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
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 18, 2022
Anytime the weather gets colder than 32degrees Fahrenheit the DEF system freezes, which even if the tank is full makes the truck go into limp mode until it thaws out. The engine light pops on and off with no codes associated with it. Now the breaks and break lines are freezing when it gets below freezing. These are just a few of the reoccurring problems we’ve experienced since buying the truck less than a year ago.
Engine, Oct 24, 2022
Vehicle will not start and cranks until starter kicks out, about 30 seconds each time. I am afraid if this happens at a traffic signal or stop sign it could be bad. I took it to the dealer on July 30-2022. (2972 mileage) and they could not verify concern. I found a safety bulletin on a GM website for a extended crank/ no start. It is PIP5806D, The dealer says they know nothing about this. It lists a labor operation number 4088148, due to a corrupt signal from camshaft position sensor to the ECM. It has happened now 4 times, and current mileage is 6973. I have been dealing with Champion Chevrolet in Reno NV. It has started after 8 to 10 crank time outs and the battery starts slowing the crank speed down, but around 10 to 15 minutes have passed by then.
Engine, Oct 13, 2022
Engine oil cooler defect was diagnosed by chevrolet dealership. Everytime I drive the truck, it would leak oil and would have a burning smell all underneath the truck. The part was on backorder for over a month and a half. After this long wait of not being able to drive the truck, the dealership finally put a new oil cooler in. The problem persists and they are not able to figure out from the engineer what will solve the problem. I have been out of a truck for over a month and a half now with no hopes of the issue being resolved.
Engine, Sep 26, 2022
Per the repairing dealership, a lifter went bad. GM will not replace all of the lifters, just one side of the engine, due to the vehicle having over 8000 miles. Mine currently has 12,500. I no longer feel safe knowing that GM is replacing only half of the know defect with new parts that have the same issue (Told to me by the repair facility.) The vehicles engine could fail again, resulting in loss of acceleration. No warning was observed during, however after the fact, check engine and other warning lights were illuminated.
Engine, Sep 1, 2022
Engine misfire due to faulty valves which caused vehicle to lose power and stall. Check engine light began to flash on dash. Took directly to Chevrolet dealership. Dealership confirmed faulty valves and bent pushrod on left side of engine. Dealership to repair engine under warranty. Dealership stated that right side engine valves had already been replaced in November 2021 at approximately 13,000 miles. This was before I purchased the truck in May 2022 and I was not made aware of this repair. Truck now has 22,900 miles. Dealership stated that this is a known issue with Chevrolet 5.3 liter engine and they preform similar valve replacements on this engine at least once a week.
Engine, Aug 24, 2022
2021 Silverado RST, 5.3. Started having strange loud random clicking sounds when first starting. Would loose power, at take off or when trying to accelerate. This was at 9400 miles on the vehicle. Was not showing any check engine light or issues on dash. When examining engine compartment, found loose bolts, that had broken. Took it to local Chevy dealership, acted like there was nothing wrong with it. Instantly trying to get out of performing work. I had a feel it was going to be lifter issues. Found out while there around 4 thousand miles it already had lifters replaced. After debating with them for two days, and trying to convince them there was issues. They finally found multiple problems with lifters, misfiring, rocker arm not moving due to collapsed lifter. They found broken bolts in cylinder heads. Ended up having to replace all left and right side lifters.
Engine, Aug 23, 2022
My truck has had lifter issues twice now. Finally, a new engine had to be installed and I have recently began getting the check engine light along with sputtering sensation while the truck is on idle. Also, I purchased this truck, brand new, and I was without it for close to six months.
Engine, Aug 16, 2022
Collapsed Lifters an Bent Push Rods
Engine, Aug 5, 2022
Lifters blew in my brand new engine with only 18k miles while driving. Engine was shaking & knocking & lost power when trying to accelerate.
Engine, Jul 21, 2022
I have a 2021 Chevy Silverado. The #3 Cylinder has failed and an all new lifter kit needs to be installed. Truck was knocking violently and died. Dealership stated the parts on back order nationwide and they have no clue when replacement parts will arrive.
Power train, Engine, Jul 20, 2022
At 7,316 miles my 2021 Silverado 5.3 V8 had lifter failure while driving, the truck would not accelerate correctly and I was forced to pull off the road, luckily it was able to turn off at the next road before the vehicles behind me caught up. The check engine light was blinking and was making a lot of popping noises. I was able to take back roads and drop it off at the dealership for repairs.
