2016 Chevrolet Silverado: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
A refined 2016 Silverado with strong EcoTec3 V8s, a quiet cabin and updated transmissions on some trims. The chief caution is AFM lifter wear; with maintenance records and a pre-purchase inspection it is a capable, comfortable used truck. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado ranged from $27,195 to $49,740 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
A refined 2016 Silverado with strong EcoTec3 V8s, a quiet cabin and updated transmissions on some trims. The chief caution is AFM lifter wear; with maintenance records and a pre-purchase inspection it is a capable, comfortable used truck.
Sources (3)
- cars.comhttps://www.cars.com/research/chevrolet-silverado_1500-2015/consumer-reviews/
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=sil…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/silverado-1500
Known issues
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The EcoTec3 V8s with Active Fuel Management can suffer lifter failure that damages the camshaft, frequently requiring major engine repair or replacement; failures often appear between roughly 75,000 and 150,000 miles.
commonly reported · 28 NHTSA complaints · typically 75k–150k miles · engine
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A brake vacuum-pump failure (subject to recall) can cause a hard brake pedal and extended stopping distances.
occasional · 20 NHTSA complaints · brake
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Torque-converter and transmission faults produce shudder and sudden loss of acceleration on some trucks.
occasional · 19 NHTSA complaints · transmission
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Electric power-steering loss and assorted electrical faults (flickering gauges, intermittent power loss) are reported.
occasional · 15 NHTSA complaints · steering
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (1)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=sil…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Comfortable, quiet ride that is refined for the full-size truck class.
- Strong, relatively efficient EcoTec3 V8s with good power and competitive fuel economy.
- Roomy cabin and capable towing and hauling.
Cons
- A vacuum-pump brake-assist defect prompted a safety recall.
- AFM lifter failures can be expensive and may require engine replacement.
- Transmission and torque-converter shudder plus HVAC and electrical glitches affect some trucks.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work Truck | $27,195 | — | — | — |
| LS | $29,220 | — | — | — |
| LT | $33,270 | — | — | — |
| Custom | $37,530 | — | — | — |
| LT Z71 | $38,690 | — | — | — |
| LTZ | $41,550 | — | — | — |
| High Country | $49,740 | — | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2016-chevrolet-silverado_1500-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($27,195). Higher trims started higher (up to $49,740), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 5 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/chevrolet/silverado-1500/depreciation
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $700–750/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,900–2,000/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (3)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/silverado-1500
- moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/chevrolet-silverado-insurance/
- southcarolinachevy.comhttps://www.southcarolinachevy.com/how-many-miles-chevy-silverado-last/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado have?
Documented issue patterns include: The EcoTec3 V8s with Active Fuel Management can suffer lifter failure that damages the camshaft, frequently requiring major engine repair or replacement; failures often appear between roughly 75,000 and 150,000 miles; A brake vacuum-pump failure (subject to recall) can cause a hard brake pedal and extended stopping distances; Torque-converter and transmission faults produce shudder and sudden loss of acceleration on some trucks; Electric power-steering loss and assorted electrical faults (flickering gauges, intermittent power loss) are reported. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?
A refined 2016 Silverado with strong EcoTec3 V8s, a quiet cabin and updated transmissions on some trims. The chief caution is AFM lifter wear; with maintenance records and a pre-purchase inspection it is a capable, comfortable used truck.
How much did the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado cost new?
Between $27,195 and $49,740 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Chevrolet Silverado expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $700–750/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.