so i cannot safely drive it now. I was not in an accident but was able to get it home.
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2022
THE MYLINK INFOTAINMENT SYSTEMS KEEP GLITCHING CHANGING ON IT OWN. GMC HAS THIS PROBLEMS WITH SEVERAL MODELS OF THIER CARS WITH THE MYLINK SYSTEM IN IT OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS AND THERE HAS NOT BEEN A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. THEY EITHER NEED TO CHANGE THE SYSTEM TO A NEWER UPDATED MODEL OR COME UP WITH A SOLUTION.
Seat belts, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 22, 2022
So on a cold start, my pickup was running extremely ruff. I shut it off and restarted it. Mind you the engine light is on now it seems to run better. So I go to work and encounter the same problem at the end of the day. I have it hooked up to the diagnostics machine and get P050D code as well as one more code (don't remember that one). This is a malfunction with the fuel injectors and the fuel supply. To much or to little can happen when ever. My mechanic tells me GM has a special service bulletins on this very problem. (N182198000). This is only for 13 states and certain VIN#s. So I call the dealership and they tell me that some 350,000 vehicles have been recalled. They gave them 10 years or 150,000 miles. Now everyone else that encounters the same safety issues to bad sorry for your luck, not their problem is what I was told. This is for 2016 and 2017 5.3 and 6.2 engines. To top if off when I talked with the GM representative for my area she advised me to report it here. Not to concerned about the product that they sold. Mind you not previous recalls where for seatbelts but only the front seats??? I still believe they should of replaced the rear seatbelts. They don't retract as they should and I'm struggling to find my ones
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.
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!
Steering, Aug 17, 2022
Loss of power steering. For no reason and no pattern the power steering goes out. A warning message comes up in the driver info screen saying warning loss of power steering. When it happens it does not come back on until you shut the truck off, open and close the driver door to completely shut the truck off. It takes different lengths of time for it to begin working again. It goes away for a week to a couple of months. It happens under all driving conditions including highway, city, and country driving. Very dangerous because you can barely steer the vehicle. GM needs to stand up and take care of this problem. Others have reported this also.
Electrical system, Jul 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and stalled. The contact indicated that the failure had occurred on multiple occasions. The contact stated that on one occasion while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the power steering and power brake becoming inoperable nearly causing a crash. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the failure was due to a faulty battery cable. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 179,000.