About average for the Silverado 1500
Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Silverado 1500 year. The main thing to watch is the brakes and stability control, which half of owners reported by about 50,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Silverado 1500 years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 802 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The most reported problem area is the brakes and stability control (280, 35% of complaints), followed by the transmission and drivetrain and the electrical system. That ranks 6th of 13 Silverado 1500 years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 14 recalls.
4 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 before you buy.
Brakes and stability control
280 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 50,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal failed to function properly and felt spongy while attempting to depress the brake pedal. The contact stated that the…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 175,446 miles
I was pulling up behind a vehicle that was entering the highway when I noticed that the driver had to yield to oncoming traffic and did not continue driving. I applied my brakes, but the vehicle did not come to a complete stop, and as a result, I struck the vehicle in front of me. My safety was put at risk, as this could have resulted in…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Transmission and drivetrain
195 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 60,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
Vehicle: 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Component: Powertrain, Automatic Transmission (8L90) Manufacturer: General Motors (Chevrolet) I am submitting this complaint regarding recurring transmission problems with my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with the GM 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission. I am concerned about the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
"While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of propulsion/acceleration due to internal failure of the 6L80 6-speed automatic transmission. The failure occurred without prior warning, creating an immediate highway safety hazard by leaving the vehicle unable to maintain speed in traffic. A professional mechanic…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Electrical system
120 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 42,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
Rear power window defrost thermal event. While rear defrost was on the plastic connector that goes to the rear defrost of the power rear sliding window began to smoke heavily. In 2020 there was recall number N192265660 for the 1500 series of the same year for the same component that failed and is a fire risk. 2500 had no recall but this…Owner complaint, filed 2026
While driving truck loses power. We stop put in park & then have to restart the truck to start driving. It has happened 3 times & we know this is a problem for other trucks.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Steering
111 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 41,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
For the past 2 years ive been having issues of losing power steering. Lots of parts and modules have been replaced out of pocket. Still not fixed. When it goes out it can be out for days to weeks and is extremely hard to steer. Its gone out or come back in during a turn which is very problematic and unsafe. I always get the same dash…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the message “Service Stabilizer” was displayed and the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle lost its power steering function, and the vehicle was difficult to steer. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 148,805 miles
Engine and cooling
73 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 50,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
The AFM code p3400 was activated on the truck and the lifters went bad and caused damage to the cam shift. Lifter failure which caused fuel to shoot down exhaust and burned out the catalytic converters. Dealership wants 10k to fix not including the catalytic converters.Owner complaint, filed 2026
The truck engine light came on and was not able to be driven very far without stalling. Took it for repair and 2 valve lifters were bad. We had to pay for replacement ourselves. This happened at 41,786 miles. This happened again at 46,000 miles because of faulty GM parts and they needed to be replaced again. The parts were under warranty…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Lights, wipers and visibility
38 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 30,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, the three rear brake lights remained illuminated overnight, causing the battery to drain. The contact had to disconnect the battery terminals to prevent the battery from draining. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 30,000 miles
The rear 3rd brake light above the back glass started leaking because the seal/gasket went bad. Water leaked into the cab and now the headliner has to be replace as well as that seal. I works for a glass company and this is a known problem for this year. There should be a recall or service campaign put out for this. I'm not the only one…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Suspension
30 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 10,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
Truck pulls to one side unexpectedly. Stabilitrack, 4WD and engine light sensors come on when this happens. Door locks activate when this happens as well. Truck pulls more when going through pot holes and it brakes unexpectedly when pulling. Ongoing since the summer.Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact's husband owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 30 mph, the upper control arm fractured. The power steering warning light illuminated. The driver continued driving to his destination. The contact called a dealer and made an appointment however, upon arrival the contact was…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 150,000 miles
Fuel system
27 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 28,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel tank. The contact was informed that there was a crack in the fuel tank near the fuel sending unit. The vehicle…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 29,000 miles
Check engine light came on, code said EVAP leak detected, took it gm dealership and was told the fuel tank was leaking at the vents to the system and the tank would need to be replaced.Owner complaint, filed 2024
Wheels and tires
25 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 8,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Tire tread is delaminating. Have seen early recall for same tire but not covering manufacturing time frame for my tires. They are continental cross contact lx20 [VIN] (2516). Original recall date 10/5/16 covering manufacturing period 5/3/15 thru 5/9/15. Recall listed describes exactly what is happening to tires on my truck.Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 20,000 miles
Body, doors and structure
