2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 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
- Steering4631.7%
- Powertrain (other)1812.4%
- Electrical1812.4%
- Brakes149.7%
- Fuel system139.0%
- Engine85.5%
- Other / unspecified53.4%
- Body & structure53.4%
- Seat belts42.8%
- Exterior lighting42.8%
- Airbags32.1%
- Suspension32.1%
- Visibility21.4%
- Driver assistance21.4%
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
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Steering is loose/has play. Vehicle shakes with driving. Steering gear box is leaking. Issue puts myself and others at risk due to the sudden pulling to either side while driving. Vehicle will be inspected in the next week.
Chevy Duramax trucks, 2011-2016 use a CP4 fuel pump that will eventually fail. The engine shuts off and there is a loss of steering and brakes. This is a major safety issue. I called Chevy GM 1800 222 1020 and was told, " we are aware of the problem, have no remedy, no recall has been issued yet, call back in a month". My daughter has a 2015 that failed when she was hauling expensive horses, the dealer put the same type defective pump back in the truck. Every diesel repair shop, dealer, and GM is aware of this defect. There is a class action law suit C/O JND Seattle WA. 1 866 848 0815 that may reimburse owners that have had a failure, assuming they are still alive. GM needs to recall, and replace these CP4 pumps with a CP3 or whatever they did to correct the issue in 2017 and later engines, prior to failure. Let ne know if I can provide any more information or assistance.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
the vehicle developed a extremely hard down shift and then a check engine light came on. the vehicle went into limp mode, took the vehicle to local diesel mechanic and i was informed that the transmission was bad and had to be replaced, while replacing the transmission i was also told the transfer case was making noise and needed to be replaced. this happened in November of 2025 and the parts are not available. This happened while i was towing our trailer across a bridge when the traffic came to a sudden stop, once traffic started moving we could not get up to speed thus causing a traffic hazard. yes the repair shop was able to recreate the issue there were no warnings prior to the failure. I know GM has had issues with transmissions in newer models, i did not know that there was a process like this prior to getting my vehicle repaired and i needed it repaired as soon as possible. that is why i went to and independant repair facility.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving 45-55 MPH and hauling a trailer, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was shuddering abnormally, and the wheels locked up for approximately 4-seconds. The contact stated that the transmission was shifting hard. The thermostat light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was no under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Had new Western Wideout snowplow (recommended by Western) installed by Western dealership on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500hd with the factory snow plow prep package (RPO VYU). Vehicles instrument cluster, HVAC, Radio and other electrical systems cut out while operating snowplow. GM is well aware of this issue per GM Service Bulleting NO.: PIT5387C (Feb 2016) through PIT5387P (10/17/2024), as well as GM Upfitter Integration UI Bulletin #124K (11/7/2019). All list this specific vehicle. This issue effects snowplows by all manufactures and is not confined to Western. Per the above bulletins published by GM, GM is to supply and install a wiring harness under a unique one time warranty procedure that does not expire with the vehicles base warranty. GM dealerships as well as GM's consumer assistance hotline state that GM part number 84043394 (fitting 2014-2019 vehicles) referenced to in PIT5387C and other bulletins has been discontinued. UP Bulletin 124k refers to and instructs to install GM part number 84288774 VYU Snow Plow Jumper harness per the latest version of GM service Bulletin PIT5387. With a note stating "this jumper harness and installation will be provided (one time) without charge". GM dealerships and GM customer assistance (parts) state that PN 84288774 does not appear in their parts system as a valid GM part. The official GM parts store [XXX] lists this part but shows that it does not fit this vehicle. Therefore neither GM nor Western is able to provide any actionable solution to this known and documented issue. GM manufactured, sold, promoted, advertised and continues to state that snowplows can be installed on these vehicles with (or without) GM's factory snow plow prep option. Additionally GM continues to issue and publish Bulletins instructing GM dealerships how to fix this issue despite being fully aware of this impossibility. GM has also made it impossible for GM to honor GM's own warranty that is still in effect for A KNOWN SAFTY ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI
Had new Western Wideout snowplow (recommended by western) installed by Western dealership on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500hd with snow plow prep package. Vehicle's Instrument cluster, HVAS, Radio and other electrical systems cut out while operating snowplow. GM is well aware of this issue which has been discussed and documented per GM Service Bulletin No.: PIT5387C (Feb 2016)- PIT5387P (10/17/2024), as well as GM Upfitter Integration UI Bulletin #124k (11/7/2019). Western states the fix for this issue is for GM to supply and install a wiring harness (per the above GM bulletins) GM dealerships as well as GM consumer assistance hotline state that GM part number 84043394 (fitting 2014-2019 vehicles) referenced to in PIT5387 and other bulletins has been discontinued. Therefore GM can not nor will ever be able to obtain or install this wiring harness in the future. GM Upfitter Integration Bulletin #124K instructs to install a different part number 84288774 VYU Snow Low Jumper harness per the latest Version of GM Service Bulletin PIT5387. "Note: that this jumper harness and installation will be provided (one time) without charge." GM dealerships state PN 84288774 does not appear in their system as a valid GM part. Parts. The official GM parts store at [XXX] , list this part but shows it does not fit this vehicle. Therefore neither GM nor Western is able to provide any actionable solution to this KNOWN safety issue. Western (and other manufactures) still manufacturing, recommending and installing snowplows for this specific vehicle. GM, manufactured, sold, promoted, advertises and continues to recommend snowplows to be installed on these vehicles (with the GM factory snow plow prep option), and continues to issue bulletins instructing GM dealerships how to fix this issue despite being fully aware GM cannot supply these parts. Therefor GM has made it impossible for GM to honor their own warranty that still currently in effect, for a KNOWN SAFTEY ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Tranmission isn't running right and gas and brakes are not working properly. Also fuel pump or relay gets hot shuts off while driving.
Chevy Duramax trucks, 2011-2016 use a CP4 fuel pump that will eventually fail. The engine shuts off and there is a loss of steering and brakes. This is a major safety issue. I called Chevy GM 1800 222 1020 and was told, " we are aware of the problem, have no remedy, no recall has been issued yet, call back in a month". My daughter has a 2015 that failed when she was hauling expensive horses, the dealer put the same type defective pump back in the truck. Every diesel repair shop, dealer, and GM is aware of this defect. There is a class action law suit C/O JND Seattle WA. 1 866 848 0815 that may reimburse owners that have had a failure, assuming they are still alive. GM needs to recall, and replace these CP4 pumps with a CP3 or whatever they did to correct the issue in 2017 and later engines, prior to failure. Let ne know if I can provide any more information or assistance.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a diagnostic scanner and retrieved DTC: P21DD. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the redundant tank reservoir and module kits were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact used a diagnostic scanner and retrieved DTC: P205B. The vehicle was taken to Abel Chevrolet (280 N Front St, Rio Vista, CA 94571), where the redundant tank assembly was replaced under GM Campaign Number: N192210260. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that he was concerned that the repair was a temporary fix. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
The motor started running bad and within seconds it stopped no other signs or problems
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Had new Western Wideout snowplow (recommended by Western) installed by Western dealership on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500hd with the factory snow plow prep package (RPO VYU). Vehicles instrument cluster, HVAC, Radio and other electrical systems cut out while operating snowplow. GM is well aware of this issue per GM Service Bulleting NO.: PIT5387C (Feb 2016) through PIT5387P (10/17/2024), as well as GM Upfitter Integration UI Bulletin #124K (11/7/2019). All list this specific vehicle. This issue effects snowplows by all manufactures and is not confined to Western. Per the above bulletins published by GM, GM is to supply and install a wiring harness under a unique one time warranty procedure that does not expire with the vehicles base warranty. GM dealerships as well as GM's consumer assistance hotline state that GM part number 84043394 (fitting 2014-2019 vehicles) referenced to in PIT5387C and other bulletins has been