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.
Engine, May 31, 2023
AFM/DOD leafters collapse
Power train, May 30, 2023
I was driving down the road when the transmission would no longer change gears. There were no warning lamps or anything to indicate that this was going to happen.
Air bags, May 25, 2023, crash
I was involved in a head on collision. The other vehicle struck me doing between 35-40mph. My vehicle airbags did not deploy.
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, May 24, 2023
Son was driving truck in a straight line when it lost all power. Although we have experienced issues during turns that I have noted before here, this is the first incident while driving in a straight line.
Electrical system, May 24, 2023
Myself, My wife, and my oldest son have all three experienced a loss of complete power in the truck during turns. All power on the dash, steering, and stereo goes out. The last incident required my wife to put the vehicle in park and turn the truck off and back on to get it to start.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 17, 2023
Dash board instrument panel and radio loses all power, May even cause vehicle to shut off not able to steer, If the cruise control is set it shuts it off. It mostly happens when you apply the brake or if I operate my passenger window from driver door controls. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Has not been inspected by the manufacturer or any other representatives. No it gives no indication prior to the failure. I have been researching it on google and youtube, I have seen a lot of owners with the same problem but no one seem to have a solution. Thank you
Power train, May 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, while shifting gear, the vehicle lunged forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate or reverse. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence and informed the contact that the transmission and engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Power train, May 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping and failed to properly accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle lunged forward while attempting to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who confirmed that transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Power train, May 10, 2023
Vehicle takes 6 seconds before it does a hard shift into reverse. It also has hard jerks when switching gears. In April it was taken to Don Hall in which I was told that is how this model does and nothing could be done even though it was under a paid for extended warranty. The radio display also glitches out and is extremely faulty
Service brakes, May 6, 2023
Backing up slowly with/without a trailer and have to pump the brakes to stop or stand on the brakes or pumping the brakes and having to use the emergency brake to stop, rev up the engine, put in reverse and have to do the previous steps all over again. This only happens going slowly in reverse. I was told by a mechanic it could be the vacuum pump or TSB on the vacuum pump. No warning messages display. This is a safety risk to myself and others and could cause an accident.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and depressing the brake pedal while making a right turn, the steering wheel independently turned to the left. The contact stated the stabili-trak warning light was illuminated intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer but was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact continued to experience the failure. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V761000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
Steering, May 2, 2023
Driving down our road and the truck instantly lost power steering. Got home turned off the truck. Turned it backon and it worked. Each time I turn the vehicle off and turn it on the power steering works for a very brief time and then stops.
Other or unspecified, May 1, 2023
Transmission started going out at less than 50,000 miles.
Power train, Apr 27, 2023
Transmission died. Tried to merge highway traffic and wouldn’t accelerate. Push down gas pedal and mph didn’t change but rpm went to 6rpm. Finally engaged. Continued to shudder and hesitate but eventually smoothed out. Had to stop at a traffic light and it did the same thing. Next time I had to stop I completely lost forward motion. Pushed gas pedal and rpm at 6rpm and wouldn’t move. Transmission light came on and had to have it towed. Transmission is being replaced.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 26, 2023
My truck has a shudder/ shake while accelerating as well as rough shifts here and there. If certain speeds are maintained, the shudder is constant. This causes uneven speeds, noises, and distractions. I fear one day the transmission will fully give out while driving and I will crash. My vehicle is available for inspection. The problem is easily reproduced as it happens every time I drive. As well, the truck was recently at an independent service center and the problem was confirmed by an associate. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer as they told me it would cost me $180 just for a diagnostic which they will need my car for two days. There are no current dash lights on. This is a known issue and Chevrolet should be held accountable.
Power train, Apr 20, 2023
I just bought the vehicle in the summer of 2022 and the truck started to shudder so I took it to see if the tired were out of balance and they told me it sounded like a transmission issue. I took it to Lynchburg Transmission and they said after they ran their diagnostics test the transmission is shot and I need a new one. The vehicle only has 103,000 miles and should not need a new transmission on it. I have read online there are tons of 2016 chevy 1500s that have had transmission issues around the same mileage. This should be an issue that Chevy should be addressing and recall.
