2016 Chevrolet Ss recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
7 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. The repair may not have been performed properly. The driver's seat belt tensioner cable may be repeatedly bent over the seat side shield as the driver enters and exits the vehicle causing the cable to fatigue and separate.
What could happen: If the tensioner cable separates, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to determine whether the new seat trim was installed and replace the trim as necessary. Dealers will also inspect and replace the pretensioner cable assembly, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Own…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 SS.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V638000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-222-1020.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet SS and Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 16V-518. The repair may not have been performed properly. The driver's seat belt tensioner cable may be repeatedly bent over the seat side shield as the driver enters and exits the vehicle causing the cable to fatigue and separate.
Consequence: If the tensioner cable separates, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to determine whether the new seat trim was installed and replace the trim as necessary. Dealers will also inspect and replace the pretensioner cable assembly, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202312100
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. Corrosion of the connector between the electric power steering module and the torque sensor connector may cause a loss of electric power steering assist.
What could happen: A greater steering effort would be needed to control the vehicle if power steering is lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 27, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this recall is N192265980.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 SS.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 19V801000 (manufacturer code N192265980).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-222-1020.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet SS vehicles that previously received an inspect-only remedy under recall 17V-382. Corrosion of the connector between the electric power steering module and the torque sensor connector may cause a loss of electric power steering assist.
Consequence: A greater steering effort would be needed to control the vehicle if power steering is lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 27, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this recall is N192265980.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
3. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. Corrosion of the connector between the electric power steering module and the torque sensor connector may cause a loss of electric power steering assist.
What could happen: A greater steering effort would be needed to control the vehicle if power steering is lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N192285350.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 SS.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V254000 (manufacturer code N192285350).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-222-1020.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Caprice Police Pursuit vehicles (PPV) and SS vehicles. Corrosion of the connector between the electric power steering module and the torque sensor connector may cause a loss of electric power steering assist.
Consequence: A greater steering effort would be needed to control the vehicle if power steering is lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N192285350.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
4. Airbags
What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
What could happen: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer ser…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 SS.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V651000 (manufacturer code 16007).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-521-7300.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
5. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. Corrosion of the connector between the electric power steering module and the torque sensor connector may cause a loss of electric power steering assist.
What could happen: A greater steering effort would be needed to control the vehicle if power steering is lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering gear assembly, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17248.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 SS.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 17V382000 (manufacturer code 17248).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-222-1020.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet SS vehicles. Corrosion of the connector between the electric power steering module and the torque sensor connector may cause a loss of electric power steering assist.
Consequence: A greater steering effort would be needed to control the vehicle if power steering is lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering gear assembly, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17248.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY
1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
6. Airbags
What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the…
What could happen: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer servi…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 SS.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 17V437000 (manufacturer code 17287).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-521-7300.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
7. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. The driver's seat belt tensioner cable may be repeatedly bent over the seat side shield as the driver enters and exits the vehicle causing the cable to fatigue and separate.
What could happen: If the tensioner cable separates, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tensioner cable assembly, replacing any cable that is damaged. For vehicles that do not require a tensioner assembly replacement, a cable guide will be installed. All vehicles will receive new seat trim with a redesigned opening for the cable routing. These repai…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2016 SS.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V518000 (manufacturer code 31340).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-222-1020.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Chevrolet Caprice Police Pursuit vehicles manufactured May 14, 2013 through June 14, 2016, and Chevrolet SS vehicles manufactured May 15, 2013 through April 27, 2016. The driver's seat belt tensioner cable may be repeatedly bent over the seat side shield as the driver enters and exits the vehicle causing the cable to fatigue and separate.
Consequence: If the tensioner cable separates, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tensioner cable assembly, replacing any cable that is damaged. For vehicles that do not require a tensioner assembly replacement, a cable guide will be installed. All vehicles will receive new seat trim with a redesigned opening for the cable routing. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on November 3, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 31340.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Steering (12), Seat belts (6), Electrical system (4), Lane Departure (2), Unknown Or Other (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
08/08/2024 · Steering
A few days ago I was heading home from work and sport mode automatically turned on and the “service power steering” warning came on. Then the steering wheel stiffened up 2 times for a few seconds while I was driving. I looked into it and there was a recall before I purchased the vehicle and it was repaired also. But it is the same problem. I contacted the d…
07/30/2022 · Steering
Collapsed lifter on cyl 6. Lifter tick / knock since 100,200 miles. Car has a warranty until 5/2026 or 171,000 miles and they refuse to honor it. Car has a steering issue. Two separate chevy dealerships unable to fix. vanderevere charged me 500-600 to fix NOTHING AT ALL. serpentini chevy charge me 500-600 and it was repaired for a few months problem is back…
06/11/2022 · Lane Departure
"service side detection system" and "park assist unavailable", are errors due to water intrusion to proximity sensors. In addition sensor modules are physically bulging and there was some corrosion on my passenger side harness connector and visible rust inside both modules' connectors. Errors are starting to affect other electrical system components and oth…
06/23/2021 · Lane Departure
The driver information center is displaying "Service Side Detection System" alert. On the SS Forum this appears to be an increasingly popular problem with these cars
09/04/2020 · Electrical system
THE BLIND SPOT SENSOR STARTED NOT TO WORK SPORADICALLY STARTED NOT TO WORK AT 36,500 MILES. NOW THEY DON'T WORK AT ALL AND AT LEAST I AM NOTIFIED OF THIS TWO TO THREE TIMES EVERY USE OF THE VEHICLE. TALKED AND RESEARCHED THIS WHICH IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH GM CARS AND TRUCKS OF MY CARS VINTAGE. GM KNEW OF THE DESIGN ISSUE BEFORE THEY BUILT THE CAR BUT DIDN'…
07/01/2020 · Steering
THE LATEST RECALL ON CHEVY SS STEERING RACKS ( MANUFACTURER RECALL NO. : N192285350) STATES RACKS WITHOUT GOLD PLATED CONTACTS ARE UNSAFE AND GOLD PLATED CONTACTS STARTED WITH MODEL YEAR 2017 PRODUCTION. THIS INDICATES ALL MODEL YEAR 2016 SS SEDANS NEED THE STEERING RACK RECALLED AND REPLACED. MINE IS NOT LISTED ON THE RECALL AND A GM REPRESENTATIVE [XXX]…
04/09/2020 · Steering
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 65 MPH, AND AS I WAS GOING AROUND A LITTLE BEND THE STEERING WHEEL GOT SUPER HEAVY WHEN I LOST A LITTLE CONTROL AND THE MESSAGE DISPLAYED THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS HAVING AN ISSUE. WAS VERY UNSAFE AND WORRYING TO HAPPEN WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY.
10/23/2019 · Steering
SUBJECT: NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 17V-382 DEAR SIR/MADAM, I OWN A 2016 CHEVROLET SS, VIN 6G3F25RW6GLXXXXXX, ON WHICH THE POWER STEERING RECENTLY FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR. I BECAME AWARE OF THE SUBJECT RECALL, 'LOSS OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST,' AND CONTACTED CHEVROLET'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER, WHO TOLD ME THAT MY VIN DID NOT FAL…