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Chevrolet · Known Issues

2016 Chevrolet Silverado Problems: 5 Known Issues

2016 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado has 5 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are 8-Speed (8L90 / 8L45) Transmission Shudder, Hard Shift and Torque-Converter Judder ($200-$4,000 repair), 5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Collapse and Camshaft Damage ($1,500-$4,500 repair), Brake Vacuum Pump Failure — Hard Brake Pedal (3.4M-Vehicle Recall) ($0-$600 repair) and 6.6L Duramax LML Bosch CP4.2 Fuel Pump Failure — Whole Fuel System Destruction ($5,000-$12,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $12,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Silverado Transmission1
  • Silverado Engine1
  • Silverado Brakes1
  • Silverado Fuel System1
  • Silverado HVAC1
  • Recalls2
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Transmission1
  • Engine1
  • Brakes1
Fuel System
1
  • HVAC1
  • Recalls2
  • FAQ
  • All 5 Known Issues

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    On the 2015-2019 Chevrolet Silverado, silverados with the Hydra-Matic 8L90 (and 8L45) 8-speed automatic are widely reported to hesitate, then shudder, jerk, clunk or 'hard shift' when changing gears — some owners describe a shift so violent it feels like being rear-ended, plus a torque-converter-clutch shudder that feels like driving over rumble strips. The root cause is internal friction/hydraulic issues and torque-converter-clutch micro-slip, often worsened by the original transmission fluid breaking down, sending metal shavings through the unit. GM issued 13+ TSBs and a fluid change (to Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP / DEXRON-ULV) as the primary remedy, and the defect is the subject of a certified class action covering 2015-2019 Silverado and other GM models. Very high search and complaint volume.

    This issue also affects: Buick Enclave, Buick Encore GX, Buick Regal

    Common Symptoms

    • Shudder / vibration like driving over rumble strips
    • Harsh or violent hard shifts (clunk/bang)
    • Hesitation then surge on acceleration
    • Slipping or flaring between gears
    • Jerking at low speed / when slowing

    How to Fix

    First-line fix per GM TSB is a full transmission fluid flush/exchange to the updated low-viscosity fluid (Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP), which resolves many shudder cases. Persistent shudder or hard shifts may require torque-converter replacement, valve-body service, or transmission overhaul. Adding an auxiliary transmission cooler helps prevent recurrence. Document repairs — affected owners may qualify under the class-action settlement/lemon-law remedies.

    Typical repair cost:$200 - $4,000

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

    On the 2007-2019 Chevrolet Silverado, the 5.3L (and 6.2L) V8 with Active Fuel Management — GM's cylinder-deactivation system that drops the engine to 4 cylinders to save fuel — is notorious for collapsed AFM lifters. The special deactivating lifters (and the lifter oil-manifold/VLOM that feeds them) fail when oil pressure/timing to the lifter is compromised, causing the lifter roller to seize. A collapsed lifter no longer opens its valve, producing a dead-cylinder misfire, a loud ticking/tapping, rough idle and major power loss. If driven on, a collapsed lifter can wipe the camshaft lobe and destroy the cam, turning a lifter job into a top-end rebuild. This is consistently ranked the #1 Silverado engine problem and generates heavy forum and search traffic across the entire 2007-2019 AFM era. Disabling AFM (range tuner/AFM delete) is the common owner mitigation.

    This issue also affects: Buick LeSabre, Buick Park Avenue, Buick Cascada

    Common Symptoms

    • Loud ticking or tapping from top of engine
    • Cylinder misfire / rough idle
    • Check engine light with misfire code
    • Sudden loss of power
    • Engine knock
    • Excessive oil consumption alongside the tick

    How to Fix

    On a misfire/tick, pull the valve covers and inspect the AFM lifters and corresponding cam lobes. Standard fix is to replace all 8 AFM lifters (or convert to non-AFM lifters with an AFM-delete kit), the lifter guides, the VLOM/oil manifold, and head gaskets/bolts; if a cam lobe is wiped, the camshaft must be replaced too. Many owners install an AFM-disable tuner or a 'range' device to stop cylinder deactivation and prevent recurrence. Keep oil changes on time and avoid extended intervals — degraded/low oil pressure accelerates AFM lifter failure.

    Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $4,500

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

    On the 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, gM recalled about 3.46 million vehicles (NHTSA 19V645 and expanded 20V603), including 2014-2018 Silverado 1500, for an engine-driven brake vacuum pump that loses output over time. Debris and oil sludge build up on the pump's internal filter screen, reducing the vacuum that powers the brake booster. The result is a hard/firm brake pedal requiring much more effort and increased stopping distance, with a 'Service Brake Assist' message. GM attributed 113 accidents and 13 injuries to the condition. Notably, the recall remedy is a software recalibration of the electronic brake control module to add hydraulic boost when vacuum is low — it is NOT a replacement of the failing pump itself, so the underlying P1429 vacuum-pump complaint persists for many owners. High search and complaint volume.

    This issue also affects: Chevrolet Tahoe

    Common Symptoms

    • Hard / firm brake pedal needing much more effort
    • Increased stopping distance
    • 'Service Brake Assist' message on the DIC
    • Pedal effort worse on cold starts / first stops
    • Ticking or clattering from the vacuum pump area

    How to Fix

    Check VIN against recalls 19V645 / 20V603 and have the dealer apply the free EBCM software recalibration that activates secondary hydraulic boost when vacuum drops. Because the recall does not replace the pump, owners experiencing a persistently hard pedal or P1429 typically need the mechanical vacuum pump replaced (and the engine oil kept clean, since oil sludge clogs the pump screen). Replace the pump with an updated unit if it is the cause.

    Typical repair cost:$0 - $600

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

    On the 2011-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 6.6L V8 Duramax LML Turbo-Diesel, silverado 2500HD/3500HD trucks with the 6.6L Duramax LML use the Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure injection pump, which was designed around European diesel and is poorly lubricated by U.S. ULSD. The pump's roller/cam interface can gall and disintegrate, sending metal shavings throughout the entire fuel system. When it lets go, it contaminates injectors, rails and lines, the engine stalls (often at speed), and the repair commonly runs ~$8,000-$10,000+ because the whole fuel system must be replaced. It is the subject of a certified multi-state class action (Chapman v. GM) that reached a proposed settlement. Very high search and forum demand among HD diesel owners.

    This issue also affects: Cadillac XT4, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6

    Common Symptoms

    • Sudden loss of power / engine stall while driving
    • Hard start or no-start
    • Metal shavings / debris in fuel filter
    • Rough running and misfire
    • Check engine light with fuel-pressure codes
    • Loud knocking from the injection pump

    How to Fix

    On a CP4 failure the entire high-pressure fuel system must be flushed/replaced — CP4 pump, injectors, rails, lines and filters — to clear all metal contamination; reusing contaminated parts causes repeat failure. Many owners proactively install a CP4-to-CP3 conversion kit (more tolerant of U.S. diesel) or at minimum a 'disaster prevention'/CP4 bypass kit and an upgraded lift pump and water-separating filter, and run fuel additive for lubricity. Check eligibility under the Chapman v. GM settlement for repair reimbursement.

    Typical repair cost:$5,000 - $12,000

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

    On the 2014-2020 Chevrolet Silverado, the A/C condenser on K2XX-platform Silverados is a chronic failure point — the condenser develops cracks at the side spot-welds (thermal-stress fatigue) and the discharge line/hose can flex and crack, both of which leak refrigerant and leave the A/C blowing warm air. It was the #1 complaint on the 2014 model year. Because GM's condenser is a 'combi-cooler' with an integrated transmission oil cooler, a failure can affect both cabin cooling and transmission temps. GM acknowledged it with TSB PIT5331 (revised discharge tube + anti-flex bracket, part 23264893) and Special Coverage Adjustment 17336, extending warranty on the specific leak to 5 years / 60,000 miles — but never issued a safety recall. Heavily searched and reported.