Engine, Jul 19, 2022
This 2021Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss I purchased new April 2021. Since I have owned it the check engine light would flash randomly with or without a load and now just this past weekend (7/17/2021) the check engine light stayed on. Took it to the Chevy dealer for repair and was told it was a lifter problem. I recently just purchased a camper, well under GM allowed towing capacity, and worried that if the engine should fail either up hill or down hill that there could be loss of control of vehicle from other systems shutting down.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power with the “Engine Power Reduced” message displayed. The temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact initially had the vehicle towed to the dealer and diagnosed with a defective fuel pump. The dealer replaced the fuel pump, the fuel pump system, and the fuel pump sensor; however, each repair failed to fix the failure. The contact towed the vehicle to AutoNation Chevrolet Pembroke Pines (8600 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024) where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective catalytic converter; however, the part remained on back order. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a claim was filed. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 15, 2022, crash
Vehicle began having issues at 3 months old... Random service messages, defective headlight, wierd engine noises at startup and stalling upon acceleration/deceleration. I took it to the dealer several times about the issues I were having but they always say they aren't able to replicate any issues. 3 months later I was driving on the highway and the engine started knocking. Had it towed to the dealer and it took them 6 months to replace engine, tcm, starter, and other parts. After finally getting the truck back, it was still stalling and there was a check engine light... Dealer did not reassemble the vehicle properly and several parts and bolts were still missing. It went right back in the shop and catalytic converters were replaced. I also mentioned missing parts and bolts. I get the truck back again and it still seems like it wants to stall. I was turning into a parking lot a few days later and it seemed like it wanted to cut off. While I was distracted trying to see if the truck cut off, I hit a small pole... Truck was damaged way more than it should have been because the dealer did not reassemble it properly. Body shop said my bumper was only held on by 2 bolts and several other bolts and pieces were missing. They said if my bumper was attached properly the damage would not have been as bad. The vehicle was already unsafe because of stalling and the dealer made it structurally unsafe as well... I have opened cases with gm and they aren't doing anything about it. Here this truck is 14 months old and it's been in their possession more than mine... I have asked them about replacing the vehicle and they insist on fixing the issues but never do and I end up driving an u safe vehicle around.
Power train, Engine, Jul 13, 2022
Add 1 more victim to the ongoing and growing list of GM owners of vehicles with 5.3/6.2Lmotors with DFM lifter failure. 50 miles after returning from a 500 mile trip from N. Wisconsin fishing trip this motor threw in the towel. Dealer assessment cylinder #6 lifter failure with an extra bonus of damage bad enough to require replacement of entire cylinder head! This motor has 11K. miles on it, and I have had oil changed multiple times as I am old school and don't buy into the whole 7500K. thing. Guess I should have saved my cash for something more fun! Check engine light did not come on till almost 2mi. after vehicle started running badly, flashing check engine light did not come on till I was almost home 15 mi. Had it towed to the dealer on my own dime!
Engine, Jul 12, 2022
Speed limit 70mph and driving on the highway, suddenly the vehicle began to shake and the engine light came on and the vehicle was making a forced deceleration to 40mph. Other vehicles had to swerve to avoid my vehicle, as I was attempting to pull off the highway safely. "service brake system" alarm also came on. The manual advised when getting this alarm to have the vehicle towed. Once at the dealership this note was on my service papers " Customer stated engine light was on and truck running rough and shaking, review of DTC's showed cylinder misfire on #3, tested showed possible issue with spark plug. Relocated coil to different cylinder to see if issue followed. Misfire still noted on cylinder 3, replaced spark plug and conducted test drive and note misfire still present on #3. Removed valve cover and noted failed lifter on intake valve for cylinder #3. All lifters replaced on left side of engine." The dealership stated that "this is a known problem for the 5.3L V8Ecotec engine, that the lifters FAIL." I am a female, I was traveling alone and had to find tow service and pay up front. Once transported 20miles to the nearest dealership, on a Saturday afternoon, I was stranded at a hotel for 2 days waiting for the dealership to open and check out the vehicle. If this is a "known" problem with this engine, THEY SHOULD BE RECALLED. Now I get to worry when the other side of the engine's lifters will 'fail' so they can be replaced under warranty. This is unacceptable in an almost new 2021 truck with 20,000 miles on it.
Power train, Engine, Jul 11, 2022
Vehicle engine has experienced engine lifter failure at 28,000 miles. Engine began shaking violently, check engine lights flashing, traction control light, and stability control lights all came one while driving on the highway several hours away from home. Vehicle had to be towed by Chevy roadside assistance to the nearest dealership. Chevy dealership inspected and said they have to order new lifters for my engine and it would take several weeks for repair.
