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4WD platform

2016 Chevrolet Silverado

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2016 Silverado.

Body TRUCKTransmission Automatic 8-spd

The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck built on a four-wheel-drive platform, equipped with a V8 engine that requires 6.0 quarts of oil with a recommended viscosity of 5W-30 or 0W-30, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and achieving EPA fuel economy ratings of 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined. In terms of reliability, this model year recorded 792 total owner complaints with service brakes cited as the primary concern, alongside 13 recalls issued. When viewed against the model's complaint history spanning 1990-2008—where the lowest complaint year was 1991 with just 17 complaints and the highest was 2000 with 2,168—this 2016 model falls between these extremes, suggesting a moderate reliability profile relative to the nameplate's historical performance range.

Model year2018201720162015

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 / 0W-30OEM · verified
EPA fuel economy18/24/20 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 48 · 730 CCA battery, OE oil filter 12731742. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 48 · 730 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP255/70R17OEM · verified
Wheel / rim8.0 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter12731742
Engine air filter22845992
Fuel filter12664429 alt 22990975
Battery88865934 alt 88866309
Front wiper blades23417074
Serpentine belt12669975 alt 12643517
Thermostat12620318 alt 12674639
Cabin air filter23281440

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 8-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length235.4 in
Overall width79.9 in
Overall height73.6 in
Wheelbase153.1 in
Curb weight5161 lb
Track (front / rear)68.9 / 67.7 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)57/43

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined18 / 24 / 20 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Silverado of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

4.0–4.6 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 4.00 sec — 2024 EV RST First Edition Crew Cab (5’11” Bed)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2024EV RST First Edition Crew Cab (5’11” Bed) Elec 205-kWh4.00 sec12.60 sec754 hpAWD
2024EV RST Crew Cab (5’11” Bed) Elec 205-kWh4.10 sec12.60 sec754 hpAWD
2025EV LT Extended Range Crew Cab (5’11” Bed) Elec 205-kWh4.20 sec13.50 sec—AWD
2025EV LT Premium Crew Cab (5’11” Bed) Elec 170-kWh4.60 sec13.50 sec645 hpAWD
2026EV Trail Boss Crew Cab (5’11” Bed) Elec 205-kWh4.40 sec12.90 sec725 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.0 qt of 5W-30 / 0W-30 engine oil. Torque the oil drain plug to 18.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-7-8-4-5-6-3. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidDEXRON(R)-VI GM P/N 89020661
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity6.0
Automatic Transmission FluidDEXRON(R) HP Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.4
Automatic Transmission FluidDEXRON(R)-VI GM P/N 89020661
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity6.0
Automatic Transmission FluidDEXRON(R)-VI GM P/N 89020661
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.4

Engine torques

Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s)18.0 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts17
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts17
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts17
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts42
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Driveshaft Flange to Transmission18.0 ft-lbs
Steering Track (Rod End) Bolts44.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel HubInstall a new nut and torque to 188.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Cylinder Firing Order1-6-5-4-3-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3
Cylinder Firing Order1-2-7-8-4-5-6-3
Spark Plug ManufacturerAC Delco
Spark Plug Gap.037 - .043 in
Spark Plug Torque15 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerAC Delco

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.40-1.70 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity6.00-7.10 oz
Standard BCI Group Number48
Standard BCI Cranking Performance730 cca
Standard BCI Group Number94R

Service checks

Pressure Test15 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief15 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature188-206 °F
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)46-84
Engine Compression100 min psi

Brakes

ABS Sensor Torque7.7 / NS
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.080; Rear: 0.080 in
Variation from Parallelism Thickness VariationJD9: .0007; All others: .001
Maximum Rotor Runout.002

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
148.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9048 ft. lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
148.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9048 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 8515 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 8515 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 8515 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
147.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 30 degrees, Step 3: 3047 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts

159.0 ft. lbs.59 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
360 degrees60 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts.

159.0 ft. lbs.59 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
3Short bolts 40 degrees40 degrees
4Long bolts60 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not allow oil on cylinder head or head bolt bosses · M11 Bolts:

122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
370 degrees; M8 Bolts:70 degrees
122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs every 97,500 mi.

Every 7,500 miAccelerator Pedal (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Shift Interlock Solenoid (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Oil (inspect fluid level)
Every 22,500 miCabin Air Filter (replace) · Fuel Filter (replace)
At 45,000 miTransmission Filter (replace)
Every 45,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System (inspect) · Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill)
Every 97,500 miSpark Plug Wires (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)
At 150,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Transmission Filter (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado's federal record shows 211 service-brake complaints, 136 powertrain complaints, 47 steering complaints, and 45 "unknown or other" complaints, plus 42 crash-related and 10 fire-related complaints. The provided year-by-year record runs only through 2008, so adjacent-model-year comparisons for 2016 are not available; still, the generational arc through 2008 shows complaints and recalls peaked during 1999–2004 and then declined substantially, with 2008 closing at 1,074 complaints and 5 recalls versus the 2000 peak of 2,168 complaints and 24 recalls. Technical service bulletins continued to climb even as complaints fell, reaching 1,611 by 2008, which places 2016 well after the documented high-risk window but outside the range where year-over-year trend confirmation is possible. The data does not specify root causes for the 2016 brake or powertrain complaints, so any specific mechanical linkage would be speculative. On balance, 2016 looks like a reasonable used-truck choice relative to the generation's documented trouble period, provided a pre-purchase inspection focuses on brakes, steering, and powertrain.

13
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
1131
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
792
Owner complaints
42 involved a crash · 10 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’90’91’92’97’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 792 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Service Brakes211
Power Train136
Steering47
Unknown Or Other45
Electrical System38
Engine33
Steering,Electrical System13
Fuel/Propulsion System13

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 11 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V578000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Pedals And LinkagesReported 30/08/2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, 1500 Crew Cab Special Service, Tahoe Police Pursuit/Special Service, GMC Sierra 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The brake pedal pivot nut… Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the nut and reinstall the nut with increased tightness, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2018. Owners may…

18V291000Seat Belts:FrontReported 03/05/2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe Police Pursuit and Special-Service vehicles. The flexible steel cable connecting the driver's seat belt to the outboard side of… Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pretensioner cable and seat side-shield, free of charge. The recall began June 19, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 1131 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
PIT5509M2026-05-14Unknown Or OtherThis PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
PIT3271Q2026-04-01Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel…
PIP61042026-03-09Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and…
PIP4902V2026-03-09Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into…
PIT64832026-02-04Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Silverado. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 48 batteryVehicles taking 6.0 qt4WD-platform vehiclesEngine oil filter 12731742Engine air filter 22845992Fuel filter 12664429Battery 88865934

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2016 Silverado take?

6.0 qt of 5W-30 meeting GM Dexos 1 specification or equivalent. Where temperatures fall below -20 degreesF, GM recommends using either an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil., per the factory manual.

Does the 2016 Silverado have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 13 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Silverado get?

EPA figures are 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined mpg.