CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 · model year

2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500

155 NHTSA complaints, 7 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2016CHEVROLETSILVERADO 2500 carries 155 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 7 crashes, 3 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 3/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2016 SILVERADO 2500 is steering with 46 filings, followed by power train (17) and electrical system (15). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2016 SILVERADO 2500, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

155
Complaints
7
Crashes
3
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 - NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 3.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

155 filings

Crashes Reported

7 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 - Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 3/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING46
POWER TRAIN17
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
SERVICE BRAKES13
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
ENGINE8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
EXTERIOR LIGHTING4
STRUCTURE:BODY4
SUSPENSION3
WHEELS3
SEAT BELTS3
AIR BAGS3
EQUIPMENT2
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL2

Recalls (5)

18V57800030/08/2018

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

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.

17V43700010/07/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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, Subur

16V65100008/09/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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 Poli

16V06900005/02/2016

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

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 S

21V50400001/07/2021

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

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.

Recent Complaints

20260208AIR BAGS

While driving down the road at 60 mph the roof and side airbags deployed on both sides of the Truck with no collision only driving down the road. The vehicle was inspected by GM and they claiming no defect on their side. However Recall N202324251 Roof Rail Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, for other 2016 Chevy Silverado's 2500 exists. This is large safety issue and wondering if the VIN was missed given this happened for the same recall. GM Allegations department has said they will not pay to fix, but didn't provide the reason for the cause of the airbag deployment.

20251224ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Had new Western Wideout snowplow (recommended by western) installed by Western dealership on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500hd with snow plow prep package. Vehicle's Instrument cluster, HVAS, Radio and other electrical systems cut out while operating snowplow. GM is well aware of this issue which has been discussed and documented per GM Service Bulletin No.: PIT5387C (Feb 2016)- PIT5387P (10/17/2024), as well as GM Upfitter Integration UI Bulletin #124k (11/7/2019). Western states the fix for this issue is for GM to supply and install a wiring harness (per the above GM bulletins) GM dealerships as well as GM consumer assistance hotline state that GM part number 84043394 (fitting 2014-2019 vehicles) referenced to in PIT5387 and other bulletins has been discontinued. Therefore GM can not nor will ever be able to obtain or install this wiring harness in the future. GM Upfitter Integration Bulletin #124K instructs to install a different part number 84288774 VYU Snow Low Jumper harness per

20251224EQUIPMENT

Had new Western Wideout snowplow (recommended by western) installed by Western dealership on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500hd with snow plow prep package. Vehicle's Instrument cluster, HVAS, Radio and other electrical systems cut out while operating snowplow. GM is well aware of this issue which has been discussed and documented per GM Service Bulletin No.: PIT5387C (Feb 2016)- PIT5387P (10/17/2024), as well as GM Upfitter Integration UI Bulletin #124k (11/7/2019). Western states the fix for this issue is for GM to supply and install a wiring harness (per the above GM bulletins) GM dealerships as well as GM consumer assistance hotline state that GM part number 84043394 (fitting 2014-2019 vehicles) referenced to in PIT5387 and other bulletins has been discontinued. Therefore GM can not nor will ever be able to obtain or install this wiring harness in the future. GM Upfitter Integration Bulletin #124K instructs to install a different part number 84288774 VYU Snow Low Jumper harness per

20251224ENGINE

Had new Western Wideout snowplow (recommended by Western) installed by Western dealership on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500hd with the factory snow plow prep package (RPO VYU). Vehicles instrument cluster, HVAC, Radio and other electrical systems cut out while operating snowplow. GM is well aware of this issue per GM Service Bulleting NO.: PIT5387C (Feb 2016) through PIT5387P (10/17/2024), as well as GM Upfitter Integration UI Bulletin #124K (11/7/2019). All list this specific vehicle. This issue effects snowplows by all manufactures and is not confined to Western. Per the above bulletins published by GM, GM is to supply and install a wiring harness under a unique one time warranty procedure that does not expire with the vehicles base warranty. GM dealerships as well as GM's consumer assistance hotline state that GM part number 84043394 (fitting 2014-2019 vehicles) referenced to in PIT5387C and other bulletins has been discontinued. UP Bulletin 124k refers to and instructs to install