Engine, Power train, Jul 10, 2022
The 2021 silverado v8 randomly started making a knocking noise. The steering wheel would shake randomly as I accelerated and stayed above certain speeds. I’m barely able to drive slowly residential speeds at most. If I drive any faster I’m worried for my safety that the car while break down in the middle of a busy road posing a danger to my family and those around me. I’m not sure if this is a lifter issue, or engine issue but it seems to be a widespread issue that I haven’t recurved any recall notice for.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 6, 2022
While driving down the road the engine began to run erratically and several seemingly random errors appeared relating to the parking brake, windshield washer fluid, and engine. The vehicle began shaking violently until stalling out on the road. After bringing the truck to the dealer and waiting for weeks to have it returned I was notified that there had been a lifter failure. Vehicle mileage had been at 12,600 miles at this point.
Engine, Jun 25, 2022
Truck started having a rough idle and was popping and banging while driving. It was hesitating while driving in traffic and would slowdown and jerk while trying to drive to the dealership. It stalled at red lights multiple times. Once it got to a dealership and they identified it as #4 cylinder lifter was malfunctioning. They have not yet disassembled the engine yet to find out the extent of the damage. This is a known issue with these trucks and GM won’t issue a recall to proactively fix the issue before more damage is done to the motor. Some of which may not show up until after the warranty expires. There was no warning light or check engine light on at anytime. The dealership service department was very surprised by this. Now I’m without my truck for at least 2 weeks with no loaner of voucher for a rental. The truck has less than 19,000 miles on it and has had all regular maintenance done at a dealership.
Engine, Jun 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, there was an engine misfire and then a knocking sound started coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer who stated that there might be a failure with the valve lifters; however, a diagnostic test had not been performed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Engine, Jun 11, 2022
"no start" issue. Intermittent no start increased in it's frequency until it wouldn't back in July 2021, it had approx. 9600 miles on it. Had it towed to dealership. They could not recreate problem. I raised hell, and started reading that others had similar problem. A TSB came out that advised tech to install .5 shim. That seemed to have worked until recently late May 2022, have appt. with dealership again. They didn't do a scan the next day to pull a code since one might have shown up at that point. Most likely nothing there now. truck has been driven an additional 10K miles since initial problem and now shows 21400 miles. I can't have this problem every 10K, since soon this will be coming out of my pocket. and it needs a fix as others are having the same problem. GM has had well over a year to sort this out so I'm hoping if it isn't the cam sensor it's something else fairly straight forward. Heading in for service again on 6/15/2022 for same complaint.
Engine and engine cooling, May 31, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that approximately 35 minutes after parking and turning the vehicle off he was notified that the vehicle had caught on fire. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. Upon inspection, it was determined that the fire originated in the engine compartment. A police and fire report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 12,000.
Engine, May 21, 2022
I was driving and noticed several loud clunking noises coming from the Engine bay. The truck began to cut out, shake, and misfire. My dash began to flash and state I had a parking brake failure. I had no choice but to be towed. I have just shy of 17,000 miles. The dealership stated I had two lifter and 1 rod failure. They replaced the rod and all lifters on one side of the engine. I took the truck home for one night and it broke down again. The dealership stated it was fixed for a second time. When I picked it up again, I made it 1 mile down the road before the truck had the exact same symptoms with shuddering and misfiring. It is at the dealership for a third time. I was surprised to fin several class action lawsuits now filed against gm concerning the lifter issue. YouTube is full of lifter issue videos. This should be fully investigated and obviously warrants a recall for lifters, rods, and the camshaft.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 4, 2022
On April 29, 2022 between 4:45 - 5:00 pm Eastern, I was dropping off my son at work when I suddenly experienced a variety of Truck Diagnostic Error messages on the front driver display window. In addition my OnStar advanced diagnostic alert system informed me with the following system issues: Engine and Transmission; StabiliTrak stability control; Antilock Brake; and Emissions. At that moment the truck experience a cut in power and slowed down with a knocking sound coming from what seemed under the truck. I slowly proceeded to drop off my son and drove back home and parked the truck. Truck was towed to local Chevy dealer on Friday of that day. A preliminary diagnosis was done Saturday, April 30 suggesting an Engine Lifter issue. On Monday, May 2, 2022, a final diagnosis determined engine lifter failure on one side of engine bank. Vehicle is still under Warranty with 17,400 miles on it.