2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

123 federal complaints (157 component records) · 6 recall campaigns on file · 1726 service bulletins · 15 Canadian recalls
See all 33 model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 →
Engine
5.3L 8-cyl
Fuel
Gasoline Or E85, Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
16 city / 23 hwy
Federal complaints
123
Recall campaigns
6
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Steering
49
Power train
18
Electrical system
18
Brakes
15
Fuel system
9
Engine & cooling
8
Other
7
Body & structure
5
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 7 complaints01 years old: 15 complaints2 years old: 15 complaints3 years old: 15 complaints4 years old: 19 complaints5 years old: 8 complaints56 years old: 17 complaints7 years old: 10 complaints8 years old: 4 complaints9 years old: 12 complaints10 years old: 1 complaints1011 years old: 0 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 123 of 123 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 20 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 19 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 15 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 10 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 1 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 4 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 2 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 1 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 1 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 1 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 75 of 123 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Steering

49 complaint records1 crash report
"'STEERING EXTREMELY LOOSE; STEERING BOX LEAKING FLUID. STEERING WORSENS AT HIGHER SPEEDS, HARD TO KEEP STRAIGHT ON ROAD DUE TO EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING WHEEL...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →

Power train

18 complaint records1 crash report
"TRANSMISSION COOLANT LINE FROM THE TRANSMISSION TO TRANS COOLER LEAKING AT CRIMP ON HOSE LEAKS AND THEN BRAKE COMPLETELY CAUSING TRANS FLUID TO BE LOST AND LOST OF VEHICLE USE..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Electrical system

