2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2016 Silverado 1500
0
NHTSA has no recalls or complaints on file for this model-year.
Open recalls
2
Air Bags Red flag
If the SDM housing fractures, water may get into SDM causing it to malfunction and hinder the proper deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash, thereby increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Electrical System Red flag
An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash.
The 27-point checklist
27
0 / 27 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2016 Silverado 1500–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Silverado 1500. The most serious involve Air Bags (15V830000) and Electrical System (16V084000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2016 Silverado 1500?
NHTSA shows no owner complaints on file for the 2016 Silverado 1500.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Silverado 1500?
Run through the full inspection checklist below and get an independent pre-purchase inspection before any money moves.