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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-CHEVROLET-SILVERADO NHTSA data synced 3 days ago
2016 · Chevrolet

Chevrolet Silverado problems

791 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 1 active recall campaign on file.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Silverado?
Avoid — the brakes

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the brakes was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

brakes
225 reports · fails ~57,304 mi · avg $450
critical
powertrain
177 reports · fails ~65,721 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
steering
108 reports · fails ~51,836 mi · avg $700
severe
electrical
73 reports · fails ~51,991 mi · avg $850
severe
engine
37 reports · fails ~51,599 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
suspension
22 reports · fails ~45,616 mi · avg $900
moderate
visibility
17 reports · fails ~38,832 mi · avg $350
severe
airbags
16 reports · fails ~28,629 mi · avg $1,100
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2016 Silverado's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2016 Silverado?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2016 Silverado · powertrain
The 2016 silverado has a programming issue for the transmission. When I drive under a load going up a hill it chugs like I have a miss fire issue. The programming is set so it stays in the highest gear for to long when driving in city conditions. It stays in 6th gear going…
2016 Silverado · body
rear window leaking water from top of cab into tru A common problem on chevy and gmc pickup trucks.Danger of mold forming inside of vehicle which is a health hazard.
2016 Silverado · powertrain
Common issue with these trucks shudders while driving on highway Current lawsuit for same problem
2016 Silverado · steering
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Response: Slowing down to make a left turn, Steering locked up, Electrical devices flashing, Service Stabilitrak Indicator, Chimming, Engine shut off then turned back on 2. How…
View all 791 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2016 Chevrolet Silverado? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 15V830000 December 10, 2015

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

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.

Common questions

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 791 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

On the NHTSA data, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the brakes was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 1 fatality report and 21 crash-related complaints on the brakes; Steering: 108 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 31,000–70,000 mi; Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is brakes, with 225 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 57,304 miles. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The brakes is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 57,304 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Chevrolet Silverado has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 791 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $450, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 3 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Chevrolet/Silverado. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Chevrolet. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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