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Your vehicleHome›Chevrolet›Silverado› 2016
Active NHTSA advisory: do not drive. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and see the recall details below.
Chevrolet · Large Pickup truck

2016 Chevrolet Silverado

Hybrid Gas
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
14 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
34 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
Recalls3 critical 14
Complaints43 crash · 10 fire · 17 injured · 1 died reported 805
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 20 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas large pickup truck with 14 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD, is EPA-rated at 20 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for this model year, 3 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 805 complaints, most often about the service brakes. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Chevrolet Silverado — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Chevrolet Silverado · Photo: Bull-Doser · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WDHybridRWD5.3L 8-cyl + 86V Li-Ion182420$3,350
Silverado 15 Hybrid 4WDHybrid4WD5.3L 8-cyl + 86V Li-Ion162118$3,700
Silverado C15 2WDGasRWD4.3L 6-cyl182320$3,350
Silverado C15 2WDGasRWD5.3L 8-cyl162319$3,550
Silverado C15 2WDGasRWD5.3L 8-cyl162319$3,550
Silverado K15 4WDGas4WD4.3L 6-cyl172219$3,550
Silverado C15 2WDGasRWD5.3L 8-cyl162218$3,700
Silverado K15 4WDGas4WD5.3L 8-cyl162218$3,700
Silverado K15 4WDGas4WD5.3L 8-cyl162218$3,700
Silverado C15 2WDGasRWD6.2L 8-cyl152117$3,950
Silverado C15 Cab Chassis 2WDGasRWD5.3L 8-cyl152017$3,950
Silverado K15 4WDGas4WD5.3L 8-cyl152117$3,950
Silverado K15 4WDGas4WD6.2L 8-cyl152117$3,950
Silverado K15 Cab Chassis 4WDGas4WD5.3L 8-cyl151917$3,950

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 37370, 37372, 37005, 37004, 37006, 37015, 37007, 37014, 37017, 37008.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD, Silverado 15 Hybrid 4WD, Silverado C15 2WD, Silverado C15 Cab Chassis 2WD, Silverado K15 4WD, Silverado K15 Cab Chassis 4WD5–6 / 10Bin 5 / LEV-III ULEV125All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
Silverado C15 2WD, Silverado K15 4WD6 / 10Bin 4All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body stylePickup
Doors4
GVWR classClass 2H: 9,001 - 10,000 lb (4,082 - 4,536 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders8
Displacement6.6 L
Engine configurationV-Shaped

Fuel Economy

FuelDiesel

Transmission

Drivetrain4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: LT, LTZ, Work Truck/LS/Fleet/Base). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length201.2–235.4 in
Width (body, without mirrors)79.9 in
Height73.6–74.0 in
Wheelbase118.9–153.1 in
Track, front68.9 in
Track, rear67.7 in
Curb weight4,522–5,359 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear56/44 to 60/40

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 10 configurations: 1500 Crew Cab M/Box 2WD, 1500 Crew Cab M/Box 4X4, 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD, 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 4X4, 1500 Double Cab M/Box 2WD, 1500 Double Cab M/Box 4X4 …. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Also on file Beside the 2016 Silverado
Other years The 2027 Silverado Recalls Chevrolet recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

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Recalls (14)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Air Bags

N262569920
1,559 vehicles built Apr 30, 2016 – May 11, 2016
Problem 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. 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFRemedy instructions PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V611000 reported Sep 24, 2026 General Motors, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

N202324251
410,019 vehicles 60% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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. 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. T
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V504000 reported Jul 1, 2021 General Motors, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

N212330040
2,568 vehicles 65% reported repaired
Problem 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. 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V245000 reported Apr 8, 2021 General Motors, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

N202309680
9,279 vehicles
Problem 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. 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. 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
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDF
NHTSA campaign 20V736000 reported Nov 25, 2020 General Motors LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)

N192261050
652,967 vehicles 80% reported repaired built Jan 30, 2013 – Dec 5, 2018
Problem 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. 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V761000 reported Oct 24, 2019 General Motors LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

N192268490
3,456,719 vehicles 75% reported repaired built Jan 30, 2013 – Aug 31, 2017
Problem 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. 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V645000 reported Sep 6, 2019 General Motors LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

18278
42,280 vehicles 77% reported repaired built May 29, 2014 – Jan 25, 2016
Problem 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. Risk 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V578000 reported Aug 30, 2018 General Motors LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

18156
23,004 vehicles 70% reported repaired built Apr 28, 2015 – Jun 6, 2016
Problem 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. 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. 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.
NHTSA campaign 18V291000 reported May 3, 2018 General Motors LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

