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.
Steering, Service brakes, Apr 23, 2024
When turning at low speeds the steering locks up, stabilitrack warning lights come on, entire dash and information center starts blinking then vehicle chutes down causing total loss of control.
Power train, Apr 22, 2024
While driving down the road my engine started revving and would not move and while driving on a highway 2 days ago the transmission starting studdering.
Power train, Apr 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated, after which the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.
Structure, Apr 15, 2024
The body and frame of my 2016 Chevy Silverado is rusted from the inside out. The frame under the vehicle has holes and the structure and stability of the vehicle has been compromised due to the extensive rust within the frame. Chevy needs to include 2016 Silverado's in their frame rust recall that extends to 2015 vehicles. They need to replace the frames on these trucks to meet safety standards. Obviously something was missed when assembling these vehicles.
Power train, Mar 16, 2024
Torque converter got stuck off
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Feb 29, 2024
My local Chevy dealer has confirmed that the human machine interface (HMI) module has failed on my 2016 Chevy Silverado, causing the back-up camera to be inoperable. The camera is absolutely necessary at night when backing up due to window tinting and I believe this to be a safety-related issue. There currently is a nationwide back order on a replacement HMI module.
Electrical system, Feb 24, 2024
After air conditioning stopped working today on my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew High Country, conducted research to find out if others experiencing the same issue. Discovered thousands of pages of complaints and class action suits. Vehicle is 7 years old and just went over 79K. Following several troubleshooting videos and write-ups by technicians, discovered the top weld on the driver's side of the condenser has leaked the refrigerant and made the system inoperable. Since the defective condenser (AC Delco) is no longer being used and a clamp replacement to support the weld was never installed, expect that GM or Chevrolet to replace the defective part.
Seat belts, Feb 13, 2024
I attempted to fasten my driver side seatbelt & the cable holding the seatbelt to the vehicle frame on my left side broke completely off, I have it temporarily attached until I can have it restored to its expected level of performance & have shown it to a Chevrolet service department & they informed me my cost to have them repair it would be $750, This incident never before or after the seatbelt break, Activate any warning lights on the vehicle, Could just as easily snapped in a crash, Being a retired state trooper myself I am deeply concerned about operating a vehicle with defective seatbelts & was appalled at the dealerships lack of motivation to address this dangerous situation
Service brakes, Feb 12, 2024
Brake pedal hard to push down. Almost drove through shop door, going slow. Heavy equipment and cdl class A driver over 40 years. Fluid is full, brake pads and related items are correct. Shut engine off waited few minutes, seemed ok. It did it again immediately, hard two other drivers try with similar results. Odd noise coming from under hood when pedal is applied. No leaks observed or detected. Pedal is solid near top no fade at all.
Power train, Feb 11, 2024
At 89,000 miles my transmission started to make a clunking noise took it in to a shop and transmission needed to be replace
Service brakes, Jan 30, 2024
The failing system is the hydraulic brake system. The brakes are failing in my vehicle causing it hard to stop, and having to press extremely hard on the brake for extended periods of time in order to properly stop. As I first push on the brakes I hear a squeak. Yes my vehicle is available for inspection any time. My safety as well as my four daughters safety has been at risk of a crash due to the hardness of trying to break or the vehicle not coming to a stop in time. Yes the problem has been confirmed by a local mechanic. There have no been any inspections in regards to manufacture, police officers, etc. My warning light and another light have previously came on and will later go off, it does not stay on continuously.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 18, 2024
While driving my truck I was in line picking up my kids from school when pulling up close to the car infront of me my brakes got extremely hard and the truck kept slowly moving forward so I pressed harder to make sure I wouldn't accidentally hit the car. I just now saw a recall on the vacuum pump which in assuming is my issue with the harding of the brakes. I have not took it any where to be investigated yet
Power train, Jan 16, 2024
My 2016 Chevy Silverado hit 100,000 and the transmission started to get clunky and finally went out a couple of days later. When the transmission went out we were stranded, had to call toe service. We had it toed to the closest service center and they said "this isn't the first one of these that they have seen, the transmissions should last way longer than 100k". Had them put a new transmission in the truck and that was about 8k that I wasn't ready to spend. There were not warning lights or anything on the dash stating there was anything wrong. I can't even tell you how disappointed I am, and I have owned chevy trucks my whole life.
Power train, Jan 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle seized in 4WD mode, causing the steering wheel to become firm and difficult to turn. The 4WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where Technical Service Bulletin: PIP5369C was performed to update the transfer case control module with the latest software. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
Power train, Seats, Jan 9, 2024
Powertrain failed and vehicle would no longer move. Engine would rev up, but truck would not move in any direction, almost like the transmission had gone into neutral. Powered the vehicle off, then back on, and it violently jerked, but was enough for me to get to the shoulder. Afterwards, got the vehicle checked out with a scanner, there were no check engine codes coming up, nor were there any lights on the dash. When they checked the transmission oil, there was a lot of metal flakes, which will require a transmission change. Eletric seats also do not allow any movement, making it very difficult when others try to drive the truck.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 30, 2023
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Response: Slowing down to make a left turn, Steering locked up, Electrical devices flashing, Service Stabilitrak Indicator, Chimming, Engine shut off then turned back on 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Response: YES truck shut off when turning across traffic 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Response: Has the problem been reproduced -Yes Response: confirmed by a dealer or independent service center -No 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Response: No 5: Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Response: Yes, chimming, then Service Stabilitrak indicator, then steering wheel lock up, engine cut out
Other or unspecified, Dec 20, 2023
My 2016 Silverado automatic vehicle has approximately 88,000 miles and the transmission needs replaced. It will not shift gears. This transmission should not need replaced after only 88,000 miles.
Service brakes, Nov 28, 2023
ok the problem is with the brakes, there were four incidents when the brake pedal gets hard and its hard to stop the truck. all four incidents happened backing into my driveway after stepping on the brake pedal 4 to 5 times it would hard. and it would be difficult to stop. The problem is with the brake booster vacuum pump. There was a recall for that exact problem on 2014-2018 silverados. I called the dealership, they told me my VIN # was not one of the listed ones for the recall. the vehicle is available for inspection if requested. the vehicle has not been inspected or confirmed by a dealer. there were no warnings lamps or messagesl. Im certain its the brake booster vacuun pump.
Service brakes, Nov 8, 2023
low RPM braking failure. Power assistance fails at low RPM (around 500 - 600) requiring me to apply full body weight to brake pedal to get vehicle to slow and stop. This is a well known and documented problem, but NHTSA won't extend a recall for this issue even when issuing recalls for same problem on other GM trucks, why?
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Nov 5, 2023
Due to multiple electrical issues causes my stabilitrac, lane assist and power steering assist to cut out. After reading multiple forums and speaking to other owners many of these trucks have the same issue and Chevy isn’t addressing at all.
Service brakes, Nov 1, 2023
Truck does not stop have to apply hard brakes and even then truck won’t come to a complete stop
Steering, Power train, Wheels, Oct 30, 2023
My truck starts shaking when I attempt to speed up or slow down, and it hesitates, shudders, and engages in a hard shift when changing gears. My mechanic could not fix it. Has been happening since Dec. 2018. Why is there no recall on this major issue?
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 30, 2023
I was turning at low speeds and my power steering kept going out temporarily causing my steering wheel to jerk abruptly. While this was happening the dash lights and radio all went blank, turning on and off. Huge safety concern.
Power train, Oct 25, 2023
At 143,000 miles my transmission stopped transmitting engine power to the wheels
Steering, Oct 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the steering wheel became firm intermittently making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN provided was invalid.