RoadVitals

2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
790
Latest Aug 12, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
51

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

266
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Vehicle suffered a failure cascade of the brake booster vacuum pump system. During a low-speed bumper collision on July 4 and a boat ramp slide, the pedal triggered abnormal ABS-like pulsing as the computer tried to hydraulically compensate for dropping vacuum pressure. This resulted in truck front bumper damage and boat trailer fender damage. On July 10, total failure occurred in a drive-thru, rendering the pedal rock-hard and sopping mear impossible. All marked parts and logs are available for inspection. Onboard diagnostic data reveals the electronic brake control module has driven continuously without a master clear for 22,665 miles, locking the last system initialization to 78,468 miles. This continuous data loop proves code C0299-00 was actively visible in the history log during the subsequent dealer service visits. Instead of performing the hardware pump remedy under Recall N192268490 (NHTSA 19V650). At the Jan 24 dealer visit (78,482 mi), dealer applied a software update and charged out-of-pocket fees to clear symptoms. They also ignored subsequent communication regarding the billing discrepancy. Technicians completely neglected the history logs despite explicit complaints regarding low-speed ABS sensations, trailer brake messages, park assist, and brake assist warnings. The 2026 dealers (and 2024) falsified multipoint inspections stating brakes required NO service until after winter. Jan '26 dealer delayed further diagnostics until June '26. May '26 dealer ignored texts regarding a crooked steering wheel and unstable tracking after alignment service. The truck was intentionally misdiagnosed as functional to avoid the warranty period repair. This unaddressed mechanical failure caused a destructive system cascade requiring replacement of the vacuum pump, oil-contaminated vacuum lines lines, oil-saturated booster, master cylinder, glazed pads, warped rotors, fluid flush, tires from module drag, alongside the resulting bumper and trailer property damage.

NHTSA ID 11750018 · filed Jul 13, 2026

Brake assist activates for no apparent reason

NHTSA ID 11736275 · filed May 7, 2026
All 266 reports naming brakes

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

187
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Transmission started shifting hard, shuddering in torque converter, and long time shifting into 1st gear. Took it to a Transmission guy and he said it needs a full rebuild and is very common with this Transmission in this truck.

NHTSA ID 11739361 · filed May 21, 2026

Had steering centering go out. Data cable pinched or broken somewhere in system and transmission got out. Also 4x4 system went out.

NHTSA ID 11738003 · filed May 15, 2026
All 187 reports naming powertrain (other)

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

119
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Approximately one week ago I was driving at a safe speed on a two-lane highway. Suddenly, my steering wheel and truck jerked to the right. For 8-10 seconds a warning message was displayed "Power Steering ... Drive Carefully." I took the truck to my local dealership. They scanned for trouble codes. The technician said something about an interruption communicating with the electrical system. My service advisor took the truck on a 15-mile drive and had no problem. They scanned again and there were no trouble codes. The service advisor said they could not fix the problem if they did not know the cause of the problem. I left the dealership. Since then, I have had 4 more incidents. Once the warning message appeared again, but no jerk of the steering wheel or truck; once there was the same warning message and a jerk of the steering wheel and truck; and twice there were sudden jerks of the steering wheel and truck but no warning message. I have reported each of these incidents to the dealership. I also called Chevrolet Customer Assistance. I explained the problem and asked if they would assign a Field Service Engineer to assist the dealership. hey declined my request. Because I momentarily lose control of steering the truck, I fear for my safety and the safety of others.

