P1516: owner reports and bulletins

Powertrain (manufacturer-specific). We haven't written the explanation for this code yet. Below is what owners and manufacturers have filed with NHTSA.

Got P1516 on your scanner? Tell the mechanic your year, make, model and any symptoms and you'll get the likely cause and what to check first. Ask about this code.

What owners report to NHTSA

6 complaints filed with NHTSA mention P1516, 3 of them since 2015, across 6 different models. The component owners most often filed it under: electronic stability control (esc).

Manufacturer service bulletins that name P1516

12 technical service bulletins and manufacturer communications filed with NHTSA mention P1516, from 7 makes. A bulletin means the manufacturer has documented a known cause or a fix procedure for that model. Examples:

  • CADILLAC CTS (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010), bulletin 10126975: This PI was superseded to update model years and add information concerning idle surge, reduced engine power mode, and/or DTCs P0068, P0121, P1516, P2101, P2119, and/or P2176 that may be experienced on high mileage vehic…
  • CHEVROLET AVALANCHE (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010), bulletin 10126975: This PI was superseded to update model years and add information concerning idle surge, reduced engine power mode, and/or DTCs P0068, P0121, P1516, P2101, P2119, and/or P2176 that may be experienced on high mileage vehic…
  • GMC CANYON (2008, 2009, 2006, 2007), bulletin 10126975: This PI was superseded to update model years and add information concerning idle surge, reduced engine power mode, and/or DTCs P0068, P0121, P1516, P2101, P2119, and/or P2176 that may be experienced on high mileage vehic…
  • CHEVROLET COLORADO (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007), bulletin 10114468: This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on and a reduced engine power after cold starting their engine…
  • HUMMER H3 (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009), bulletin 10114468: This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on and a reduced engine power after cold starting their engine…
  • SAAB 9-7X (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008), bulletin 10114468: This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on and a reduced engine power after cold starting their engine…

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database and manufacturer communications file, snapshots September 2026. A complaint or bulletin that mentions a code is a report about that vehicle, not a statement that the code has one cause.