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, Apr 17, 2025
I was driving down the road at no more the 15 mph up hill in 4x4 when the engine shut off. No warning lights or noise and would not turn over. Had it towed to the local dealership to find out the main thrust bearing seized. I have to wait two to three months for a new engine which is covered under warranty. No wheels in the meantime. Only has 25,640 miles on it.
Engine, Apr 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the "Low Oil Pressure - Turn Off Engine" was displayed and the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to turn off and restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 as a possible cause for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 43,986.
Engine, Apr 16, 2025
Engine shut off on me while I was driving and wouldn’t crank back on. Had it towed to a dealership and they told me the engine is locked up and no idea why. It on has 61,xxx miles on it
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 16, 2025
I was driving 60mph and went to accelerate a little bit more and my lifters went out and stated clicking.
Engine, Apr 16, 2025
Camshaft bearing failure. Catastrophic engine failure while accelerating at left turn. Required full engine replacement. Incident occured at 59,982 miles on odometer. Even though vehical was under manufacture warranty it took approx. 18 days for GM to assume responsability. I was required to produce all maintenance records and was left without a vehicle for this time. Company was not clear on what work and parts of this repair would be protected under further warranty. Company did not provide exact specifics on replacement engine year and place of origin.
Engine, Apr 14, 2025
6.2 engine failure second motor put in last week dealer took for test drive truck was towed back for second engine failure
Engine, Apr 8, 2025
I purchased this vehicle brand new is 2021 with the 6.2 liter engine. I have had all the regular maintenance performed as scheduled with 90% being done at a Chevrolet dealership. My truck has around 90,000 miles on it and now the engine is out. It started with showing low oil at 50% oil life left. When I took it to have it checked, it was 3 quarts low on oil. I did another oil change and was told I had to start an oil consumption test in order for them to review the issue. I had it checked every 1000 miles. The first and second check was fine. The third check was one quart low. They took it in and found that the spark plugs were oil fowled. Upon further investigation, they found that the cylinder walls were scored and had oil bypass in the cylinders. I have done everything right with this truck. Took care of it in all the ways I was supposed to. There is no reason what so ever for the engine to have gone out at 90,000 miles. There has to be more to this. I have looked it up and other people are having the same issue with the same engine. Why is nothing being done about this?
Engine, Apr 6, 2025
Had the check engine and recieved code p0303 cylinder 3 misfires i replaced fuel injectors on that side spark plugs ,wires ,spark plug solenoid,and still had the check engine p030 and would not run right my mechanic had to take the head off and replace all the valves of the motor costing me more than $5,000 i am so embarrass cause i was so honored to buy this silverado,but at 60,000miles this should nit happen why am i throwing alot of money to this truck gm you guys are letting me down i always by gm but at this point i dont know can you make this right,and no i dont want a 10 percent discount in a new one that a slap on my face .
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal knocking sound while driving at various speeds and while idling. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the engine lifters were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the engine abnormal knocking sound was not sufficiently loud to issue a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
Parking brake, Engine and engine cooling, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the engine started rumbling with the check engine, stability-trac, and the parking brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed a misfire in cylinder #1. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the lift valve had collapsed, and the right side of the block lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Engine, Apr 1, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The component that failed is the lifter in my 2021 GM truck, which caused severe engine damage. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety and the safety of my child were significantly put at risk when the engine failure occurred on the freeway while traveling at 65 miles per hour. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, and the truck became hard to control. I was fortunate to maneuver the vehicle safely out of traffic without harm, but the sudden loss of engine power could have led to a serious accident. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the problem has been confirmed by the dealership, which conducted diagnostics and determined that the lifter malfunction caused severe engine damage, necessitating a full engine replacement. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership, which is an authorized service center for GM. However, it has not been inspected by the manufacturer directly, police, or insurance representatives. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lights, messages, or any other symptoms prior to the failure. The vehicle was driving normally when, all of a sudden, it began to shake and slow down,
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated upon shifting into reverse(R), the vehicle shut off. The contact stated upon shifting to park(P) to restart the vehicle, the vehicle was able to restart after pressing the Push to Start button several times, and the vehicle made abnormally loud cranking, banging, and rattling sounds. The contact stated that he was an independent mechanic and had determined that the engine was blown, despite the outstanding maintenance record on the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed due to lifters failure. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the engine might be replaced because the parts needed for the rebuilding of the engine were on backorder. The dealer informed the contact that the engine oil would be tested. The dealer also informed the contact that a claim was filed with the manufacturer for the repair to be covered under warranty, and the dealer was awaiting a response from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 27,820.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 30, 2025
Diesel engine continues to overheat, even after the oil temperature sensor failure dealership repair. Truck is very well maintained. However, common and trending issue amongst 1500 Silverado diesel owners is overheating which causes engine to loose power while driving and even get so hot it can catch fire. Warning lights appear only when problem is at engine failure point. Also, we lost power or reduced power on freeway which almost caused an accident and engine was smoking. We had it towed to Epic Chevrolet in Sacramento, CA. Within one week of dealership repair covered under powertrain warranty, dealership said overheating engine is due to a “new” code for coolant pump. In short, fire and driving safety hazard that can cost lives if not addressed by NHTSA.
Engine, Mar 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 40 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and jerked. The contact's husband depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle lost motive power. The message, "Put on Neutral and Stop" was displayed. The contact's husband pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact's husband towed to vehicle to another dealer where it was confirmed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Engine, Mar 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving on the interstate at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle failed to accelerate over 35 MPH. The vehicle went into Low-Power Mode. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to take the exit ramp and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the camshaft and cylinder head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Engine, Mar 24, 2025
I was driving my 2021 Silverado when i was stopped at a 4 way waiting my turn. When it was my turn i made a left hand turn and and travelled a short distance going 20-25 mph when my engine made an odd sound and shut off in traffic!. I attempted to restart it and it did noting. Truck was towed to Hendricks Chevrolet where the truck was bought and received regular maintenance. When the truck stopped in traffic there were no warning lights on the dash before during or after. Once the truck was at the dealership for inspection i was advised That the motor was sized and that number 1 and 2 rod bearings failed and were ground in the crank journals. I asked how could that happen when the the truck has had regular oil changes by them and is there an issue with these engines? I was told that they see a few 6.2 engines with these types of issues.
Engine, Mar 18, 2025
Engine failed, crank bearings let go. Truck lost power while traveling down the road.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 18, 2025
Baton Rouge Louisiana
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 18, 2025
Baton Rouge Louisiana
Power train, Engine, Mar 11, 2025
Vehicle feels like it's hitting a bump down the road 65 miles an hour. There is no bump it's the transmission. My truck has 80240
Power train, Engine, Mar 5, 2025
Engine Seized up on me while driving on the freeway. Four of the crankshaft bearings seized up and one of those four completely melted. good thing the freeway I was on was not too crowded, my dash just all of a sudden lit up saying shift to neutral to restart engine. I was able to get to the shoulder. I tried re starting the engine and nothing happened. I had it towed to Simpson Chevrolet in Irvine CA. they reported back to me and said Engine has seized and I will need a new engine, cost of $16,893. I cannot afford a new engine right now and have been left without a vehicle. GM has taken no responsibility for this failure even though all maintenance has been performed on time every time.
Engine, Mar 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle came to a complete stop. The contact shifted into reverse and parked the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred while facing oncoming traffic. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed check valve ball. The contact was informed that the check valve ball body and plates needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,648.
Engine, Mar 3, 2025
Had vehicle in for service for oil change and a loud clicking noise as well as misfire was the vehicle was fine to drive proceeded on my trip on my way back to my hometown the motor through a pushrod while on the highway
Engine, Feb 24, 2025
Truck died on busy road. Towed to certified Chevy dealer. They heard knocking noise did oil change drove it truck died again. Stated engine seized. Warranty dept denying claim saying truck driven 30 seconds to 1 minute after oil pressure light came on. But no lights came on for us and verified from diagnostic done at the Chevy dealer.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the ECM wiring harness. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 13,000.