2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Routine

Owners filed 51 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 6 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
27,000 milesMedian miles at failure

32 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering13
000
Service Brakes9
101
Fuel/Propulsion System8
000
Structure › Body5
000
Engine3
000
Power Train2
000
Exterior Lighting2
000
Air Bags2
200
Wheels › Rim1
000
Wheels1
000

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator21V504000
Filed Jul 1, 2021410,019 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

Risk. A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 18, 2021. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available. Phase I owner notification letters were mailed on May 5, 2022. Phase II owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 31, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. This recall supersedes NHTSA recall number 20V-736. GM's number for this recall is N202324251.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly19V088000
Filed Feb 7, 201918,574 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 GMC Sierra 3500 and Chevrolet Silverado 3500 trucks equipped with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks. The fuel-level sensor in the front tank may stick in a low-level position, allowing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.

Risk. If the front tank overfills, the excess pressure may cause the front tank to expand and contact the driveshaft, possibly resulting in a hole in the tank. The hole will leak fuel, which in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear-tank fuel-pump module, inspect the front tank and, if necessary, replace the front tank, free of charge. The recall began July 30, 2019. GM's number for this recall is N182204190.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages18V578000
Filed Aug 30, 201842,280 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, 1500 Crew Cab Special Service, Tahoe Police Pursuit/Special Service, GMC Sierra 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.

Risk. If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the nut and reinstall the nut with increased tightness, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2018. 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 18278. Note: The vehicles in this recall need this additional remedy despite being covered by recall 16V069 for brake pedal loosening.

Seat Belts › Pretensioner17V437000
Filed Jul 10, 201740,683 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Risk. A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.

Seat Belts › Pretensioner16V651000
Filed Sep 8, 20163,640,162 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Risk. A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages16V069000
Filed Feb 5, 2016430,771 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 1, 2013, to February 1, 2016, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) manufactured March 1, 2014, to February 1, 2016, and 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 29, 2013, to February 1, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.

Risk. If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the brake pedal pivot nut and reinstall with an increased torque, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2016. 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 20760.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Body
Filed Sep 3, 2026TX

Leak is causing black mold, creating an unsafe environment inside the vehicle where child is expected and required by law to be buckled right above a black mold infected carpet and behind headrest

Air BagsCrash
Filed Feb 20, 2026WA

I have now been in 2 serious accidents that resulted in all other vehicles deploying airbags and being totalled, but mine have never deployed and it has been suggested there may be a recall for this

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 20, 2026WA

As I was driving I heard a loud slam under my hood and when I checked the clutch for my AC compressor was gone. The AC no longer works and I have no idea where the parts went. When I looked this up it appears to be a common issue.

Steering
Filed Jun 28, 2025NJ

Power steering intermittently goes out. Mostly when it's hot out, slow speeds, and cornering.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 17, 2025MO

While connected to a RV which has onboard batteries, the truck's brake controller disables the braking system if the batteries on the RV fluctuate in voltage. The truck will give an alert advising "Trailer Brakes Disabled." This has occurred multiple times while pulling my RV which weighs 16,000 pounds, making it unsafe and hard to stop using only the truck's brakes. It happened while traveling through Atlanta, GA and once in Nashville, TN. Chevrolet has at least one TSB on this for similar 2022-2024 2500 and 3500 trucks. This has been a widely reported problem on several RV forums. The truck brake controller will work again if the engine is shut off and turned back on or the trailer is unplugged and re-plugged in the truck. This problem occurred approximately 10 times on my trip from Missouri to Florida in January and about the same number of times when returning to Missouri at the end of February.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 7, 2025VA

On [XXX] while traveling down [XXX] in VA I experienced a catastrophic Bosch CP4 Fuel Pump Failure. Vehicle was towed to Marion Auto Group in Marion, VA and kept for 5 weeks to repair fuel system. We paid $6,500 once we were told the repairs were complete and picked the vehicle up. Within 50 miles of driving, the fuel system error lights/codes began again and the service engine light came on. We called Marion Auto Group, they told us it was warranted for 24 months for parts and labor. We could take it to any Chevy dealer and have it looked at. We made an appt with our local Chevy dealer, Joe Bowman Chevrolet in Harrisonburg, VA. They kept the vehicle for approximately 5-6 weeks. Told us daily about the faulty repairs that Marion Auto Group had made, corrected the faulty repairs, with pictures, videos and even a coffee cup full of bad bolts and weld pieces that they replaced. Marion Auto Group agreed to pay Joe Bowman Chevrolet $5,500 in reimbursement for the work they performed to correct Marion Auto Groups work. When I got in the truck to bring it home and started it, the service engine light came on. They pulled it back in the shop, ran a diagnostic and said we needed some type of sensor ($900) so we scheduled an appt to have that done. Then we took the truck to Tennessee, fuel system failure lights and codes immediately came on. When I stopped to eat, it wouldn't start back. Took the truck to Tarr Chevrolet in Jefferson City TN, they diagnosed it as needing a new fuel line

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 7, 2024TX

I was driving the truck and the dashboard said fuel filter at 0 % entering low power mode. The truck did not accelerate at all and stopped running within 5 minutes . The repair cost almost 9000.00 for a 100.00 fuel filter.

