Chevrolet Silverado Complaints (2016)

976 consumer complaints on file.

#11770756October 13, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle: 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Component: Powertrain – Automatic Transmission (8L90) Manufacturer: General Motors (Chevrolet) I am submitting this complaint regarding recurring transmission problems with my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with the GM 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission. I am concerned about the vehicle's inconsistent shifting behavior, the repeated failure to resolve these issues through service, and the potential safety implications of unpredictable transmission performance. My truck has been taken into the shop multiple times because of transmission-related concerns, including hard shifting, intermittent and inconsistent shifting, and transmission shudder. Despite these repeated service visits, the problems have continued. During one of the repair visits, the transmission wiring harness was replaced. However, the shifting concerns persisted. I was subsequently told by the service personnel that the hard shifting and intermittent shifting were “just how the transmissions on these are.” I do not consider this an acceptable resolution to a recurring mechanical and drivability concern. I was also informed that GM introduced updated transmission fluid intended to help address the transmission shudder, but that I would have to pay for the fluid service myself. I have been left facing additional expenses for the revised fluid, a potential torque converter replacement, and other transmission upgrades despite the repeated repair attempts and the continued existence of these problems. My primary concern is the transmission's inconsistent operation and the possibility that unexpected or severe shifting behavior could affect the driver's ability to control the vehicle safely in certain driving situations. Depending on the circumstances, unpredictable shifting, hesitation, or abrupt engagement could create a hazardous situation when accelerating, merging into traffic, navigating intersections, or driving in congested condition
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768767October 3, 2026
POWER TRAIN
"While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of propulsion/acceleration due to internal failure of the 6L80 6-speed automatic transmission. The failure occurred without prior warning, creating an immediate highway safety hazard by leaving the vehicle unable to maintain speed in traffic. A professional mechanic diagnosed the issue as a catastrophic torque converter failure that contaminated the entire transmission system with metal debris, requiring a complete out-of-pocket rebuild." This resulted in having to pay $4,800 plus tax in such a rough economy.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768047September 30, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, the three rear brake lights remained illuminated overnight, causing the battery to drain. The contact had to disconnect the battery terminals to prevent the battery from draining. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and mechanic on several occasions, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765362September 18, 2026
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was involved in a crash, and the air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle drove over an embankment and down a hill and then crashed into the sides of two vehicles. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The contact was transported to the local medical center. The contact sustained a concussion and had oxygen treatment. In addition, the contact continued to receive medical treatment. A Police report was filed, but the information was unavailable. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The failure mileage was approximately 91,300.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11761963September 3, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Leak is causing black mold, creating an unsafe environment inside the vehicle where child is expected and required by law to be buckled right above a black mold infected carpet and behind headrest
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760277August 28, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn from a complete stop, the vehicle lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal and was stranded in the middle of traffic. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was placed in neutral(N) and pushed to the shoulder of the road. The contact's husband arrived at the scene and restarted the vehicle; however, while driving at low speeds, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with metal shavings in the transmission. The dealer informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair costs. The check engine warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760480August 28, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, POWER TRAIN
I had noticed that my a/c was not cooling due to refrigerant loss. went to dealer and was told that I needed a new condenser and that my original was out of warranty & no recall was in effect. I was charged $1600.00 after the replacement was installed. I asked to see my original condenser & was directed behind the shop & low & behold there was a pile of 30 condensers exactly identical to mine
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759838August 26, 2026
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757832August 18, 2026
WHEELS, SUSPENSION, AIR BAGS
This truck is a 1500 Silverado custom with extended tail. There was a loud sound as if something happened , I moved to the shoulder and there was nothing visibly wrong. All tires had air in them, continued driving but did noticed a difference when I would back or turned to the right. Then days later one of my tires sort of was ruptured from the side of the tire and had to change tire. I put the spare and it is when I notice the bushing on both arms that hold the front wheels was loose. Looked for recalls and this model Chevrolet 1500 has a recall for front suspension arm bushing giving out and it is exactly what happened to my truck. The loud sound must have been one of them and then since most of the weight was put on the other bushing, made the tire give out and both bushings are not broken or torned so the bolt that holds arm and bushing is movable and loose, not holding the wheel the right way
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756540August 12, 2026
STEERING
