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2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its robust towing and hauling capabilities. Engine options include the 6.0L Vortec V8 (gas) and the 6.6L Duramax V8 (diesel). The 6.0L gas engine produces 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. The 6.6L Duramax diesel produces 397 horsepower and 765 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Silverado 2500HD for its comfortable ride (for a heavy-duty truck), strong engine performance, and capable towing. Common dislikes include the sometimes cumbersome size for daily driving, and some reported issues with electronic components and emissions equipment, especially on the diesel models.

Engine

6.0L Vortec V8 (Gas)

  • Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. May notice blue smoke from the exhaust.
    • Solution: Possible causes range from PCV valve issues to piston ring failure. A compression test and leak-down test can help diagnose the root cause. Depending on the cause, solutions range from replacing the PCV valve to performing an engine rebuild or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (PCV Valve) - $4,000+ (Engine Rebuild/Replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

6.6L Duramax V8 (Diesel) - LML (2011-2016)

  • CP4 High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The CP4 pump, used in the LML Duramax, is known for its vulnerability to contamination. If contaminated fuel runs through the fuel system, it can destroy the pump and send metal fragments throughout the fuel system. This can lead to a no-start condition, rough running, and potential damage to injectors and other components.
    • Solution: Replacement of the CP4 pump is necessary. Additionally, it’s often recommended to replace the fuel injectors, fuel lines, and thoroughly flush the fuel system to remove any metal debris. Some owners opt for a CP3 conversion, which replaces the CP4 with the older, more robust CP3 pump.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $10,000+ (depending on the extent of the damage and whether a CP3 conversion is performed)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Problems with the DEF system, including sensor failures (NOx, DEF level), injector clogging, and pump failures. This can trigger a check engine light and, in some cases, limit vehicle speed.
    • Solution: Diagnosis of the specific component that has failed. Replacement of faulty sensors, DEF injector, DEF pump, or the entire DEF tank assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ (depending on the component)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks or leaks in the EGR cooler can lead to coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, and potential engine overheating.
    • Solution: Replacement of the EGR cooler.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Allison 1000 6-Speed Automatic (Paired with both the 6.0L Gas and 6.6L Diesel)

  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during shifts, particularly under load. Can also manifest as abnormal noises or complete transmission failure.
    • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter. In severe cases, the transmission may need to be rebuilt or replaced if debris from the failed torque converter has damaged internal components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+ (depending on the extent of the damage)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard or erratic shifting, slipping between gears, or failure to shift at all.
    • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the valve body. Sometimes, cleaning the valve body and replacing solenoids can resolve the issue.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Front End Wear (Pitman Arm and Idler Arm)
    • Description/Symptoms: Loose or wandering steering, excessive play in the steering wheel.
    • Solution: Replacement of worn pitman arm and/or idler arm. Often recommended to replace both simultaneously.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700 (per arm, including labor)
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Radio/Infotainment System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent freezing, failure to power on, touchscreen unresponsiveness, and Bluetooth connectivity problems.
    • Solution: Software updates (if available) can sometimes resolve the issue. In some cases, the entire radio unit needs to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $800+ (Radio Replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Blower Motor Resistor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The blower motor only works on certain speeds or not at all.
    • Solution: Replacement of the blower motor resistor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust on Body Panels (Especially around wheel wells and rocker panels)
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust bubbling or surface rust.
    • Solution: Repair or replacement of affected panels, followed by painting. Prevention involves regular washing, waxing, and application of rust inhibitors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+ (depending on the extent of the rust)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Trailer Wiring Harness Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Trailer lights not functioning correctly (blinking erratically, not turning on), brake controller malfunctions.
    • Solution: Inspect and repair or replace the trailer wiring harness and connectors. Check the trailer brake controller connections.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Cracked Dashboard (Upper Dashboard)
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appear in the dashboard, typically due to prolonged sun exposure.
    • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard, or installation of a dashboard cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (Dashboard Cover) - $1,500+ (Dashboard Replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Seat Heater Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater stops working.
    • Solution: Replacement of the seat heater element.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is a capable truck, but like any vehicle, it has its share of potential issues. The diesel engine is particularly susceptible to costly failures related to the fuel and emissions systems. Gas engine issues tend to be less severe, but oil consumption can be a concern. Suspension components wear out, and electrical glitches can be frustrating. Rust is a known problem, especially in regions with harsh winters and road salt use. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and have any prospective vehicle thoroughly inspected before purchase, particularly focusing on the fuel system, emissions system, and overall rust condition. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others, like CP4 pump failure or engine replacement, can be significant financial burdens.

Chevrolet, Silverado 2500
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 2016
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