Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 that while attempting to make a left turn from a complete stop, the vehicle lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal and was stranded in the middle of traffic. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was placed in neutral(N) and pushed to the shoulder of the road. The contact's husband arrived at the scene and restarted the vehicle; however, while driving at low speeds, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with metal shavings in the transmission. The dealer informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair costs. The check engine warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
While driving on the highway on ramp, the transmission came out of gear. The engine would accelerate but the transmission would not stay engaged. at this time the check engine light came on. Upon having it towed to a dealership and having the vehicle inspected. It was determined that "the Torque Converter came apart causing metal in the pan when hot vehicle would stop pulling". The transmission has been replaced at considerable expense. Dealer had stated to me that they have seen multiple vehicles with this same issue from 2015 to 2020 models. While we were at the dealership two vehicles were checked in with similar issues. This torque converter issue poses a risk while accelerating/passing other vehicles.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle made an abnormally loud grinding sound and was jerking significantly. The contact stated that the failure occurred while depressing the accelerator pedal, immediately after shifting into gear. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and surged upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer that transmission fluid was added to the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,931.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started shaking and vibrating abnormally. Additionally, the rear wheels locked up and there was a burning rubber odor coming from the tires. The contact also stated that the transmission, traction control, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission solenoid was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted regarding the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 45,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, while shifting gear, the vehicle lunged forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate or reverse. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence and informed the contact that the transmission and engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping and failed to properly accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle lunged forward while attempting to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who confirmed that transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the gear shifter was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed transmission temperature sensor and transmission control module. The contact was informed that the transmission wiring harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Transmission complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 194 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 24% of the model year's 797 complaints. The component named most often is transfer case (4-wheel drive) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 31% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.