What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Brakes lead the complaint list, followed by the power train, the electrical system and steering.

Does the 2016 Silverado have recalls?

Yes. The by-year fact counts 14 recalls. They are listed in the Recalls section of this page.

How many complaints are there for the 2016 Silverado?

NHTSA has 802 owner complaints on file. They are unverified reports.

What is the gas mileage of the 2016 Silverado?

See the fuel economy section of this page for the EPA figures.

Is the 2016 Silverado a reliable truck?

The complaint groups above show where owners report trouble. The by-year comparison on this page shows how 2016 stands against other years.

2016 Chevrolet Silverado Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 802 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado^[1]. Brakes are the biggest group with 266 complaints^[2].

802owner complaints^[1]

14recalls^[3]

17–20MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

5★NHTSA overall rating^[5]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups in the NHTSA file, biggest first.

Brakes. 266 complaints^[2]. Owners describe a pedal that lost its effect without warning, a front caliper that stuck and ruined a rotor, and worry about stopping power when towing.
Power Train. 195 complaints^[6]. In the stories we read, owners describe shaking at highway speed, rough or slipping shifts, and dealers who said the behavior was normal.
Electrical System. 120 complaints^[7]. Owners describe a dash that went dark while driving, warning chimes with no cause found, and trucks that lost power and stalled at low speed.
Steering. 111 complaints^[8]. Owners describe power steering that quit on the highway, a message asking for service, and a wheel that became very hard to turn.
Unknown or other. 82 complaints^[9].
Engine. 73 complaints^[10].
Suspension. 30 complaints^[11].
Fuel and propulsion system. 26 complaints^[12].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2016 Silverado is necessarily included.

Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator (26V611), September 2026. About 1,559 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator (21V504), July 2021. About 410,019 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, parts separating. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Seat Belts › Front (21V245), April 2021. About 2,568 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[15]
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator (20V736), November 2020. About 9,279 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, parts separating. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[16]
Service Brakes (19V761), October 2019. About 652,967 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[17]
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum (19V645), September 2019. About 3,456,719 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[18]
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages (18V578), August 2018. About 42,280 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[19]
Seat Belts › Front (18V291), May 2018. About 23,004 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[20]
Seat Belts › Pretensioner (17V437), July 2017. About 40,683 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[21]
Seat Belts › Pretensioner (16V651), September 2016. About 3,640,162 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[22]
Suspension › Front › Control Arm (16V256), April 2016. About 3,738 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, steering problems, parts separating. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[23]
Electrical System › Software (16V084), February 2016. About 139 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[24]
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages (16V069), February 2016. About 430,771 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[25]
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive (15V830), December 2015. About 90 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[26]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Silverado C15 Cab Chassis 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[27]	15 / 20 / 17	$3,950
Silverado C15 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive^[28]	16 / 23 / 19	$3,550
Silverado C15 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive^[4]	18 / 23 / 20	$3,350
Silverado C15 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[29]	16 / 23 / 19	$3,550
Silverado C15 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[30]	16 / 22 / 18	$3,700
Silverado C15 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[31]	15 / 21 / 17	$3,950
Silverado K15 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive^[32]	16 / 22 / 18	$3,700
Silverado K15 4WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive^[33]	17 / 22 / 19	$3,550
Silverado K15 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive^[34]	15 / 21 / 17	$3,950
Silverado K15 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive^[35]	16 / 22 / 18	$3,700
Silverado K15 Cab Chassis 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive^[36]	15 / 19 / 17	$3,950
Silverado K15 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive^[37]	15 / 21 / 17	$3,950
Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[38]	18 / 24 / 20	$3,350
Silverado 15 Hybrid 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive^[39]	16 / 21 / 18	$3,700

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
PU/RC 4WD^[5]	5	5	5	4	17.4%
PU/CC 4WD^[40]	5	5	5	4	17.4%
PU/EC 4WD^[41]	5	5	5	4	17.9%
PU/EC RWD^[42]	5	5	5	4	17.4%
PU/CC RWD^[43]	5	5	5	4	17.9%
HYBRID PU/CC RWD^[44]	5	5	5	4	17.9%
PU/RC RWD^[45]	5	5	5	4	17.9%

Engine and size

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB M/BOX 2WD^[46]	235 in	80 in	74 in	153 in	5,161 lb
SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB M/BOX 4X4^[47]	235 in	80 in	74 in	153 in	5,359 lb
SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB S/BOX 2WD^[48]	226 in	80 in	74 in	144 in	5,073 lb
SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB S/BOX 4X4^[49]	226 in	80 in	74 in	144 in	5,278 lb
SILVERADO 1500 DOUBLE CAB M/BOX 2WD^[50]	226 in	80 in	74 in	144 in	5,002 lb
SILVERADO 1500 DOUBLE CAB M/BOX 4X4^[51]	226 in	80 in	74 in	144 in	5,216 lb

How 2016 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Silverado model year. The 2016 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1999	2,247	5
2000	1,919	8
2001	1,344	4
2002	1,219	4
2003	1,500	6
2004	1,420	8
2005	844	8
2006	547	4
2007	1,056	3
2008	1,076	4
2009	520	3
2010	425	3
2011	638	6
2012	284	4
2013	365	5
2014	1,560	19
2015	1,186	18
2016	802	14
2017	839	7
2018	524	7
2019	1,096	10
2020	747	12
2021	847	8
2022	650	6
2023	388	3
2024	342	6
2025	120	1
2026	126	6

NHTSA's counts for the Silverado show 802 complaints and 14 recalls for 2016^[3]. Among the 28 model years listed, 13 have fewer complaints than 2016 and 14 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2025 (120) and the most are for 1999 (2,247)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2016 Silverado?

