2016 Chevrolet Silverado problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 798 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, filed between 2016-02-24 and 2026-09-18. The most common problem areas are the service brakes (255, 32%), power train (193, 24%) and electrical system (120, 15%). Owners reported 43 crashes, 10 fires, 17 injuries and 1 death in these complaints. NHTSA lists 14 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Chevrolet Silverado complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 255 | 32% | 28 | 0 | 4 |
| Power train | 193 | 24% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 120 | 15% | 3 | 7 | 0 |
| Steering | 111 | 14% | 10 | 0 | 2 |
| Unknown or other | 82 | 10% | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Engine | 72 | 9% | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 30 | 4% | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 26 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 21 | 3% | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Wheels | 21 | 3% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 20 | 3% | 8 | 0 | 12 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 19 | 2% | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 16 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 15 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 11 | 1% | 2 | 0 | 2 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Service brakes: 255 complaints
- 255 complaints of 798 (32%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 15 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 28 crashes, 4 injuries and 1 death in these complaints.
- 4 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado; the latest, campaign 19V761000, says: “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…”
Power train: 193 complaints
- 193 complaints of 798 (24%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 16 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado covers this system.
Electrical system: 120 complaints
- 120 complaints of 798 (15%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 39 of them also name the steering; owners reported 3 crashes and 7 fires in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado; the recall, campaign 16V084000, says: “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.”
Steering: 111 complaints
- 111 complaints of 798 (14%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 39 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 10 crashes and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado covers this system.
Engine: 72 complaints
- 72 complaints of 798 (9%) name the engine.
- 16 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 fires in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado covers this system.
Suspension: 30 complaints
- 30 complaints of 798 (4%) name the suspension — springs, shocks and struts, control arms and ball joints.
- 11 of them also name the wheels; owners reported 2 crashes and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado; the recall, campaign 16V256000, says: “The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.”
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 37 |
| 2017 | 50 |
| 2018 | 90 |
| 2019 | 145 |
| 2020 | 105 |
| 2021 | 70 |
| 2022 | 65 |
| 2023 | 96 |
| 2024 | 47 |
| 2025 | 59 |
| 2026 | 34 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names SILVERADO, SILVERADO 1500, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado's most common problem areas are the service brakes (255 of 798 complaints), power train (193 of 798 complaints) and electrical system (120 of 798 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado have?
NHTSA has 798 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, including 43 reported crashes and 10 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado's problems?
NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado; 3 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.