This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on at low mileage. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0420 and or P0430 stored. Technician should be advised that the catalytic converter efficiency Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0420 and P0430 are disabled for the first hour of engine run time to allow break-in of the catalytic converter. Technician will need to use a Tech2 to check the verify engine run time on the Engine Hour Meter in the Instrument Panel Cluster Data Display/Data 1 List in the scan tool match. If the engine run time is less tha
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Chevrolet Silverado engine problems
moderate 37 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
37
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire
What stands out
Owners have filed 37 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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 engineering informational bulletin requests information from the field from vehicles that have the condition of a Check Engine Light, delayed shifts and/or the transmission stuck in gear.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN ABOUT VEHICLE THAT MAY HAVE BLACK SMOKE ON A COLD START. A DUAL-PULSE INJECTION STRATEGY IS UTILIZED DURING ENGINE COLD START TO REDUCE THE TIME REQUIRED TO BRING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER UP TO OPERATING TEMPERATURE. THIS SPLIT INJECTION STRATEGY LASTS FOR ABOUT 60 SECONDS ON COLD START. THIS PROCESS MAY CAUSE THE CUSTOMER TO SEE INCREASED BLACK SMOKE DURING COLD START AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED NORMAL.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN ON VEHICLES THAT MAY HAVE AN INTERMITTENT HIGH IDLE. IF A TECHNICIAN HAS DUPLICATED, OR THE CUSTOMER DESCRIPTION ALIGNS WITH THE SPEEDS MENTIONED IN THE IDLE SPEED DESCRIPTION TABLES, THE IDLE SPEED SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF CURRENT VEHICLE DESIGN.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides information on close coupled converters and there affect on newly installed engines or engines during there break in period.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2016 Silverado 5.3L and 6.2L engines are plagued by lifter collapse tied to the Active Fuel Management (AFM/DFM) cylinder-shutoff system. Failures strike without warning—ticking progresses to violent "jack hammer" noises, metal fragments appear in the oil, and the engine quits. Some owners lose power on the highway at 60+ mph. Repairs run $8,000–$15,000 for complete engine replacement or cylinder head work. Worst part: it repeats. One owner has had three lifter failures in two years (April 2023, November 2023, December 2025), each on a different engine or rebuilt component.
Radiators are the second major defect. Cracks form at the seams, typically driver-side, around 60,000–80,000 miles. Coolant leaks without triggering warnings. One dealership reported performing seven radiator replacements in a single season. GM covers the fix only on 2014 Silverados, not 2016.
Oil cooling lines fail early (44,000–47,000 miles), forcing replacement; GM offers a satisfaction program for 2019 trucks with the same problem but refuses to extend it to 2016 owners. Fuel pumps can fail without prior indication, causing complete power loss while driving—a serious highway hazard. AC condensers leak freon, AC cooling lines develop internal corrosion, and cylinders can fill with coolant due to compromised head gaskets. Dealers often blame "poor fuel" or claim issues are normal; they deny warranty coverage based on age rather than mileage.
Same Chevrolet Silverado engine reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Lifter and Camshaft Failure (AFM/DFM system)
Hydraulic valve lifters collapse or fail prematurely, often associated with GM's Active Fuel Management (AFM) or Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) system. Failure can cause lifter-to-camshaft wear, pushrod issues, and requires engine or cylinder head replacement. Multiple owners report repeated failures even after repair or engine replacement.
When: Reported between 1,800 miles and 100,000 miles; several cases under 80,000 miles despite light duty use and regular maintenance
Symptoms owners cite: Loud ticking or tapping noise from engine, progressing to 'jack hammer' sounds; Check engine light illumination; Loss of power while driving; Engine stalling; Rough idle or hard shifting in transmission; Violent vibration and hesitation; Metal fragments in drained oil
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement ($8,375–$14,064 including labor, injectors, oil); cylinder head and lifter replacement; pushrod and rocker arm repair. Some owners report installing 'delete kit' to disable AFM/DFM.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSB N212353840 mentioned, requiring lifter replacement on unsold vehicles but not sold units). Some repairs covered under warranty if within 3 years/36,000 miles; warranty denial common for older/higher-mileage vehicles. Dealers have blamed poor fuel quality and recommended Top Tier fuel.
Radiator Leaks and Failures
Radiators develop cracks or leaks, typically at the seams or driver-side lower corner. Coolant seeps out, reducing system capacity and causing overheating. Multiple dealers have reported this as a seasonal pattern (one dealer reported 7 in one season). Affects 2014–2018 model years; only 2014s are covered under GM customer programs.