20251224ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Had new Western Wideout snowplow (recommended by Western) installed by Western dealership on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500hd with the factory snow plow prep package (RPO VYU). Vehicles instrument cluster, HVAC, Radio and other electrical systems cut out while operating snowplow. GM is well aware of this issue per GM Service Bulleting NO.: PIT5387C (Feb 2016) through PIT5387P (10/17/2024), as well as GM Upfitter Integration UI Bulletin #124K (11/7/2019). All list this specific vehicle. This issue effects snowplows by all manufactures and is not confined to Western. Per the above bulletins published by GM, GM is to supply and install a wiring harness under a unique one time warranty procedure that does not expire with the vehicles base warranty. GM dealerships as well as GM's consumer assistance hotline state that GM part number 84043394 (fitting 2014-2019 vehicles) referenced to in PIT5387C and other bulletins has been discontinued. UP Bulletin 124k refers to and instructs to install

20250929POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving 45-55 MPH and hauling a trailer, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was shuddering abnormally, and the wheels locked up for approximately 4-seconds. The contact stated that the transmission was shifting hard. The thermostat light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was no under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

Mileage: 190,000

20250606SERVICE BRAKES

Tranmission isn't running right and gas and brakes are not working properly. Also fuel pump or relay gets hot shuts off while driving.

20250606ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Tranmission isn't running right and gas and brakes are not working properly. Also fuel pump or relay gets hot shuts off while driving.

20250606UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Tranmission isn't running right and gas and brakes are not working properly. Also fuel pump or relay gets hot shuts off while driving.

20250502POWER TRAIN

Transmission was acting funny. Check engine light came on. Took it to a reputable transmission shop who stated it needs a full rebuild due to bad torque converter. $5500. The truck only has 65k mi.

20250415POWER TRAIN

Truck is under 105000 miles and needs a transmission due to a failed torque converter. First starts with erratic speeds in cruise control mode that is unsafe then will not shift into overdrive causing overheating issues.

20250414POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.

Mileage: 146,000

20250322STEERING

Steering is loose/has play. Vehicle shakes with driving. Steering gear box is leaking. Issue puts myself and others at risk due to the sudden pulling to either side while driving. Vehicle will be inspected in the next week.

20250319ENGINE

Transmission needed rebuild at 108000 miles. Lifter failure in engine which damaged camshaft at 120000 miles. Each costing thousands in dollars of repairs probably close to $10000.

20250319POWER TRAIN

Transmission needed rebuild at 108000 miles. Lifter failure in engine which damaged camshaft at 120000 miles. Each costing thousands in dollars of repairs probably close to $10000.

20250318FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a diagnostic scanner and retrieved DTC: P21DD. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the redundant tank reservoir and module kits were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact used a diagnostic scanner and retrieved DTC: P205B. The vehicle was taken to Abel Chevrolet (280 N Front St, Rio Vista, CA 94571), where the redundant tank assembly was replaced under GM Campaign Number: N192210260. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that he was concerned that the repair was a temporary fix. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

Mileage: 32,000

20250303FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The motor started running bad and within seconds it stopped no other signs or problems

20250303ENGINE

The motor started running bad and within seconds it stopped no other signs or problems

20241227POWER TRAIN

At only 71,000 miles the 6L90 transmission had to be replaced in my Silverado because of slippage in fifth, sixth and heavy metal shaving showing in the pan. I have never plowed with this truck or abused the transmission. I've only towed up to 7,000 lbs which is well within specifications. As I continue to talk with other owners of the 6L90 and various mechanics, it has become evident that this particular transmission has a very high failure rate. Unfortunately the core to the failed transmission has already been returned, but what if something major internally failed that locked up the drivetrain and caused an accident? My mechanic John Portal has replaced several 6L90's with multiple types of failures. The only warning I received from the transmission was an engine light which only appeared after the transmission started to fail.

20241209ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the instrument cluster intermittently switched between safety features and the radio. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was scheduled for a diagnostic test within the next several days. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to several dealers for diagnostic tests; however, the contact declined the diagnostic test due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.

Compare 2016CHEVROLETSILVERADO 2500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 have?
The 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 has 155 NHTSA complaints, 7 crashes, 3 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500?
The 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 3/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500?
Yes, the 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500?
The most-complained component for the 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 is STEERING with 46 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.