2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 827 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 19 Silverado 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 20 involved a crash and 12 involved a fire. 17 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, automatic transmission, control module, softwareFeb 12, 2026
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252516560. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 12, 2026.
Campaign 26V083000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, hard parts internal/mechanicalApr 24, 2025
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
Campaign 25V274000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, control module, softwareOct 24, 2024
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
Campaign 24V797000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, temporary/emergency spare tireDec 16, 2021
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 GMC Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500 vehicles equipped with certain accessory road tires and a 17" spare tire. The 17" spare tire provided with the vehicle is not compatible for use with the accessory wheels, which can cause the anti-lock brake system (ABS) to not function properly under certain conditions.
An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will provide a new 17" spare tire and wheel assembly that is compatible with the accessory wheels, free of charge. Dealers will also apply a new spare tire information label, and provide owners with an owner's manual insert clarifying which spare tire to use with the accessory road tires and with the 17" original tires. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212346510.
Campaign 21V985000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalJul 1, 2021
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vehicles. The front driver's side air bag module may be missing one or more metal tabs that secure the plastic air bag cover to the housing.
The missing tabs may prevent the air bag from deploying properly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 16, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212336560.
Campaign 21V495000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsDec 23, 2020
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Campaign 20V811000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsDec 17, 2020
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.
Campaign 20V792000 on NHTSA.gov
TiresNov 5, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace tires that have DOT number and production mold number combinations identified by Continental, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202319030.
Campaign 20V684000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
429 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Jun 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, several unknown messages were displayed before the vehicle shifted to SAFE Mode. Additionally, the contact disconnected and reconnected the battery and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a particulate filter failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Prince Chevrolet Service (4550 N Valdosta Rd, Valdosta, GA 31602); where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the exhaust pressure sensor pipe and exhaust gas recirculation cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was later taken to another local dealer, Nash Chevrolet (630 Scenic Hwy S, Lawrenceville, GA 30046) for a third opinion and was diagnosed with a clogged catalytic converter. The contact was informed that the NOS sensor, EGR Cooler, and DEF fluid injector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the message "LIMP Mode" was displayed on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 395.
Power train, Engine, Jun 1, 2025
At 2000 miles my truck developed a new “fluttering”, “ticking sound” once all cylinders reactivated as apart of the dynamic fuel management system. After bringing the truck to dealership, they proceeded to replace the lifters, the exhaust system twice, and performed a computer reflash. The truck was at the dealership for over 45 days within the first 6 months of ownership. After all the repairs, the sound is still audible and getting worse. In addition to this sound, at around 30,000 miles the transmission has now developed an audible clunking sound that can be felt once on release the gas peddle under slower operating speeds. After trying to engage with GM on simply understanding what the problem is and why there is the need for so much repair on a brand new vehicle, I am candidly fed up and let down as long term GM customer.
Engine, May 23, 2025
At 38,000 miles: While driving, the engine began knocking, vibrating and shut off. The check engine light came on and the vehicle could not be restarted. It was towed to the dealer who diagnosed it with lifter failure. It was still under the powertrain warranty at this time. Several lifters were replaced as well as other engine parts and I was given the truck back after a few weeks. A week later, truck would not start. After looking under the hood I noticed most of the hoses and wires were not clipped off, causing them to just rattle and move around. Upon further investigation, I found that the wire to the starter was loose and had to be wiggled to get the truck to start. This wire should have been secured to the vehicle with the provided clips, but it was not and came loose because of it. I also found a random loose bolt lying in a void space under the hood near the windshield. I took the truck back to the dealership that replaced the lifters and explained my frustration with the condition my truck was put back together after tearing into the engine. I also showed them the random bolt I found. Their manager assured me that they would go through the engine compartment and make sure that the wires and cables were properly secured to the side like it should have been after the initial engine work. I never received an explanation of where the random bolt came from. After this engine work, my truck never seemed to drive the same. It began use more oil and the fuel MPG decreased. I reported to the dealer on the oil consumption and they had me start an oil consumption test. 600 miles after the oil change my engine light came on, truck began to run rough and make a loud engine rattle noise. I took it back to the dealer for a diagnosis. They called back and said that there was a lot of metal in my oil when they drained it. They contacted GM and are scheduled to open the engine up to find out if it can be fixed or needs a new engine. Currently at 52000 miles
Power train, Engine, May 22, 2025
The truck, while driving at highway speeds on the interstate, experienced catastrophic engine failure, seizing the motor while in driving. Luckily, I was able to pull the truck to the side of the road safely, without a crash occurring. Losing engine/braking power could have been a major concern but thankfully, traffic was light enough I had space to pull to the side of the road. The truck had to be towed to the nearest dealer, where it was discovered the motor had seized. 2021 Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss 6.2L motor with 47k miles on the factory warranty/no modifications. Since taking the truck to the dealer, they warranty-swapped a remanufactured crate motor in the truck. Hearing of the major increase in issues with this truck, I traded it in on a different manufacturer and now have a different vehicle. Aside from this huge inconvenience and safety issue, GM's customer support line failed to cover the full cost for a rental truck while my vehicle was down for a new motor (late November 2024 until mid January 2025) and I still have yet to receive a refund for my tow bill. This experience that has now lasted almost 6 months (still with no resolution) has been horrible. I hope General Motors is held liable for this major issue.
Engine, May 18, 2025
I have a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with a 6.2 L engine. There seems to be a recall on this model and particular motor but my VIN does not show up. My engine has failed as described in the recall. I have a bearing failure on the crank according to my mechanics shop. Please add my VIN to the recall so I can get this problem repaired. I have been without my vehicle now for over a month and would appreciate assistance on this problem.