discontinued. UP Bulletin 124k refers to and instructs to install GM part number 84288774 VYU Snow Plow Jumper harness per the latest version of GM service Bulletin PIT5387. With a note stating "this jumper harness and installation will be provided (one time) without charge". GM dealerships and GM customer assistance (parts) state that PN 84288774 does not appear in their parts system as a valid GM part. The official GM parts store [XXX] lists this part but shows that it does not fit this vehicle. Therefore neither GM nor Western is able to provide any actionable solution to this known and documented issue. GM manufactured, sold, promoted, advertised and continues to state that snowplows can be installed on these vehicles with (or without) GM's factory snow plow prep option. Additionally GM continues to issue and publish Bulletins instructing GM dealerships how to fix this issue despite being fully aware of this impossibility. GM has also made it impossible for GM to honor GM's own warranty that is still in effect for A KNOWN SAFTY ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI
Transmission needed rebuild at 108000 miles. Lifter failure in engine which damaged camshaft at 120000 miles. Each costing thousands in dollars of repairs probably close to $10000.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Had new Western Wideout snowplow (recommended by western) installed by Western dealership on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500hd with snow plow prep package. Vehicle's Instrument cluster, HVAS, Radio and other electrical systems cut out while operating snowplow. GM is well aware of this issue which has been discussed and documented per GM Service Bulletin No.: PIT5387C (Feb 2016)- PIT5387P (10/17/2024), as well as GM Upfitter Integration UI Bulletin #124k (11/7/2019). Western states the fix for this issue is for GM to supply and install a wiring harness (per the above GM bulletins) GM dealerships as well as GM consumer assistance hotline state that GM part number 84043394 (fitting 2014-2019 vehicles) referenced to in PIT5387 and other bulletins has been discontinued. Therefore GM can not nor will ever be able to obtain or install this wiring harness in the future. GM Upfitter Integration Bulletin #124K instructs to install a different part number 84288774 VYU Snow Low Jumper harness per the latest Version of GM Service Bulletin PIT5387. "Note: that this jumper harness and installation will be provided (one time) without charge." GM dealerships state PN 84288774 does not appear in their system as a valid GM part. Parts. The official GM parts store at [XXX] , list this part but shows it does not fit this vehicle. Therefore neither GM nor Western is able to provide any actionable solution to this KNOWN safety issue. Western (and other manufactures) still manufacturing, recommending and installing snowplows for this specific vehicle. GM, manufactured, sold, promoted, advertises and continues to recommend snowplows to be installed on these vehicles (with the GM factory snow plow prep option), and continues to issue bulletins instructing GM dealerships how to fix this issue despite being fully aware GM cannot supply these parts. Therefor GM has made it impossible for GM to honor their own warranty that still currently in effect, for a KNOWN SAFTEY ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
I WENT TO BUY NEW TIRES FOR THE FIRST TIME AND THEY CALLED ME BACK AND ASKED HAD THE TRUCK BEEN IN A WRECK AND NO IT HADN'T. THEY ASKED HAD I BOUGHT IT NEW AND THE ANSWER WAS YES. MY TRUCK HAS BEEN DRIVEN BY ME A 53 YEAR OLD WOMAN AND HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF. THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS. MY RIM WAS BROKEN ALL THE WAY THROUGH. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the passenger’s side door opened unintendedly. The vehicle was modified for accessibility and the contact stated that the platform with her son was out of the vehicle. The contact believed that the failure was due to the conversion of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 37,000.
THE CLEAR COAT PAINT IS PEELING ON MY DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR ON THE TOP OF THE DOOR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt tensioner cable had separated, causing the seat belt to be inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V245000 (Seat Belts) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 44,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE LIGHTING ON THESE TRUCKS IS ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE. THE BRIGHTS/HIGH BEAMS ARE OK BUT THE DIM/LOW BEAMS ARE DANGEROUS! THERE IS LITTLE TO NO SIDE PROJECTION AND THE DISTANCE IS HORRIBLE. IF IT WASNT FOR THE FOG LAMPS I WOULDNT BE ABLE TO DRIVE THIS TRUCK AT NIGHT. IT IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE THAT A $60,000 VEHICLE WOULD COME WITH LIGHTING THIS POOR!