These are unverified owner reports, and they are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold^[1]. Brakes, the power train and the electrical system are the three biggest complaint groups^[2]^[6]^[7]. Steering follows close behind^[8]. Some complaints mention crashes, so check how any truck you are considering has been repaired^[1]. The recalls and the year comparison on this page give more context^[3].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?: Brakes lead the complaint list, followed by the power train, the electrical system and steering^[2]^[6]^[7]^[8].
Does the 2016 Silverado have recalls?: Yes. The by-year fact counts 14 recalls^[3]. They are listed in the Recalls section of this page.
How many complaints are there for the 2016 Silverado?: NHTSA has 802 owner complaints on file^[1]. They are unverified reports.
What is the gas mileage of the 2016 Silverado?: See the fuel economy section of this page for the EPA figures.
Is the 2016 Silverado a reliable truck?: The complaint groups above show where owners report trouble^[2]^[6]^[7]. The by-year comparison on this page shows how 2016 stands against other years.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado

2000 1,919 complaints, 8 recalls
2004 1,420 complaints, 8 recalls
2014 1,560 complaints, 19 recalls
2015 1,186 complaints, 18 recalls
2016 this page
2017 839 complaints, 7 recalls
2018 524 complaints, 7 recalls
2022 650 complaints, 6 recalls
2025 120 complaints, 1 recall

Compare all model years of the Chevrolet Silverado

Other Chevrolet models from 2016

2016 Chevrolet Colorado 712 complaints, 4 recalls
2016 Chevrolet Cruze 250 complaints, 4 recalls
2016 Chevrolet Equinox 399 complaints, 1 recall
2016 Chevrolet Malibu 865 complaints, 10 recalls
2016 Chevrolet Tahoe 257 complaints, 10 recalls
2016 Chevrolet Traverse 292 complaints, 5 recalls

All Chevrolet models

Similar cars from 2016: special purpose vehicles

2016 Ford Transit Connect 104 complaints, 10 recalls
2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo 127 complaints, 13 recalls

All special purpose vehicles we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 802 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado (43 mention a crash, 10 a fire, 17 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
266 complaints name the brakes component group (28 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Silverado model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Silverado C15 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/RC 4WD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
195 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
120 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 7 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 42,226). NHTSA vehicle records
111 complaints name the steering component group (10 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,000). NHTSA vehicle records
82 complaints name the unknown or other component group (3 crashes, 2 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 33,650). NHTSA vehicle records
73 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,617). NHTSA vehicle records
30 complaints name the suspension component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 10,000). NHTSA vehicle records
26 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 26,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 26V611, filed September 24, 2026: Air Bags › Side / Window › Curtain › Inflator. NHTSA recall database
Recall 21V504, filed July 1, 2021: Air Bags › Side / Window › Curtain › Inflator. NHTSA recall database
Recall 21V245, filed April 8, 2021: Seat Belts › Front. NHTSA recall database
Recall 20V736, filed November 25, 2020: Air Bags › Side / Window › Curtain › Inflator. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V761, filed October 24, 2019: Service Brakes. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V645, filed September 6, 2019: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V578, filed August 30, 2018: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V291, filed May 3, 2018: Seat Belts › Front. NHTSA recall database
Recall 17V437, filed July 10, 2017: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V651, filed September 8, 2016: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V256, filed April 28, 2016: Suspension › Front › Control Arm. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V084, filed February 11, 2016: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V069, filed February 5, 2016: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V830, filed December 10, 2015: Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor / Control Module-Inactive . NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Silverado C15 Cab Chassis 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado C15 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado C15 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado C15 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado C15 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado K15 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado K15 4WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado K15 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado K15 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado K15 Cab Chassis 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado K15 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 15 Hybrid 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 4WD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC 4WD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, HYBRID PU/CC RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/RC RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB M/BOX 2WD: length 235 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 153 in, curb weight 5,161 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB M/BOX 4X4: length 235 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 153 in, curb weight 5,359 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB S/BOX 2WD: length 226 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 144 in, curb weight 5,073 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB S/BOX 4X4: length 226 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 144 in, curb weight 5,278 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SILVERADO 1500 DOUBLE CAB M/BOX 2WD: length 226 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 144 in, curb weight 5,002 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SILVERADO 1500 DOUBLE CAB M/BOX 4X4: length 226 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 144 in, curb weight 5,216 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2016 Chevrolet Silverado: problems, recalls and fuel economy