Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked unexpectedly, with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal became inoperable. The contact reported that the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard, and the ABS system vibrated following the brake pedal failure. No warning lights were illuminated for the brake failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while coming to a stop and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The vehicle lost motive power and the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that after several seconds the vehicle regained motive power. The failure recurred approximately 5-6 times. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine service, it was discovered that anti-freeze had leaked from the radiator. The radiator and thermostat were replaced, and the failure was remedied. The contact indicated that prior to the repair the thermostat would occasionally over cycle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 84,204.
So on a cold start, my pickup was running extremely ruff. I shut it off and restarted it. Mind you the engine light is on now it seems to run better. So I go to work and encounter the same problem at the end of the day. I have it hooked up to the diagnostics machine and get P050D code as well as one more code (don't remember that one). This is a malfunction with the fuel injectors and the fuel supply. To much or to little can happen when ever. My mechanic tells me GM has a special service bulletins on this very problem. (N182198000). This is only for 13 states and certain VIN#s. So I call the dealership and they tell me that some 350,000 vehicles have been recalled. They gave them 10 years or 150,000 miles. Now everyone else that encounters the same safety issues to bad sorry for your luck, not their problem is what I was told. This is for 2016 and 2017 5.3 and 6.2 engines. …
I am reporting a manufacturing defect involving General Motors' Active Fuel Management (AFM) system. In October 2024, my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT, at 96,000 miles, experienced a lifter collapse which caused sufficient wear to the camshaft that the engine needed to be replaced, which was performed. The malfunction indicator lamp turned on and the truck was driven an additional 2 miles to a safe location and subsequently towed to the repair shop. Before then, there had been no indication that a lifter had collapsed or that there was damage to the engine sufficient to warrant a replacement. In November 2025, I experienced another lifter collapse (on the replaced engine). While the mechanic recommended an engine replacement, the warranty company only authorized a replacement of the affected side cylinder head and lifter, which was performed. …
The lifters on one side of my engine failed. This is due to the AFM(Active fuel management) system that GM had in its vehicles from 2016-2021. My truck is a V8 motor and the AFM system drops the motor to 4 cylinders during periods that the vehicle is in stop or coasting. Overtime the lifters in the engine wear out causing the engine to fail. I barely made it to the dealer to fix the issue as I lost full power in the engine nearly causing me to have an accident. The only notification I got was check engine light started blinking mid-stream on my way to work. The cost to repair lifters is extremely high and that is the reason why GM hasn't issued a recall yet. There are thousands of cases of failed lifters in my research online. GM knew this was a problem as they have quit using the AFM feature in all of their vehicles. …
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.
Engine complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 73 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 9% of the model year's 797 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, though it has 12 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 26% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.