2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Common Problems
Ranked from 339 federal NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
62 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Transmission Failure
37complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission frequently fails, causing the vehicle to stall or become unresponsive during operation.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Brake System Malfunction
26complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake system intermittently fails, making it difficult to stop the vehicle.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V578000, 19V645000, 19V761000, 16V069000
- 3
Brake Pedal Becomes Extremely Hard at Low Speeds
25complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake pedal becomes extremely hard to depress, especially at low speeds, reducing braking ability.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V578000, 19V645000, 19V761000, 16V069000
- 4
Brake Pedal Becomes Stiff and Difficult to Depress at Low Speeds
20complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake pedal becomes extremely stiff and difficult to depress, requiring excessive force to stop the vehicle.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V578000, 19V645000, 19V761000, 16V069000
- 5
Brakes become hard to push at low speeds
20complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake pedal becomes very hard to push at low speeds, making it difficult to stop the vehicle.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V578000, 19V645000, 19V761000, 16V069000
- 6
Electrical System Malfunction
17complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe electrical system malfunctions, causing intermittent power loss, steering lock-up, and dashboard warning lights.
- 7
Steering System Malfunction
16complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe power steering system fails, requiring excessive manual effort to turn the vehicle.
- 8
Brake Pedal Stiffness at Low Speeds
13complaintsHigh severityBrakesAt low speeds, the brake pedal becomes stiff, increasing stopping distance and posing a safety risk.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V578000, 19V645000, 19V761000, 16V069000
- 9
Service brake issues with loss of stopping power
11complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brakes lose their stopping power, especially at low speeds, leading to near-miss accidents and difficulty stopping.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V578000, 19V645000, 19V761000, 16V069000
- 10
Power steering assist intermittent failure
10complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe power steering assist intermittently stops working, causing the steering wheel to lock up and the vehicle to stall.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Transmission Issues
9complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission shifts roughly and has issues with downshifting, leading to a shattering noise.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Braek failure when backing up or at low speeds
8complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brakes fail when backing up or at low speeds, requiring excessive force to stop the vehicle.
Related recalls: 18V578000, 19V645000, 19V761000, 16V069000
- 13
Brake Assist Failure
8complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake assist system fails to function properly, making it difficult to stop the vehicle.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V578000, 19V645000, 19V761000, 16V069000
- 14
Brake vacuum pump failure
8complaintsHigh severityOtherThe brake pedal becomes hard or fails to function properly at low speeds, leading to potential loss of braking ability.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 15
Electrical System Issues
8complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe electrical system experiences intermittent failures, such as the engine shutting off during driving.
- 16
Power Braking Failure at Low Speeds
8complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake booster/vacuum pump fails at low speeds, causing the brake pedal to stiffen up and requiring immense pressure to stop the vehicle.
Related recalls: 18V578000, 19V645000, 19V761000, 16V069000
- 17
Steering Wheel Jerks and Locks Up During Backing Out of Parking Spots
8complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering wheel jerks out of the driver's hand and locks up during backing out of parking spots, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 18
Torque Converter Issues
8complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe torque converter frequently fails, causing the vehicle to shake or vibrate during operation.
$1,500–$3,000est. torque converter replacement · 6–10 hrs laborGet local quotes - 19
Brake System Issues
7complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe brake system experiences issues at low speeds, requiring excessive force to stop the vehicle.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V578000, 19V645000, 19V761000, 16V069000
- 20
Steering Assist Malfunction
7complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe power steering assist intermittently fails, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn.
- 21
Steering System Failure
7complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe electric power steering system fails at highway speeds, making it difficult to steer the vehicle.
- 22
Engine Stalling
6complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stutters and stalls unexpectedly, often accompanied by a check engine light.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 23
Faulty Torque Converter
6complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe torque converter fails, causing the transmission to shudder and the vehicle to lose power.
$1,500–$3,000est. torque converter replacement · 6–10 hrs laborGet local quotes - 24
Brake Pedal Becomes Hard and Ineffective When Stopping
5complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake pedal becomes hard and ineffective when stopping, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V578000, 19V645000, 19V761000, 16V069000
- 25
Brakes Not Engaging Properly in Stop and Go Traffic
5complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe brakes do not engage properly when stopping or starting in traffic, requiring excessive force to activate them.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V578000, 19V645000, 19V761000, 16V069000
- 26
Transmission shifting issues and gear slipping
5complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission shifts roughly or hesitates during acceleration, and the gears slip after descending hills, causing difficulty in maintaining speed.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 27
Vacuum Pump Failure Causing Brake Issues
5complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe vacuum pump failure causes the brake pedal to become hard and ineffective, leading to reduced braking ability.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V578000, 19V645000, 19V761000, 16V069000
- 28
Brake Vacuum Booster Issues
4complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe brake vacuum booster fails, causing the brakes to be extremely hard to push and the vehicle to lose control.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V578000, 19V645000, 19V761000, 16V069000
- 29
Hydraulic brake system failures
4complaintsHigh severityOtherThe brake pedal becomes hard or fails to function properly at low speeds, leading to potential loss of braking ability.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 30
Steering wheel jerks and turns on its own
4complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering wheel jerks and turns on its own without warning, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
- 31
Transmission shifts violently or has hard shifts
4complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission shifts violently or experiences hard shifts, causing the vehicle to lurch forward or feel as if something struck it from behind.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 32
Transmission Shuddering and Hard Shifts
4complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission shudders at highway speeds and makes hard shifts, especially at low speeds and light throttle.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 33
Transmission Shuddering and Jerking
4complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission shudders and jerks during shifting, causing the vehicle to lurch and lose power.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 34
Airbag Deployment Issues
3complaintsHigh severityElectricalAirbags deploy unexpectedly at low speeds or without impact, causing injury to passengers.