VERY POOR HEADLIGHTS WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT CAN EASY OVER DRIVE HEADLIGHTS WHEN DRIVING IN RURAL AREAS WERE THERE ARE NO STREET LIGHTS ABOVE START TO LOOSE GOOD VISION AT 50 TO 75 FEET IN FRONT OF TRUCK THIS IS VERY BAD HEADLIGHTS THESE SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN ALOUD TO BE PUT ON THE ROAD SOMEBODY GOING TO HURT WITH THESE LIGHTS AND NOBODY IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT I ONLY HOPE THAT GM STEPS UP OR FED STEP UP AND MAKE GM MAKE THIS RIGHT BEFORE PEOPLE GET HURT.FAR TO OFTEN PEOPLE HALF PAY THE PRICE BEFORE THINGS ARE DONE ABOUT ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM.THEY FIXED THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE 1500 TRUCKS SO THEY KNOW THEY HAVE THE PROBLEM ON 2500 AND 3500 TRUCKS. THANK YOUR NUMBER ONE TAXPAYER
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving down the road at 60 mph the roof and side airbags deployed on both sides of the Truck with no collision only driving down the road. The vehicle was inspected by GM and they claiming no defect on their side. However Recall N202324251 Roof Rail Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, for other 2016 Chevy Silverado's 2500 exists. This is large safety issue and wondering if the VIN was missed given this happened for the same recall. GM Allegations department has said they will not pay to fix, but didn't provide the reason for the cause of the airbag deployment.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V504000(Air Bags). The dealer had been notified about the recall and informed that parts were not yet available despite the notification that stated otherwise. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving down the road, the truck began to shake and bounce real bad. I took to the dealership we purchased the vehicle from and they said $3500 for a new front end to replace all the parts. This truck has never been wrecked or hit anything. This vehicle has 85000 miles on it and its supposed to be a diesel farm truck. It appears the front end was made with parts and material that is not in compliance with industry standards. I was told by the dealership mechanic that the front end could collapse going down the road and injure someone when it collapses. This is on the front end of the truck, the entire front suspension is inadequately equipped with components to maintain the structural integrity of the suspension system.
MY VEHICLE VIBRATES AND SHAKES AT VARYING SPEED BUT MOSTLY BETWEEN 60 AND 75MPH. I HAVE BEEN TO DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TIRES REPLACED TWICE. THE DEALERSHIP TESTED THE VEHICLE WITH SENSORS AND CAN NOT ISOLATE THE VIBRATION. I HAVE ONLY HAD VEHICLE A FEW MONTHS AND QUESTION THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. I WISH I HAD RESEARCHED THE TRUCK ON THE INTERNET PRIOR TO PURCHASE BECAUSE THE PROBLEM I AM HAVING IS KNOWN AND HAS A NAME "THE CHEVY SHAKE" I HOPE OTHERS WILL CONTINUE TO REPORT THESE CONCERNS BECAUSE CHEVROLET NEEDS TO RECOGNIZE THEY HAVE A PROBLEM AND ADDRESS THE ISSUE WITHOUT THE RUNAROUND CUSTOMERS ARE BEING FORCED TO ENDURE. THE VEHICLE ISSUE NEEDS A RECALL.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The wipers stopped working during heavy rain in the middle of Highway. Can hear the motor running, but the wipers fail to operate. If I operate it by hand while the switch is on low or high, I can move the blades full cycles, but it does not operate on its own. I believe it is the wiper transmission at fault like many other Chevrolet models (Equinox, Impalas, etc). It was highly dangerous, as in the middle of highway I totally lost my awareness of surroundings. This is unacceptable and dangerous problem, and should be recalled if affected by significant number of owners.
2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRAILER TOWING MIRRORS VISIBILITY ISSUES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MIRRORS SIT 6 TO 8 INCHES TOO HIGH, BLOCKING THE VIEW OF CRITICAL AREAS TO THE SIDES AND AHEAD ON THE LEFT SIDE. THE MIRRORS ALSO INTERFERE WITH THE VIEW OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC AT INTERSECTIONS AND PEDESTRIANS. THE THICK POSTS BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD AND THE DOORS EXACERBATE THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 08/28/2017*JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The infotainment center seems to malfunction and push buttons on it's own or not respond to input, which seems related to a more serious problem I experienced where the gauge cluster was not reading anything out when I was driving, including not knowing what speed I was at or what gear I was in. I had to turn the vehicle off several times and restart it several times before the issue resolved.
Failure of the HMI caused a flickering screen during driving operations with warnings and cautions constantly flashing making it very difficult to concentrate on the road conditions and traffic. Parking the vehicle using the back up camera was also affected making it impossible to see approaching objects from the rear.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .