BestCarRank
Chevrolet

2016 Chevrolet 3500

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Chevrolet 3500 has 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 7. The most common issue is steering problems (29% of all complaints), specifically: i reported to my dealer charper chevrolet nov. 2018,i had roughly 23k miles,that my 2016 chevy 3500 had developed a wobble, shake whatever you could call it. they investigated and told me my tires possibly had broken belts the tires had plenty of tread left. i was told if i could deal with the s.

1 crash report

7

Total Complaints

0

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 6)

STEERING

2 complaints
29%
  • I REPORTED TO MY DEALER CHARPER CHEVROLET NOV. 2018,I HAD ROUGHLY 23K MILES,THAT MY 2016 CHEVY 3500 HAD DEVELOPED A WOBBLE, SHAKE WHATEVER YOU COULD CALL IT. THEY INVESTIGATED AND TOLD ME MY TIRES POSSIBLY HAD BROKEN BELTS THE TIRES HAD PLENTY OF TREAD LEFT. I WAS TOLD IF I COULD DEAL WITH THE S
  • AT 54,000 MILES, NOTICED 2-3 INCHES IN PLAY IN THE STEERING WILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. NOW THAT THE STEERING HAS LOOSENED, IT IS A CONTINUAL ISSUE. I HAVE NOT HAD IT DIAGNOSED YET. HOWEVER, IN READING OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE, THIS SEEMS TO BE A DESIGN ERROR. AS THIS IS DANGEROUS. THE NHTSA SHOU
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

I REPORTED TO MY DEALER CHARPER CHEVROLET NOV. 2018,I HAD ROUGHLY 23K MILES,THAT MY 2016 CHEVY 3500 HAD DEVELOPED A WOBBLE, SHAKE WHATEVER YOU COULD CALL IT. THEY INVESTIGATED AND TOLD ME MY TIRES POSSIBLY HAD BROKEN BELTS THE TIRES HAD PLENTY OF TREAD LEFT. I WAS TOLD IF I COULD DEAL WITH THE S

— NHTSA complaint filing

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Chevrolet 3500

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,478
Full coverage / month
$123
Liability only / year
$611
vs US avg
-12%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age0.92x
= Full coverage estimate$1478

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet 3500 Service Intervals

Oil change
8K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
8K mi
Brake fluid
36 months
Transmission fluid
45K mi
Engine coolant
150K mi
Spark plugs
100K mi
Cabin air filter
23K mi
Engine air filter
45K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
3 yr / 36K mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
6 yr / 100K mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2016 3500, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

STEERING(~50K mi)
$500
BRAKES(~50K mi)
$500
SUSPENSION(~50K mi)
$500
WHEELS(~50K mi)
$500
FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 7 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • STEERING: I REPORTED TO MY DEALER CHARPER CHEVROLET NOV. 2018,I HAD ROUGHLY 23K MILES,THAT MY 2016 CHEVY 3500 HAD DEVELOPED A WOBBLE, SHAKE WHATEVER YOU COULD CALL IT. THEY INVESTIGATED AND TOLD ME MY TIRES POSSIBLY HAD BROKEN BELTS THE TIRES HAD PLENTY OF TREAD LEFT. I WAS TOLD IF I COULD DEAL WITH THE S

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • BRAKES: BOUGHT A NEW 2016 CHEV 3500 DULY DIESEL TRUCK. AT ABOUT 14K MILES WE FOUND BRAKE FLUID AND HAD TO HAVE THE TRUCK TOWED TO SHOP. THEY FIXED FOR FREE. ABOUT 7K MILES AFTER THE BREAKS TOTALLY WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. AT 26K FOUND FLUID AGAIN BUT IN THE BACK. SHOP BLAMED BREAK PADS SAID NO KNOWN ISS

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • SUSPENSION: I REPORTED TO MY DEALER CHARPER CHEVROLET NOV. 2018,I HAD ROUGHLY 23K MILES,THAT MY 2016 CHEVY 3500 HAD DEVELOPED A WOBBLE, SHAKE WHATEVER YOU COULD CALL IT. THEY INVESTIGATED AND TOLD ME MY TIRES POSSIBLY HAD BROKEN BELTS THE TIRES HAD PLENTY OF TREAD LEFT. I WAS TOLD IF I COULD DEAL WITH THE S

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • WHEELS: I REPORTED TO MY DEALER CHARPER CHEVROLET NOV. 2018,I HAD ROUGHLY 23K MILES,THAT MY 2016 CHEVY 3500 HAD DEVELOPED A WOBBLE, SHAKE WHATEVER YOU COULD CALL IT. THEY INVESTIGATED AND TOLD ME MY TIRES POSSIBLY HAD BROKEN BELTS THE TIRES HAD PLENTY OF TREAD LEFT. I WAS TOLD IF I COULD DEAL WITH THE S

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Chevrolet 3500 — Year Comparison

How does 2016 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
1
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
7

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2016 Chevrolet 3500