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Chevrolet Silverado 3500Model year report

2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Problems

Compared with other Chevrolet Silverado 3500 years

More complaints than typical for this model

91/100 2.6× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2013

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
51filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
24,486miles, 32 complaints with mileage
Recalls
7campaigns on record
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often report loose steering, with excess free play at the wheel and the truck wandering at highway speeds, and these complaints appear from very low to higher mileage. Fuel pump and fuel system faults that lead to stalls, fuel gauge problems or no-starts form the next largest group. Brake pedal feel, braking performance and warning lights while towing a trailer are reported less often.

  1. Steering

    Loose steering with excess play at the wheel

    • 12 complaints (24%)
    • median 29,000 mi at 1.9 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2016–2024

    Owners describe a few inches of free play at the wheel, a truck that wanders or needs correcting before it turns, and looser steering at highway speeds. Complaints say the steering box or nearby parts, such as the pitman arm, idler arm, adjuster screw or a bolt in the steering box, had backed out or loosened. The dealer replaced steering gears, steering boxes or arms in some cases, and according to complaints a thread-locking fix described in a service bulletin did not hold for long. Some owners say the looseness returned after the replacement. Where mileage is given, these reports range from about 100 to about 70,000 miles, with some cases within the first 2,000 miles, and some owners say the looseness is more noticeable at higher speeds.

    What to check: On a test drive, check for free play at the steering wheel with the engine running and listen for clunks over bumps. Ask for records of steering gear, pitman arm or idler arm work and whether any steering service bulletin was applied.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “At 2000 miles on my new truck, the steering became very loose. Dealer replaced steering box. I have now had it in 3 more times with loose steering. Very scarey to drive on the freeway with loose steering. You feel it more at higher speeds than you do at lower speeds”

    NHTSA complaint #11006168, filed 2017-07, 2,000 miles

    “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. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11288545, filed 2019-12, 70,000 miles
  2. Fuel system

    Fuel pump and fuel system faults causing stalls or no-start

    • 10 complaints (20%)
    • median 40,396 mi at 1.5 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2016–2025

    Owners describe transfer pump or high-pressure (CP4) pump failures, fuel gauges that drop to empty or stay flat, and engines that stall, lose power or will not start. Some complaints cite fuel contamination, including metal shavings found in the fuel pump and rails, and the repairs described include a pump replacement, a fuel transfer line or the entire fuel system. An owner describes worry about a CP4 pump failure before any failure has occurred. Some owners report repair bills in the thousands of dollars. Where mileage is given, these reports fall between about 20,000 and 51,000 miles.

    Recall 19V088000

    What to check: Ask for records of any fuel pump, transfer pump or fuel level sensor repairs and whether the fuel-level sensor recall was completed. During an inspection, watch the fuel gauge for jumps or drops and scan for fuel system codes.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “We have had repeated instances, where engine light comes on, and fuel guage flat lines. If you can not get to a qualified dealer soon enough, vehicle shuts down without warning[actually it remains running until it almost comes to a complete stop]. We have had to instances of shut down, and at least 6 instances altogether of engine light/ fuel guage flat line. This has all happened since vehicle was put in service in january / 2016. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10930297, filed 2016-12, 51,000 miles

    “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. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11549346, filed 2023-10
  3. Brakes

    Brake pedal feel and braking performance problems

    • 8 complaints (16%)
    • median 16,000 mi at 1.3 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2016–2025

    Owners describe a soft brake pedal that sinks toward the floor, a pedal that stuck at low speed, and braking that needs firmer or repeated pedal pressure. Other complaints describe rear brakes locking up, and losing power brake assist after a belt broke, with no warning light beforehand in some cases. Some owners say a repair shop could not find the reason, and in a complaint about locking brakes, both calipers and a brake fluid line were replaced without ending the locking. In the stuck-pedal complaint, the brakes returned to normal after the engine was turned off and restarted. Where mileage is given, these reports range from about 4,000 to about 55,000 miles.

    Recall 18V578000

    What to check: During a test drive, check whether the pedal sinks or returns slowly and whether the vehicle slows evenly under braking. Ask whether the brake pedal pivot nut recall work was completed, and request records of any brake, caliper or belt repairs.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “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.”

    NHTSA complaint #11388168, filed 2021-01, 16,000 miles

    “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.”

    NHTSA complaint #11423931, filed 2021-07
  4. Brakes

    Brake and stability warning lights while towing

    • 8 complaints (16%)
    • median 4,000 mi at 1.3 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2016–2025

    Owners who tow describe trailer brake warnings, such as a message that trailer brakes need service soon or that trailer brakes are disabled, and ABS or brake system lights that stay on while towing. An owner reports losing trailer braking after the warning came on, and another says the brake controller disabled the brakes when the RV battery voltage fluctuated. Another owner describes a shudder at highway speed with the stability and traction lights and gauges coming on, and says the dealer attributed it to the trailer. A further complaint says repeated dealer visits, sensor changes and rewiring did not end the warnings. Where mileage is given, these reports range from about 1,000 to about 75,000 miles, and the warnings often appear while a trailer or RV is connected.