When: Between 60,000 and 80,000 miles in most reports; can occur as early as 15,600 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leaks visible beneath vehicle or from radiator seams; Low coolant levels requiring repeated top-ups; Engine overheating, especially when towing or in hot weather; No warning lights in early stages; Overheating worsens with AC on or under load
Repairs/costs cited: Full radiator replacement required. One owner reported dealership identified a cracked seam on the right/driver-side of radiator.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM only covers radiator failure under warranty for 2014 Silverados, not 2016 models. No customer satisfaction program or recall mentioned for 2016 units.
Oil Cooling Line Leaks
Oil cooling lines (which regulate engine oil temperature) develop leaks, allowing oil to escape and engine oil to overheat. Failures occur at low mileage and are associated with a manufacturing defect. A customer satisfaction program exists for 2019 Silverados (GM program N212326940) but not for 2016 units.
When: As early as 44,000–47,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking from cooling lines; Repeated oil pan leaks despite repair; Oil temperature concerns
Repairs/costs cited: Oil cooling line replacement required; dealership initially misdiagnosed as oil pan leak. Parts not covered under powertrain warranty according to dealer response.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has a Customer Satisfaction Program (N212326940) for 2019 Silverados but reportedly not extended to 2016 models with the same issue.
Fuel Pump Failure
Fuel pump stops working, cutting off fuel supply to the engine and causing complete power loss while driving. Can occur suddenly without prior warning. Safety-critical failure on highway.
When: One case at 96,000 miles; timing unclear in other cases
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power while driving; Check engine light activation; Engine stalling; No warning signs prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement estimated at over $800. One case required full harness replacement along with fuel pump.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Coolant in Cylinder (Head Gasket or Coolant Passage Leak)
Coolant enters the combustion chamber or cylinder, typically via a compromised cylinder head or intake gasket. This can cause rough idle, misfire codes, and requires cylinder head replacement.
When: 18 months old, 15,600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and rough idle shortly after startup; Coolant entering cylinder
Repairs/costs cited: Cylinder head replacement required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented in narrative.
AC System Freon Leaks
Air conditioning system loses refrigerant due to poor design and manufacturing of AC components. Freon leaks out uncontrolled, requiring repeated recharges. One owner notes this is a pattern across multiple GM vehicle platforms.
When: Around 65,000 miles in one case; leaks can develop within days of recharge in severe cases
Symptoms owners cite: AC loses cooling capacity; Requires frequent recharging; Leak from condenser (observed cracks in condenser housing)
Repairs/costs cited: AC condenser replacement and freon refill; one shop recommended vacuum service as well.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; owner notes GM is aware but has taken no corrective action.
Engine Overheating Under Load
Engine reaches elevated temperatures when pulling a trailer uphill or during sustained work, despite coolant level being adequate and within manufacturer specs. Transmission fluid also reaches 212°F. Occurs on hot days in California, worsened by AC use.
When: Occurred during trailer towing on hot days
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating gauge rising; Transmission fluid temperature at 212°F; Overheating worse when AC is on
Repairs/costs cited: Temporary fix: activating heat in summer; no permanent repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented. Truck was rated for towing and owner was not exceeding load or speed limits.
Power Loss and Stalling (Intermittent)
Engine stalls or loses power while driving at various speeds without warning. Failures are often intermittent and difficult to reproduce, making diagnosis challenging. Some cases accompanied by burning odor.
When: As early as 29,999 miles; also at 37,000 and 83,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine stall at low speed (35 mph) without warning; Burning odor prior to stall (in one case); Loss of steering power when engine shuts down; Vehicle regains power after restart
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple visits to dealers; mechanics unable to duplicate failure or identify root cause. No permanent repair completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in some cases; no assistance or diagnosis offered.
Oil Consumption
Engine burns excessive oil between oil changes. Owners report this is not normal for newer vehicles and is not acknowledged by dealer as a defect.
When: Owner reports beginning before or shortly after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level dropping between service intervals
Repairs/costs cited: None documented; dealer claims it is acceptable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer states excessive oil burn is normal/acceptable for this truck model.
Synthesized from 37 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?
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 engine problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 37 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 37,000 and 78,000 miles, with the median around 53,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,000; a quarter make it past 78,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/Silverado.
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.