CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 · model year

2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500

70 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2016CHEVROLETSILVERADO 3500 carries 70 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and Not Rated/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 3500 is steering with 15 filings, followed by fuel/propulsion system (11) and service brakes (10). 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 6 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 3500, 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.

70
Complaints
4
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

70 filings

Crashes Reported

4 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 - Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: Not Rated/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING15
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM11
SERVICE BRAKES10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
ENGINE5
STRUCTURE:BODY4
POWER TRAIN3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
WHEELS2
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
WHEELS:RIM1

Recalls (6)

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

19V08800007/02/2019

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 GMC Sierra 3500 and Chevrolet Silverado 3500 trucks equipped with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks. The fuel-level sensor in the front tank may stick in a low-level position, allowing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.

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

20250628STEERING

Power steering intermittently goes out. Mostly when it's hot out, slow speeds, and cornering.

20250317SERVICE BRAKES

While connected to a RV which has onboard batteries, the truck's brake controller disables the braking system if the batteries on the RV fluctuate in voltage. The truck will give an alert advising "Trailer Brakes Disabled." This has occurred multiple times while pulling my RV which weighs 16,000 pounds, making it unsafe and hard to stop using only the truck's brakes. It happened while traveling through Atlanta, GA and once in Nashville, TN. Chevrolet has at least one TSB on this for similar 2022-2024 2500 and 3500 trucks. This has been a widely reported problem on several RV forums. The truck brake controller will work again if the engine is shut off and turned back on or the trailer is unplugged and re-plugged in the truck. This problem occurred approximately 10 times on my trip from Missouri to Florida in January and about the same number of times when returning to Missouri at the end of February.

20250107FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

On [XXX] while traveling down [XXX] in VA I experienced a catastrophic Bosch CP4 Fuel Pump Failure. Vehicle was towed to Marion Auto Group in Marion, VA and kept for 5 weeks to repair fuel system. We paid $6,500 once we were told the repairs were complete and picked the vehicle up. Within 50 miles of driving, the fuel system error lights/codes began again and the service engine light came on. We called Marion Auto Group, they told us it was warranted for 24 months for parts and labor. We could take it to any Chevy dealer and have it looked at. We made an appt with our local Chevy dealer, Joe Bowman Chevrolet in Harrisonburg, VA. They kept the vehicle for approximately 5-6 weeks. Told us daily about the faulty repairs that Marion Auto Group had made, corrected the faulty repairs, with pictures, videos and even a coffee cup full of bad bolts and weld pieces that they replaced. Marion Auto Group agreed to pay Joe Bowman Chevrolet $5,500 in reimbursement for the work they performed t

20241107FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I was driving the truck and the dashboard said fuel filter at 0 % entering low power mode. The truck did not accelerate at all and stopped running within 5 minutes . The repair cost almost 9000.00 for a 100.00 fuel filter.

20241107VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I was driving the truck and the dashboard said fuel filter at 0 % entering low power mode. The truck did not accelerate at all and stopped running within 5 minutes . The repair cost almost 9000.00 for a 100.00 fuel filter.

20240511STEERING

The steering is very loose. There are multiple complaints about this. I owned a 2017 GMC 2500 before this and had the same issue. I have not brought this into a shop because I’m not looking forward to the diagnosis & cost. This has been an ongoing issue for years. GM needs to recall something in the steering box. Source: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20231011ENGINE

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. Please open a recall for the CP4 High Pressure Fuel Pump for 2011-2016 GM trucks using this HPFP. Thank you,

20231011FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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. Please open a recall for the CP4 High Pressure Fuel Pump for 2011-2016 GM trucks using this HPFP. Thank you,

20230725STEERING

On June 27 2023 we we driving on a two lane highway pulling our travel trailer. We had driven 5 hrs the previous day parked unhooked and drove around the area with no issues. The following morning we left an were just entering the highway speed zone when the truck abruptly crossed the centreline. I managed to correct and stop n the shoulder and noticed 6-8” of play in the steering wheel. I dropped the trailer and slowly drove back to the town to try and see what the issue was. The vehicle continued to move left and right with no input from me. It was determined that the steering box was leaking and when steering was input a thumping could be felt in the tires but not in the steering wheel. The shop determined the box sector shaft adjustment shaft was nearly backed out completely. I contacted the dealership that services my truck about what should be done and they stated “replace the steering box” which we did. Had there been on coming traffic this would have been a fatal or serio

20230523STEERING

There is excessive play in the steering causing the vehicle to wander. Problem is amplified at freeway speeds or while towing 5th-wheel. On some roads truck will pull one direction till change in road slop cause truck to swerve in opposite direction. Like many others have stated this is a dangerous situation. Problem has not been confirmed by service center on this truck, but manufacturer has issued TSB PIT5501E. There are no warnings messages.

20230513SERVICE BRAKES

Rear passenger side, brakes, locking up keeping the truck from rolling. Replaced the brake fluid line and also both calipers. The brakes are still locking up.

