2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 798 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 19 Silverado 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 43 involved a crash and 10 involved a fire. 17 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, side/window, curtain, inflatorSep 24, 2026
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500, GMC Sierra 2500/3500 vehicles, and 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The left-side or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace both RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262569920. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 24, 2026.
Campaign 26V611000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/window, curtain, inflatorJul 1, 2021
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 18, 2021. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available. Phase I owner notification letters were mailed on May 5, 2022. Phase II owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 31, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. This recall supersedes NHTSA recall number 20V-736. GM's number for this recall is N202324251.
Campaign 21V504000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, frontApr 8, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2014-2015 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have received an incorrect replacement tensioner cable assembly as part of a previous recall remedy or a subsequent repair. The flexible steel cable connecting the driver's seat belt to the outboard side of the seat may be repeatedly bent over the seat side shield as the driver enters and exits the vehicle causing the cable to fatigue and separate.
A broken pretensioner cable reduces the effectiveness of the driver's seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver seat belt lap pretensioner, free of charge. The recall began on May 5, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212330040.
Campaign 21V245000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/window, curtain, inflatorNov 25, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator.
If the end cap separates from the inflator, the compressed gas will escape and the end cap can be propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RRAB modules on the left and/or right side, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on December 22, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. Note: GM filed a new recall, number 21V-504 that supersedes this recall. All vehicles previously recalled under 20V-736 will now be repaired under the new recall number 21V-504. GM's numbers for this recall are N202309680, N202309681, and N202309682.
Campaign 20V736000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, wheel speed sensor/tone ringOct 24, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
Campaign 19V761000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, power assist, vacuumSep 6, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Campaign 19V645000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, pedals and linkagesAug 30, 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, 1500 Crew Cab Special Service, Tahoe Police Pursuit/Special Service, GMC Sierra 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.
If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the nut and reinstall the nut with increased tightness, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18278. Note: The vehicles in this recall need this additional remedy despite being covered by recall 16V069 for brake pedal loosening.
Campaign 18V578000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, frontMay 3, 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe Police Pursuit and Special-Service vehicles. The flexible steel cable connecting the driver's seat belt to the outboard side of the seat may be repeatedly bent over the seat side shield as the driver enters and exits the vehicle causing the cable to fatigue and separate.
If the pretensioner cable becomes fatigued or breaks, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pretensioner cable and seat side-shield, free of charge. The recall began June 19, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18156.
Campaign 18V291000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalJul 10, 2017
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Campaign 17V437000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalSep 8, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Campaign 16V651000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, control armDo not drive until repairedApr 28, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.
Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right front upper control arms and realign the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Until the repairs have been made, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 42190.
Campaign 16V256000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, pedals and linkagesFeb 5, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 1, 2013, to February 1, 2016, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) manufactured March 1, 2014, to February 1, 2016, and 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 29, 2013, to February 1, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.
If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the brake pedal pivot nut and reinstall with an increased torque, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 20760.
Campaign 16V069000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
798 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 21, 2023
The truck has had its major service to replace all fluids at 70,000 miles. One of the services was a notable vibration and shaking through the steering wheel and on the brakes. Higher the speed the more the vibration. When brakes are applied the vibration gets worse. The vehicles brakes and rotors were checked and good. The mechanic said that the brake pump was slightly loose and it was tightened. It did slightly ease the vibration, but less that a few days later it is back to the same vibrating. The brake power feels weak and when I need to brake I feel like the vehicle is not stopping. I have owner a 2014 Silverado before this and did not have this issue. I took it back to the dealer and they did an alignment which did not help.
Power train, Oct 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the gear shifter was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed transmission temperature sensor and transmission control module. The contact was informed that the transmission wiring harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Engine, Oct 19, 2023
I brought my truck into the dealership for a routine oil change. They notified me that my radiator is leaking and needs to be replaced. They stated that there is a small leak in the lower right corner of the radiator. I did not notice and fluids leaking from the radiator prior or did not smell any coolant from the engine. The leak did not trigger any warning lights inside of the vehicle. I did notice on a few occasions that the coolant levels looked low and added more to the system. My truck only has 60k miles on it. After researching this issue I've learned that this is a fairly common problem for 2014-2018 Silverados and that Chevy will only fix the 2014's.
