NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The roof-rail air bag inflator end cap may separate, or the inflator sidewall may break open.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both the left and right roof-rail air bag modules at no cost.
This page covers 6 recalls and 50 owner complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500.
Steering is the standout complaint category for the 2016 Silverado 3500, with owners frequently describing intermittent power steering loss, most often during slow-speed cornering and in hot weather. The fuel and propulsion system draws the second-highest complaint volume, and diesel owners in particular report high-pressure fuel pump failures that contaminate the fuel system and require extensive, expensive repairs. Some owners also describe fuel filter issues that push the truck into a low-power mode before it stops running entirely. Brake complaints are fewer but include a recurring pattern where the trailer brake controller disables trailer braking when towing, triggered by voltage fluctuations from the towed vehicle's batteries, something owners pulling heavier trailers flag as a significant handling concern.
50
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 has 6 recalls, the most serious involving brake pedal failure, a fuel tank that can rupture and contact the driveshaft, and a curtain airbag inflator that can send fragments into the cabin.
The brake pedal pivot nut can loosen until the pedal becomes inoperative, and a loose pedal can also interfere with the accelerator. On trucks equipped with dual gasoline fuel tanks, a sticking fuel-level sensor in the front tank can allow the rear tank to overfill it, building enough pressure to expand the tank until it contacts the driveshaft and punches a hole through it. The roof-rail curtain airbag inflator can rupture or shed its end cap, propelling metal pieces into the cabin during a deployment. There are also two related restraint system recalls: a wiring issue in the airbag control system can prevent the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from firing in a crash, leaving the driver and front passenger without full restraint protection.
At a glance
What can fail
The roof-rail air bag inflator end cap may separate, or the inflator sidewall may break open.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both the left and right roof-rail air bag modules at no cost.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel-level sensor in the front tank may stick, preventing it from reading correctly. This allows fuel from the rear tank to overfill the front tank.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear-tank fuel-pump module and inspect the front tank, replacing it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake pedal pivot nut can loosen, making the brake pedal loose or unable to work.
What the fix does
Dealers will apply adhesive to the nut and reinstall it more tightly to secure the brake pedal.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control software may not have received a complete update from a previous recall. Under certain driving conditions, this software may run a diagnostic test that disables frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the air bag control software. If your vehicle previously deployed air bags, the control module will be replaced instead. Repairs are free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Under certain driving conditions, the air bag control module's software may run a self-test that disables the front air bags and seat belt pretensioners, preventing them from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the air bag control module software. If your air bags have previously deployed, the module will be replaced. Repairs are free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake pedal pivot nut may loosen over time, causing the brake pedal to become loose or stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will apply adhesive to the brake pedal pivot nut and reinstall it with increased torque to secure it properly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.