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, Nov 1, 2024
P0711 and P0700 code indicates a “transmission 8L90 temperature switch failure” requiring a transmission wiring harness replacement on my vehicle equipped with an 8 cylinder, 5.3L gas engine. Reference N192291660 special coverage transmission wiring harness, which only applies to vehicles equipped with 8 cylinder, 6.2L gas engine. Based on my research, this is a common problem on vehicles equipped with 8 cylinder, 5.3L gas engines and the TSB should be modified to include them as well. Respectfully…GM needs to acknowledge this problem and be held responsible for repairs on transmission 8L90 temperature switch failures for 8 cylinder, 5.3L gas engine.
Structure, Oct 31, 2024
We bought this vehicle used at Goodwin Chevrolet in Oxford Maine in November 2019. It has 80,000 on it. We were told by our mechanics yesterday that it won't take another sticker because of the frame being rusted. GM knew they were having problems with these frames on these vehicles. I don't have an extended warranty. So now we have a vehicle that is no good to us. Completely unacceptable. I have a November 14th appointment with Goodwin to look at this truck. No idea what to do next.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer and remained at the dealer for several days. The contact was informed that the recall could not be completed. The contact was informed that several repairs needed to be completed prior to the recall repair being performed. The contact stated that the suggested repairs were completed; however, the contact was informed that the recall repair could not be completed. The contact stated that no explanation was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but provided no assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service brakes, Oct 11, 2024
it is available and the brakes and steering is very stiff my safety no brakes no it hasnt been serviced at a dealership no inspections by dealership they appeared all at once on 10/11/24 no warning lamps
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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel tank. The contact was informed that there was a crack in the fuel tank near the fuel sending unit. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V088000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,000.
Electrical system, Oct 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the instrument panel display experienced intermittent malfunctions, causing the display screen to blink off and on, and the display screen lighting to increase to the extreme brightness level. During the failure the speedometer was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure and no repairs were performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 33,000.
Power train, Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle felt as if it was being driven over bumps in the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with torque converter failure. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,500.
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.
Power train, Sep 20, 2024
Automatic transmission slips gear. When idling on hwy vehicle automatic transmission doesn't go into drive. Stalled on hwy at traffic light.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 17, 2024
I was driving my 2016 silverado high country 1500 with my travel trailer when the brakes stopped working making it extremely difficult to stop at a traffic light. Dashboard says service trailer brake system. I checked fuses and connections and turn truck on and off and issue is unresolved.
Power train, Sep 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while shifting from reverse to drive, there were four hard bumps. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the computer. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Service brakes, Sep 2, 2024
Abs stabalink light come on and off, shaking of wheel when applying brakes, changed rotors last year thought that was problem had a little brakes pedal shake.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 19, 2024
Check engine light came on, code said EVAP leak detected, took it gm dealership and was told the fuel tank was leaking at the vents to the system and the tank would need to be replaced.
Power train, Aug 7, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 29, 2024
The engine light displayed "Engine Power Is Reduced". This has occurred three times, twice in 2023 and again recently in 2024. We have taken the vehicle to a qualified shop on each occasion. The second time we took the truck to the shop, after keeping it for almost two weeks, it was returned to us, and according to the mechanic, the engine light would not come on with test driving and he stated there was not a problem. Although the engine runs roughly, we are able to drive it at low speeds. Currently, the engine light comes on intermittently. This past few weeks, it happened again while traveling 65 mph on a busy freeway. The engine slowed down and I was able to get it up to a max of 30 mph until I could get to a frontage road. We made it back to our destination at 30 - 40mph using flashers at some points because the engine felt as if it was going to stall. This issue could result in a rear end collision and serious injury. Although the engine runs roughly, we are able to drive it at low speeds. Currently, the engine light comes on intermittently. We will be returning the truck for service. However, we are not confident that the problem will be resolved.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jul 21, 2024
Unknown. There is times when parking my truck. I press on the brake paddle and it sound and feels like my truck jerks at first before it brakes. This has been going on for almost the 8 years I’ve own the truck. Also I have only owned the truck for 8 years and my paint is already peeling off. It doesn’t have anything to do with the brakes. I just had my truck serviced the brakes and drums. It still does it.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact purchased a portable diagnostic machine and retrieved DTC Codes: C279A and U0422-71 indicating an electrical failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased 30 days prior to the failure and the vehicle had been serviced by the dealer four times due to the persistent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Other or unspecified, Jul 9, 2024
The condenser in my A/C system failed. This is a known issue that numerous GM owners experience.
Power train, Jul 1, 2024
Shudder torque converter problems
Power train, Jun 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at slow speeds, the transmission shifted hard and jerked from the rear. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission value body and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Power train, Jun 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made a knocking sound and hesitated while attempting to change gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,900.
Service brakes, Jun 1, 2024
I have found that when pressing my brake pedal, it gets very very hard and the truck doesn’t want to stop unless I’m practically standing on the brake pedal. My mechanic has been through the entire system and believes the issue stems from a faulty Vacuum pump. This is apparently a standing recall for my 2016 Silverado but when I supply my vin number it says that I have no unrepaired recalls. At no point has Chevrolet ever notified me that this recall needed to be completed. But my problem is exactly the same as the problems noted on the recall
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.
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, May 2, 2024
Recall Airbag/electrical and cylinder won’t change to next gear m, know several people with the same truck and same issue.