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 16, 2026
I have 112,000 miles on my truck and my 6.2l motor is going out or knocking. I am very unhappy that my truck is not covered under the recall and I would like to understand why it is not since this is the issue of the recall. I would like to clarification on this and what options I have since it is going to cost me 14k to replace the motor. Case #101943027
Engine, Jun 15, 2026
Lights on the panel reads service parking break, engine, transmission, abs, traffic control and esc service. All these lights are on. Idling rough, white smoke with rich smell. Had a diagnostic read cam/crank and lifters bad… estimated cost 15,000. Total new engine install.
Engine, Jun 14, 2026
I bought a 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 Badlander edition in February of 2025. I love the truck and drive it everywhere. I have brought it in for every oil change when needed. I got my first oil change April of 2025 and had no issues. Then I got my second oil change June of 2025 and both of these were done at the dealership that I purchased the truck from. At the June oil change I asked Jeff Belzers to do an oil consumption test and they said they would not because my vin did not show up in the recall. On July 31 of 2025 I got an engine oil low light on my dash, which I took a picture of. At that time I had to add two quarts of oil. Then in August of 2025 I went in for my oil change at Jeff Belzers again and I told them about adding the two quarts of oil and asked again at that time if they could do an oil consumption test and they told me no again because my vin was not on the recall list. I then got another low engine oil light on September 29, 2025 and at that time I added 2 quarts of oil. In October of 2025 I brought my truck to Maur Chevrolet for an oil change and asked them to check my vin for a recall and they said there were no recalls. Then I brought my truck to Maur Chevrolet in November of 2025 for an oil change and I asked if the vin recall had changed and they said no. At this time I was just checking my oil and adding as needed. I took my truck in for an oil change in January of 2026 and asked about the recall again and no changes. Then after that oil change, I was adding a quart of oil every 600 miles. So when I went in for an oil change in April, I asked for an oil consumption test to be done and the service advisor said yes. This was the first positive step I had in this entire ordeal. At the end of the consumption test, which was on June 12, 2026 it was verified that the engine was burning 3 1/2 quarts of oil every 3,000 miles. At that time I had another oil change done and they told me that they would discuss what would happen on Monday June 15, 2026
Power train, Engine, Jun 11, 2026
The truck started backfiring and shuddering. Took it to the mechanic and with only 112000 miles I am being told it needs a new engine. It is the 6.2l motor.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 10, 2026
Loud ticking noise and power loss. Transmission shift slips from 2nd to 3rd . Called factory and dealership for check up. Said no problem… Told to Change oil. Did this, NO CHANGE.
Engine, Jun 8, 2026
On June 3, 2026, my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss, which has a 6.2L L87 V8 engine, stalled and shut off unexpectedly while I was stopped at a traffic light on a public highway. The engine died without warning, leaving me stranded in traffic and creating a serious safety risk for me and other drivers because of the chance of a collision. I had to call the police to come and sit behind me to keep myself safe from a collision while I waited for a tow truck. A dealer diagnosed the vehicle with DTC P0016, indicating a crankshaft/camshaft position correlation fault. This points to either an engine timing problem or an internal engine failure. The dealer confirmed the issue and gave me a repair estimate of about $11,000. Both the vehicle and repair records can be inspected if needed. Before the failure, the vehicle showed signs of an engine timing or internal issue and eventually triggered the check engine light with code P0016. After researching, I discovered many reports from other owners with the same 6.2L L87 engine who faced similar problems, including P0016 faults, engine stalling, internal engine damage, and complete engine replacement. While some vehicles with this engine have been part of recalls or special coverage programs, my vehicle is not included, even though it shows the same failure pattern. At the time of the failure, the vehicle has about 140,336 miles. I believe my vehicle has the same defect affecting other 6.2L L87 engines. I ask that NHTSA look into whether more vehicles should be added to any current or future recalls or defect investigations. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 8, 2026
When i first purchased the vehicle off the lot a few years back (its a 21, so probably in 22?) Brand new off the lot minimal miles. Within the first few months we started having issues with the power wanting to shift down. We took it in, the dealership found nothing wrong with it and cleared the codes. This happened a few more times. The last 2 times I took it in. They mentioned that there were recalls on it and could possibly be causing the issue. Took care of that (last august- have docs. to prove it as along with what they did and what we stated). Fast forward now 2 months ago (April of 25) and it starts acting up again and wants to downshift, shifting hard, stuttering and not wanting to drive, the same things we have been complaining about since beginning with lights on etc. However, this time we tried to shut it off and give some down time to get back home. After about 10 mins, we went to start the truck to get it home, and it would not start. We had it towed to the dealership. Once they got it, after 2 weeks of waiting we were finally presented with, the starter went out and the wiring box needed to be replaced (this has to be done before they can look into the original problem again) (because without those 2 things fixed, they wont be able to do) it is now June. I took the vehicle home, due to not having funds to fix right away. After doing some research and some digging, it would appear that the issues that we are having with the truck are issues that are already being recalled on this specific truck and model. However, for mine it is not, because I have the 2.7 l turbo and not the 6.8. THere have been numerous complaints about the known issue.(which i found out is the other wiring by the engine that is being chafed which is causing the wires to break and causing the other box and alternator to go and be replaced). If you replace it fries all again. Why is the 2.6 engine problem thats reported not recalled but rest is and it is known. I also see this online
Power train, Engine, Jun 7, 2026, crash
Loud ticking noise and power loss. Transmission shift slips from 2ed to 3rd .Recall to factory for check up. Said no problem? Changed oil. They say it was good. It is not.