    This issue also affects: Chevrolet Tahoe

    Common Symptoms

    • A/C blows warm or only mildly cool air
    • A/C cools then quits, especially in heat / at idle
    • Refrigerant leak (oily residue at condenser)
    • Hissing on shutdown
    • Bad/musty odor from vents

    How to Fix

    Have the system leak-tested (UV dye/electronic sniffer) to confirm the condenser/discharge line is the leak source. Replace the condenser with a revised/updated unit and install the redesigned discharge tube plus the anti-flex bracket per TSB PIT5331, then evacuate and recharge. Check eligibility for GM Special Coverage 17336 — if within 5 yr / 60k mi the repair may be free. Aftermarket condensers (e.g., GM3030306 cross-reference, OE 84537373) are common cost-saving replacements.

    Typical repair cost:$400 - $1,200

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026
    NHTSA Recalls2 recalls

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

    Genera Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, Malibu, Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles. The radio may intermittently fail to provide an audio warning when the key has been left in the ignition and the door is opened or when the driver does not fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection", and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Campaign #16V08400011/02/2016

    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pick up trucks manufactured October 13, 2015, to October 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the mounting stud used to secure the air bag sensing and diagnostic Module (SDM) may be incorrectly positioned, and as a result, the SDM housing could fracture.

    Campaign #15V83000010/12/2015

    Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the most common Chevrolet Silverado problems?

    According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 8-Speed (8L90 / 8L45) Transmission Shudder, Hard Shift and Torque-Converter Judder, 5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Collapse and Camshaft Damage, Brake Vacuum Pump Failure — Hard Brake Pedal (3.4M-Vehicle Recall). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

    Is the Chevrolet Silverado reliable?

    The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: 8-Speed (8L90 / 8L45) Transmission Shudder, Hard Shift and Torque-Converter Judder and 5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Collapse and Camshaft Damage and Brake Vacuum Pump Failure — Hard Brake Pedal (3.4M-Vehicle Recall) and 6.6L Duramax LML Bosch CP4.2 Fuel Pump Failure — Whole Fuel System Destruction. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

    How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Silverado problems?

    Repair costs for known Chevrolet Silverado issues range from $0 to $12,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 8-Speed (8L90 / 8L45) Transmission Shudder, Hard Shift and Torque-Converter Judder, typically costs $200-$4,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

    What is the 2015-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 8-Speed (8L90 / 8L45) Transmission Shudder, Hard Shift and Torque-Converter Judder?

    Silverados with the Hydra-Matic 8L90 (and 8L45) 8-speed automatic are widely reported to hesitate, then shudder, jerk, clunk or 'hard shift' when changing gears — some owners describe a shift so violent it feels like being rear-ended, plus a torque-converter-clutch shudder that f… Repairs typically run $200-$4,000. Severity: high.

    What is the 2007-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Collapse and Camshaft Damage?

    The 5.3L (and 6.2L) V8 with Active Fuel Management — GM's cylinder-deactivation system that drops the engine to 4 cylinders to save fuel — is notorious for collapsed AFM lifters. The special deactivating lifters (and the lifter oil-manifold/VLOM that feeds them) fail when oil pre… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,500. Severity: high.

    What is the 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado Brake Vacuum Pump Failure — Hard Brake Pedal (3.4M-Vehicle Recall)?

    GM recalled about 3.46 million vehicles (NHTSA 19V645 and expanded 20V603), including 2014-2018 Silverado 1500, for an engine-driven brake vacuum pump that loses output over time. Debris and oil sludge build up on the pump's internal filter screen, reducing the vacuum that powers… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: high.

    What is the 2011-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 6.6L Duramax LML Bosch CP4.2 Fuel Pump Failure — Whole Fuel System Destruction?

    Silverado 2500HD/3500HD trucks with the 6.6L Duramax LML use the Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure injection pump, which was designed around European diesel and is poorly lubricated by U.S. ULSD. The pump's roller/cam interface can gall and disintegrate, sending metal shavings throughout… Repairs typically run $5,000-$12,000. Severity: high.

    What is the 2014-2020 Chevrolet Silverado A/C Condenser Leak — A/C Blows Warm Air (Spot-Weld Crack / Combi-Cooler Failure)?

    The A/C condenser on K2XX-platform Silverados is a chronic failure point — the condenser develops cracks at the side spot-welds (thermal-stress fatigue) and the discharge line/hose can flex and crack, both of which leak refrigerant and leave the A/C blowing warm air. It was the #… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: medium.

    Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

    Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.