Tires, Oct 10, 2023
Tire size 285/45R22 114H . While driving on the interstate at 70 mph had a large vibration that started occurring. When I was pulling over to figure out what was going on I heard a loud bang and suddenly lost air pressure to the Drivers side front tire. Once pulled over I could see the tire was flat. Upon removal of the tire I found the inner sidewall had blown. The tread was also separating in the area where the damage was. The tires are only 2.5 years old and have only 22.5k miles. They have been rejuvenate rotated with the last rotation just 3k miles prior. The company refused to honor their warranty stating it looked like the damage was caused by a pothole (which never occurred).
Electrical system, Oct 6, 2023
The ignition switch is defective the truck will not turn on all the time I have to play with the shift lever and key to get it started
Power train, Oct 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission experienced rough shifting from first to second gear. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Power train, Sep 6, 2023
My truck started shuddering and having shifting issues. Took to Chevrolet dealership and was told that this has become a common issue with this type of transmission. We ended up having to replace the transmission.
Power train, Sep 1, 2023
While driving on the highway on ramp, the transmission came out of gear. The engine would accelerate but the transmission would not stay engaged. at this time the check engine light came on. Upon having it towed to a dealership and having the vehicle inspected. It was determined that "the Torque Converter came apart causing metal in the pan when hot vehicle would stop pulling". The transmission has been replaced at considerable expense. Dealer had stated to me that they have seen multiple vehicles with this same issue from 2015 to 2020 models. While we were at the dealership two vehicles were checked in with similar issues. This torque converter issue poses a risk while accelerating/passing other vehicles.
Other or unspecified, Aug 29, 2023
I [XXX] purchased a vehicle by trade-in from Augusta Mitsubishi on Tuesday 6/20/2023. Upon further review of the contract, I noticed some things that were not right. 1. They had the vehicle I traded as a Chrysler 200 but I gave them a 2001 GMC Sierra. 2. On the retail purchase agreement, the color of the truck I purchased is gray but it is black. 3. It seems as if the numbers were manipulated to suit the deal. I also had the truck diagnosed and they found a number of issues such as the brakes and rotors were worn. The biggest issue was that the lug studs had been cut which is a major safety issue. In light of everything in this letter, I feel that the dealership should be held accountable, which is why I'm asking that they pay off the truck and send me the title, refund my down payment, and pay for the repair cost. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Aug 22, 2023
Transmission (6L80/E) started slipping at around 100,000 miles and needed completely replaced/rebuilt. This is replicated on multiple trucks with this transmission from 2016-2018. Evidence was slipping while shifting between 2-3rd gears. Dealership advised transmission needed completely replaced. Cost associated was ~$4000
Electrical system, Aug 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the radio in the vehicle had started to switch stations independently. The failure persisted, causing other electrical operations to be affected. The contact stated that occasionally, the failure caused the vehicle to stall while coming to a stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the computer controller was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,800.
Power train, Jul 19, 2023
Transmission bumping or shuddering in 1st-4th gear
Steering, Jul 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 25-30 MPH, the power steering became inoperable. The steering wheel was difficult to turn. The power steering fault message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the part to repair the vehicle was on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Service brakes, Jul 13, 2023
My 2016 Chevy Silverado had intermittent hard braking. Especially at slower speeds the brake pedal would get very hard to press and needed a lot of effort to stop. I was especially concerned having newer drivers in my household that the truck was unsafe. I nearly hit others vehicles especially at stoplights and in parking lots. The vehicle was taken to the GM dealer who said it was under recall and completed the repairs. However even though the recall repairs were completed the vehicle still continued to have hard braking issues. It was not resolved until I had the brake vacuum booster pump replaced by a 3rd party as GM was unwilling to complete the repair under the recall
Service brakes, Jul 9, 2023
Backing up truck to put a boat in the water and no brakes had put push really hard to stop the truck from going in to the lake. When moving slowly there is hardly any brakes on the truck
Electrical system, Power train, Jul 8, 2023
My vehicle just randomly shuts off, mainly when making a turn. I took it in to the dealership and had several repairs made but none of them fixed the problem. It’s definitely dangerous I almost had a accident at least 3 times. I feel it’s electrical due to the fact everything shuts off, the dash usually flashes before it shuts off. All electronics shut down and the vehicle turns completely off with no control of steering. I’ve come to the conclusion it’s electrical so I’m searching for a solution.