17287
40,683 vehicles 84% reported repaired built Jan 30, 2013 – Aug 15, 2016
Problem 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) softw 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. 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.
NHTSA campaign 17V437000 reported Jul 10, 2017 General Motors LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

16007
3,640,162 vehicles 90% reported repaired built Jan 30, 2013 – Aug 15, 2016
Problem 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. 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V651000 reported Sep 8, 2016 General Motors LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Suspension

42190
Do not drive 3,738 vehicles 99% reported repaired built Feb 11, 2016 – Apr 8, 2016
Problem 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. 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V256000 reported Apr 28, 2016 General Motors LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Electrical System

15808
139 vehicles 98% reported repaired built Jul 9, 2015 – Oct 12, 2015
Problem 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." 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. 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 15808.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V084000 reported Feb 11, 2016 General Motors LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

20760
430,771 vehicles 89% reported repaired built May 28, 2014 – Feb 1, 2016
Problem 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. Risk 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. 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. 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V069000 reported Feb 5, 2016 General Motors LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

15794
90 vehicles 100% reported repaired built Oct 13, 2015 – Oct 14, 2015
Problem 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. 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. The recall began December 2, 2015. 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 15794.
NHTSA campaign 15V830000 reported Dec 10, 2015 General Motors LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum — Brake Vacuum Pump Failure closed

On November 20, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE18-012 to investigate instances of sudden onset of a hard brake pedal that could result in extended stopping distance due to an issue with the brake assist vacuum pump in model year (MY) 2014 through 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series pickup trucks and MY 2015 through 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon SUVs. If the brake assist vacuum pump fails to operate as intended, the amount of brake power assist supplied to the driver can be significantly reduced, extending the subject vehicle stopping distance. GM stated that the root cause of pump failures was due to

Opened Nov 20, 2018 · closed Apr 10, 2022 · action PE18012 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific Silverado

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2016 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Chevrolet publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Chevrolet’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this Silverado →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
805complaints filed

43 involved a crash · 10 a fire · 17 injuries · 1 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2016: 40 · 2017: 50 · 2018: 90 · 2019: 145 · 2020: 105 · 2021: 70 · 2022: 65 · 2023: 96 · 2024: 48 · 2025: 59 · 2026: 37

Most-cited components

Service Brakes → 267
Power Train → 196
Electrical System → 121
Steering 112
Unspecified 82
Engine → 74

In depth: brake problems → · transmission and drivetrain problems → · electrical problems → · engine problems →

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado HD Crew. The contact stated while driving approximately at 55 mph when the vehicles in front of the contact began to stop abruptly which resulted in the contact crashing the vehicle into another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy.
Air Bags at 34,545 miles Sep 8, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11432137
Electric steering failed at highway speeds multiple times during a long trip, when new. The steering, when out, was very hard to steer but did not lock up or cause any sudden truck movements. The dealership had to replace the electric steering on the new truck. No more issues afterwards
Steering at 200 miles Aug 29, 2016 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10899232
When driving in heavy wet snow at night headlights get covered and make visibility almost 0% lights do not generate any heat on the lens to melt off the snow or ICE
Exterior Lighting at 17,000 miles Nov 21, 2016 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10927265
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact coasted into a parking lot and noticed that the front passenger side axle independently shifted to the rear of the chassis, which potentially caused a spark to the tires.
Power Train at 4,000 miles Nov 15, 2016 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10926288
I purchased my truck in august 2016. I noticed a vibration from 70-80 MPH. Very noticeable in the steering wheel and more recently in the driver seat. It's been to the dealer twice. They picoscoped (service tool) to isolate the vibration. Performed lots of balancing, new tires, drive shaft, differential (ring & pinion).
Structure at 2,700 miles Nov 3, 2016 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10924047
I purchased a new, 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in august of this year. I have been dealing with a vibration related problem at highway speeds in my truck. I have also filed a complaint on the vehicle on this site.
Tires at 350 miles Oct 28, 2016 NHTSA owner report · ODI 10919952

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Chevrolet itself: 162 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 6 killed, 201 injured, as claimed, not verified. Every Silverado model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 48k

miles, typically

Half the 469 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 28,000 and 70,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 60
10k–20k 32
20k–30k 30
30k–40k 56
40k–50k 69
50k–60k 64
60k–70k 34
70k–80k 37
80k–90k 27
90k–100k 14
100k–150k 37
150k + 9

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Service Brakes18050,0001.25×
Power Train8462,0001.19×
Steering8041,0000.85×
Electrical System5342,5000.94×
Unspecified4039,750—
Engine3550,0000.81×
Suspension2313,0000.38×
Electronic Stability Control1846,0001.15×

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2016-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Here, owners reported earlier than same-age vehicles: suspension (0.38×). Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
HYBRID PU/CC RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆18%
PU/CC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆17%
PU/CC RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆18%
PU/EC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆18%
PU/EC RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆17%
PU/RC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆17%
PU/RC RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆18%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 1,160
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-09-26
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 1158 service bulletins, 1 service campaign, 1 other

Most often about: Equipment, Engine, Electrical System, Power Train, Unknown Or Other.