20230513ENGINE

Rear passenger side, brakes, locking up keeping the truck from rolling. Replaced the brake fluid line and also both calipers. The brakes are still locking up.

20230212EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Plugs for brake/running/turn signal lights have moisture and road salt inside and corrode causing brake/running/turn signal light to not operate. I have cleaned the corrosion out multiple times, now the contacts inside the plug have corroded away with the only resolution being to replace the wire harness. Parts are available for inspection. My safety and the safety of others is at risk due to failure of lights to operate. I have not contacted a dealer or service center. I have diagnosed the problem myself and will repair myself when i receive the new wire harness. I have several other individuals who have experienced the same failure as described.

20220131FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Friday October 8th 2021, my truck shut off in the middle of Chesnee SC within 1/4 mile after filling up with diesel fuel at the Hot Spot in Chesnee. I had it towed to Burns Chevrolet in Gaffney SC for analysis. They determine it was the result of contamination in the fuel and that is not a warranty issue. I would agree that is not the responsibility of Chevrolet and I authorized them to make the repairs. They did what you would normally expect with the exception of one thing. They came back and said they had to replace the fuel transfer line between the fuel tanks. Said it was kinked. I questioned how water in the fuel could cause that to happen but they said the contamination was the root cause and I had to pay to fix that as well. I requested a sample of the contamination and all parts replaced. That charge was included on the invoice and I paid it. There are other issues with the quality of the service which included returning the next day because the water contamination light came

20211213CrashAIR BAGS

During snow removal the night of December 10, 2021 into the morning of December 11, 2021, vehicle was in reverse traveling approximately 10-20 mph (actual speed at impact is unknown). Upon impact with a tree in the rear of the truck, the airbag system in the vehicle was engaged. The seatbelts locked up, and the airbag chemicals in the steering wheel and front passenger airbag compartment were activated, however, none of the airbags physically deployed. Attached phots will show the source of impact. The frame is likely twisted. Additional photos attached show that the seat belts locked up and that the airbag system was engaged without deployment of bags. Currently working with Mankato Motors Co, 1815 Madison Ave, Mankato, MN 56001, with a phone number of 507-625-5641. Vehicle has not been inspected yet to provide full report of findings and damage assessment. Vehicle was drivable to move from incident location to my residents and current location of the vehicle is 638 Clay Ct., Mankato,

20211213CrashELECTRICAL SYSTEM

During snow removal the night of December 10, 2021 into the morning of December 11, 2021, vehicle was in reverse traveling approximately 10-20 mph (actual speed at impact is unknown). Upon impact with a tree in the rear of the truck, the airbag system in the vehicle was engaged. The seatbelts locked up, and the airbag chemicals in the steering wheel and front passenger airbag compartment were activated, however, none of the airbags physically deployed. Attached phots will show the source of impact. The frame is likely twisted. Additional photos attached show that the seat belts locked up and that the airbag system was engaged without deployment of bags. Currently working with Mankato Motors Co, 1815 Madison Ave, Mankato, MN 56001, with a phone number of 507-625-5641. Vehicle has not been inspected yet to provide full report of findings and damage assessment. Vehicle was drivable to move from incident location to my residents and current location of the vehicle is 638 Clay Ct., Mankato,

20211213CrashSEAT BELTS

During snow removal the night of December 10, 2021 into the morning of December 11, 2021, vehicle was in reverse traveling approximately 10-20 mph (actual speed at impact is unknown). Upon impact with a tree in the rear of the truck, the airbag system in the vehicle was engaged. The seatbelts locked up, and the airbag chemicals in the steering wheel and front passenger airbag compartment were activated, however, none of the airbags physically deployed. Attached phots will show the source of impact. The frame is likely twisted. Additional photos attached show that the seat belts locked up and that the airbag system was engaged without deployment of bags. Currently working with Mankato Motors Co, 1815 Madison Ave, Mankato, MN 56001, with a phone number of 507-625-5641. Vehicle has not been inspected yet to provide full report of findings and damage assessment. Vehicle was drivable to move from incident location to my residents and current location of the vehicle is 638 Clay Ct., Mankato,

20211011SERVICE BRAKES

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. When taken to the dealership, if the fault isn't on the screen, they claim they can't find or fix the problem. I pull a 10,000 pound 5th wheel, I need trailer brakes when I apply them.

20211011ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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. When taken to the dealership, if the fault isn't on the screen, they claim they can't find or fix the problem. I pull a 10,000 pound 5th wheel, I need trailer brakes when I apply them.

20211011UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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. When taken to the dealership, if the fault isn't on the screen, they claim they can't find or fix the problem. I pull a 10,000 pound 5th wheel, I need trailer brakes when I apply them.

Compare 2016CHEVROLETSILVERADO 3500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 have?
The 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 has 70 NHTSA complaints, 4 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500?
The 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of Not Rated/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500?
Yes, the 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 has 6 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 3500?
The most-complained component for the 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 is STEERING with 15 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM and SERVICE BRAKES.
Is the 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 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 3500 has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/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.