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2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission problems

194 complaints (24% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 60,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
194
of this car's complaints
24%
typical mileage
60,000
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
    1
  • Automatic transmission: torque converter
    1
  • Automatic transmission
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission problems in other years

1997200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Jerking 47Shudder 34Transmission failure 34Harsh shifting 29Hesitation 22Slipping 20Won't shift 6

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Transmission · IA

Vehicle: 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Component: Powertrain – Automatic Transmission (8L90) Manufacturer: General Motors (Chevrolet) I am submitting this complaint regarding recurring transmission problems with my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with the GM 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission. I am concerned about the vehicle's inconsistent shifting behavior, the repeated failure to resolve these issues through service, and the potential safety implications of unpredictable transmission performance. My truck has been taken into the shop multiple times because of transmission-related concerns, including hard shifting, intermittent and inconsistent shifting, and transmission shudder. Despite these repeated service visits, the problems have continued. During one of the repair visits, the transmission wiring harness was replaced. However, the shifting concerns persisted. I was subsequently told by the service personnel that the hard shifting and intermittent shifting were “just how the transmissions on these are.” I do not consider this an acceptable resolution to a recurring mechanical and drivability concern. I was also informed that GM introduced updated transmission fluid intended to help address the transmission shudder, but that I would have to pay for the fluid service myself. I have been left facing additional expenses for the revised fluid, a potential torque converter replacement, and other transmission upgrades despite the repeated repair attempts and the continued existence of these problems. My primary concern is the transmission's inconsistent operation and the possibility that unexpected or severe shifting behavior could affect the driver's ability to control the vehicle safely in certain driving situations. Depending on the circumstances, unpredictable shifting, hesitation, or abrupt engagement could create a hazardous situation when accelerating, merging into traffic, navigating intersections, or driving in congested condition

Filed Oct 3, 2026 · Transmission · IN

"While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of propulsion/acceleration due to internal failure of the 6L80 6-speed automatic transmission. The failure occurred without prior warning, creating an immediate highway safety hazard by leaving the vehicle unable to maintain speed in traffic. A professional mechanic diagnosed the issue as a catastrophic torque converter failure that contaminated the entire transmission system with metal debris, requiring a complete out-of-pocket rebuild." This resulted in having to pay $4,800 plus tax in such a rough economy.

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

I had noticed that my a/c was not cooling due to refrigerant loss. went to dealer and was told that I needed a new condenser and that my original was out of warranty & no recall was in effect. I was charged $1600.00 after the replacement was installed. I asked to see my original condenser & was directed behind the shop & low & behold there was a pile of 30 condensers exactly identical to mine

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · NE

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.

Filed May 21, 2026 · Transmission · NY

Transmission started shifting hard, shuddering in torque converter, and long time shifting into 1st gear. Took it to a Transmission guy and he said it needs a full rebuild and is very common with this Transmission in this truck.

Filed May 15, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · MI

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

Filed Apr 11, 2026 · Transmission · TX

6L80 Automatic RWD Transmission and Torque Converter is dead. No warning lights or any indications that there was an issue. The RPM climbed and could not drive it in gear. Metal shavings found in fluid. 126,524 miles

Filed Mar 15, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · CA

I was driving south on interstate 15 freeway I was on the 3 lane in the middle of the road I was driving around 65-70 mph when my 1500 Silverado 2016 loose engine power and started to slow down I couldn’t get out fast enough and I almost got hit by three cars because I was driving so slow I pulled over emergency lines and the truck didn’t even start

Filed Mar 13, 2026 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was slipping. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · Transmission · MI

On road trip from mi to ny. No lights or warnings but transmission failed.we were able to get safely off highway into parking lot.Tried to have towed to chevy dealer but could not look at for days. Able to take to aamco & need to install new transmission in ohio!

Questions about the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 194 complaints about the transmission of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 24% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 60,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have bad transmission?

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model years with the most transmission complaints are 2019 (331 complaints), 2021 (245 complaints) and 2020 (239 complaints).

Other 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems

Brakes 266Electrical 119Steering 110Engine 73Suspension 30Fuel system 27Driver assistance 24Body 21Visibility 21Wheels 21Airbags 18Lights 17Acceleration 11Seat belts 11Tires 5Seats 4

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