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2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering pedals and linkages and tank assembly. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Steering gear 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.

6 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Campaign #19V088000 · Jul 2, 2019

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 GMC Sierra 3500 and Chevrolet Silverado 3500 trucks equipped with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks. The fuel-level sensor in the front tank may stick in a low-level position, allowing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.

Risk: If the front tank overfills, the excess pressure may cause the front tank to expand and contact the driveshaft, possibly resulting in a hole in the tank. The hole will leak fuel, which in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear-tank fuel-pump module, inspect the front tank and, if necessary, replace the front tank, free of charge. The recall began July 30, 2019. GM's number for this recall is N182204190.

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 3500.

Reported to NHTSA

Steering gear play and looseness

STEERING

15 NHTSA complaints · 2016-02 → 2025-06

“Power steering intermittently goes out. Mostly when it's hot out, slow speeds, and cornering”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11669885
“There is excessive play in the steering causing the vehicle to wander. Problem is amplified at freeway speeds or while towing 5th-wheel. On some roads truck will pull one direction till change in road slop cause truck to swerve in opposite direction”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11523579
“NEW TRUCK HAD LOSE STEERING WHEN I TOOK DELIVERY, REQUIRING OVER CORRECTION. WITH JUST 4529 IN MILEAGE ON IT I TOOK IT BACK TO MY DEALER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10909772

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Trailer brake controller faults while towing

SERVICE BRAKES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-10 → 2025-03

“While connected to a RV which has onboard batteries, the truck's brake controller disables the braking system if the batteries on the RV fluctuate in voltage”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11648847
“Driving my truck, without a trailer, the "Service Trailer Brakes Soon" fault came on my truck. This is a known problem that GM is aware of with their ITBC system for YEARS & have done selective recalls for”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11436323
“DRIVING VEHICLE ABS AND SKID WARNING LIGHTS APPEARS, BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING APPEARS ALWAYS LIT WHILE IN TOWING MODE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11039430

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal failure and reduced braking

SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2017-07 → 2023-05

“AT ABOUT 14K MILES WE FOUND BRAKE FLUID AND HAD TO HAVE THE TRUCK TOWED TO SHOP. THEY FIXED FOR FREE. ABOUT 7K MILES AFTER THE BREAKS TOTALLY WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11172394
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT MOVE AND BECAME STUCK WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11164844
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, FELT SOFT, AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11006565

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Wheel and tire vibration or wear

WHEELS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2016-03 → 2018-12

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DROVE OUT OF TOWN AND, UPON HIS RETURN, HE NOTICED THAT THE TWO REAR RIMS WERE FRACTURED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11160822
“HELLO I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO K3500 LTZ DUALLY FROM (XXXX) IN LAKEVILLE, MN FEB 2017 I HAD APPROXIMATELY 25K MILES ON IT AND I HAD NOTICED THE FRONT TIRES WERE STARTING TO FEATHER AND MAKING A STRANGE NOISE AND THE TREAD STARED TO CHUNK OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11114708
“HAS THE CHEVY SHAKES BETWEEN 38 AND 70 MILE PER HOUR .5.3 V8 MOTOR AND 8 SPEED TRANSMISSION 342 REAR AXEL LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL . BEEN SELLING GM'S FOR 55 YEARS AND IF THIS WAS A DEMENSTRATOR WE WOULD NEVER NEVER SELL ANOTHER TRUCK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10852511

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel transfer pump and CP4 injection pump failure

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

12 NHTSA complaints · 2016-12 → 2025-01

“WE HAVE HAD REPEATED INSTANCES, WHERE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, AND FUEL GUAGE FLAT LINES. IF YOU CAN NOT GET TO A QUALIFIED DEALER SOON ENOUGH, VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING[ACTUALLY IT REMAINS RUNNING UNTIL IT ALMOST COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP]”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10930297
“P2636 TRANSFER PUMP - DRIVER INDICATED FUEL GAUGE WAS FLUCTUATING FROM FULL TO EMPTY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND GAUGE DROPPED TO EMPTY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10966553
“On [XXX] while traveling down [XXX] in VA I experienced a catastrophic Bosch CP4 Fuel Pump Failure. Vehicle was towed to Marion Auto Group in Marion, VA and kept for 5 weeks to repair fuel system”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11634518

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbags fail to deploy in crash

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-09 → 2026-02

“I have now been in 2 serious accidents that resulted in all other vehicles deploying airbags and being totalled, but mine have never deployed and it has been suggested there may be a recall for this”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719502
“The contact stated while driving approximately at 55 mph when the vehicles in front of the contact began to stop abruptly which resulted in the contact crashing the vehicle into another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11432137
“Upon impact with a tree in the rear of the truck, the airbag system in the vehicle was engaged. The seatbelts locked up, and the airbag chemicals in the steering wheel and front passenger airbag compartment were activated, however, none of the airbags physically deployed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11443651

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration and speed control malfunction

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2024-09

“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Low Cab Forward truck. The contact stated that an employee had started the vehicle while parked and placed the vehicle in drive (D), the vehicle independently accelerated and crashed into 2 vehicles parked in front of the contact's vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11614988
“THE TRUCK IS A 2016 CHEVROLET 3500 HD DIESEL, WHEN THE TRUCK GOES INTO REGENERATION MODE THE TRUCK ACCELERATES WITHOUT NOTICE. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF IT'S IN PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL OR DRIVE, THE RPM OF THE ENGINE SPEEDS UP TO ABOUT 900 RPM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10979485
“AT ALL TIMES, INCLUDING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAKES A SQUEAKING SOUND WHICH IS NOT ONLY IRRITATION, BUT A SIGN OF SOME SORT OF PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ITSELF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11076630

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 17, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 17, 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.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

0

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 3500 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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