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 and engine cooling, Nov 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a ticking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with crankshaft failure. The dealer discovered metal shavings in the engine oil and oil filter, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The replacement engine was ordered, and the vehicle was repaired. After the engine replacement, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle felt difficult to operate. Additionally, while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the vehicle failed to restart and lost motive power without any warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic, who found that the metal bar located near the battery was very loose. The mechanic also informed the contact that due to the prior crankshaft failure, the transfer fuse box, starter motor, and battery had failed and required replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that upon inspecting the replacement engine, the manufacturer’s sticker indicated that the engine was a remanufactured engine, and there was dirt and debris on the engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 48,650.
Engine, Nov 5, 2025
Engine just died going 55 mph on a paved road. GM repair shop says engine needs to replaced. They originally told me my 6.2L engine was a recall, but my VIN didn’t show on database. Seems GM’s scope was not wide enough on their recall. I feel I deserve a new engine.
Engine, Nov 4, 2025
misfire on cylinder #6 lifter failure on cylinder #6 bent push rod on cylinder #6 happened going down the highway at 75mph, luckily no one was injured local Chevrolet dealer did diagnostic and repairs repairs were covered by aftermarket warranty - $100.00 deductible no warning lamps or messages or other symptoms before hand
Engine, Nov 4, 2025
2021 chevy silverado Engine was under the 6.2 recall On Sept 4 2025. The engine blew and the truck was taken to local chevrolet dealer. It had 38k miles on it. It stillf ell under the original powertrain warranty and the recall. Dealer informed me new engine was needed and ordered. It has been 2 months and the engine has not shipped from GM. 60 days is more than adequate time for this issue to be resolved. GM has made no attempts to make this right. Please help
Engine, Nov 4, 2025
Started with a clicking noise that mechanic thought it was the fuel pump but found out later it was the bearing is the rocker arms that failed and ruined the camshaft. Now it needs a new engine.
Engine, Nov 1, 2025
Dealer says my vehicle is not approved to even check the motor out. Build date 6/21 6.2l motor under recall
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 30, 2025
Engine failure in 2023. Paid 15,600 to have engine repaired and gm is denying reimbursement because repairs not done at dealership and vehicle is too old is what they are giving me for reasons for denial.
Engine, Oct 27, 2025
I’ve purchased my Chevy Silverado brand new and I’ve had to bring it to the dealership multiple times for code P1098 this will be the second time this has been repaired. Looking on line this is very common. This is the second time I have to leave my vehicle at the dealership and not I don’t have my vehicle.
Power train, Engine, Oct 25, 2025
ENGINE IS JERKY READ ONLINE ISSUES HAVE A LEMON LAWSUIT . THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS AN 02 SENSOR IT DIDNT FIXED THE ISSUES
Power train, Engine, Oct 24, 2025
While driving the engine shut off without any warning lights which could have caused a serious accident causing bodily harm or property damages as I was unaware of the issue and was going 50mph at the time - this occurred on 10/23 I noticed a ticking and brought the vehicle to the dealer for inspection on 10/20, at the time of this inspection the technician said that they could not replicate the sound and I explained that this was happening at 3000 RPM. The technician said that I would need to bring the vehicle back and they would need to start to take apart my engine piece by piece and I said the ticking is part of the known lifter problem and the technician shrugged his shoulders offering no other options. That same day I took my vehicle to another independent shop and he confirmed the ticking is a known issue that occurs prior to the lifter collapsing. After the vehicle shut itself off, and I was able to restart the vehicle, many warning lights appeared on my dash, there were none there before, one of the codes that was flashing was ESC and the vehicle began to lurch and downshift. I called my mechanic who said the code was to do with the electronic stability control system but I should be okay to drive until I could get to him for him to look at the codes. On 10/24 I took the vehicle to the mechanic and another code was for Cylinder 3 misfire which he stated could be the collapse of the lifter and the codes will not clear. The vehicle now downshifts without warning, there is an engine knocking that is occurring and the vehicle is not safe to drive as the engine may seize at any moment.
Engine, Oct 23, 2025
Like many others, I have been dealing with many issues with this truck. I have had repeated cooling valve failures, resulting in decreased engine power and constant cooling fan running at high speeds. Additionally, cranking issues with starting the vehicle.
Engine, Oct 23, 2025
Like many others, I have been dealing with many issues with this truck. I have had repeated cooling valve failures, resulting in decreased engine power and constant cooling fan running at high speeds. Additionally, cranking issues with starting the vehicle.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 15, 2025
While driving at anywhere from 18–25 mph or 70–85 mph, my speedometer starts going crazy, the engine accelerates or decelerates, the speedometer shows random numbers, and you can hear and feel that the motor power feels different. Not all the times but is started to show more often
Engine, Oct 9, 2025
Left and right cylinder heads failed. Left bank at 20,000 and right bank at 40,000 miles
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 9, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 9, 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that there was no expected date for parts availability. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Engine, Oct 6, 2025
My belief is a valve rotated and the cam shaft has defligrated to the point that the engine casing has been pierced. Chevrolet is saying I am not covered by the recall for my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Oct 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and lost motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence at a reduced speed. The vehicle was then driven to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine control module and sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was retrieved; however, while driving off the lot, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started shaking violently. The vehicle was with the dealer. The dealer then diagnosed the vehicle and determined that two of the lifters in the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 1, 2025
The contact's son owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while her son was driving at a moderate speed, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where the contact was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was also notified that the parts for the recall repair were unavailable. The vehicle remained with the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact's husband notified the manufacturer of the failure and was provided a case number. The failure mileage was 47,000
Power train, Engine, Sep 26, 2025
Truck has under 45k miles on it. After reaching 35-40mph, it began to shake and jolt. Once we drove approximately 20miles, the engine light began flashing, in addition to the parking break light turning on. The truck began to lose power and we were forced to pull over on the side of a busy road. After waiting a little bit, we were able to drive it to our local shop who advised us to tow it back the the dealership for repairs.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 25, 2025
Engine failure in October of 2023. Had vehicle towed to dealership and was told truck was not under warranty because of mileage and was going to be months before they can get to it because of parts on backorder or shortage of parts. Had truck towed to another shop and had the repairs done there, at my expense, for a total of $15,600. Fast forward to July of 2025, recall comes out on my truck for engine failure. Got reimbursement form with recall notice in the mail and got the required documents to submit form and was denied reimbursement for the following reasons, truck is too old for reimbursement and also because I did not have the work performed by a dealership. It is my understanding that there is a federal law stating that a manufacturer can not deny reimbursement for using a 3rd party auto shop for repairs and as far as the truck being too old for reimbursement, the repairs were done well within the 10 years allowed by federal law so I don't understand what the problem is . Please help Thanks
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the oil change message was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Sep 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately pulled over and attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.
Engine, Sep 22, 2025
Coolant control valve manufacturer defect, 3.0 duramax LM2
Engine, Sep 18, 2025
We have a 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 in which the engine has failed. We believe this is the issue involved in the recall of Chevy Trucks. It needs to be added to the recall list. It has been unable to move since 2/17/2024. We have reported this to GM but they have not responded. Thank you