For the past 2 years ive been having issues of losing power steering. Lots of parts and modules have been replaced out of pocket. Still not fixed. When it goes out it can be out for days to weeks and is extremely hard to steer. Its gone out or come back in during a turn which is very problematic and unsafe. I always get the same dash message, "service power steering drive with care". The dealership is aware and has seen the malfunctioning steering. So far the rack and pinion gear box has been replaced at $2700, then it was a terminal resistor that was replaced for $2,100, and several other trips in costing more money just to get the steering fixed but technicians have been unsuccessful so far despite their best efforts.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752802July 25, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
Approximately one week ago I was driving at a safe speed on a two-lane highway. Suddenly, my steering wheel and truck jerked to the right. For 8-10 seconds a warning message was displayed "Power Steering ... Drive Carefully." I took the truck to my local dealership. They scanned for trouble codes. The technician said something about an interruption communicating with the electrical system. My service advisor took the truck on a 15-mile drive and had no problem. They scanned again and there were no trouble codes. The service advisor said they could not fix the problem if they did not know the cause of the problem. I left the dealership. Since then, I have had 4 more incidents. Once the warning message appeared again, but no jerk of the steering wheel or truck; once there was the same warning message and a jerk of the steering wheel and truck; and twice there were sudden jerks of the steering wheel and truck but no warning message. I have reported each of these incidents to the dealership. I also called Chevrolet Customer Assistance. I explained the problem and asked if they would assign a Field Service Engineer to assist the dealership. hey declined my request. Because I momentarily lose control of steering the truck, I fear for my safety and the safety of others.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750018July 13, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle suffered a failure cascade of the brake booster vacuum pump system. During a low-speed bumper collision on July 4 and a boat ramp slide, the pedal triggered abnormal ABS-like pulsing as the computer tried to hydraulically compensate for dropping vacuum pressure. This resulted in truck front bumper damage and boat trailer fender damage. On July 10, total failure occurred in a drive-thru, rendering the pedal rock-hard and sopping mear impossible. All marked parts and logs are available for inspection. Onboard diagnostic data reveals the electronic brake control module has driven continuously without a master clear for 22,665 miles, locking the last system initialization to 78,468 miles. This continuous data loop proves code C0299-00 was actively visible in the history log during the subsequent dealer service visits. Instead of performing the hardware pump remedy under Recall N192268490 (NHTSA 19V650). At the Jan 24 dealer visit (78,482 mi), dealer applied a software update and charged out-of-pocket fees to clear symptoms. They also ignored subsequent communication regarding the billing discrepancy. Technicians completely neglected the history logs despite explicit complaints regarding low-speed ABS sensations, trailer brake messages, park assist, and brake assist warnings. The 2026 dealers (and 2024) falsified multipoint inspections stating brakes required NO service until after winter. Jan '26 dealer delayed further diagnostics until June '26. May '26 dealer ignored texts regarding a crooked steering wheel and unstable tracking after alignment service. The truck was intentionally misdiagnosed as functional to avoid the warranty period repair. This unaddressed mechanical failure caused a destructive system cascade requiring replacement of the vacuum pump, oil-contaminated vacuum lines lines, oil-saturated booster, master cylinder, glazed pads, warped rotors, fluid flush, tires from module drag, alongside the resulting bumper and trailer property damage.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742829June 8, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Doors automatically unlock while driving or parked and not running.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740948May 29, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Rear power window defrost thermal event. While rear defrost was on the plastic connector that goes to the rear defrost of the power rear sliding window began to smoke heavily. In 2020 there was recall number N192265660 for the 1500 series of the same year for the same component that failed and is a fire risk. 2500 had no recall but this vehicle contains the same product and poses the same fire risk as the 1500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739361May 21, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transmission started shifting hard, shuddering in torque converter, and long time shifting into 1st gear. Took it to a Transmission guy and he said it needs a full rebuild and is very common with this Transmission in this truck.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738003May 15, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING, POWER TRAIN
Had steering centering go out. Data cable pinched or broken somewhere in system and transmission got out. Also 4x4 system went out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736275May 7, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake assist activates for no apparent reason
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735090May 1, 2026
ENGINE
The AFM code p3400 was activated on the truck and the lifters went bad and caused damage to the cam shift. Lifter failure which caused fuel to shoot down exhaust and burned out the catalytic converters. Dealership wants 10k to fix not including the catalytic converters.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733869April 26, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving truck loses power. We stop put in park & then have to restart the truck to start driving. It has happened 3 times & we know this is a problem for other trucks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731871April 17, 2026
STEERING
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the message “Service Stabilizer” was displayed and the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle lost its power steering function, and the vehicle was difficult to steer. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,805.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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