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, Jul 12, 2025
Losing power while driving and acceleration and uneven idle sometimes
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 11, 2025
July, 10 2025 My 2021 chevy Silverado has stalled today in the middle of the road. When trying to start, it sounds like if it wants to turn over but it won’t. I bought a brand new battery and problem is not resolved. I did some digging and sounds like fuel pump will not come on. This truck is only 4 years old and I should be having these issues. Please help thanks
Power train, Engine, Jul 9, 2025
My truck is experiencing what is commonly known as the Chevy shakes. Whenever the transmission goes over 2000RPM or below 2000RPM my truck jumps. Also, the rear wheels lock up for a short time while I start driving for about 50 feet. Almost as the brakes are pressed slightly.
Engine, Jul 9, 2025
My vehicle has almost 53,000 miles, I went for an oil change, hasn't even been 5,000 miles since last one, and I had no oil on the dipstick. I wanted to get it changed before a short trip. Glad I did. This could have caused the engine to blow up. I didn't know new vehicles could lose oil like that . The problem was confirmed by an independent oil change station where I always go. No inspections have been done by anyone. No warning lights came on telling me that the oil was low. No other issues prior to this.
Engine, Jul 3, 2025
While towing a trailer on a highway during a trip, my truck experienced a catastrophic engine failure with no prior warning. I was driving at highway speeds when the vehicle suddenly lost all engine power, creating an immediate and dangerous situation. I had to use extreme effort to steer the truck and trailer off the road and onto a narrow shoulder. There was no safe breakdown lane, and we were stranded for over eight hours waiting for assistance. Due to the size and weight of the trailer, the truck and trailer had to be towed separately, further complicating the situation. The vehicle was towed to the nearest Chevrolet dealership, where it was diagnosed and confirmed that the engine failure falls under the ongoing 6.2L V8 engine recall. The dealer stated the engine must be replaced under the recall. Unfortunately, that was over eight weeks ago, and I have still received no timeline, no updates, and no meaningful support from either the repairing dealer or the selling dealer (which is located three hours away from the incident site). Since then, my vehicle has remained undrivable, and I have had no access to alternative transportation. I was offered a reimbursement of $44 per day toward a rental car, but the process requires me to pay out-of-pocket and submit extensive documentation for potential reimbursement. Without knowing how long the delay will be, this could result in thousands of dollars in unreimbursed costs, which is simply not sustainable for me. This situation not only created a serious safety risk during the initial breakdown but has left me without reliable transportation for two months, with no indication of when my truck will be repaired. The lack of communication and accountability from GM and its dealerships is unacceptable given the known defect.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 23, 2025
Failure of the coolant flow control valve and DEF component. Caused the engine to overheat and potentially fail while driving. The part to repair this problem has been very difficult to obtain causing a prolonged period of time in a repair shop. According to online forum information this an ongoing problem with this particular engine for over 4 years now. In my general area there are 6 vehicles that are in need of this particular part before they can be repaired. This is definitely not an isolated incident.
Engine, Jun 18, 2025
While traveling at highway speed an engine lifter collapsed and I was left stranded with a flashing check engine light, severe engine knocking and lack of power.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 18, 2025
Check engine light is on, code reads emissions fail due to the Evaporative Emissions leak detection pump.( EVAP PURGE PUMP UNDERSPEED) P1467. I see this was a recall on several Chevrolet vehicles but not yet on mine.
Engine, Jun 17, 2025
Engine siezed while on a roadway that speed limit was 75 miles per hour. Was also actively pulling a trailer. Luckily avoided traffic in pulling off to the side of the road and was stuck there for about 8 hours on the side of the road. It broke down 5 hours from home.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil pressure level fluctuated between 60 and 0. The contact stated that the low-pressure oil warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the oil level was continually being topped off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. In addition, the contact was advised to have an oil change every 1,000 miles while waiting for the recall repair to be performed. 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Suspension, Engine, Jun 12, 2025
1st incident cracked frame/suspension support for front suspension, 4 months to fix, 2nd incident oil pump, lifter failure, replaced under warranty. 3rd failure engine sieze while driving at 55-60 mph. Warning light flashed loss of oil pressure shut down immediately, put it in neutral to coat to side of road but moment I shifted to N engine failed, had to tow home cuz dealer was a month out to look at it, had to send to a different dealership 60 miles away to get looked at, confirmed castrophic engine failure, GM dealer wanted me to pay to fix it. I have had 2 major engine issues, 1 major suspension frame issue.