  • PIT5698F Service bulletin
    2026-09-26 · Unknown Or Other
  • This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
  • PIP5700H Service bulletin
    2026-09-21 · Unknown Or Other
  • This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when ordering
  • PIP4902W Service bulletin
    2026-09-04 · Unknown Or Other
  • This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • PIT5099J Service bulletin
    2026-07-21 · Unknown Or Other
  • PI to help diagnose A/C concern
  • PIT5509N Service bulletin
    2026-07-21 · Unknown Or Other
  • This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
  • PIT5509M Service bulletin
    2026-05-14 · Unknown Or Other
  • This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
  • PIT3271Q Service bulletin
    2026-04-01 · Unknown Or Other
  • This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
  • PIP6104 Service bulletin
    2026-03-09 · Unknown Or Other
  • This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
P0300
P0300 on Chevrolet →		Misfire detected, but not isolated to one cylinder.Engine · Ignition coils →9 bulletins · 2 owner reports
C1114
C1114 on Chevrolet →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →8 bulletins
P050D
P050D on Chevrolet →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine3 bulletins · 4 owner reports
P1682
P1682 on Chevrolet →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →7 bulletins
C0398Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train6 bulletins
P2463
P2463 on Chevrolet →		Soot has built up in the diesel particulate filter beyond the allowed limit.Engine6 bulletins
B3055
B3055 on Chevrolet →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →5 bulletins
B3060
B3060 on Chevrolet →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →5 bulletins
B3935
B3935 on Chevrolet →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →5 bulletins
C0710
C0710 on Chevrolet →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electronic Stability Control5 bulletins
U0028
U0028 on Chevrolet →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Steering5 bulletins
P0106
P0106 on Chevrolet →		The manifold pressure sensor reading does not track what the engine is doing.Engine4 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

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At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado failed the emissions check on 7.8% of first inspections — higher than the 4.2% for every 2016 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 2.4% (every 2016 vehicle: 2.2%).

New York inspections 7.8%

failed emissions

6,507 initial inspections of 6,333 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2016 SilveradoEvery 2016 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check7.8%4.2%6,498
Failed the safety inspection2.4%2.2%6,507
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.20%0.27%6,507
Miles driven a year10,97210,028odometer at inspection
Average odometer112,780103,109odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2016 vehicle” is every 2016 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Silverado by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2027 A 0 0 2026 D 6 126 Do not drive2025 B 2 122 492 mi2024 F 8 346 Park outside2023 C 4 393 Park outside2022 F 7 650 Park outside2021 F 9 852 Park outside2020 F 14 748 Park outside2019 F 14 1,099 Park outside2018 F 7 524 20 mpg2017 F 7 839 Do not drive2016 this page F 14 805 Do not drive

Common questions about the 2016 Silverado

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 14 recall campaigns for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, 3 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 18V578000, covering Service Brakes, Hydraulic. 2 of them were filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. There is an active do not drive advisory — act on it before driving. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

NHTSA gave the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 5-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (34/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Across the 14 EPA-rated configurations of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, the best EPA combined figure is 20 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Transport Canada measured it at 201.2–235.4 in long, 79.9 in wide (body, without mirrors), 73.6–74.0 in tall, on a 118.9–153.1 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 4,522–5,359 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Owners have filed 805 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, most often about service brakes, power train, electrical system. Of those, 43 involved a crash, 10 a fire, 17 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

The EPA smog rating for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado runs 5 to 6 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — Bin 4, Bin 5, LEV-III ULEV125 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

The manufacturer has filed 1160 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, most often covering equipment, engine, electrical system. The most recent is dated 2026-09-26. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado failed the emissions check on 7.8% of first inspections — higher than the 4.2% for every 2016 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 2.4% (every 2016 vehicle: 2.2%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations14 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates14 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls14NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints805NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings7 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins1160NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations1NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA8 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Other years The 2027 Silverado The Silverado model year with the cleanest record on file — grade A, 0 recalls.Recalls Every Chevrolet recall on file All campaigns filed against Chevrolet vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this Silverado by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

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