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, Mar 31, 2023
Transmission failure at 141,000 miles while driving on highway.
Power train, Mar 24, 2023
The vehicle only has 118,000 miles on it and the transmission cooler lines are leaking and now I have a hard shift from 1st to 2nd gear and the same when the vehicle is downshifting as well.
Engine, Mar 22, 2023
I developed a oil leak in my oil cooling lines. I don't know why there is a recall for the 2019 Silverado and not my 2016 for the same problem. I reference GM Customer Satisfaction Program number: N212326940.
Power train, Engine, Mar 20, 2023
The lifters on one side of my engine failed. This is due to the AFM(Active fuel management) system that GM had in its vehicles from 2016-2021. My truck is a V8 motor and the AFM system drops the motor to 4 cylinders during periods that the vehicle is in stop or coasting. Overtime the lifters in the engine wear out causing the engine to fail. I barely made it to the dealer to fix the issue as I lost full power in the engine nearly causing me to have an accident. The only notification I got was check engine light started blinking mid-stream on my way to work. The cost to repair lifters is extremely high and that is the reason why GM hasn't issued a recall yet. There are thousands of cases of failed lifters in my research online. GM knew this was a problem as they have quit using the AFM feature in all of their vehicles. My servicer at my dealership even told me that they have seen this problem on multiple occasions.
Service brakes, Mar 19, 2023
No brakes at low speed. Problem persists after recall. Needs a vacuum pump. Known problem with Chevrolet and they won’t replace it.
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 18, 2023
Have taken vehicle to dealership for service and they completed their 21 point inspection and never seem to find the electrical problem or the transmission issue, no transmission has completely stopped working. Shifting hard and truck will not move at times or will only travel at only 8 miles per hour.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) was reprogrammed; however, the pump failed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 168,553.
Power train, Mar 9, 2023
The contact's son owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle intermittently hesitated upon the depression of the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but referred the owner back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 9, 2023
Engine light came on and the code shows fuel module control
Seat belts, Mar 6, 2023
The drivers side seat belt has detached from the anchor on the seat. The cable has pulled out of the crimp on the belt portion of the seat belt / shoulder harness assembly. I have not contacted the dealer about this issue. There was a recall for "certain" Silverado about this condition but my vehicle is not showing up on the GM website as being inlcuded.
Power train, Mar 5, 2023
6L80 Transmission blew gears 1-3 at 84,000 miles under normal load. Extended warranty replaced the transmission with rebuilt one and it is slipping and overheating after four months of normal driving. Extended warranty will not cover again.
Electrical system, Mar 3, 2023
Truck turns off when going in reverse, sometimes when brake is applied, sometimes when turning left and when left turn signal is on. It usually happened when stopping at a traffic stop or light or when turning left. This time it turned off when changing lanes on the freeway and almost caused a pile up. It was scary and it could have caused a lot of unnecessary mishaps. What happens is the engine turns off completely for a couple of seconds and turns back on. It feels like its a battery cable issue or some bad connection. The problem is the dealer cannot replicate the problem. Sometimes it happens often sometimes it happens every other day. So far I know a couple of other Chevy Silverado owners who have the same problem. I have a video of this problem if you need to see. My name is [XXX]. Email is [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Feb 22, 2023
The air conditioning system is faulty as ac condenser is cracked and released freon. I was in south Florida with no ac. I've seen class action suits against GMC, as this is a known issue. Why can't this be fixed by them and not pass costs on to the owners ? Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 17, 2023
Only way I found out that fuel pump wasn’t working was due to transmission problems with sensor and having to get the whole harness replace as well as the Moyer I had to get the motor replaced as well engine light kept coming out and truck felt lost of power and would waste gas a lot, safety wise I was afraid it’d break down in the middle of road with my family trucks been having problems since I’ve got it with motor and transmission and fuel pump problems , yes problems have been confirmed with dealers but dealers just say they fixed it but continued to have problems so I took it to certified shop and having them fix the fuel pump and transmission problem, as of I know the truck has been inspected by warranty company, yes they’re were warnings like engine lights ABS lights.
Power train, Feb 16, 2023
My truck has 123,700 miles on it. I took my truck to M&T auto mechanic in Grandville, Michigan. They advised me I need a new transmission. I bought my Truck from Berger Chevolet in Grandville, Michigan with zero issues. It had 59,000 miles on it when I bought it used. I have taken very good of this truck and I do not pull anything with it. I feel I should have gotten many more miles out of the transmission. I feel General Motors is at fault for this. Can anyone help me out with this issue?
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 9, 2023
Had momentary steering loss preceded by an electrical glitch. System recovered after a few seconds. A steering warning appeared on the display but no code was triggered. This is similar to the recall problems on the 2015 Silverado.
Service brakes, Feb 8, 2023
I was in a drive thru food chain going forward slowly. The brakes seemed hard and I had to really push hard to get the vehicle to stop. I went to a private mechanic who I trust totally. I had the front rotors and all pads replaced due to normal wear. We went on a trip with no braking issues. After returning home and backing down the driveway the brakes seemed hard again and was not stopping the vehicle properly. There were no warning lights on. This only seems to occur at very low speeds and is an alarming when it happens. I have been told by a dealership that there are no recalls on this vehicle. However looking on line I have seen videos and articles about faulty vacuum pumps and braking modules that needed reprogramming that effect braking as I have described. I don't want to take this to a dealership until I know for sure if there is a recall or not. Thanks
Power train, Feb 8, 2023
I have had 2 separate issues 2 weeks apart with the transmission. The first one was "fixed". Now they are stating I need a new transmission.
Power train, Feb 6, 2023
It appears, after google research, that my torque converter is or has failed. Transmission shudder is happening on my 6 speed trans.
Air bags, Feb 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the passenger’s side air bag remained ON while the front passenger’s side seat was not occupied and would turn OFF while driving. The message "Service Air Bag" was later displayed. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger’s side air bag and occupant seat mat sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that they would cover 10 percent of the repair cost. A case was opened, and the contact was awaiting a call from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
Power train, Feb 5, 2023
At only 72k on the truck while traveling at 70mph down the freeway the transmission started slipping out of gear causing the motor to rev up causing a loss of power. Luckily I managed to get the vehicle off of the freeway without incident. It seemed to go back to normal than continued to slip within 3-4 miles. It turns out that the transmission pump failed and damaged the entire transmission. The truck was taken into the dealer in approximately 2018/19 because of a transmission shudder, to which the dealership said it was normal and there were no issues with the truck.
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 5, 2023
LOSS OF POWER STEERING AS DESCRIBED IN THE NOTICE. THIS IS SECOND TIME IT HAS OCCURED . FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED (2 YEARS AGO) TRUCK WAS WITH MY MECHANIC FOR 6 WEEKS AS HE TRIED TO "MECHANICALLY" FIX THE PROBLEM. FINALLY, DEALERSHIP TOLD HIM THEY NEEDED TO "FLASH" THE COMPUTER SYSTEM IN THE TRUCK. MECHANIC TOOK THE TRUCK TO DEALER WHEREUPON THE "FLASH" PROCEDURE WAS PERFORMED, THE POWER STEERING RETURNED AND THE TRUCK WAS GIVEN BACK TO ME AS "FIXED"! I HAVE ALREADY BEEN INVOLVED IN 1 LIFE THREATENING VEHICLE CRASH (2017 Dodge Durango) I'M NOT DOING THAT AGAIN. HELPPPPPPPP! LOOK IT UP.
Power train, Feb 3, 2023
The transmission failed while driving on a highway the transmission went into limp mode reducing speed down to 1st gear almost causing a wreck . Codes read p0700 and p0796 .after drawing transmission fluid it looked like water in there fluid but I found out it's glycol. There is a recall on my year make and model but not by my vin .
Power train, Feb 3, 2023
I have been experiencing this problem for years, but recently it has been getting worse. When accelerating from a stop there is a shudder in the transmission. The wheels feel like they slip or vibrate upon acceleration from a stop or slow speed. Sometimes the wheels don't spin, and I have to put the truck in 4-wheel drive for the wheels to catch. Sometimes while at a steady speed, like on a highway, the transmission slips and catches quickly, like little thumps. I only have 62,000 miles on my truck. I do not haul heavy loads or tow a trailer.
Service brakes, Feb 1, 2023
AFTER DRIVING FOR 4 HOURS BRAKES WONT WORK PROPERLY, BRAKING POWER DECREASES AND IS REALLY HARD TO STOP.