Steering
Filed May 11, 2024WI

The steering is very loose. There are multiple complaints about this. I owned a 2017 GMC 2500 before this and had the same issue. I have not brought this into a shop because I’m not looking forward to the diagnosis & cost. This has been an ongoing issue for years. GM needs to recall something in the steering box. Source: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Oct 11, 2023MI

Probable High Pressure Fuel Pump (CP4) failure resulting in the vehicle stalling without warning. This event has not yet occurred, however due to the high number of vehicles involved in the Stellantis recall which are using the same CP4 pumps which are known to fail, I am scared to drive my truck as the CP4 pump may fail at any time. I have spoken to MANY other GM truck owners who have experienced this failure and it has cost them tens of thousands of dollars. Please open a recall for the CP4 High Pressure Fuel Pump for 2011-2016 GM trucks using this HPFP. Thank you,

Steering
Filed Jul 25, 2023WA

On June 27 2023 we we driving on a two lane highway pulling our travel trailer. We had driven 5 hrs the previous day parked unhooked and drove around the area with no issues. The following morning we left an were just entering the highway speed zone when the truck abruptly crossed the centreline. I managed to correct and stop n the shoulder and noticed 6-8” of play in the steering wheel. I dropped the trailer and slowly drove back to the town to try and see what the issue was. The vehicle continued to move left and right with no input from me. It was determined that the steering box was leaking and when steering was input a thumping could be felt in the tires but not in the steering wheel. The shop determined the box sector shaft adjustment shaft was nearly backed out completely. I contacted the dealership that services my truck about what should be done and they stated “replace the steering box” which we did. Had there been on coming traffic this would have been a fatal or serious collision and it is doubtful this defect would have surfaced as a causal factor.

Steering
Filed May 23, 2023MT

There is excessive play in the steering causing the vehicle to wander. Problem is amplified at freeway speeds or while towing 5th-wheel. On some roads truck will pull one direction till change in road slop cause truck to swerve in opposite direction. Like many others have stated this is a dangerous situation. Problem has not been confirmed by service center on this truck, but manufacturer has issued TSB PIT5501E. There are no warnings messages.

Service Brakes
Filed May 13, 2023TN

Rear passenger side, brakes, locking up keeping the truck from rolling. Replaced the brake fluid line and also both calipers. The brakes are still locking up.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 12, 2023IL

Plugs for brake/running/turn signal lights have moisture and road salt inside and corrode causing brake/running/turn signal light to not operate. I have cleaned the corrosion out multiple times, now the contacts inside the plug have corroded away with the only resolution being to replace the wire harness. Parts are available for inspection. My safety and the safety of others is at risk due to failure of lights to operate. I have not contacted a dealer or service center. I have diagnosed the problem myself and will repair myself when i receive the new wire harness. I have several other individuals who have experienced the same failure as described.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 31, 2022NC

Friday October 8th 2021, my truck shut off in the middle of Chesnee SC within 1/4 mile after filling up with diesel fuel at the Hot Spot in Chesnee. I had it towed to Burns Chevrolet in Gaffney SC for analysis. They determine it was the result of contamination in the fuel and that is not a warranty issue. I would agree that is not the responsibility of Chevrolet and I authorized them to make the repairs. They did what you would normally expect with the exception of one thing. They came back and said they had to replace the fuel transfer line between the fuel tanks. Said it was kinked. I questioned how water in the fuel could cause that to happen but they said the contamination was the root cause and I had to pay to fix that as well. I requested a sample of the contamination and all parts replaced. That charge was included on the invoice and I paid it. There are other issues with the quality of the service which included returning the next day because the water contamination light came on again. They had to bleed the newly installed fuel filter there in the parking lot and the light went off. When I got home and inspected the replaced parts, I found that the fuel transfer line not only was kinked, but also ruptured. I just retired from an OEM as a quality specialist, and many of my parts were safety critical. I would be willing to bet that the Tier 1 supplier does not have a ruptured fuel line ranked very high on their FEMA plan due to the probability of water causing a kink l