Power train, Apr 18, 2023
The family was driving down a busy highway and we felt a strong rapid jerk and heard a loud pop sound. The 2016 Chevy Silverado felt very forced and would not go past 20 miles per hour and the RPM's were between 2 and 3. This problem placed our family at risk because the speed was reduced significantly and could have been hit from behind or could no safely exit the highway. An independent mechanic has checked the truck and confirmed the transmission needs to be replaced as he reproduced the issue on a test drive. No warning signs came on prior to the issue but only after we exited the highway did the "check engine" light came on when we parked. *** Please note we had already replaced the original transmission in Nov. 2021, the exact same issue occurred at that time and it was replaced by a Chevy dealership in Pleasanton, Tx due to the pan was full of metal shavings***
Visibility/wiper, Apr 18, 2023
Rear window shattered after a few minutes of defroster use. Seems to be a problem on these years of Silverado but no recall on mine. No warning, window just popped on its own, safety issue to have window failure during driving.
Power train, Apr 13, 2023
The transmission failed at 96,000 miles even though maintenance had been completed. This could have been a catastrophic failure on the highway my family or others at risk. The dealer has the truck now and confirmed a failed transmission. No warning signs other than odd behavior when accelerating which led to odd noises from the transmission.
Engine, Apr 11, 2023
THE TRUCK HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS SINCE A MONTH AFTER WE GOT IT TOOK IT TO THE DEALERS THEY ALWAYS SAID NOTHING WRONG WITH TIME IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE IS PUSHING IT AND THEN STOPS FOR A BIT AND IT MAKES A LOUD SOUND FEELS LIKE TRAMSMITTION
Engine, Apr 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started driving rough. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine lifters had failed, and an engine cylinder rod had been damaged. The engine rod and lifters were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000.
Electrical system, Lane departure, Apr 11, 2023
While in reverse and turning stabilitrack light appears and jerks steering wheel from hand. Then a total loss of power and gait to start. No dash panel or power to vehicle.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 6, 2023
I was driving in a state Highway when without warning in traffic my truck stopped driving but the engine was still going. I have been to the dealer and complained about electronics like the radio just ceasing to work and the display unit as well as the erratic shift pattern of the transmission 3 times . Thankfully no one was injured and it was late night/ early morning hours, in moderate traffic we might have been injured. Upon looking at blogs and forums online and I am not the only one with these issues, it is a very costly repair. I was told by the mechanic he has another vehicle like mine for the same issue and apparently it’s related to the torque converter (in his words “most are problematic and inadequate from the factory” and the way the engine runs on less cylinders which in turn destroyed the valve body and pump in the transmission. The repair will end up costing me over $6000 now. I really just don’t want anyone injured as well as taken advantage of.
Power train, Service brakes, Apr 3, 2023
Barking system. it seams like when I’m in the city the brakes will not engage properly, at some point I’ve had to use the emergency brake to stop. on the freeway the brakes work good but when running at low rpm it’s like the brakes go to the floor and the truck is still moving. I went to get my brakes inspected and brake pads are still good, brake fluid was good. They told me to bring it in when the brakes fail again so they could see what was happening. Transmission was replace at 65000 miles because of a faulty torque converter
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Apr 1, 2023
POWER STEERING FAILED FOR THE SECOND TIME. FIRST TIME DEALER "FLASHED" ECU AND SOLVED THE PROBLEM. SECOND TIME THE ECU HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE BURNED OUT. NOT JUST BURNED OUT BUT NOT EASILY REPLACEABLE AS IT IS WELDED TO THE RACK AND PINION STEERING! ACCORDING TO THE VIN ON THE TRUCK IT SHOULDN'T EVEN NEED THE RECALL. IF NOT, THEN PLEASE TELL ME WHAT WOULD CAUSE SUCH A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE IN A VEHICLE WITH 26,000 MILES ON IT. DOES IT TAKE SOMEONES' DEATH TO BE WORTHY OF A RECALL?