2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 6%of 51 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 13,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, 6% of the 51 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 13,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. We use this vehicle to travel across the lower 48, and parts of canada, to pick up breeding bulls, that have values ranging as high as 1 million or more. …”
NHTSA complaint #10930297, filed 2016-12, 51,000 miles“4 wheel drive did not engage before. Stuck on an snowy parking structure and could not get up the ramp, due to 4wd not engaging.drive shaft parts broke while engaging 4wd. It was cracked prior to the break, but the torque caused it to snap impacting the transmission,ripping out the filter from the transmission causing irreparable damage. Rear wheels were in mud near a boat ramp. Front tires were on dry ground. Attempted to pull out, rear tires spun. Stopped truck, put into 4 hi and the front tires would not catch, and rear spun. Digging deeper into the mud. …”
NHTSA complaint #11000948, filed 2017-06, 13,000 miles“The truck is a 2016 Chevrolet 3500 hd diesel, when the truck goes into regeneration mode the truck accelerates without notice. It doesn't matter if it's in park, reverse, neutral or drive, the RPM of the engine speeds up to about 900 RPM. In a forward motion it will speed up from 6 MPH to 10 MPH in drive without notice. In reverse it will speed up to 5 MPH without notice. If you are at a stop light and it goes into regeneration mode it will almost push through the brake, inadvertently catching you off guard and having to push on the brake with even more pressure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10979485, filed 2017-04, 5,000 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.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 25% |
| 2024 | 15 | 29% |
| 2023 | 10 | 63% |
| 2022 | 3 | 11% |
| 2021 | 7 | 17% |
| 2020 | 16 | 38% |
| 2019 | 5 | 23% |
| 2018 | 2 | 11% |
| 2017 | 2 | 15% |
| 2016 | 3 | 6% |
| 2015 | 5 | 10% |
| 2013 | 5 | 19% |
| 2012 | 1 | 4% |
| 2011 | 5 | 17% |
| 2007 | 3 | 8% |
| 2006 | 9 | 17% |
| 2005 | 4 | 9% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 4 | 10% |
| 2002 | 3 | 6% |
| 2001 | 2 | 3% |
| 2000 | 5 | 6% |
| 1999 | 3 | 6% |
| 1998 | 5 | 7% |
| 1997 | 6 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
15 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 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 31, 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