NHTSA ID 11752802 · filed Jul 25, 2026

Vehicle suffered a failure cascade of the brake booster vacuum pump system. During a low-speed bumper collision on July 4 and a boat ramp slide, the pedal triggered abnormal ABS-like pulsing as the computer tried to hydraulically compensate for dropping vacuum pressure. This resulted in truck front bumper damage and boat trailer fender damage. On July 10, total failure occurred in a drive-thru, rendering the pedal rock-hard and sopping mear impossible. All marked parts and logs are available for inspection. Onboard diagnostic data reveals the electronic brake control module has driven continuously without a master clear for 22,665 miles, locking the last system initialization to 78,468 miles. This continuous data loop proves code C0299-00 was actively visible in the history log during the subsequent dealer service visits. Instead of performing the hardware pump remedy under Recall N192268490 (NHTSA 19V650). At the Jan 24 dealer visit (78,482 mi), dealer applied a software update and charged out-of-pocket fees to clear symptoms. They also ignored subsequent communication regarding the billing discrepancy. Technicians completely neglected the history logs despite explicit complaints regarding low-speed ABS sensations, trailer brake messages, park assist, and brake assist warnings. The 2026 dealers (and 2024) falsified multipoint inspections stating brakes required NO service until after winter. Jan '26 dealer delayed further diagnostics until June '26. May '26 dealer ignored texts regarding a crooked steering wheel and unstable tracking after alignment service. The truck was intentionally misdiagnosed as functional to avoid the warranty period repair. This unaddressed mechanical failure caused a destructive system cascade requiring replacement of the vacuum pump, oil-contaminated vacuum lines lines, oil-saturated booster, master cylinder, glazed pads, warped rotors, fluid flush, tires from module drag, alongside the resulting bumper and trailer property damage.

NHTSA ID 11750018 · filed Jul 13, 2026
All 119 reports naming electrical

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

110
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 message, "service power steering drive with care". The dealership is aware and has seen the malfunctioning steering. So far the rack and pinion gear box has been replaced at $2700, then it was a terminal resistor that was replaced for $2,100, and several other trips in costing more money just to get the steering fixed but technicians have been unsuccessful so far despite their best efforts.

NHTSA ID 11756540 · filed Aug 12, 2026

Approximately one week ago I was driving at a safe speed on a two-lane highway. Suddenly, my steering wheel and truck jerked to the right. For 8-10 seconds a warning message was displayed "Power Steering ... Drive Carefully." I took the truck to my local dealership. They scanned for trouble codes. The technician said something about an interruption communicating with the electrical system. My service advisor took the truck on a 15-mile drive and had no problem. They scanned again and there were no trouble codes. The service advisor said they could not fix the problem if they did not know the cause of the problem. I left the dealership. Since then, I have had 4 more incidents. Once the warning message appeared again, but no jerk of the steering wheel or truck; once there was the same warning message and a jerk of the steering wheel and truck; and twice there were sudden jerks of the steering wheel and truck but no warning message. I have reported each of these incidents to the dealership. I also called Chevrolet Customer Assistance. I explained the problem and asked if they would assign a Field Service Engineer to assist the dealership. hey declined my request. Because I momentarily lose control of steering the truck, I fear for my safety and the safety of others.

NHTSA ID 11752802 · filed Jul 25, 2026
All 110 reports naming steering

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

72
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11735090 · filed May 1, 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 so there was no charge. This happened again at 59,000 miles and now both side lifters are bad and mechanic suggested engine replacement since he is sure this will happen again. Now it’s costing us 15,300 to repair it and GM/Chevrolet is not helping or do they care! First incident was in April 2023, second in November 2023 and now in December 2025.

NHTSA ID 11725275 · filed Mar 18, 2026
All 72 reports naming engine

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

35
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving south on interstate 15 freeway I was on the 3 lane in the middle of the road I was driving around 65-70 mph when my 1500 Silverado 2016 loose engine power and started to slow down I couldn’t get out fast enough and I almost got hit by three cars because I was driving so slow I pulled over emergency lines and the truck didn’t even start

NHTSA ID 11724492 · filed Mar 15, 2026

While driving on the freeway accelerating the truck made a huge clunking noise and dropped speed instantly and I was unable to accelerate. The tow truck driver said it was a transmission problem.truck had to be towed and is at the mechanic awaiting an official diagnosis

NHTSA ID 11698389 · filed Nov 8, 2025
All 35 reports naming driver assistance

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

29
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11696905 · filed Nov 1, 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 informed that the dealer was closed. The driver drove the vehicle home and made an appointment with another dealer, Parkway Chevrolet (25500 TX-249, Tomball, TX 77375). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a defective upper control arm however, the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V256000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID 11418330 · filed May 24, 2021
All 29 reports naming suspension

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

27
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Jerking of 1-2 gears. Also in 5-6. Has not been inspected thoroughly by dealer. Was told “it’s just the way these vehicles are.” Merging onto oncoming traffic, I fear for my safety. No warning lights and the jerking/rumble strip feeling is becoming more common than when purchased.

NHTSA ID 11647550 · filed Mar 11, 2025

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 was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V088000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,000.

NHTSA ID 11619197 · filed Oct 10, 2024
All 27 reports naming fuel system

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the rear sliding glass defroster element overheated. The contact was unsure but thought that the defroster had activated independently. The contact stated that the heating element had caught fire, burned a hole through the weather stripping, and shattered the rear sliding glass. The contact extinguished the fire with a can of soda. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

NHTSA ID 11705028 · filed Dec 15, 2025

I purchased a 2016 Silverado in 2021.I am writing regarding previously completed recall (N192265660) for my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, which addresses issues related to the rear window defroster overheating and the potential for thermal events. The recall repair was performed in 2020, but I am experiencing a recurrence of the issue. We live in Wisconsin, on a cold morning last week, the rear window of my vehicle shattered while I was inside. I believe this was caused by overheating of the rear defroster, since I literally watched it happen in my rear-view mirror, despite the recall repair having been completed. The fracture lines in the glass very distinctly show the source where it shattered, leading directly to the heating element for the defroster. This was a known issue addressed by the recall, and I am concerned that the problem was not fully resolved, as the damage was substantial and could have escalated into a fire hazard. On [XXX], the day of the incident, I tried to get a service appointment to have it looked at and was told there was nothing they could do since the "recall had already been done" to my truck. I contacted customer service and was able to have the truck looked at by a GM Service Center after they set up an appointment for me. The Customer Service manager even documented and diagnosed the cause as being the rear defroster that shattered the window, yet they still denied any help or offer to repair it. After nearly 6 weeks of back and forth with GM customer service, and then eventually escalating to the "Product Assistance Claims Team" I was still denied any help having the issue resolved even with every piece of evidence showing this was a failed recall repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11641892 · filed Feb 11, 2025
All 21 reports naming visibility

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Main body panel bubbling paint just under rear doors both side of vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11730762 · filed Apr 13, 2026

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 wax could be added to the rust and that the contact had to pay for the repair. The contact was informed that the failure was not under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 19-NA-255 (Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,681.

NHTSA ID 11687626 · filed Sep 16, 2025
All 21 reports naming body & structure

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My truck starts shaking when I attempt to speed up or slow down, and it hesitates, shudders, and engages in a hard shift when changing gears. My mechanic could not fix it. Has been happening since Dec. 2018. Why is there no recall on this major issue?

NHTSA ID 11552547 · filed Oct 30, 2023

The last couple of times I drove my vehicle the radio loses power and cuts back on so does the dash while driving and also the stabilitrak maintenance also flickers on the dash not sure if it related but when the vehicle is moving at a high rate of speed is when it does it more offten not sure what it is but want to report it just in case it’s anyone is haveing similar issue

NHTSA ID 11464287 · filed May 11, 2022
All 21 reports naming other / unspecified

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 with this issue.

NHTSA ID 11709574 · filed Jan 8, 2026

Truck lost power and died while making a low speed right turn. Attempted to start vehicle but was unable to immediately after losing power, after trying again for about 30 seconds I was able to get it to start and pull it off the road. I lost control of the steering as the steering wheel locked up. When I turned it back on the truck required me to roll the driver window down and back up and radio stations went back to the default station, letting me know that the truck lost power. This typically happens at low speed, but I have had it lose power while driving on the highway at night and my headlights shut off, luckily it immediately came back on.

NHTSA ID 11636611 · filed Jan 17, 2025
All 16 reports naming exterior lighting

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was a front seat passenger in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and was properly wearing my seatbelt at the time of the incident. The vehicle struck a deer, and during the collision, the passenger seatbelt failed to properly restrain me. I was thrown forward and struck the windshield. The seatbelt did not appear to lock or tighten as expected during impact. It is unknown whether the seatbelt pretensioner or airbag system activated properly. This created a serious safety risk, as the seatbelt did not perform its intended function of restraining the occupant during a crash. The vehicle was declared a total loss following the incident and is no longer available for inspection. The incident was documented through insurance and/or police reports. There were no known warning lights or prior indications of a problem with the seatbelt system before the crash. This failure resulted in occupant injury risk due to lack of proper restraint during the collision.