Engine, Jun 6, 2026
Was on way to trade truck in onb6/6/26 and got a cylinder #7 misfire. Replaced spark plug and wire and moved coil packs around to trace and stayed on #7. Just had recall completed on 9/25/25 and stated that I've heard a rattling noise in engine area. They performed recall and changed to new oil suggested by GM. Dealership said noise was transmission. I told them that was replaced already within last 50k miles under warranty. Drive it for a few days and rattling noise still there. Took back to dealer on 9/30/25 at cost of $200 diagnositc and stated there is a grinding noise under light acceleration like it's metal on metal. Dealer stated that it was the rear seat rattling. There were NO noises in the cab, only coming from outside at driverside motor area. Called GM 10/1/25 to let them know the denial of motor replacement and we wanted 2nd opinion but we would have to pay out of pocket again. On 6/4/26 had to have truck towed to new dealer. New dealer won't make deal on new truck because of this and we have 2 trips already booked and paid for and 1 at end of June. New dealer is putting in service on 6/8/26 to verify cause. I have called GM after making repairs and they said it was between me and the dealer, there is nothing they can do. This is unacceptable! Im fine if they would offset cost and buy a new Chevy truck and we are going to fight to get it made right. This does make us want to change brands even though we've bought 5 Chevys in the last 10 years.
Engine, Jun 6, 2026
I have fighting this issue since January and have not gotten any help or relief from Chevrolet. This issue caused a significant safety risk and has cost me $12,000. I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue involving my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado that resulted in a sudden loss of power while merging onto an interstate highway. On XXX, I brought my vehicle in for service to replace the upper and lower ball joints, as well as the control arms. I retrieved the vehicle from the repair shop on XXX, and departed the same day for travel to [XXX]. Later that evening, while traveling southbound on [XXX] near [XXX], I stopped at Exit XXX. Upon re-entering the highway and accelerating to merge into traffic, the vehicle began shifting through gears abnormally. While in approximately 6th gear at around 2,900 RPM, a loud banging noise occurred, followed immediately by a significant loss of engine power. At the same time, the check engine light illuminated. Due to the sudden and unexpected loss of power while actively merging into highway traffic, I was nearly rear-ended by another vehicle. I was forced to take immediate evasive action and pull onto the shoulder to avoid a collision. This incident created a highly dangerous situation not only for myself but for surrounding motorists. This failure occurred without warning and directly impacted my ability to safely operate the vehicle in a high-speed traffic environment. I believe this presents a significant safety concern that warrants investigation. Please let me know if any additional information is required. I appreciate your attention to this matter and request that this incident be formally documented and reviewed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, May 31, 2026
Truck started ticking/clicking a few months back and the ESC or ECS light came on took it to the dealer Carl Black Chevrolet in Orlando, where the was supposed to to fix the problem under the previous owner, my boss who gave me the truck and 30 days after receiving the title the motor is bad. Mileage now is 112,000, the truck has burned the right fuel and had proper oil changes. Now the motor is blown as per a certified mechanic northeast auto and truck service in Ocala. First owner called General Motors to see if they could help and was told it should have gone to a Chevy dealer so they won’t or cant help. Motor is blown on a truck with low miles and this is how Chevy appreciate its drivers who purchase their vechiles. Buy American, they say…wow! On [XXX] the same reading came on again. This time it said service emergency brakes, parked it, went in store to purchase food, came out, started truck, drove 4 miles, parked truck went in to work and three hour later came out and white smoke rolled out the back and inside cab. What the heck! Embarrassing … had to leave truck… Chevy replace this engine, please. Was concerned about it INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, May 28, 2026
I have a 2021 Silverado LT trailboss. Catastrophic engine failure. Camshaft bearing and lifter failure. First lifter replacement @ 16,000 miles. Second at 104,000 miles. Was told by GM the 6.2L L87 I have is not affected due to a Canadian VIN. The sticker on the truck says Assembled in Kentucky. Gm charged $18,000 for a refurbished motor. The “new” motor had lifter failure at 12,000 miles. Canada is now included in the recall but I was again told by GM that my engine is not affected due to being built in September 2020. I believe this engine bearing failure goes back further than they like to admit.
