2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 25, 2026GAElectrical SystemSteering

   Approximately one week ago I was driving at a safe speed on a two-lane highway. Suddenly, my steering wheel and truck jerked to the right. For 8-10 seconds a warning message was displayed "Power Steering ... Drive Carefully." I took the truck to my local dealership. They scanned for trouble codes. The technician said something about an interruption communicating with the electrical system. My service advisor took the truck on a 15-mile drive and had no problem. They scanned…

   NHTSA complaint #11752802 · source
2. Filed Jul 13, 2026MNCrashBrakesElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   Vehicle suffered a failure cascade of the brake booster vacuum pump system. During a low-speed bumper collision on July 4 and a boat ramp slide, the pedal triggered abnormal ABS-like pulsing as the computer tried to hydraulically compensate for dropping vacuum pressure. This resulted in truck front bumper damage and boat trailer fender damage. On July 10, total failure occurred in a drive-thru, rendering the pedal rock-hard and sopping mear impossible. All marked parts and…

   NHTSA complaint #11750018 · source
3. Filed May 29, 2026WAFireElectrical System

   Rear power window defrost thermal event. While rear defrost was on the plastic connector that goes to the rear defrost of the power rear sliding window began to smoke heavily. In 2020 there was recall number N192265660 for the 1500 series of the same year for the same component that failed and is a fire risk. 2500 had no recall but this vehicle contains the same product and poses the same fire risk as the 1500.

   NHTSA complaint #11740948 · source
4. Filed May 15, 2026MIElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   Had steering centering go out. Data cable pinched or broken somewhere in system and transmission got out. Also 4x4 system went out.

   NHTSA complaint #11738003 · source
5. Filed Apr 26, 2026MOElectrical System

   While driving truck loses power. We stop put in park & then have to restart the truck to start driving. It has happened 3 times & we know this is a problem for other trucks.

   NHTSA complaint #11733869 · source
6. Filed Apr 9, 2026MTElectrical System

   On January 6, 2026., I was backing out of my son's driveway when I heard a loud pop, it sounded like a rock hitting the back window of my Silverado. I then discovered the driver's side of the back window shattered. Prior to backing out, I used the auto start to warm up my vehicle. I did some research and found there was a recall for this issue that was supposedly completed by Lithia Chevy of Helena on 6/29/2020. GM is refusing to replace the rear slider window stating…

   NHTSA complaint #11730258 · source
7. Filed Mar 13, 2026TXElectrical SystemSteering

   Truck will shut off then on rapidly when turning left. Alert messages on sensors come on and off as lights flicker on and off. Radio screen will go black randomly or not turn on. AC shuts off and on randomly as well. Very dangerous while driving and you are about to turn left if truck shuts down. This happens at least once a week.

   NHTSA complaint #11724061 · source
8. Filed Nov 9, 2025PAElectrical System

   Was a light frost on mirror and back glass. Turned on rear defroster then all of a sudden back passengers side glass shattered.

   NHTSA complaint #11698413 · source
9. Filed Oct 26, 2025MIElectrical SystemSteering

   Wheel will lock up randomly on slow turns like an intersection, parking lot or anything. It’s very random and there’s no reason why it does it. The truck drives fine most of the time. It will say stabitrack service on my dash then it will go away my wheel locks up so I can’t turn it anymore then it will release like 10 seconds after. I nearly been in two accidents from this. The dealership can’t find out what’s wrong with the truck and I don’t feel comfortable knowing it’s…

   NHTSA complaint #11695699 · source
10. Filed Oct 3, 2025GAElectrical SystemEngine

    We have replaced the engine twice and the transmission once spending 18,000 dollars on a truck that was 54,000 plus dollars that we bought in 2019 and we still owe over 5 grand on currently. Currently now were having a stablittrack malfunction weve been told by numerous mechanics how awful this year for yjis particular vehicle is because its the first year GM decided to put in a smart engine .we definitely regret ever buying this GM product 🙄we truly need help with the…

    NHTSA complaint #11691231 · source
11. Filed Sep 16, 2025IDElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

    Vehicle will cut off as if an electrical short and the Service Stabilitrak indicator will flash on the dashboard along with warning chimes. This has happened several times at low speed (1st gear) especially while turning. The steering wheel locks and can not be turned. I've almost been involved in an accident this week because the truck turns off while making a turn. I was at a stop sign waiting to turn left having to cross 2 lanes of on coming traffic and when I accelerated…

    NHTSA complaint #11687496 · source
12. Filed Sep 2, 2025TXElectrical SystemSteering

    While I was driving, my steering wheel was locking up, my dash lights were going off and on, and while my truck was on I wasn’t able to steer. It happened twice that day.

    NHTSA complaint #11684588 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology