Complaints about the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 peaked in 2020, with 18 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Pickup, diesel, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Oct 7, 2016 to Aug 26, 2026.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V-611 | Sep 24, 2026 | Left-side or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture | Airbags | 1,559 | Part replacement |
| 21V-504 | Jul 1, 2021 | Roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture | Airbags | 410,019 | Part replacement |
| 18V-578 | Aug 30, 2018 | Brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative | Brakes | 42,280 | Repair or modification |
| 17V-437 | Jul 10, 2017 | While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy… | Airbags | 40,683 | Software update |
| 16V-651 | Sep 8, 2016 | In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test | Airbags | 3,640,162 | Software update |
| 16V-069 | Feb 5, 2016 | On the affected vehicles, the brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative | Brakes | 430,771 | Repair or modification |
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
123 complaints on file, page 1 of 7.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA complaint 11759838the vehicle developed a extremely hard down shift and then a check engine light came on. the vehicle went into limp mode, took the vehicle to local diesel mechanic and i was informed that the transmission was bad and had to be replaced, while replacing the transmission i was also told the transfer case was making noise and needed to be replaced. this happened in November of 2025 and the parts are not available. This happened while i was towing our trailer across a bridge when the traffic came to a sudden stop, once traffic started moving we could not get up to speed thus causing a traffic hazard. yes the repair shop was able to recreate the issue there were no warnings prior to the failure. I know GM has had issues with transmissions in newer models, i did not know that there was a process like this prior to getting my vehicle repaired and i needed it repaired as soon as possible. that is why i went to and independant repair facility.
NHTSA complaint 11723400While driving down the road at 60 mph the roof and side airbags deployed on both sides of the Truck with no collision only driving down the road. The vehicle was inspected by GM and they claiming no defect on their side. However Recall N202324251 Roof Rail Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, for other 2016 Chevy Silverado's 2500 exists. This is large safety issue and wondering if the VIN was missed given this happened for the same recall. GM Allegations department has said they will not pay to fix, but didn't provide the reason for the cause of the airbag deployment.
NHTSA complaint 11716586Had new Western Wideout snowplow (recommended by Western) installed by Western dealership on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500hd with the factory snow plow prep package (RPO VYU). Vehicles instrument cluster, HVAC, Radio and other electrical systems cut out while operating snowplow. GM is well aware of this issue per GM Service Bulleting NO.: PIT5387C (Feb 2016) through PIT5387P (10/17/2024), as well as GM Upfitter Integration UI Bulletin #124K (11/7/2019). All list this specific vehicle. This issue effects snowplows by all manufactures and is not confined to Western. Per the above bulletins published by GM, GM is to supply and install a wiring harness under a unique one time warranty procedure that does not expire with the vehicles base warranty. GM dealerships as well as GM's consumer assistance hotline state that GM part number 84043394 (fitting 2014-2019 vehicles) referenced to in PIT5387C and other bulletins has been discontinued. UP Bulletin 124k refers to and instructs to install GM part number 84288774 VYU Snow Plow Jumper harness per the latest version of GM service Bulletin PIT5387. With a note stating "this jumper harness and installation will be provided (one time) without charge". GM dealerships and GM customer assistance (parts) state that PN 84288774 does not appear in their parts system as a valid GM part. The official GM parts store [XXX] lists this part but shows that it does not fit this vehicle. Therefore neither GM nor Western is able to provide any actionable solution to this known and documented issue. GM manufactured, sold, promoted, advertised and continues to state that snowplows can be installed on these vehicles with (or without) GM's factory snow plow prep option. Additionally GM continues to issue and publish Bulletins instructing GM dealerships how to fix this issue despite being fully aware of this impossibility. GM has also made it impossible for GM to honor GM's own warranty that is still in effect for A KNOWN SAFTY ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI
NHTSA complaint 11706942Had new Western Wideout snowplow (recommended by western) installed by Western dealership on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500hd with snow plow prep package. Vehicle's Instrument cluster, HVAS, Radio and other electrical systems cut out while operating snowplow. GM is well aware of this issue which has been discussed and documented per GM Service Bulletin No.: PIT5387C (Feb 2016)- PIT5387P (10/17/2024), as well as GM Upfitter Integration UI Bulletin #124k (11/7/2019). Western states the fix for this issue is for GM to supply and install a wiring harness (per the above GM bulletins) GM dealerships as well as GM consumer assistance hotline state that GM part number 84043394 (fitting 2014-2019 vehicles) referenced to in PIT5387 and other bulletins has been discontinued. Therefore GM can not nor will ever be able to obtain or install this wiring harness in the future. GM Upfitter Integration Bulletin #124K instructs to install a different part number 84288774 VYU Snow Low Jumper harness per the latest Version of GM Service Bulletin PIT5387. "Note: that this jumper harness and installation will be provided (one time) without charge." GM dealerships state PN 84288774 does not appear in their system as a valid GM part. Parts. The official GM parts store at [XXX] , list this part but shows it does not fit this vehicle. Therefore neither GM nor Western is able to provide any actionable solution to this KNOWN safety issue. Western (and other manufactures) still manufacturing, recommending and installing snowplows for this specific vehicle. GM, manufactured, sold, promoted, advertises and continues to recommend snowplows to be installed on these vehicles (with the GM factory snow plow prep option), and continues to issue bulletins instructing GM dealerships how to fix this issue despite being fully aware GM cannot supply these parts. Therefor GM has made it impossible for GM to honor their own warranty that still currently in effect, for a KNOWN SAFTEY ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
NHTSA complaint 11706936The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving 45-55 MPH and hauling a trailer, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was shuddering abnormally, and the wheels locked up for approximately 4-seconds. The contact stated that the transmission was shifting hard. The thermostat light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was no under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
NHTSA complaint 11690247Tranmission isn't running right and gas and brakes are not working properly. Also fuel pump or relay gets hot shuts off while driving.