Air BagsCrash
Filed Dec 13, 2021MN

During snow removal the night of December 10, 2021 into the morning of December 11, 2021, vehicle was in reverse traveling approximately 10-20 mph (actual speed at impact is unknown). Upon impact with a tree in the rear of the truck, the airbag system in the vehicle was engaged. The seatbelts locked up, and the airbag chemicals in the steering wheel and front passenger airbag compartment were activated, however, none of the airbags physically deployed. Attached phots will show the source of impact. The frame is likely twisted. Additional photos attached show that the seat belts locked up and that the airbag system was engaged without deployment of bags. Currently working with Mankato Motors Co, 1815 Madison Ave, Mankato, MN 56001, with a phone number of 507-625-5641. Vehicle has not been inspected yet to provide full report of findings and damage assessment. Vehicle was drivable to move from incident location to my residents and current location of the vehicle is 638 Clay Ct., Mankato, MN 56001. Vehicle has been washed to show all damage and provide for ease of investigation and inspection.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 11, 2021MI

Driving my truck, without a trailer, the "Service Trailer Brakes Soon" fault came on my truck. This is a known problem that GM is aware of with their ITBC system for YEARS & have done selective recalls for. This a hazard to the motoring public. There is no warning when this fault happens while pulling a trailer & when it does pop up, you lose all trailer brakes. I had the same problem with my 2010 Silverado, after numerous visits to the dealership & thousands of dollars & filed complaints with GM & NHTSA, nothing was done. When taken to the dealership, if the fault isn't on the screen, they claim they can't find or fix the problem. I pull a 10,000 pound 5th wheel, I need trailer brakes when I apply them.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 8, 2021TX

SERPENTINE BELT BROKE . I HAVE IT AVAILABLE. RECOMMENDED SERVICE IS 150K MILES OR 10 YEARS . IT BROKE AT 55K AND 5 YEARS. LOST BRAKE AND STEERING ASSIST. ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP OR TURN VEHICLE. IT IS A DIESEL AND USES HYDRAULIC ASSIST. DEALER REPLACED BELT COULD NOT DETERMINE CAUSE OF PROBLEM. HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED. NO WARNING.

Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 14, 202116,000 milesWA

BRAKES ARE NOT EFFICIENT. THEY NEED ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF PRESSURE TO STOP. OR BRAKE PEDALS MUST BE APPLIED(PUMPED) SEVERAL TIMES TO STOP BETTER WITH LESS PRESSURE.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 21, 202052,000 milesMN

DRIVERS DOOR LATCH SCREWS HAVE LOOSENED- 1 OF 3 SCREWS MISSING. IF THE OTHER 2 BREAK OR FALL OUT, THE DRIVERS DOOR COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY. THE TRUCK HAS LESS THAN 52,000MILES ON IT.

Steering
Filed Dec 11, 201970,000 milesCT

I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK IN OCTOBER 2019. WHILE OUT ON THE TEST DRIVE, I NOTICED 2 TO 3 INCHES OF FREE PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I ASKED THEM TO LOOK INTO IT AND THEY FOUND A BOLT IN THE STEERING BOX HAD BACKED OUT ABOUT A HALF INCH ON IT'S OWN. THEY FOUND A TSB FROM GM SAYING TO USE LOCTITE ON THE BOLT. THEY FIXED IT AND EVERYTHING HAS BEEN GOOD FOR TWO MONTHS. I AM NOW STARTING TO FEEL FREE PLAY AGAIN AND THE STEERING ITSELF FEELS VERY LOOSE/ NO STIFFNESS AT ALL WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. I'VE SEEN MANY OWNERS IN MANY DIFFERENT FORUMS COMPLAIN ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE AND I FEAR FOR MY FAMILIES SAFETY WHEN TOWING OUR HEAVY CAMPER NEXT YEAR ON VACATION. GM NEEDS TO RECALL THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED.

20 of 51 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2000
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20262300Routine
202512120Routine
202449302Fatalities reported
202315100Routine
202227310Routine
202140510Routine
202042810Routine
201922700Routine
201819600Routine
201713600Routine
2016 — this page51600Routine
201552730Routine
201410310Routine
201326410Routine
201223401Fatalities reported
201129500Routine
20102501Fatalities reported
200910610Routine
200831410Routine
200739520Routine
200652031Fatalities reported
200546100Routine
200441100Routine
200342110Routine
200250200Routine
200172210Routine
200080210Routine
199947100Routine
199867120Routine
199761110Routine
19961000Routine
19941000Routine

Compare every Silverado 3500 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 1, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.