- 35
Fuel System Leaks
3complaintsMedium severityFuel systemFuel leaks from various components such as the fuel pump and fuel tank, leading to potential fire hazards.
- 36
Steering Lock-up
3complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering wheel can lock up or become unresponsive when turning quickly, potentially leading to loss of control.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 37
Steering Wheel Locking and Clunking
3complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering wheel locks up and clunks during acceleration or gear shifting, causing loss of control.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 38
Suspension Shuddering and Vibrations
3complaintsMedium severitySuspensionAt steady speeds between 35 and 65 mph, the truck shudders and the engine tachometer needle jumps.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 16V256000
- 39
Vehicle Vibration and Shaking
3complaintsMedium severityOtherThe vehicle vibrates and shakes at speeds above 60 mph, affecting ride quality and potentially causing tire issues.
- 40
Airbag Deployment Failures
2complaintsSafety riskBrakesAirbags do not deploy during collisions, increasing the risk of injury to passengers.
Related recalls: 18V578000, 19V645000, 19V761000, 16V069000
- 41
Air Bag Malfunctions
2complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe air bags do not deploy during an accident, posing a safety risk.
- 42
Brake caliper mounting bolt issues
2complaintsHigh severityOtherThe right front brake caliper mount bolt is missing, causing the caliper to rotate off the rotor and leading to brake failure.
$250–$700est. brake caliper replacement · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 43
Brake Issues at Low Speeds
2complaintsMedium severityOtherAt slow speeds, the brake booster fails, making it difficult to push down the brake pedal and stop the truck.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 44
Electrical system issues with horn and display panel failures
2complaintsLow severityElectricalThe horn does not sound when pressing the steering wheel horn button, and there are electrical issues with the display panel and stereo.
$200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 45
Engine Lifter and Camshaft Failure
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine lifter and camshaft fail due to the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system, causing catastrophic engine failure.
- 46
Engine oil pressure too low leading to potential engine failure
2complaintsHigh severityEngineLow oil pressure due to a failed oil pump solenoid can cause the check engine light to appear and potentially lead to engine failure.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 47
Exterior Lighting Malfunction
2complaintsLow severityOtherHeadlights fail to illuminate properly, especially in wet conditions, reducing visibility.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 48
Fuel injector issues
2complaintsMedium severityOtherOne of the fuel injectors is installed backwards, causing the check engine light to come on and the vehicle to fail to accelerate properly.
$300–$1,200est. fuel injector replacement · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 49
Rear window shattering due to electrical system malfunction
2complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe rear window shatters when the defroster is turned on, indicating an electrical system malfunction.
- 50
Seat Belt Malfunction
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe seat belts may malfunction, such as not retracting properly or detaching unexpectedly.
- 51
Service brake issues
2complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe service brakes become mushy, hard to push, or fail to stop the vehicle properly, especially at low speeds.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V578000, 19V645000, 19V761000, 16V069000
- 52
Severe Chassis Vibration
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe chassis vibrates severely at speeds between 69-79 mph, affecting driving stability and comfort.
- 53
Stability control system failures
2complaintsHigh severityOtherThe electronic stability control system intermittently fails, causing the vehicle to shut off or brake unexpectedly.
- 54
Steering Failure at Intersections
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering wheel stops turning at certain positions and jerks out of control, especially at intersections.
- 55
Steering loss of power or sudden failure
2complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering wheel can suddenly lose power or lock up, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 56
Steering System Faults
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringSteering becomes difficult to operate, especially at low speeds, due to issues with the power steering system.
- 57
Suspension and Tire Vibrations
2complaintsMedium severitySuspensionThe truck vibrates inconsistently at speeds between 60-80 mph, often related to tire or suspension issues.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 16V256000
- 58
Suspension vibration and shaking
2complaintsMedium severitySuspensionThe vehicle shakes and vibrates, particularly at higher speeds, affecting ride quality and stability.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 16V256000
- 59
Torque Converter Problems
2complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe torque converter often fails, leading to transmission issues and requiring frequent repairs.
$1,500–$3,000est. torque converter replacement · 6–10 hrs laborGet local quotes - 60
Transmission Shudder During Acceleration
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission shudders and loses traction during acceleration, causing a noticeable hesitation.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 61
Transmission shuddering and hesitating
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission shudders and hesitates during acceleration, causing the vehicle to fail to shift smoothly.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 62
Vehicle Fire
2complaintsHigh severityOtherThe vehicle caught fire while stationary, causing damage and requiring replacement.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.