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.
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.
Other or unspecified, Dec 21, 2021
I was driving down the road when it sounded like a firearm was discharged in the cab of my truck . I look in the rear view mirror and see the driver's side of the rear window has blown outward. It is a headed glass and the heater, for the glass, was on at the time.
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.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 13, 2021
While sitting in a parking lot with the rear defrost on, the rear window shattered. There were no visible impact marks. My child was covered in small glass shards. I drove home and will be contacting my insurance company shortly.
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?
Visibility, Nov 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the rear windshield exploded without warning. The vehicle was not taken to a local mechanic. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 43,205.
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
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 8, 2021
I have a 2016 Silverado which was purchased new, the vehicle has now 35K miles. Recently the radio display which contains the intelink and other adaptive controls began randomly going through multiple screens on my dashboard, and touch screen radio screen including digital speedometer turning off and going to random music stations, the radio flickering as if searching for different signals , and going through different screens, blue tooth, ac, radio volume going extremely loud, driver info screen going blank , etc... causing a horrible distraction , and will not turn off a search on the internet shows multiple GM vehicles for the years 2016-2020 with the same problem I have contacted local dealer who states car is not under warranty anymore. This is definitely a safety issue on this vehicle and I would like to report this to the NHTSI
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 4, 2021
Driver complains of fuel leak. Leak at fuel pump. Upon inspection found fuel pump outlet port cracked and leaking. Replaced fuel pump to correct.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine service, it was discovered that anti-freeze had leaked from the radiator. The radiator and thermostat were replaced, and the failure was remedied. The contact indicated that prior to the repair the thermostat would occasionally over cycle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 84,204.
Electrical system, Sep 20, 2021
Atmospheric temperature, 33 degrees F. Windows slightly frosted. Remote started vehicle and cleared side and front windshield of frost. Entered vehicle, inserted keys and drove approximately 300 ft to drop off mail. While sitting in the vehicle and the vehicle was in park, and running. I heard a very load pop and and observed left side window had shattered. This is the driver side rear window, left side looking from rear of vehicle. The window was bowed out slightly and some loose pieces of glass were observed. This occurred approximately 3 minutes after the initial start of the vehicle. No other damage observed. This vehicle had been previously subject to a recall regarding the powered rear window defroster circuit. The dealer corrected this recall on February 7, 2020.
Air bags, Sep 8, 2021, crash
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado HD Crew. The contact stated while driving approximately at 55 mph when the vehicles in front of the contact began to stop abruptly which resulted in the contact crashing the vehicle into another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was taken and 2 persons in the contact's vehicle sustained injuries; i.e contact's wife who was a passenger sustained a sprain on the right wrist and right ankle, and whiplash, pain in the right shoulder and neck. The contact sustained pain in the right shoulder and neck. They did not seek medical treatment until a couple of days post-accident. The vehicle was towed to an insurance lot and was awaiting diagnosis. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,545.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 31, 2021
Driver complained of fuel smell. Found fuel leaking at fuel tank. Lower fuel tank to inspect. Upon inspection found fuel port outlet port cracked and leaking. Replaced fuel pump to correct.
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.
Engine, Steering, Aug 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while coming to a stop and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The vehicle lost motive power and the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that after several seconds the vehicle regained motive power. The failure recurred approximately 5-6 times. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.
Power train, Aug 24, 2021
At 81,000 miles truck started having a transmission shutter at 25 MPH and 45-65 MPH when transmission is at normal temp. Took truck to the dealership and being told I need a new transmission for $5,000.00. There are many documented transmission issues with Chevrolets. Why is nothing being done to help the customers???
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 16, 2021
Driver complained of fuel smell behind cab. Fuel leak on top of tank. Inspected and found fuel pump outlet port cracked and leaking. Replaced fuel pump to correct leak.
Electrical system, Aug 16, 2021
2016 Chevrolet Silverado LT Crew Cab Standard Box A/C Condenser (GM Part Number 84802253) cracked at weld and failed at approximately 63,000 miles, resulting in refrigerant leaking to atmosphere and loss of cooling. The affected component is very similar to the TSB 17336 from GM on like vehicles. There were no warnings or indicators that signaled that this component had failed. Owner located weld failure independently.
Power train, Aug 11, 2021
Transmission Failure. Truck starts to jerk violently.
Power train, Aug 8, 2021
82000 miles, hard shifting and jerking. 83000 miles truck will hardly go into gear.