NHTSA complaint 11665358Transmission was acting funny. Check engine light came on. Took it to a reputable transmission shop who stated it needs a full rebuild due to bad torque converter. $5500. The truck only has 65k mi.
NHTSA complaint 11658381Truck is under 105000 miles and needs a transmission due to a failed torque converter. First starts with erratic speeds in cruise control mode that is unsafe then will not shift into overdrive causing overheating issues.
NHTSA complaint 11654784The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.
NHTSA complaint 11654508Steering is loose/has play. Vehicle shakes with driving. Steering gear box is leaking. Issue puts myself and others at risk due to the sudden pulling to either side while driving. Vehicle will be inspected in the next week.
NHTSA complaint 11649922Transmission needed rebuild at 108000 miles. Lifter failure in engine which damaged camshaft at 120000 miles. Each costing thousands in dollars of repairs probably close to $10000.
NHTSA complaint 11649249The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a diagnostic scanner and retrieved DTC: P21DD. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the redundant tank reservoir and module kits were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact used a diagnostic scanner and retrieved DTC: P205B. The vehicle was taken to Abel Chevrolet (280 N Front St, Rio Vista, CA 94571), where the redundant tank assembly was replaced under GM Campaign Number: N192210260. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that he was concerned that the repair was a temporary fix. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
NHTSA complaint 11649076The motor started running bad and within seconds it stopped no other signs or problems
NHTSA complaint 11645994At only 71,000 miles the 6L90 transmission had to be replaced in my Silverado because of slippage in fifth, sixth and heavy metal shaving showing in the pan. I have never plowed with this truck or abused the transmission. I've only towed up to 7,000 lbs which is well within specifications. As I continue to talk with other owners of the 6L90 and various mechanics, it has become evident that this particular transmission has a very high failure rate. Unfortunately the core to the failed transmission has already been returned, but what if something major internally failed that locked up the drivetrain and caused an accident? My mechanic John Portal has replaced several 6L90's with multiple types of failures. The only warning I received from the transmission was an engine light which only appeared after the transmission started to fail.
NHTSA complaint 11632586The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the instrument cluster intermittently switched between safety features and the radio. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was scheduled for a diagnostic test within the next several days. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to several dealers for diagnostic tests; however, the contact declined the diagnostic test due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint 11629596Security Gateway Module has failed 5 times. When it fails there is no backup camera and nothing in the radio console works. Dealer replaces after several weeks and it breaks again
NHTSA complaint 11618928Chevy Duramax trucks, 2011-2016 use a CP4 fuel pump that will eventually fail. The engine shuts off and there is a loss of steering and brakes. This is a major safety issue. I called Chevy GM 1800 222 1020 and was told, " we are aware of the problem, have no remedy, no recall has been issued yet, call back in a month". My daughter has a 2015 that failed when she was hauling expensive horses, the dealer put the same type defective pump back in the truck. Every diesel repair shop, dealer, and GM is aware of this defect. There is a class action law suit C/O JND Seattle WA. 1 866 848 0815 that may reimburse owners that have had a failure, assuming they are still alive. GM needs to recall, and replace these CP4 pumps with a CP3 or whatever they did to correct the issue in 2017 and later engines, prior to failure. Let ne know if I can provide any more information or assistance.
NHTSA complaint 11618920- Electronic power steering assist malfunctioning. Available for inspection - Vehicle jerks steering to the left or right at highway speeds, causing near miss accidents. - Dealer performed alignment and did not know how to fix. They were able to replicate the issue. - No other inspection - "Service Power Steering Drive With Care" message intermittently displays and almost immediately goes away. No check engine light or other warning lights.
NHTSA complaint 11616188The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the fuel injection pump and diesel particulate filter. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the catalytic converter and fuel injector sensor. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 174,000.
NHTSA complaint 11572946Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.