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The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is one of the most popular pick-up trucks in the world. Its rugged design reflects 100 years of Chevy truck experience, and it has a range of engines to suit every driver’s needs. It’s a dependable, long-lasting full-size pickup, but 2016 was a year that had some issues. According to owners, there were a few common problems with the 2016 Chevy Silverado. What were they, and are they enough to keep you from purchasing a ’16 Silverado?

Common 2016 Silverado problems

The 2016 Chevy Silverado parked on pavement
2016 Chevy Silverado | Chevrolet

Topping the list of problems with the 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 is the motor position sensor on the 4-wheel-drive transfer case encoder. The selector switch may also fail.

The problem causes the “service 4WD” message to display. Luckily, it’s not an expensive fix, with repairs averaging between $88 and $111, and it can be diagnosed by the code in the transfer case module.

Next up are the HVAC issues with the 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500. The A/C and heater air delivery and the temperature mode door actuator could fail. Once again, the problem can be diagnosed with a code in the HVAC control module. The average price for repairing this problem is also low at around $100.

Another problem owners reported with the 2016 Chevy Silverado is with the speedometer and gauges. It’s another low-cost repair of around $100.

The problem is that the speedometer or other gauges on the instrument panel would suddenly be working erratically. To fix this, the instrument cluster has to be removed and sent off to a repair facility.

Some drivers saw a “service stability” message. This was caused by the steering wheel position sensor failing. It’s an inexpensive repair of $100 or less. 

Does the Silverado have fuel problems?

By far, the most serious problem that was reported with the 2016 Chevy Silverado was fuel pump failure. When this happens, the engine stalls and can not be restarted.

This problem is expensive to repair, with costs ranging from $741 to $1,133. This is scary because the fuel pump can fail mid-drive, so as you are going down the road, you could find yourself with a stalled vehicle.

Another serious problem was reported by Chevy Silverado owners. Occasionally, the 2016 Chevy Silverado’s fuel injectors become stuck.

The result is that the check engine light comes on due to an engine misfire. Fuel injectors sticking can be caused by bad fuel additives. Injectors need to be either restored or replaced, and repairs cost approximately between $1,079 and $1,441, so it’s an expensive problem.

Is the 2016 Silverado a good choice?

The 2016 Chevy Silverado pulling a trailer
2016 Chevy Silverado | Chevrolet

Truck buyers have a lot of pick-ups to choose from with a huge range of features. The 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 is an overall solid choice. It has the technology to keep you connected, a comfortable interior that doubles as a mobile office, and powerful performance.

There are five different engines available in the 2020 Silverado, ranging from a 2.7-liter turbocharged engine to a 6.2-liter V8. With a maximum available towing capacity of 13,400 pounds and a maximum available payload of up to 2,250 pounds, it’s built to get the job done.

Even though the 2016 Chevy Silverado has a few problems, with the exception of the fuel pump, all were less than $150 to repair and fairly minor in nature. The Silverado is Chevy’s most popular truck for good reason. It has all the features drivers need, as well as a legacy of toughness and dependability.