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CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2016 Silverado has a few problems reported here & there, but that's to be expected for a popular model. More importantly, it has no significant problem trends -- both with our complaint data & same with complaints made to the NHTSA.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
22,475 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine problems

engine problem

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2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 4)

problem #64

Dec 311969

Silverado 1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

We have replaced the engine twice and the transmission once spending 18,000 dollars on a truck that was 54,000 plus dollars that we bought in 2019 and we still owe over 5 grand on currently. Currently now were having a stablittrack malfunction weve been told by numerous mechanics how awful this year for yjis particular vehicle is because its the first year GM decided to put in a smart engine.we definitely regret ever buying this GM product ???"we truly need help with the repairs for tnis truck ! Its stranded us numerous times even shutting off trying to go thru a red light !

- Dallas, GA, USA

problem #63

Aug 182025

Silverado 1500

  • miles
Stability track came on left me stuck a On train tracks and middle of an entersection

- Elkhart, IN, USA

problem #62

Jul 102025

Silverado 1500

  • miles
65,300 miles on my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado with the 5.3 liter engine. Engine lifter and camshaft failure due to the AFM/DFM system. Now my truck is being worked on as we speak by a performance shop who says these seem to be a normal occurrence. Some with more miles and some with less millage. After doing some research online, this is a very common problem. And on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook there is a lot of people having same issues. My question is why isn't this being looked into. I've asked other mechanics, speed shops, and including a Chevrolet Dealer mechanic and he said yes that AFM/DFM is a major problem. But no recall from GM. Please help. This is not a cheap repair, and It's definitely unfair to many others that will have these same issues.

- Jeannette, PA, USA

problem #61

Jun 162025

Silverado 1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Transmission issues already had one replaced 5/9/24 having issues again going to be 3rd transmission also having issues now with electrical system going out while driving and dinging noise, when entering or exiting vehicle here rebooting system whining. Going to contact car coverage to have vehicle inspected again for the problems.

- Taylor , MI, USA

problem #60

May 012025

Silverado 1500

  • miles
Engine camshaft is out only 105k on vehicle. $6k to fix for it to just happen again which these trucks are known for this which is a huge manufacturer flaw. Driving down the hwy and check engine turned on quickly and whole truck shaking had to pull over going 60mph small shoulder on hwy. Taken to 2 mechanics both told me have to pull heads replace camshaft lifters. For this to be a known issue with these motors they put out and cost people thousands and risking safety is unreal

- Morehead City, NC, USA

problem #59

Jun 152016

Silverado 1500

  • miles
It is commonly known the Chevy 5.3 and 6.2 engines have lifter problems. Not sure why there has not been some sort of recall done already.

- Mauston, WI, USA

problem #58

Jun 282024

Silverado 1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z71 Crew Cab Transmission (6 speed automatic) 97,000 miles - At 70 mph in traffic, the transmission decided to stop working with no warning, stranded on highway 800 miles from home at 7:15 pm on Saturday, June 28, 2024. - Got it to a Chevy dealership, they had to replace the transmission. - 4 days and $7,100 later I had transportation again. - Do not have the blown transmission, dealership kept it. Engine (5.3L V8 EcoTec3) 103,000 miles - At 35 mph in traffic, the engine lost all power and had a very loud clunking sound. Had to have it towed. December 7, 2024 - Had to have it rebuilt, 3 lifters were broken along with other things. - 3 weeks and $5,600 later I had transportation again. - I have the box of parts that had to be replaced.

- Mooresville, NC, USA

problem #57

Apr 032025

Silverado 1500

  • miles
Going down Highway about 60 mph slowed down to make a turn after turn engine started skipping and making a noise, lifter failed

- Quinton, OK, USA

problem #56

Nov 112024

Silverado 1500

  • miles
The 2016 silverado LTZ 5.3L flex fuel lifters went out at 83k miles. I was left standed and had to be towed. I have researched that this is a known GM issue with the 5.3L motors, but I was told because I was outside the warranty that I had to pay the $8000 repair bill for a new motor. This is one a GM issue and a safety issue because I had sudden no power while I was driving and with no warning. The second issue is that the brakes have a serious shake and vibration that the dealership told be they were fine, but it is very hard to stop the vehicle with a tremendous about of force I had to place on the brake peddle. The life of this vehicle has had all services done at Jim Mckay Chevrolet in Fairfax VA. I could not afford the repair and unfortunately I had to trade in the truck and buy a new truck with large monthly payments.

