K2XX (Heavy Duty)
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
The most reported problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is brake wear, with 14 complaints.
- 123owner complaints
- 6recalls
- 5involved a crash
- 42,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 24, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
Problem sheets
No single problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 has enough owner reports for a sheet of its own yet. The counts below still cover every complaint on file.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 reliable?
The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 has 123 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, less than half the median of 278 for 2016 pickups on this site. Of the 12 Silverado 2500 model years since 2014, it has the 3rd most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017
- At 11 complaints for each year on the road, the 2016 runs 2.1 times the 2017 (5). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
- Top problem
- No problem dominates. The largest, brake wear, covers 14 of the 123 complaints (11%), and infotainment is next with 9 (one complaint can fall under more than one problem, so these overlap). Too few of the brake wear reports give a mileage to say when it starts.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 9 of the 123 complaints (7%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, about the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 5 reports mention a crash, 2 mention a fire and 4 people were hurt.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- 6 recalls are on file, but no problem here has enough reports to set against them.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2020 at 18 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 11. So far in 2026, 3 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: brakes grind, pulse or wear early, 14 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
123 complaints is 2.1 times fewer than the median 2016 model on this site and 2.3 times fewer than the median 2016 pickup. Among the 4 Silverado 2500 model years here it ranks 3rd for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
Chevrolet filed 1,782 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. 121 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 10 bulletins · 14 complaints
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about fluid leaking from the brake caliper piston area found during a service of the vehicle.
This technical bulletin provides information and a solution to a condition of Brake Pedal Moves or Self Applies at Full Turns.
8 more on this problem
This service bulletin provides information for tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system concerns.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of pulsing, grinding, scraping noise from brakes, uneven front brake pad wear.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure for pad replacement due to on premature and/or uneven brake pad wear.
17650 - Customer Advisory Letter. If this condition affects your vehicle you may noticed the CNG odor or hear a hissing sound.
This informational bulletin provides information on installing the correct tires for vehicles with the condition of under hard acceleration at higher speeds, the traction control light will flash.
22860 - SERVICE UPDATE. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A SERVICE PROCEDURE TO DO AN INSPECTION AND WIRE REPAIR AS NEEDED ON CERTAIN 2016 MODEL YEAR CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD, SILVERADO LD, GMC SIERRA HD AND SIERRA LD VEHICLES.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the step needed to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have uneven brake pad wear. Technician will need to inspect and measure the brake pads thickness.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of a Service Stabilitrak message displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 62 bulletins · 9 complaints
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a radio backlighting will stay on even after the ignition has been turned off and the key has been removed for several minutes, eventually the ...
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician how to repair vehicles that Instrument Panel Cluster, Radio, and Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning display blanks out, Bluetooth phone or Pandora connection dropped, the radio ...
60 more on this problem
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Loss of Radio Audio Shortly After an OnStar In-Vehicle Voice Message Is Heard.
This informational bulletin provides information on Normal Radio Display Operation ? Display Does Not Remain Off at Times After Being Turned Off in Settings and no parts should be replaced due to this condition.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the radio for vehicles with the condition of Intermittent Pop Noise from the Speakers Followed by a Reset of the Radio and Clock due to a software issue.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have any of these concerns remote keyless entry, passive Entry and Start Inoperative, No Fob detect message on driver information center, service tire ...
This informational bulletin provides Information on Using Voice Pass-Thru to Access Voice Recognition Commands on Cell Phone and how it does not work on models equipped with IOA and IOB radios.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a “Service 4WD Message” displayed in the Driver Information Center. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes C0392 or C0396.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps to diagnose and repair the concern of the display is showing 32° F (0° C) after a battery or reprogramming a module.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have intermittent and hard to duplicate Rear Camera blank, distorted, or fuzzy.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the radio will not retain the previous settings and will go to the Home Icon screen when the vehicle is restarted.
Plus 50 older ones not listed here.
Fuel pump failure 5 bulletins · 8 complaints
This service bulletin provides service information for customer concerns of an in-tank fuel pump whining noise, engine hard to start and/or stalls and Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is illuminated that may be caused by gelling of fuel in cold temperatures.
This service bulletin provides information to correct a customer concern of an in-tank fuel pump whining noise, engine hard to start and/or stalls and Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is illuminated.
3 more on this problem
This Bulletin provides information to correct a customer concern of a siren or whine noise from the in-tank fuel pump at temperatures below -6C or 20F, accompanied by start and stall, no start, loss of power and MIL illuminated.
This Technical Bulletin provides information to correct a customer concern of a siren or whine noise from the in-tank fuel pump at temperatures below -6C or 20F, accompanied by start and stall, no start, loss of power and MIL illuminated.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the fuel pump to correct the MIL concerns.
Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 10 bulletins · 7 complaints
This service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low temperatures.
This Preliminary information communicates information on a hydrauilc rush type noise from the power steering gear. This noise is a characteristic of the new Active Hydraulic Assist System RPO NV8 and no repairs should be made.
8 more on this problem
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the power steering control module to correct a condition of Loss of Steering Assist due to a software abnormality.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles thatmay have Service Front Camera, Service Lane Departure Warning, and Service Lane Keep Assist Message.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle with Service ABS and/or Traction control lights/message on, Service Power Steering System, Service Suspension System, and or Loss of communication with EBCM, SWPS, ...
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician with additional information on the functionality of Lane Keep Assist.Starting with2016 model year Lane Keep Assist Regular Production Option Code (UHX) replaced Lane Departure ...
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low temperatures.
This engineering informational bulletin is requesting information from the field on vehicles that have the condition of a service power steering message displayed and or a power steering fluid leak.
This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.
Power Steering Noise or Fluid Leak from Power Steering Pump, Gear or High Pressure Hose During Extreme Low Temperature Conditions
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 9 bulletins · 7 complaints
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to diagnose and repair vehicles that have a no crank or a start and then immediate stall, Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator lamp may not be on when the ignition ...
7 more on this problem
Malfunction Indicator Lamp Illuminated (MIL) - DTC P2635 and/or P018B Set In High Ambient Temperatures With Hesitation, Surging and Stalling Condition Some customers may comment that the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is illuminated.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps need to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have stalling shudder and/or hard shifting into 1st gear or reverse vibration on launch (with excessive crankshaft end ...
This Preliminary Information communicates to technicians that the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL's) or the auto headlamps will not shut off when using the daytime running lamp disable switch (Which is part of the headlamp switch), if the vehicles was built for ...
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that a whine noise heard from the automatic transmission fluid pan hear with the the key on and engine off, or for up to one minute after the vehicle has been shut off should be ...
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that have remote start is inoperative, power lift gate Regular Production Option Code (TB5) is inoperative with the ignition off, ...
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have hesitation or a stalling condition while in ambient temperatures 100 degrees or higher.
This Preliminary information communicatesIn ambient temperatures 100F (37.7 C)degrees or higher, DTCs P2635 and/or P018B may set.The vehicle may also exhibit a hesitation or stalling condition.Excessively Hot and sustained ambient temperatures over 100F (37.7 ...
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 25 bulletins · 5 complaints
This 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 accompanied by a clunk noise.
This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
23 more on this problem
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician of a complaint of a sag or hesitation when accelerating.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the transmission is slipping when shifting into 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th gears.
This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the customer may experience a 2-3 slip or flare after the vehicle has been sitting for a period of time.
This service bulletin provides service /diagnostic information to aid with a Transmission Harsh 1-2 Shift Upon First Start Up/Shift of the Day Under Light Throttle.
This Technical bulletin provides a repair to correct a condition of Shudder/Surging While Driving.
This service bulletin provides a diagnostic procedure to aid in correcting a customer concern of a Howling, Whining/Whirring Noise, Shudder/Vibration and/or Grinding Noise While in 4HI, 4HI Auto and/or During Parking Lot Maneuvers in Auto Mode.
This informational bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
Special Coverage Adjustment - certain vehicles with a 6.2L engine may have a condition that affects the electrical connection to the transmission oil temperature sensor.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information and definitions to the technician about vehicles that have fishbite, chuggle, misfire, AFM disturbances or torque converter shudder/vibration concerns.
This technical bulletin provides information for new transmission oil to use and a procedure for exchanging the old fluid and adding the new fluid to correct a shake/shudder during light throttle acceleration condition.
Plus 13 older ones not listed here.
Complaints filed by year
18 complaints came in 2020. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500, GMC Sierra 2500/3500 vehicles, and 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The left-side or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will replace both RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262569920. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 24, 2026.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 18, 2021. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available. Phase I owner notification letters were mailed on May 5, 2022. Phase II owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 31, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. This recall supersedes NHTSA recall number 20V-736. GM's number for this recall is N202324251.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the nut and reinstall the nut with increased tightness, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18278. Note: The vehicles in this recall need this additional remedy despite being covered by recall 16V069 for brake pedal loosening.
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, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
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 Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
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 Sierra 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 29, 2013, to February 1, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the brake pedal pivot nut and reinstall with an increased torque, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 20760.
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Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?
Brake wear, with 14 of the 123 complaints.
At what mileage do 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 problems start?
Of the 83 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 20,000 miles and half by about 42,000.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 better or worse than the 2017?
Counted per year on the road, the 2016 has more complaints than the 2017: 11 a year against 5.
How many 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
9 of them (7%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for brake wear on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?
Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls on the same system: 16V-069 and 18V-578. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.