Electrical system, Jul 3, 2023
I was driving the other day and slowed to an upcoming vehicle, when I tapped the brakes the stabilitrak light flashed and all my dash lights and radio flickered, then when I used my turn signal the same things happened plus the windshield wipers came on, then when I went to merge back into my lane the pickup completely stalled out jerking us forward into our seat belts and then kept going. Later that day I went thru a drive thru and when I was turning the steering wheel jerked and wasn't able to continue turning and the pickup died. I had to lock the steering wheel in order to get it started again. This isn't the only time the first issues have happened or the steering wheel being jerked and stalling out, but this is the first time it completely stalled out in the highway and that is not okay. That is a complete safety issue and I'm not the only one who has had this issue, however when I have talked to a mechanic about it they couldn't find anything wrong and had no answer for me. There are several recalls on the years before the 2016 chevy silverado but nothing for them, and this is a big safety concern.
Power train, Jun 27, 2023
Transmission drops out of gear with no warning. No forward or reverse. This is a potential hazard that if it had occurred on an Interstate, whether it be causing an accident or getting hit by other vehicles trying to get to side of road. Vehicle is with a transmission repair shop currently. No repair records yet or actual cause. Mechanic informed me today that transmission needs to replaced due to economics that a rebuilt or re manufactured would be better option. Will save records if when I get all receipts for the repair.
Electrical system, Jun 21, 2023
Grounding issue when turning causing the steering wheel to yank the to a random direction and lock up. Multiple Silverado owners have experienced the same issue and I nearly died. Chevy dealer did not identify the issue/ Cannot figure it out.
Seat belts, Jun 19, 2023
2021 the driver side seatbelt broke which resulted in a recall. Same thing has happened again; the thick metal coil within the plastic cover snapped. We have a scheduled appointment today with the dealer to have it again replaced. They said it's our responsibility to pay even though the first time we were eventually reimbursed. This is a defective part; no seat belt should break again in two years! Another recall needs to be activated.
Power train, Jun 15, 2023
Transmission temperature sensor failure exactly as described in special coverage N192291660 occurred on my vehicle.
Power train, Jun 15, 2023
Transmission would shudder when driving. Sometimes loud bang when shifting from first to second gear. Torque converter ultimately failed while crossing traffic. Truck would not move. No gears. Only 58,000 miles on transmission. Never used for hauling. Torque converter had broken metal parts that caused the fluid to become blocked so it could not drive. A rebuilt transmission needed to be installed at my cost.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 14, 2023, crash
3mos ago i had a fender bender in Mesa,AZ(my front end to pasenger side)her car was towed my wasn't for the next 28 days my truck was still driving just fine like nothing ever happened to it,at the end of the month my work was done so i drove bk to Cali and it was till the middle of April when this all started 2 months ago like normal I was getting an oil change from there I went home it was 5:30pm didn't go anywhere else that night ,the next morning I put my key into the ignition and it was completely dead, at first I thought it was the battery so I bought a new one, installed the new battery went on my way to run my errands 3hrs pass came home it was around 12:40pm,around 5:30pm I was planning on going to the grocery store went to start my truck wouldn't start truck battery was dead, nothing was left on no door was open no lights were on, so I towed it to my mechanic so he could put it on the scope to find out the general problem,called and told me that it was an electrical problem and my truck would have to be reprogram starting from the main chip in my transmission, going back in forth from my mechanic to the Chevrolet dealer in Victorville ca, it's still not in working condition yet and still trying to reprogram the last of these codes that keep appearing on the dash(2016 Chevy Silverado 6cyl 4door LT, never had any problems at all from the day I got it from the dealer back in 2019 of Mar, with reg oil changes, tune ups, ran like a brand new truck, very confused, upset, concerned about this matter, not to mention the cost for this, Sincerely [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Jun 12, 2023
Torque converter shredded itself into my transmission while driving. When I was driving the truck did not show a light on the dashboard to show there was a problem with the engine and I started it up and started to drive. Once I was on a main road it stopped moving in drive and I had to coast to a stop. Once I stopped I had to put it in park and shut off the engine and restart the engine, still no light and now it would move again. I had it towed to the dealership and they said it was the torque converter that shredded metal into my transmission and that I needed a new one.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 6, 2023
Trailer brake system warning has been flashing non stop for 2 weeks. I do not use or tow anything with this vehicle. Usually it locks up the steering wheel while parking my truck and shuts down the engine. Yesterday I was going 55 on the highway and the warning came on and it shut down the truck tried to put the vehicle in park and rapidly applied the breaks then the truck electrical system came back too and the truck was rolling I pull off to the shoulder to shut the truck off and turn it back on. At the time I had both my sons in the vehicle 4 years old and 9 months. Again usually it always happens when parking my truck (under 5mph) it will lock the steering wheel and totally shut down the trucks engine. Huge safety concern.