21 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 32,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (19).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware of rust to the sub frame and there were horizontal lines to the sub frame which became progressively worse overtime. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contract was informed that…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 80,681 miles
rear window leaking water from top of cab into tru A common problem on chevy and gmc pickup trucks.Danger of mold forming inside of vehicle which is a health hazard.Owner complaint, filed 2024
Air bags
20 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 29,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owned a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was involved in a crash, and the air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle drove over an embankment and down a hill and then crashed into the sides of two vehicles. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 91,300 miles
I was involved in a head on collision. The other vehicle struck me doing between 35-40mph. My vehicle airbags did not deploy.Owner complaint, filed 2023
Seats and seat belts
15 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 50,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle and attempting to fasten the driver's side seat belt, the seat belt floor anchor detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the seat belt floor anchor. The vehicle was…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 260,000 miles
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…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Cruise control and acceleration
11 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
Vehicle looses power, experience a temporary loss of electric steering (eps) assist followed by a sudden return of eps assist, particularly during low-speed turning maneuvers. The loss and sudden return of eps assist typically happens within a 1 second period and is caused by an electrical/Owner complaint, filed 2020
A condition exists where, after the driver has used the gas pedal to accelerate, then has removed their foot from the pedal, then presses the cruise "set" button a brief moment later, and then immediately attempts to decelerate by repeatedly pressing minus "-" on the cruise control, that the speed control becomes confused and displays…Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 45 miles
Driver assist systems
6 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2024
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.Owner complaint, filed 2023
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 complaints by year
Compare the 2016 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2016 full-size trucks
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | About average | 14 |
| 2016 Ford F-150 | About average | 14 |
| 2016 Ram 1500 | Worse than most years | 17 |
| 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 | About average | 10 |
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 recalls
Air bags Inflator
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace both RRAB modules, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Air bags Inflator
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Seat belts Front
- Risk
- A broken pretensioner cable reduces the effectiveness of the driver's seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver seat belt lap pretensioner, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Air bags Inflator
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RRAB modules on the left and/or right side, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Brakes Wheel speed sensor / tone ring
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Brakes Vacuum
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Brakes Pedals and linkages
- Risk
- If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the nut and reinstall the nut with increased tightness, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Seat belts Front
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pretensioner cable and seat side-shield, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Air bags
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software.
Full recall summary
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.
Air bags
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software.
Full recall summary
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.
Suspension Control arm
- Risk
- Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right front upper control arms and realign the vehicle, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Electrical system
- Risk
- An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Genera Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, Malibu, Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles. The radio may intermittently fail to provide an audio warning when the key has been left in the ignition and the door is opened or when the driver does not fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection", and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Brakes Pedals and linkages
- Risk
- If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the brake pedal pivot nut and reinstall with an increased torque, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Air bags Sensor / control module
- Risk
- If the SDM housing fractures, water may get into SDM causing it to malfunction and hinder the proper deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash, thereby increasing the risk of occupant injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will have the mounting stud repositioned and the SDM replaced, free of charge.
Full recall summary
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pick up trucks manufactured October 13, 2015, to October 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the mounting stud used to secure the air bag sensing and diagnostic Module (SDM) may be incorrectly positioned, and as a result, the SDM housing could fracture.
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
The most reported problem areas on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 are the brakes and stability control (280 complaints), the transmission and drivetrain (195 complaints) and the electrical system (120 complaints).
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a good year to buy?
About average for the Silverado 1500. Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Silverado 1500 year. The main thing to watch is the brakes and stability control, which half of owners reported by about 50,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Silverado 1500 years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?
NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The most recent, from Sep 2026, covers the inflator. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the brakes and stability control gave a mileage of about 50,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the transmission and drivetrain gave a mileage of about 60,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years should I avoid?
The Silverado 1500 years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2014. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2012, 2013 and 2018. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.
- Check a specific car for open recalls at NHTSA
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