- Fairfax, VA, USA

problem #55

Jan 212025

Silverado 1500

  • miles
Right now I don't have a problem with my 6.2 motor but I have a TSB on valve lifter repair it states that any unsold vehicle on the lot or in transit before it is sold the lifters must be replaced but it doesn't say anything about the ones that were sold to be fixed the # of the TSB from GM is N212353840 if you would like to see it thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Essex, Md, MD, USA

problem #54

Jun 152024

Silverado 1500

  • 77,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact purchased a portable diagnostic machine and retrieved DTC Codes: C279A and U0422-71 indicating an electrical failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased 30 days prior to the failure and the vehicle had been serviced by the dealer four times due to the persistent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

- North Wales, PA, USA

problem #53

Nov 182022

Silverado 1500

  • miles
Recall Airbag/electrical and cylinder won-??t change to next gear m, know several people with the same truck and same issue.

- Parlier Ca, CA, USA

problem #52

Oct 212023

Silverado 1500

  • miles
The truck has had its major service to replace all fluids at 70,000 miles. One of the services was a notable vibration and shaking through the steering wheel and on the brakes. Higher the speed the more the vibration. When brakes are applied the vibration gets worse. The vehicles brakes and rotors were checked and good. The mechanic said that the brake pump was slightly loose and it was tightened. It did slightly ease the vibration, but less that a few days later it is back to the same vibrating. The brake power feels weak and when I need to brake I feel like the vehicle is not stopping. I have owner a 2014 Silverado before this and did not have this issue. I took it back to the dealer and they did an alignment which did not help.

- Fairfax, VA, USA

problem #51

Oct 182023

Silverado 1500

  • miles
I brought my truck into the dealership for a routine oil change. They notified me that my radiator is leaking and needs to be replaced. They stated that there is a small leak in the lower right corner of the radiator. I did not notice and fluids leaking from the radiator prior or did not smell any coolant from the engine. The leak did not trigger any warning lights inside of the vehicle. I did notice on a few occasions that the coolant levels looked low and added more to the system. My truck only has 60k miles on it. After researching this issue I've learned that this is a fairly common problem for 2014-2018 Silverados and that Chevy will only fix the 2014's.

- Hermosa Beach, CA, USA

problem #50

May 052023

Silverado 1500

  • miles
AFM/DOD leafters collapse

- Modesto, CA, USA

problem #49

Apr 012021

Silverado 1500

  • miles
My truck has a shudder/ shake while accelerating as well as rough shifts here and there. If certain speeds are maintained, the shudder is constant. This causes uneven speeds, noises, and distractions. I fear one day the transmission will fully give out while driving and I will crash. My vehicle is available for inspection. The problem is easily reproduced as it happens every time I drive. As well, the truck was recently at an independent service center and the problem was confirmed by an associate. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer as they told me it would cost me $180 just for a diagnostic which they will need my car for two days. There are no current dash lights on. This is a known issue and Chevrolet should be held accountable.

- Carlsbad, CA, USA

problem #48

Apr 112023

Silverado 1500

  • miles
The truck has been having problems since a month after we got it took it to the dealers they always said nothing wrong with time it has gotten worse it feels like someone is pushing it and then stops for a bit and it makes a loud sound feels like tramsmittion

- Rio Rancho, NM, USA

problem #47

Mar 202023

Silverado 1500

  • 53,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started driving rough. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine lifters had failed, and an engine cylinder rod had been damaged. The engine rod and lifters were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000.

- Leesburg, FL, USA

problem #46

Jan 232023

Silverado 1500

  • miles
Transmission failure at 141,000 miles while driving on highway.

- Fond Du Lac, WI, USA

problem #45

Feb 182023

Silverado 1500

  • miles
I developed a oil leak in my oil cooling lines. I don't know why there is a recall for the 2019 Silverado and not my 2016 for the same problem. I reference GM Customer Satisfaction Program number: N212326940.

- Westchester, IL, USA

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