2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 29%of 51 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 33,422miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the steering of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, 29% of the 51 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,422 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“The safety concern on this issue is the significantly elevated potential for loss of vehicular steering control. After the truck was driven to 1,700 total miles on the odometer, the truck's steering control became sloppy in 70mph + interstate highway driving resulting in highway wander similar to driving in wind gusts of 60 mpg+ (where at times it is difficult to maintain position in your highway lane). …”
NHTSA complaint #10944186, filed 2017-01, 1,700 miles“Steering is always a bit loose. At only 70,000 the ABS and stabilitrak warnings came on. Took the vehicle to the dealer and learned that the pitman shaft is backing itself out of the steering assembly. Not covered by warranty. Yet, chevy has 6 tsbs on this issue (the latest saying to use some lock-tite on it); they had a newly designed part; and, checking inventory you learn that dealers have new steering assemblies in inventory for 2016 and 2017. …”
NHTSA complaint #11115441, filed 2018-08, 70,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11017868Apr 11, 2025This 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…
- 11017173Mar 21, 2025This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
- 11014577Feb 18, 2025This 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…
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11009031Sep 10, 2024This informational bulletin provides information on Steering Bump or Clunk Noise on Rough Roads or Potholes.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 4% |
| 2022 | 1 | 4% |
| 2021 | 2 | 5% |
| 2018 | 2 | 11% |
| 2016 | 15 | 29% |
| 2015 | 4 | 8% |
| 2014 | 2 | 20% |
| 2013 | 7 | 27% |
| 2012 | 3 | 13% |
| 2011 | 1 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 10% |
| 2006 | 4 | 8% |
| 2005 | 6 | 13% |
| 2004 | 2 | 5% |
| 2003 | 2 | 5% |
| 2002 | 1 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 4% |
| 2000 | 9 | 11% |
| 1999 | 6 | 13% |
| 1998 | 5 | 7% |
| 1997 | 6 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology