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2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering pedals and linkages and frontal. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Steering gear box play and looseness.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Campaign #18V578000 · Aug 30, 2018

Issue: 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: If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #16V651000 · Aug 9, 2016

Issue: 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: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #17V437000 · Oct 7, 2017

Issue: 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: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Fix: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Campaign #16V069000 · May 2, 2016

Issue: 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: If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

Campaign #21V504000 · Jan 7, 2021

Issue: 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: A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500.

Reported to NHTSA

Steering gear box play and looseness

STEERING

45 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2025-03

“AT APPROXIMATELY 9,700 MILES THE STEERING IN MY 2016 2500HD CHEVROLET SLIVERADO LTZ SUDDENLY HAD 3-4 INCHES OF PLAY IN THE STEERING WHILE DRIVING. THIS MADE THE TRUCK DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE DEALER WAS HELPFUL AND REPLACED THE STEERING BOX AT NO COST”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11362660
“17,200 MILES AND THE STEERING HAS 3-4 INCHES OF SLOP IN IT BEFORE THE TRUCK BEGINS TO TURN. IT IS EXTREMELY HARD AND DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. WANTS TO LEAVE ITS LANE CONSTANTLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11298183
“I WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON US HWY 43 AT 63 MPH AND MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT RESULTING IN MY TRUCK LEAVING THE ROAD AND CRASHING INTO THE TREES ON THE NORTHBOUND RIGHT OF WAY I KNOW THAT THE PREVIOUS YEAR TRUCKS HAVE A RECALL ON THE ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEM BUT THERE ARE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11165615

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission and torque converter failure

POWER TRAIN

13 NHTSA complaints · 2016-10 → 2026-03

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11632586
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11723400
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11654784

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of brake power assist

SERVICE BRAKES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2022-03

“STARTED TO APPLY BRAKES TO STOP FOR RED LIGHT. ALL OF THE SUDDEN BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WHICH CAUSED ME NOT TO BE ABLE TO STOP FOR THE RED SIGNAL. I RAN THRU THE INTERSECTION STRIKING ANOTHER VECHICLE. THAT CAR WAS TOTALED AND OUR TRUCK HAD 7K IN DAMAGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11280912
“THE POWER ASSIST TO THE BRAKES IS FAILING. THE TRUCK REQUIRES EXTREME FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP. EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11407551
“GOING DOWNHILL USING THE BRAKES OFTEN IT LOSES POWER BRAKES BECAUSE OF VACUUM LOSS. THEIR IS A RECALL FOR THIS BUT MY TRUCK IS NOT ON IT. TO RECALIBRATE THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL. THE BRAKES STILL WORK BUT WITH NO ASSIST IT IS VERY HARD TO SLOW DOWN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11405849

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Low-beam headlight visibility

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2017-01 → 2019-03

“THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE DANGEROUSLY NARROW AND DIM. IN RURAL AREAS WHERE THERE IS LITTLE AMBIENT LIGHT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE DEER IN THE DITCHES, AND CURVES IN THE ROAD ARE WORSE BECAUSE THE NARROW BEAM DOESN'T PROJECT TO THE SIDE AT ALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10968599
“THE LIGHTING ON THESE TRUCKS IS ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE. THE BRIGHTS/HIGH BEAMS ARE OK BUT THE DIM/LOW BEAMS ARE DANGEROUS! THERE IS LITTLE TO NO SIDE PROJECTION AND THE DISTANCE IS HORRIBLE. IF IT WASNT FOR THE FOG LAMPS I WOULDNT BE ABLE TO DRIVE THIS TRUCK AT NIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11186723
“VERY POOR HEADLIGHTS WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT CAN EASY OVER DRIVE HEADLIGHTS WHEN DRIVING IN RURAL AREAS WERE THERE ARE NO STREET LIGHTS ABOVE START TO LOOSE GOOD VISION AT 50 TO 75 FEET IN FRONT OF TRUCK THIS IS VERY BAD HEADLIGHTS THESE SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN ALOUD TO BE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11002626

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Vehicle vibration at highway speed

SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE, WHEELS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2016-03 → 2022-06

“MY VEHICLE VIBRATES AND SHAKES AT VARYING SPEED BUT MOSTLY BETWEEN 60 AND 75MPH. I HAVE BEEN TO DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TIRES REPLACED TWICE. THE DEALERSHIP TESTED THE VEHICLE WITH SENSORS AND CAN NOT ISOLATE THE VIBRATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11011931
“VEHICLE SHAKES OR VIBRATES AT MOST SPEEDS. THE VIBRATION IS WORST AT 25-45 AND 65MPH+. IT CAUSES DRIVER FATIGUE AND NAUSEA. TIRES HAVE BEEN ROAD FORCED BALANCED BY DEALER AND DRIVE SHAFT REPLACED IN ATTEMPTS TO FIX PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10985745
“I was driving down the road, the truck began to shake and bounce real bad. I took to the dealership we purchased the vehicle from and they said $3500 for a new front end to replace all the parts. This truck has never been wrecked or hit anything”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11471533

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Instrument cluster and infotainment electrical failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2016-04 → 2024-12

“ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING CAUSING LOSS OF NEEDED INFORMATION SUCH AS SPEED AND OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION. DEALER SAYS THERE IS A TSB THAT THE ENTIRE TRUCK HAS TO BE RE-FLASHED INCLUDING ALL MODULES IN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10860814
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11618928
“The infotainment center seems to malfunction and push buttons on it's own or not respond to input, which seems related to a more serious problem I experienced where the gauge cluster was not reading anything out when I was driving, including not knowing what speed I was”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11489358

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

CP4 high-pressure fuel pump failure

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

11 NHTSA complaints · 2018-03 → 2024-10

“I purchased 2016 Chevrolet 2500 HD from the dealership. The truck I bought had the CP4 high-pressure fuel injection pump, which comes standard in all GM-manufactured 2011-2016 6.6L Duramax diesel vehicles such as the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, and it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11484352
“The contact's husband owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while her husband was driving 20 MPH and approaching a traffic light, the engine started to misfire. The contact's husband was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11476175
“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, stalled, and stopped in the middle of the roadway. The contact stated that there were unknown warning lights illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11516042

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Trailer brake controller fault

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2022-11

“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and towing a 2005 Dump Trailer, the message "Service Trailer Brake System" was displayed, and the trailer brake failed. The contact veered to the side of the road”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11493708
“FOR THREE YEARS I HAVE TOWED SEVERAL 10,000# TOY HAULER TRAILERS AROUND THE COUNTRY WITH SUB STANDARD BRAKE SYSTEMS. EACH TIME I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKES CHECKED, I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE FINE AND NO PROBLEMS EXISTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11180133
“My trailer brake warning bell keeps coming on all the time saying service trailer brake , then says connected. I have pulled the fuse as to not here this bell all the time. I just changed the module and it still does it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11485876

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles, sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

202 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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