2016 Chevrolet Silverado
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Brakes
Brakes leads by volume: 280 of 798 complaints (35%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 1,179 in 2015 to 798 in 2016.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | vs. 2016 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,100–3,650 | 3,100–3,650 | 3,100–3,650 | 3,100–3,650 | 3,100–4,550 | |
| Combined MPG | 17–20 | 17–20 | 17–20 | 17–20 | 17–20 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 14–18 / 20–23 | 15–18 / 19–24 | 15–18 / 19–24 | 15–18 / 19–24 | 15–18 / 19–24 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 449–536 | 447–537 | 447–537 | 447–533 | 447–524 | |
| Complaints filed | 1,558 | 1,179 | 798 | 836 | 515 | |
| Recalls issued | 20 | 18 | 13 | 6 | 7 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 75 | 61 | 42 | 49 | 10 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 18 | 16 | 10 | 15 | 4 | |
| Injuries reported | 41 | 35 | 16 | 21 | 11 | |
| Deaths reported | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| Configurations compared | 3 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado have?
13 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?
Brakes: 280 of 798 NHTSA complaints (35%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado get?
EPA rates it 17–20 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?
EPA estimates $3,100–$3,650 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (14)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 6-spd | 8 | 5.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD | 15 mpg (low) | 20 mpg | 17 mpg (low) | $3,650 (high) | 525 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 6-spd | 8 | 5.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 16 mpg | 23 mpg | 19 mpg | $3,300 | 480 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 6-spd | 6 | 4.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 18 mpg (high) | 23 mpg | 20 mpg (high) | $3,100 (low) | 449 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 6-spd | 8 | 5.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 16 mpg | 23 mpg | 19 mpg | $3,300 | 480 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 8-spd | 8 | 5.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 16 mpg | 22 mpg | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 492 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 8-spd | 8 | 6.2L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 15 mpg (low) | 21 mpg | 17 mpg (low) | $3,650 (high) | 526 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 6-spd | 8 | 5.3L | 4-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 16 mpg | 22 mpg | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 496 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 6-spd | 6 | 4.3L | 4-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 17 mpg | 22 mpg | 19 mpg | $3,300 | 475 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic 8-spd | 8 | 5.3L | 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 15 mpg (low) | 21 mpg | 17 mpg (low) | $3,650 (high) | 521 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic 6-spd | 8 | 5.3L | 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 16 mpg | 22 mpg | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 493 g/mi |
| Configuration 11 | Automatic 6-spd | 8 | 5.3L | 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Special Purpose Vehicle 4WD | 15 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | $3,650 (high) | 537 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 12 | Automatic 8-spd | 8 | 6.2L | 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 15 mpg (low) | 21 mpg | 17 mpg (low) | $3,650 (high) | 519 g/mi |
| Configuration 13 | Automatic 8-spd | 8 | 5.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 18 mpg (high) | 24 mpg (high) | 20 mpg (high) | $3,100 (low) | 447 g/mi (low) |
Show 1 more configuration
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 14 | Automatic 8-spd | 8 | 5.3L | 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 16 mpg | 21 mpg | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 489 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 73 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 193 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 27 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 120 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 280 | 29 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
| Steering | 111 | 10 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 44 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 28 | 7 | 0 | 11 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 17 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 25 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 37 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 83 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (13)
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR · Campaign 21V504000 · Jul 2, 2021
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.
Consequence: 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.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT · Campaign 21V245000 · Apr 8, 2021
Defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2014-2015 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have received an incorrect replacement tensioner cable assembly as part of a previous recall remedy or a subsequent repair. The flexible steel cable connecting the driver's seat belt to the outboard side of the seat may be repeatedly bent over the seat side shield as the driver enters and exits the vehicle causing the cable to fatigue and separate.
Consequence: A broken pretensioner cable reduces the effectiveness of the driver's seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver seat belt lap pretensioner, free of charge. The recall began on May 5, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212330040.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR · Campaign 20V736000 · Nov 27, 2020
Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator.
Consequence: If the end cap separates from the inflator, the compressed gas will escape and the end cap can be propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RRAB modules on the left and/or right side, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on December 22, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. Note: GM filed a new recall, number 21V-504 that supersedes this recall. All vehicles previously recalled under 20V-736 will now be repaired under the new recall number 21V-504. GM's numbers for this recall are N202309680, N202309681, and N202309682.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING; SERVICE BRAKES · Campaign 19V761000 · Oct 25, 2019
Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Consequence: Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM · Campaign 19V645000 · Sep 9, 2019
Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Consequence: As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES · Campaign 18V578000 · Sep 5, 2018
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.
Consequence: 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:FRONT · Campaign 18V291000 · May 7, 2018
Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe Police Pursuit and Special-Service vehicles. The flexible steel cable connecting the driver's seat belt to the outboard side of the seat may be repeatedly bent over the seat side shield as the driver enters and exits the vehicle causing the cable to fatigue and separate.
Consequence: If the pretensioner cable becomes fatigued or breaks, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pretensioner cable and seat side-shield, free of charge. The recall began June 19, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18156.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER · Campaign 17V437000 · Jul 12, 2017
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.
Consequence: 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER · Campaign 16V651000 · Sep 8, 2016
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.
Consequence: 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.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM · Campaign 16V256000 · Apr 28, 2016
Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.
Consequence: Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right front upper control arms and realign the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Until the repairs have been made, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 42190.
Show 3 earlier campaigns
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · Campaign 16V084000 · Feb 11, 2016
Defect: Genera Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, Malibu, Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles. The radio may intermittently fail to provide an audio warning when the key has been left in the ignition and the door is opened or when the driver does not fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection", and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, 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 15808.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES · Campaign 16V069000 · Feb 5, 2016
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.
Consequence: 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE · Campaign 15V830000 · Dec 10, 2015
Defect: 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. In the affected vehicles, the mounting stud used to secure the air bag sensing and diagnostic Module (SDM) may be incorrectly positioned, and as a result, the SDM housing could fracture.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.