Engine, May 17, 2025
Engine knocking brought to dealership and they found codes P0300 and P0304 #4 cylinder with 15,000 then remove head and so order new engine from General Motors
Engine and engine cooling, May 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a popping sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle decelerated unintendedly and started driving rough. The vehicle was driven to the local mechanic who diagnosed an engine cylinder misfire. The mechanic replaced the fuel injector and engine lifter, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that recently while driving, the same popping sound reoccurred, and the vehicle started to lose motive power. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who determined that the engine had failed. The exact cause of the engine failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 42,239.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle was making abnormal sounds. The driver drove the vehicle back to the residence. While driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal ticking and knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the sound went away and came back. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact missed an oil change and was negligent in servicing the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, May 14, 2025
I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a persistent and unacceptable failure with my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss. The vehicle intermittently fails to start due to a recurring “Service Steering Column Lock” error. While the key fob still locks, unlocks, and remote starts the truck, the push-to-start system becomes entirely non-functional once inside the vehicle. This defect is not only frustrating — it’s dangerous. My wife has already been stranded twice, once in below-freezing temperatures in January, and again in May, causing her to be late for work and left alone at night in unsafe conditions. A truck purchased for over $60,000, marketed as rugged and dependable, should not be experiencing a critical failure like this at just 48,000 miles. What’s more concerning is that this appears to be a known issue within the GM community, with no official recall despite Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) acknowledging the problem. Customers are being left with unreliable transportation and no consistent fix. This failure is both a mechanical and safety issue, leaving drivers vulnerable without warning. I urge NHTSA to investigate this defect, pressure GM for a formal recall, and ensure corrective action is taken before someone is injured due to being stranded or the failure progressing to more critical steering or ignition malfunctions.
Engine and engine cooling, May 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated before the failure. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to Midas, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump control unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
Engine, May 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that some undisclosed parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the contact stated that the vehicle was still shaking slightly. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the engine, with the check engine warning light displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer, where diagnostic tests were performed. The contact was informed that the engine lifters were defective; therefore, the engine needed to be replaced. Recently, the contact stated that while at a stoplight, the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. A mechanic later informed the contact about NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, upon investigation, the contact discovered that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Engine, May 12, 2025
The 6.2 is using 1-1.5 QT. every 3000 or so miles. I have done the check every 1000 miles. Had a bent lifter replaced 2 christmas ago.
Power train, Engine, May 12, 2025
this is 6.2 l l87 engine that is being recalled but this vin is not on list. already had lifters and rods replaced while back. coming home from trip truck made awful noise and I lost power on the interstate. thankfully was able to get out of traffic but waited 3.5 hours for tow. at dealer but cant tell me when they can look at it. 60,200 miles and they are saying well we will see what we can do but your powertrain warranty ended at 60k. i have had numerous problems and these are all known by gm especially 2021 6.2l.
Engine and engine cooling, May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the contact discontinued driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the push rod in cylinder 5. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 64,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the temperature gauge remained at hot (Hot) location, with a dinging warning notification. The check engine and "Transmission idle temperature high" messages were displayed. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road each time and turned off for approximately 45 minutes to allow the vehicle to cool down. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Engine, May 11, 2025
Driving to work my engine failure light came on….the engine immediately sputtered. I immediately drove inside the bay at Ozark Chevrolet. As soon as I pulled in….the technician told me to turn it off and that I wouldn’t be driving it anymore. See my statement for $3,429.15. I have to carry my grandkids in this vehicle. I traded it in on Tundra. And now I find out about the recall. It was the 8cyl engine currently under recall.
Engine, May 10, 2025
Service Engine Soon lamp illuminated with extremely rough running engine, would barely keep running. Dealer diagnosed misfires on cylinders 1, 3, 7, with cylinder 5 showing the most misfires. Tear down revealed defective lifter on cylinder 5. Repair under warranty included replacing all bank 1 lifters. Mileage of vehicle was 19566 at time of repair
Engine, May 9, 2025
Driving the truck at 45 mph, the engine stalled and the dash had all the lights on showing codes. Had it towed home and called the dealership the next business day. I was told it was the drive belt pulley that had gone bad causing loss of engine power. I had that replaced and the dealership then told me that the lifters were bad. I had to get that replaced because I needed my truck. The dealership had had it for almost three weeks at that point. $1300 to replace a lifter.
Engine, May 8, 2025
The repair estimate includes a complete teardown and replacement of the camshaft, 16 lifters, seals, bolts, gaskets, and associated components. The full cost breakdown is: Labor & Parts Subtotal: $11,402.78 Shop Fees & Tax: $467.13 Total Estimate: $11,869.91 Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. it has been inspected by a chevrolet dealership and they gave us the above estimate to repair it. The vehicle powered down while driving on the freeway. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives, only by the chevrolet dealership service department. No, there were no warning signs prior to it powering down on the freeway. When it stopped producing power needed, the engine light came on as well as emergency brake light. This issue started on the freeway on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. The vehicle is only 4 years with only 130,000 miles and one that has been properly maintained. We believe this failure is not due to neglect or wear, but rather a known manufacturing defect.
Engine, May 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH with the cruise control feature activated, the oil pressure message was displayed, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, May 5, 2025
While driving, engine stop and dash had message to put in neutral and hit start button to restart, but dash would gest go dark and did not restart. Vehicle towed to Wilson and Bell Automotive. After get engine reset I was told engine has loud knocking sound and needs to be replaced. I been going to this shop for over 30 years and trust there description. New engine was ordered. Then found out several days later that GM is going to recall my vehicle 2021 Silverado 1500 6.2 engine due to engine failure.
Engine, May 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. The instrument panel was illuminated with several unknown service lights. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the lifters had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Engine, May 3, 2025
Truck ENGINE completely SHUT down while driving on a high traffic road in my area. Had vehicle towed to my dealer for inspection.