    What to check: Ask whether the trailer brake controller, its wiring and the battery connections were checked, and scan for trailer brake and ABS codes during a pre-purchase inspection. If the truck will tow an RV, check that the trailer-side battery voltage stays steady, since a complaint links the warning to voltage changes.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Bought truck new. Bought a brand new fifth wheel trailer to tow. Sometimes while towing the trailer, the truck will shudder while driving at highway speed. This has happened maybe 3 or 4 times in the 2 years that I have had the truck and trailer. It shudders bad enough that it has nearly caused an accident. When it does this, the stabilitrak, traction control and all my gauges come on. The speedometer and tach reset. All this while driving. Brought to the dealership and all they do is point the finger at the trailer manufacturer. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11121154, filed 2018-08, 1,000 miles

    “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. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11436323, filed 2021-10

Buying note. A test drive that checks steering free play and brake pedal feel is a practical starting point for this model year. Owners who tow should also ask whether the trailer brake warnings were diagnosed and whether the fuel-level sensor and brake pedal recalls were completed.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 50 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 51 consumer complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. 32 of the complaints include a mileage, and 78% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 24,486 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns and 742 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 7 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 91 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Exterior lighting (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Wheels (2), Engine cooling (1), Seat belts (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).

Example complaints

Steering: “New truck had lose steering when I took delivery, requiring over correction. With just 4529 in mileage on it I took it back to my dealer. Was told they already had made repairs to four other trucks with the same issue. They replaced the hydraulic recirculating ball steering gear. Steering gear adjuster way too far out, leaking at shaft seals. Replaced gear and the new one was bad as well, with steering sticking and then slipping. Replaced with second new gear and vehicle checked out and was returned to me. This is a major safety issue in my opinion for a truck designed to tow heavy vehicles.”

NHTSA complaint #10909772, filed 2016-09, 100 miles

Fuel system: “Truck would not start. Second time this has occurred. First time transfer pump was exchanged. Now being told it is requiring front and rear tank level sensors. Twice have been stranded in this vehicle for fuel issues. Prior issue occurred while truck was driving on a street. This time, when trying to restart after completing a delivery.”

NHTSA complaint #10990638, filed 2017-05, 43,000 miles

Brakes: “Driving vehicle ABS and skid warning lights appears, brake system warning appears always lit while in towing mode. None stop beeping. No reason why this is happening. Had vehicle checked by multiple Chevrolet dealerships and they have changed sensors, towing plug twice, electrical rewiring. Began towing 1 hour after repairs and the same problems began all over again. No changes have been noticed $2700.00 later”

NHTSA complaint #11039430, filed 2017-10, 75,000 miles

Electrical system: “The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500. While driving approximately 70 MPH hauling a goose neck flatbed duel tandem trailer, the power bus bar shorted. In addition, there was a failure with a loose wire associated with the starter. The radio would not turn off and the contact was locked in the vehicle. The contact was able to exit the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer tightened the wires and replaced all of the bus bars. The next morning, within less than 20 miles, the bus bars failed again. …”

NHTSA complaint #10909332, filed 2016-09, 4,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

78% of the 32 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 4,000 and 43,000 miles.

34%0–1016%10–2528%25–5019%50–753%75–1000%100–1500%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (32 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 24,486 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

20161420182020202220242026
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Recalls and investigations

See all 7 recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 742 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 742 bulletins →

Other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 3500

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2025121,5001———Too new
2024512,8003——Too new to compareToo new
20231618,0001———Too new
20222853,5003——43 · TypicalRising
20214134,5005——63 · TypicalRising
20204240,0008——56 · TypicalRising
2019227,3907———Rising
20181923,0006———Stable
20171322,0006———Not enough data
20165124,4867——91 · MoreRising
20155234,4617——79 · MoreStable
20141037,9003———Not enough data
20132656,0004——28 · FewerRising
20122346,9624———Rising
20112954,5885——27 · FewerFalling
20091047,6556———Not enough data
20083174,6294——24 · FewerRising
20073934,5005——Not compared (before 2008)Rising
20065252,0360——Not compared (before 2008)Rising
20054656,6330——Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20044150,0000——Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20034284,7280——Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20025044,8441——Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20017268,0001——Not compared (before 2008)Rising
20008047,9741——Not compared (before 2008)Rising
19994752,0000——Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19986771,2000——Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19976161,5170——Not compared (before 2008)Stable

All Chevrolet Silverado 3500 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500?

Owners of this model year most often report loose steering, with excess free play at the wheel and the truck wandering at highway speeds, and these complaints appear from very low to higher mileage. The issues reported most often: Loose steering with excess play at the wheel; Fuel pump and fuel system faults causing stalls or no-start; Brake pedal feel and braking performance problems.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have?

NHTSA recorded 51 consumer complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is reported most often?

Steering is named most often, in 15 complaints (29% of the total), followed by fuel system with 11.

Has the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

At what mileage are problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 reported?

Among the 32 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 24,486 miles and the middle half falls between 4,000 and 43,000 miles; 78% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.