This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Chevrolet 3500 powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Chevrolet 3500 have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 3500 (this page) | 3 |
| 2020 3500 | 9 |
When does it fail?
Of the 3 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Chevrolet 3500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Chevrolet 3500 we track for powertrain problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (3).
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin provides a procedure for the techs to replace the forward check ball and separator plate if found the cause of the customers concern of No Forward Gear When Shifting from Park to Drive and/or Reverse to Drive.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin provides a procedure for the techs to replace the forward check ball and separator plate if found the cause of the customers concern of No Forward Gear When Shifting from Park to Drive and/or Reverse to Drive.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
We have had repeated instances, where engine light comes on, and fuel guage flat lines. If you can not get to a qualified dealer soon enough, vehicle shuts down without warning[actually it remains running until it almost comes to a complete stop]. We have had to instances of shut down, and at least 6 instances altogether of engine light/ fuel guage flat line. This has all happened since vehicle…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2016 Chevrolet 3500?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2016 Chevrolet 3500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 23,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Chevrolet/3500.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.