Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a substantial number of owner complaints and recall campaigns. Common issues include brake, powertrain, and steering problems, alongside airbag recalls. Inspection should focus on these areas, although the complaints suggest some variation in issues. It's essential to carefully evaluate the vehicle's condition and verify recall completion before purchase.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns and 796 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 7 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V611000 Air Bag Inflator Endcap May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V504000 Roof Rail Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V245000 Driver's Seat Belt Tensioner Cable May Separate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V736000 Roof Rail Air Bag Inflator Endcap may Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V761000 Software Error May Cause Unintended Braking NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V645000 Vacuum Pump May Decrease Power Brake Assist NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V578000 Brake Pedal May Come Loose NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V291000 Driver's Seat Belt Tensioner Cable May Separate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V437000 Frontal Air Bags May Not Deploy NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V651000 Frontal Air Bags May Not Deploy NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V256000 Upper Control Arms May Have Insufficient Welds NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V069000 Brake Pedal May Come Loose NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Service Brakes 255 complaints
- Power Train 194 complaints
- Electrical System 119 complaints
- Steering 110 complaints
- Unknown or Other 81 complaints
- Engine 72 complaints
Of the 796 complaints on file, 42 report a crash and 10 a fire; across all 796 complaints, owners report 15 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Brake-related failures
How to check: Examine brake pedal operation and inspect for any warning lights.
Powertrain malfunctions
How to check: Check for hesitations or slipping during gear changes.
Steering problems
How to check: Inspect for unusual play or noise in the steering wheel.
Airbag inflator issues
How to check: Confirm all airbag recall work is done.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking or rattling sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Ensure stable idle without vibrations.
Red flag: Engine vibrates excessively or stalls
- 03
First acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth power delivery.
Red flag: Hesitation or lack of power
- 04
60 mph drive
What to check: Evaluate steering feedback and alignment.
Red flag: Steering pulls or feels loose
- 05
Braking test
What to check: Brake for smoothness and responsiveness.
Red flag: Spongy pedal or long stopping distance
- 06
Parking
What to check: Steer while parking to check tightness.
Red flag: Loud noises or difficulty turning
- 07
Final idle
What to check: Check for warning lights on the dashboard.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 08
Vehicle exit
What to check: Inspect for any unusual odors.
Red flag: Strong burning or chemical smells
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Any issues with the brake system?
- Can you explain any recent repairs?
- Have you experienced transmission problems?
- Is the vehicle alignment checked recently?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall completion records
- Maintenance and repair history
- Vehicle title and registration
- Previous owner's service records
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.