NHTSA ID 11725607 · filed Mar 19, 2026

Recall Airbag/electrical and cylinder won’t change to next gear m, know several people with the same truck and same issue.

NHTSA ID 11586482 · filed May 2, 2024
All 16 reports naming airbags

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was a front seat passenger in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and was properly wearing my seatbelt at the time of the incident. The vehicle struck a deer, and during the collision, the passenger seatbelt failed to properly restrain me. I was thrown forward and struck the windshield. The seatbelt did not appear to lock or tighten as expected during impact. It is unknown whether the seatbelt pretensioner or airbag system activated properly. This created a serious safety risk, as the seatbelt did not perform its intended function of restraining the occupant during a crash. The vehicle was declared a total loss following the incident and is no longer available for inspection. The incident was documented through insurance and/or police reports. There were no known warning lights or prior indications of a problem with the seatbelt system before the crash. This failure resulted in occupant injury risk due to lack of proper restraint during the collision.

NHTSA ID 11725607 · filed Mar 19, 2026

Problem 1: passenger side seatbelt does not retract. Problem 2: the transmission failed due to a bad torque converter. This is apparently a well known problem that General Motors has been ignoring. The cost to repair is approximately $6,500.00 which, for a senior citizen is really going to hurt my cost of living.

NHTSA ID 11670569 · filed Jul 1, 2025
All 11 reports naming seat belts

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle seized in 4WD mode, causing the steering wheel to become firm and difficult to turn. The 4WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where Technical Service Bulletin: PIP5369C was performed to update the transfer case control module with the latest software. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

NHTSA ID 11565190 · filed Jan 12, 2024

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).

NHTSA ID 11549128 · filed Oct 10, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Powertrain failed and vehicle would no longer move. Engine would rev up, but truck would not move in any direction, almost like the transmission had gone into neutral. Powered the vehicle off, then back on, and it violently jerked, but was enough for me to get to the shoulder. Afterwards, got the vehicle checked out with a scanner, there were no check engine codes coming up, nor were there any lights on the dash. When they checked the transmission oil, there was a lot of metal flakes, which will require a transmission change. Eletric seats also do not allow any movement, making it very difficult when others try to drive the truck.

NHTSA ID 11564472 · filed Jan 9, 2024

HEADRESTS ARE DESIGNED IN A MANNER THAT YOUR HEAD IS CONSTANTLY PUSHED FORWARD. THIS LIMITS THE DRIVER BEING ABLE TO LOOK UP. IT IS VERY DISTRACTING TO HAVE TO KEEP THE SEAT BELT LOOSE IN ORDER TO LEAN FORWARD TO GET YOUR HEAD AWAY FROM THE HEADREST AND LOOK UP AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT OR READ SIGNS ON THE HIGHWAY. THE REMEDY SUGGESTED BY THE DEALERSHIP IS TO TURN THE HEADREST AROUND BACKWARD, WHICH LEAVES NO SUPPORT FOR YOUR HEAD IN CASE OF A REAR END COLLISION. MOST OWNERS I HAVE TALKED TO HAVE SIMPLY REMOVED THE HEADREST TO ELIMINATE THE PROBLEM. OTHERS HAVE RECLINED THE SEATS BACK, WHICH MAKES THE DRIVER VULNERABLE IN A FRONT END COLLISION OF SLIDING OUT UNDERNEATH THE SEAT BELT UNDER THE DASH. ACCORDING TO A GENERAL MOTORS REPRESENTATIVE THIS COMPLAINT HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE THE 2010 YEAR MODEL VEHICLES.

NHTSA ID 11129631 · filed Sep 15, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle had experienced hesitation to accelerate and reduced speeds. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ID 11674256 · filed Jul 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle felt as if it was being driven over bumps in the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with torque converter failure. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,500.

NHTSA ID 11617468 · filed Oct 1, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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