2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 problems: engine and transmission complaints and recalls
NO ELEVATED SIGNAL
26%
30 of 114 relevant owner complaints are about the engine, transmission or fuel system
No elevated drivetrain complaint concentration in the available NHTSA records for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. Engine, transmission and fuel system account for 26% of relevant complaints.
Better than 77% of the 1,789 model years we track (2010–2023).
Excludes 14 airbag, lighting and seat-belt recall complaints that would otherwise mask the signal (unadjusted: 23%).
Looking at a specific Silverado 2500?Check its VIN: the full report, quotes about its own engine, and whether its recalls are still open. First report free.
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 have engine or transmission problems?
Not as a pattern, going by owner complaints. 30 of 114 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (26%). For comparison, the 2015 scores 32% and the 2017 scores 44%. This describes the model year, not any one car: a well-maintained or already-repaired example can be fine, and a clean model year can still have a bad car in it.
Manufacturers fix things mid-generation. A bad year next to a clean one is common; the fix usually arrived in between.
What owners reported
POWER TRAIN03/10/2026
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 told the transfer case was making noise…
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE12/24/2025
Had new Western Wideout snowplow (recommended by Western) installed by Western dealership on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500hd with the factory snow plow prep package (RPO VYU). Vehicles instrument cluster, HVAC, Radio and other electrical systems cut out while operating snowplow. GM is well aware of this issue per GM …
POWER TRAIN09/29/2025
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving 45-55 MPH and hauling a trailer, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was shuddering abnormally, and the wheels locked up for approximately 4-seconds. The contact stated that the transmission was shif…
Three of 30 drivetrain complaints. The full report shows more, with quotes about the engine in the car you are looking at first.
Recall campaigns on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 (6)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
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 250…
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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 Y…
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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…
This does not say whether a particular car has an open, unrepaired recall. That depends on the VIN.
Before you buy a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
No elevated drivetrain pattern for this model year. That describes the model, not the car in front of you.
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
6 recall campaigns on this model year. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on the VIN; the report checks that.
Ask for service records. A transmission already replaced under warranty is a different car from one that was not.
Questions people ask about the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 have engine or transmission problems?
Not as a pattern, going by owner complaints. 30 of 114 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (26%). It describes the model year, not any one car, so an inspection still matters.
Are there engine or transmission recalls on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
Which Chevrolet Silverado 2500 years are better?
The 2016 has the lowest engine and transmission complaint share of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 years we track (26%). The other years run higher.
Should I buy a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?
That depends on the car in front of you, not just the model year. The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 shows no elevated engine or transmission pattern in owner complaints, which is a good starting point. It is still one car with its own history, so get an independent pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you commit.
Have the VIN?Paste it and get the full report for that car. First report free, then a 30-day pass covers a whole car search.
Experimental model-level information. This is not a vehicle inspection, vehicle-history
report, financial advice or purchase recommendation. It describes patterns across a model year, not the condition
of any individual vehicle.