Engine, May 27, 2026
I was driving and all of a sudden engine and transmission failed many lights appeared on the dashboard brakes were not braking, the truck started to lose power and making weird noises.
Engine, May 25, 2026
The engine was burning oil, so did a consumption test. The dealer took apart the engine and found the rings for the pistons were leaking and scaring was resulting. This caused me to buy part of a new engine because it was 6days past warranty with only 44,000mi on it. Also, at 18,000mi, a lifter bent and needed that replaced. There are numerous reports for this engine. It should be recalled! I shouldn't have to pay out of pocket for the defaulted error proned engine.
Engine and engine cooling, May 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a flashing check engine warning light appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the received fault code PO300 which was a general code for a misfire in the engine. The contact brought the vehicle back to the dealer multiple times due to various fault codes; however, the contact was given the same information. The contact then received a "Low Oil, Check Oil", the contact checked the oil and discovered no oil on the engine's dipstick. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed back to the dealer where they began an oil consumption test. The valves collapsed and the dealer replaced the valve in cylinders 1,3,5, and 7 as well as the spark plugs. Despite the repair, the contact stated that the failure returned almost two months later. The contact continued the oil consumption test and stated that the vehicle was losing 3 quarts of oil each oil change. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure on multiple occasions and had made multiple vehicle buyback requested; the manufacturer denied each buyback request. After his latest phone call with the manufacturer, he was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 12,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado1500. The contact stated while driving the vehicle he felt shuttering and noticed his automatic start does not start. The contact also experienced engine reduced power issues, preceded by a warning sign on the dashboard stating "Engine Power is Reduced" while driving. Additionally, the contact noticed a significant loss of mileage per gallon and a loss of oil. The contact noticed a check engine light on, which had codes that had a crankshaft and cam shaft sensors that are not operating properly, which the vehicle cannot be inspected due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed to need a new timing chain to control on the cams and crankshaft. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Engine, May 8, 2026
While driving on the freeway, the truck suddenly displayed a flashing check engine light along with multiple warning/error messages. I was able to limp the vehicle to the nearest mechanic, where they inspected it and confirmed catastrophic internal engine failure. Upon removing the oil pan, they found large copper-colored metal chunks and metallic glitter throughout the engine oil, indicating severe internal bearing/component failure. The vehicle is no longer safe to operate and now requires major engine repair or replacement.
Engine and engine cooling, May 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado. stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost power and did not accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the coolant control valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 5, 2026
On 4/27/26, my family and I were traveling south on Colorado C470 at 8 AM. Our 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 had catastrophic engine failure at highway speed as we were passing an 18 wheeler. The failure caused the vehicle to lose power and engine, and the display said to put the truck in Neutral and restart the engine. After coasting to the shoulder, the engine would not restart. We were stranded on the highway during rush hour for an hour and 1/2 waiting for a tow truck. This scenario is identical to the safety risks outlined in NHTSA Recall 25V274 (and investigation PE 24-007). This failure resulted in the intake manifold being physically displaced and damage to the timing assembly. The dealership is attempting to deny coverage by claiming the "upper gallery" damage (timing/intake) is unrelated to the "lower end" issues covered under the special coverage/recall [ this is a Dealer Quote]. This logic is technically flawed: Consequential Damage: A catastrophic lower-end failure (e.g., a broken connecting rod or seized crankshaft bearing) at 80 mph creates the massive internal pressure required to shatter or "blow off" a plastic intake manifold. Timing Linkage: The timing chain is physically connected to the crankshaft. It is mechanically impossible to have a catastrophic crankshaft failure at high RPMs without causing secondary damage to the timing gears and "upper gallery". Recall Precedence: My vehicle exhibits the exact failure mode—loss of motive power due to bearing failure—currently being investigated by the NHTSA for 2019-2024 L87 engines.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 5, 2026
LIFTER FAILURE AT 50,100 MILES- JUST OUT OF POWERTRAIN WARRANT BY 136 DAYS. FAILURE OCCURED ON FREEWAY. AFTER HEARING METALLIC SOUND SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THIS OCCURED 5/3/26.
