Home · 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 · Complaints

What 127 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (127)Crash / fire / injury (10)Steering (47)Electrical system (19)Transmission & drivetrain (19)Brakes (14)Fuel system (9)Engine (8)Airbags (5)Body & structure (5)Fuel System, Diesel (4)Lights (4)

Newest first · 127 complaints · page 1 of 6

Mar 10, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

the vehicle developed a extremely hard down shift and then a check engine light came on. the vehicle went into limp mode, took the vehicle to local diesel mechanic and i was informed that the transmission was bad and had to be replaced, while replacing the transmission i was also told the transfer case was making noise and needed to be replaced. this happened in November of 2025 and the parts are not available. This happened while i was towing our trailer across a bridge when the traffic came to a sudden stop, once traffic started moving we could not get up to speed thus causing a traffic hazard. yes the repair shop was able to recreate the issue there were no warnings prior to the failure. I know GM has had issues with transmissions in newer models, i did not know that there was a process like this prior to getting my vehicle repaired and i needed it repaired as soon as possible. that is why i went to and independant repair facility.

NHTSA ODI 11723400

Feb 8, 2026Airbags

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.

NHTSA ODI 11716586

Dec 24, 2025Electrical systemEngine

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 GM part number 84288774 VYU Snow Plow Jumper harness per the latest version of GM service Bulletin PIT5387. With a note stating "this jumper harness and installation will be provided (one time) without charge". GM dealerships and GM customer assistance (parts) state that PN 84288774 does not appear in their parts system as a valid GM part. The official GM parts store [XXX] lists this part but shows that it does not fit this vehicle. Therefore neither GM nor Western is able to provide any actionable solution to this known and documented issue. GM manufactured, sold, promoted, advertised and continues to state that snowplows can be installed on these vehicles with (or without) GM's factory snow plow prep option. Additionally GM continues to issue and publish Bulletins instructing GM dealerships how to fix this issue despite being fully aware of this impossibility. GM has also made it impossible for GM to honor GM's own warranty that is still in effect for A KNOWN SAFTY ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11706942

Dec 24, 2025EquipmentElectrical system

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 the latest Version of GM Service Bulletin PIT5387. "Note: that this jumper harness and installation will be provided (one time) without charge." GM dealerships state PN 84288774 does not appear in their system as a valid GM part. Parts. The official GM parts store at [XXX] , list this part but shows it does not fit this vehicle. Therefore neither GM nor Western is able to provide any actionable solution to this KNOWN safety issue. Western (and other manufactures) still manufacturing, recommending and installing snowplows for this specific vehicle. GM, manufactured, sold, promoted, advertises and continues to recommend snowplows to be installed on these vehicles (with the GM factory snow plow prep option), and continues to issue bulletins instructing GM dealerships how to fix this issue despite being fully aware GM cannot supply these parts. Therefor GM has made it impossible for GM to honor their own warranty that still currently in effect, for a KNOWN SAFTEY ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11706936

Sep 29, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

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.

NHTSA ODI 11690247

Jun 6, 2025Electrical systemBrakes

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

NHTSA ODI 11665358

May 2, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

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.

NHTSA ODI 11658381

Apr 15, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

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.

NHTSA ODI 11654784

Apr 14, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

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.

NHTSA ODI 11654508

Mar 22, 2025Steering

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.

NHTSA ODI 11649922

Mar 19, 2025Transmission & drivetrainEngine

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.

NHTSA ODI 11649249

Mar 18, 2025Fuel System, Diesel

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.

NHTSA ODI 11649076

Mar 3, 2025EngineFuel system

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

NHTSA ODI 11645994

Dec 27, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

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.

NHTSA ODI 11632586

Dec 9, 2024Electrical system

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.

NHTSA ODI 11629596

Oct 9, 2024SteeringBrakes

Chevy Duramax trucks, 2011-2016 use a CP4 fuel pump that will eventually fail. The engine shuts off and there is a loss of steering and brakes. This is a major safety issue. I called Chevy GM 1800 222 1020 and was told, " we are aware of the problem, have no remedy, no recall has been issued yet, call back in a month". My daughter has a 2015 that failed when she was hauling expensive horses, the dealer put the same type defective pump back in the truck. Every diesel repair shop, dealer, and GM is aware of this defect. There is a class action law suit C/O JND Seattle WA. 1 866 848 0815 that may reimburse owners that have had a failure, assuming they are still alive. GM needs to recall, and replace these CP4 pumps with a CP3 or whatever they did to correct the issue in 2017 and later engines, prior to failure. Let ne know if I can provide any more information or assistance.

NHTSA ODI 11618920

Oct 9, 2024

Security Gateway Module has failed 5 times. When it fails there is no backup camera and nothing in the radio console works. Dealer replaces after several weeks and it breaks again

NHTSA ODI 11618928

Sep 24, 2024SteeringElectrical system

- Electronic power steering assist malfunctioning. Available for inspection - Vehicle jerks steering to the left or right at highway speeds, causing near miss accidents. - Dealer performed alignment and did not know how to fix. They were able to replicate the issue. - No other inspection - "Service Power Steering Drive With Care" message intermittently displays and almost immediately goes away. No check engine light or other warning lights.

NHTSA ODI 11616188

Aug 7, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ODI 11607057

Feb 20, 2024Fuel System, Diesel

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the fuel injection pump and diesel particulate filter. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the catalytic converter and fuel injector sensor. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 174,000.

NHTSA ODI 11572946

Jan 9, 2024Body & structure

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the passenger’s side door opened unintendedly. The vehicle was modified for accessibility and the contact stated that the platform with her son was out of the vehicle. The contact believed that the failure was due to the conversion of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 37,000.

NHTSA ODI 11564501

Dec 7, 2023EngineFuel system

The 6.6L V8 LML turbodiesel Duramax engine Bosch CP4 fuel pump failed. U.S. diesel fuel does not provide adequate lubrication for the CP4 fuel pump. The lack of lubrication led to internal fuel pump damage and resulted in metal shavings that damaged the pump, the fuel system, and the GM Duramax engine as well. There was no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.

NHTSA ODI 11558992

Oct 14, 2023Electrical system

Electrical connections not sealed at horn assembly leads to corrosion and horn to stop functioning.

NHTSA ODI 11549926

Oct 10, 2023Engine

My 2016 Chevy at a stop light started jerking and then just shut off and wouldn’t start again. I had to have it towed and was told at the repair shop that it was the CP4 fuel pump that went. Of course I had them do all the repairs and they found metal shavings all through out the fuel system. I was without my truck for weeks and had to pay ridiculous cost of almost $13,000. With how often this is happening this should all be reimbursed to me and GM needs to step up and take care of it along with NHTSA.

NHTSA ODI 11549209

Aug 15, 2023Fuel system

On August 5, 2023 I was driving south on I75 in the Flint, Michigan area With no warning my engine shut down. High Pressure Fuel Pump (Diesel Truck) imploded and pumped metal shavings through the entire fuel system , Fuel Rails, and Injector system. Vehicle is currently being repaired. Repair consist of, Removal of the gas tank and completely clean. Flush and clean the entire fuel system, Remove injectors and replace with new. Replace old fuel Pump with new.

NHTSA ODI 11538757

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Working with the data? Download all 127 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 10, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 verdict →