18 complaint records2 fire reports
"Tranmission isn't running right and gas and brakes are not working properly. Also fuel pump or relay gets hot shuts off while driving...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
26V611000Air BagsGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500, GMC Sierra 2500/3500 vehicles, and 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles.Normally free
21V504000Air BagsGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks.Normally free
18V578000Service Brakes, HydraulicGeneral 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.Normally free
17V437000Seat BeltsGeneral 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...Normally free
16V651000Seat BeltsGeneral 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...Normally free
16V069000Service Brakes, HydraulicGeneral 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...Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2024294
2024-05-24
Electrical4,699Issue: On certain trucks, the repairs completed by a General Motors dealer during recall N192220470 (Transport Canada recall no. 2019-325) or customer satisfaction program no. N192270330 may not have been completed properly.
2021410
2021-07-01
Airbag34,366Issue: On certain trucks, the side curtain airbag inflators could be defective. As a result, the driver and/or passenger side curtain airbag inflator(s) could fail.
2021212
2021-04-09
Seats And Restraints249Issue: On certain vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the outboard side of the driver's seat may have been replaced with an incorrect part during a previous repair.
2019533
2019-10-24
Brakes37,378Issue: On certain vehicles, there may be an error in the electronic-brake control module software. This could cause the driveline-protection system to activate when a wheel-speed sensor fails.
2019420
2019-08-21
Other5,327Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered.
Show 10 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2019324
2019-06-28
Brakes310,121Issue: On certain vehicles, there could be a reduction in power brake assist due to a decrease in output from the vacuum pump. This could cause a hard brake pedal and an increase in brake pedal effort to stop the vehicle.
2019325
2019-06-28
Electrical159,474Issue: On certain trucks equipped with a power sliding rear window, the rear defroster circuit could overheat. This could cause melting, smoke or, in rare instances, a fire. Safety Risk: A fire could create a risk of injury.
2018464
2018-08-31
Brakes3,348Certain Heavy Duty and Police/Special Service vehicles may not have been repaired properly under Recall 2016-053 (GM #20760). The brake pedal pivot nut may become loose, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.
2018233
2018-05-04
Seats And Restraints1,232On certain Police and Special Service vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the driver's seat belt to the vehicle structure at the outboard position can fatigue over time and could separate, increasing the risk of injury in a...
2017342
2017-07-10
Airbag152On certain vehicles, the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM), which controls airbag and pretensioner deployment, contains a software defect which may prevent the deployment of frontal airbags and pretensioners in certain circumstances.
2016502
2016-10-12
Tires1,435On certain vehicles equipped with Continental P275/55R20 CrossContact LX20 tires, a manufacturing defect could cause a lack of adhesion between belts in the tire.
2016439
2016-09-09
Airbag362,263On certain vehicles, the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM), which controls airbag and pretensioner deployment, contains a software defect which may prevent the deployment of frontal airbags and pretensioners in certain circumstances.
2016190
2016-04-28
Suspension432Certain vehicles may have been built with front upper control arms with a poor quality weld near the control arm’s bushing.
2016068
2016-02-11
Electrical4Certain vehicles may fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 114 - Theft Protection and Rollaway Protection, and CMVSS 208 - Occupant Protection In Frontal Impacts.
2016053
2016-02-04
Brakes47,148On certain Heavy Duty and Police Pursuit vehicles, the brake pedal pivot nut may become loose, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIT5698F
Sep 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
PIP4902W
Sep 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIT5509N
Jul 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
PIT5099J
Jul 2026
Unknown Or OtherPI to help diagnose A/C concern
PIT5544J
Jun 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates information on a hydraulic rush type noise from the power steering gear. This noise is a characteristic of the new Active Hydraulic Assist System RPO NV8 and no repairs should be made.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIT5509M
May 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
PIT3271Q
Apr 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
PIP4902V
Mar 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIP6104
Mar 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
PIT4506J
Feb 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that some owners of Heavy Duty Trucks and Utilities may ask if they can lower their tire pressures.
PIT6483
Feb 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights causing IPC warning messages and MIL along with several low speed lan DTCs.
PIT6400A
Jan 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier listed in the bulletin.
PIP4902U
Jan 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIT5214G
Nov 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical...
13598
Sep 2025
Unknown Or OtherNew Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
PIT5479H
Sep 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about fluid leaking from the brake caliper piston area found during a service of the vehicle. The substance is actually excess assembly grease from the caliper boot and piston.
PIP4902T
Aug 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIC5650M
Aug 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on.
PIT5161L
Jul 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a bump feel or clunk noise at a stop or on launch. Dealer should communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic
PIT6400
Jun 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier listed in the bulletin.
PIP4902S
Jun 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
25-NA-156
Jun 2025
WheelsThis service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.
00-06-01-026R
Jun 2025
EngineThis service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
PIT5074R
May 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
23-NA-153
May 2025
EngineThe service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
15-NA-010
May 2025
EngineThis service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states.
PI0281L
Apr 2025
SteeringThis preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
13-02-32-001H
Apr 2025
SteeringThis service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low temperatures.
07-00-89-037W
Apr 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
25-NA-087
Apr 2025
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
13-08-116-001K
Mar 2025
Electrical SystemThe intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
25-NA-052
Mar 2025
EngineThis bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
25-NA-065
Mar 2025
SteeringThis informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
24-NA-098
Mar 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
08-03-10-006I
Mar 2025
WheelsThis service bulletin provides a procedure on how to clean and resurface aluminum wheel bead seats for vehicles that have the condition of Tire Slowly Goes Flat, Tire Air Loss, Low Tire Pressure Warning Light Illuminated, Aluminum Wheel Bead Seat Corrosion.
15-06-03-001F
Mar 2025
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
17-NA-073
Mar 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
05-03-07-009L
Feb 2025
SuspensionThis service bulletin provides information on Wheel Alignment Specifications, Requirements and Recommendations for GM Vehicles.
11-00-89-005Y
Feb 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on Dealer Empowerment for Goodwill, Customer Enthusiasm and Policy (U.S. Only).
PIT4506H
Feb 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that some owners of Heavy Duty Trucks and Utilities may ask if they can lower their tire pressures.
PIP5358D
Feb 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering.
05-08-51-001L
Feb 2025
StructureThis informational bulletin provides a procedure on how to remove the paint stain that may present itself under the shipping film.
16-NA-109
Feb 2025
SteeringThis service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
21-NA-138
Feb 2025
SuspensionThis service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of a Squeak, Grind or Clunking Noise from Rear Leaf Springs.
07-00-89-037V
Feb 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
10-08-110-001L
Jan 2025
StructureThis service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
21-NA-043
Jan 2025
Electrical SystemThis bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
22-NA-074
Jan 2025
EngineThis service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
01-08-42-001Q
Jan 2025
Exterior LightingThis service bulletin provides information on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leak Information and Replacement Guidelines.
PIT5544H
Jan 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates information on a hydrauilc rush type noise from the power steering gear. This noise is a characteristic of the new Active Hydraulic Assist System RPO NV8 and no repairs should be made.
09-06-04-026Z
Jan 2025
Power TrainThis bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
20-NA-132
Jan 2025
Electrical SystemThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
07-00-89-037U
Jan 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
PIT5386K
Dec 2024
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that are found to have a back-up alarm inoperative during the Pre-Delivery Inspection.
03-06-01-023I
Dec 2024
EngineThis service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
18-NA-263
Dec 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provide policy information for variable diagnostic time allowances on select labor operations (U.S. Only).
PIT5074Q
Dec 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
PIT5962B
Dec 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
PIT6261
Dec 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates to dealers GM is working on a solution for outdated Apps
08-07-30-035I
Nov 2024
Power TrainThis service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.

Showing 60 of 1726 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
  2. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Chevrolet Silverado 2500 →