Engine, May 4, 2026
Valve Cover leak, Known Issue by GM, TSB 22-NA-027, refusing to warranty known problems & charge the customer $4,000 in repairs.
Engine, Apr 29, 2026
While operating my vehicle under normal driving conditions, I experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power without warning. The engine shut off abruptly in active traffic, creating an immediate safety hazard and increasing the risk of a collision for myself and surrounding motorists. Following the stall, the vehicle would not restart. The engine cranks but does not start (a “dry crank” condition). There were no prior warnings, indicators, or drivability issues suggesting an impending failure. This vehicle is equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine, which is subject to a known recall involving internal engine defects that may result in sudden failure. The symptoms and failure mode observed are consistent with reported cases of internal engine damage, including potential bearing or rotating assembly failure. At the direction of GM and the dealership, the vehicle was previously brought in for recall inspection. The recall was subsequently marked as completed. However, I am now being advised that the recall cannot be reopened and that I am responsible for the repair costs. A completed recall inspection does not eliminate manufacturer responsibility when the underlying defect later results in failure. I understand there is an ongoing and recently reopened NHTSA investigation into GM’s “Pico test” inspection process, as multiple engines have reportedly failed after passing this procedure. Given that this failure occurred after the recall inspection was completed, this incident raises concerns regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of the prescribed remedy. This event represents a serious safety issue due to the sudden loss of power in traffic without warning. I am submitting this complaint to document the failure and to request further review of the recall remedy and associated inspection process.
Engine, Apr 27, 2026
I completed the N252494003 recall inspection on my 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 6.2L at Carl Black Buick/Chevy/GMC in Roswell, GA. They said my crankshaft was not one of the vehicles affected and sent me on my way with my free oil change as a remedy to the issue. I subsequently used that information, thinking the “bottom assembly” of my motor was good and not impaired, and proceeded to have the DOD/DFM deleted from the motor because it was a known fail point and this work cost me $7,000. Maybe 6 months after my inspection for the recall, I begin to hear a noise and I take it to the same dealership for service and they tell me the crankshaft is faulty. Nothing about the DOD/DFM delete and subsequent ECM tune had any impact on the crankshaft and yet, the dealership is denying fault when it was there service department hid the truth of the engine during the inspection. The warranty for the crankshaft is no longer applicable because of the modifications I did, but had they been honest about the faulty crankshaft, I would’ve never done that work to it in the first place. The engine should’ve been flagged during inspection and replaced.
Engine, Apr 23, 2026
For the second time in my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado with a 5.3-liter engine, I've had GM lifter failure. It's directly related to the Active Fuel Management System (AFM), and was confirmed by my Chevrolet dealer's mechanic and service writer, Burdick Chevrolet in Cicero, New York, on both occasions. They've had to perform a multi-thousand-dollar lifter replacement service job. They've told me that GM is aware of the safety issues, but won't do anything about them. It also happened to me with my 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, but I was lucky that time. It was fixed with new spark plugs and wires. It's cost me thousands of dollars for repairs each time. But that's not why I'm reporting this to NHTSA. The issue is safety. When the lifters fail, you get no warning. The truck rattles and rumbles. It becomes unstable on the road, and sometimes wobbles as if it's about to go out of control. The problem causes the loss of electronic stability control (ESC) and renders the electronic parking brake useless. Lifter failure can also cause the engine to stall while driving, especially at a stoplight. This happened to me. I had to press the gas pedal gently to keep the engine running at a stop light just to get off the road. On the highway, when the lifters fail, the truck slows to a point where it cannot keep up with traffic. That presents a dangerous situation. It's not safe. GM knows about it, but as far as I understand, the company has done nothing to fix the safety problem. Internet forums are full of comments about the problem, the safety issues, and the enormous cost of repairs. Surely your agency can compel GM to fix the lifter failure problem before someone suffers a major accident due to an uncontrollable vehicle. I'll never buy another vehicle with AFM. Many people are unaware of the dangers involved with this system. GM should get rid of it. [XXX] Skaneateles, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Apr 22, 2026
Truck is equipped with a 6.2 engine. It is a 2021 with less than 100k miles on it. Dealership is stating engine failed for no reason. Dealership confirmed engine failure this past week of April 2026. This is a known issue and my vehicle is not under the recall. Truck stalled out of no where. There was no warning before it did it.