Engine, Jun 12, 2025
The Vehicle that I own is a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with a 6.2 liter engine. on 6/2/2025 i went to have the oil changed and the service technician informed me there was no oil in the engine. He also informed me that this particular model with the 6.2 liter engine had a recall relating to components in the engine. After researching I found that there was in fact a recall, but my truck was not listed on the NHTSA web site. I made a visit to the local dealership and the service manager informed me that there was in fact a recall but there was nothing they could do at this time. He suggested that I check the oil level every 500 miles and wait on a recall notice. Now the engine is starting to make internal noises that concern me greatly. There is a opportunity that the engine could simply lock up and there is no certainty on what might happen. Please advise
Engine, Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while leaving a parking spot and driving approximately 5-10 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine before the vehicle lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced catastrophic engine failure two years prior to the recent failure. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was 20,000.
Engine, Jun 8, 2025
I am facing my second coolant control valve replace in the last 10k miles. The truck errors with a code of P1098 due to the valve failure and the fan continues to run. My truck was then put into limp mode. This valve is a know problem with this motor and not cover under warranty.
Steering, Air bags, Engine, Jun 7, 2025
I was on my way home from work on [XXX] coming around the lakes with no median or shoulder when the engine in my 2021 Silverado started rattling, temperature gauge started going up, and losing power. Within a matter of minutes my truck shut off leaving me stranded in the middle of a four lane highway with no safe location to stop. The engine wouldn’t even turn over to try and crank back up so I could get the truck out of the road. After help getting my truck to a safe location I noticed oil and antifreeze leaking out of the bottom side of the engine. This truck was at Love Chevrolet for engine failure on 8/14/24 and was told it was fixed and was never told about ongoing issues with this particular 6.2 engine. I found out a few weeks ago while trying to trade my truck in to Jim Browne Chevrolet dealer that my particular truck the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado High Country with the 6.2 engine had known issue with the engine locking up and was afraid to take my truck in on trade due to his service manger going through this same experience. So I paid top dollar for a high end Chevrolet truck to be stuck with not being able to trade it and now not being able to drive it. I called the dealer and was told that my trucks vin number was not part of the recall for this issue but there are trucks that are the same year, model, and engine type that are covered under this recall. I’m now stuck making a 850 a month payment on a 58000 dollar truck that I can’t drive and can’t afford to replace an engine. Any help would be greatly appreciated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jun 6, 2025
Motor failed. 140k miles shouldn’t happen on a 2021. Meticulously maintained.
Engine, Jun 6, 2025
While driving my truck at approximately 50mph it suddenly lost power while in traffic. I was fortunate enough to pull over safely to avoid an accident. The motor was violently shaking and sounded like it was coming apart internally. Almost every warning light on the dashboard came on as I was pulling over. The truck had little power and did not sound normal. I immediately called for a tow truck and had it towed to the nearest Chevrolet dealership. After inspection they confirmed the lifters were bad. The truck had 38,000 original miles on it at the time of this incident. The dealership repaired the defective lifters. With the current GM recall on the 6.2 liter engine my truck does not qualify as it was built 1 month prior to the recall date. This truck needs to be included in the current 6.2 liter engine that GM is recalling. The motor is defective and is a major safety issue. If I was driving with my family on the highway while this abrupt incident happened it could have been catastrophic. There were no signs or warnings whatsoever prior to this incident.
Engine, Jun 6, 2025
Took my vehicle in on 3/24/2025 for an oil change and to check a perceived issue with transmission hesitation and a noise. Tech confirmed and repaired an issue in the transmission and also confirmed an issue within the engine. A replacement engine was ordered. Vehicle is still at the dealer awaiting the engine with no estimate as to when the engine will be shipped or received. It has now been well over 2 months. A loaner vehicle was provided on 4/30/2025 but is not comparable to my vehicle.
Engine, Jun 6, 2025
blown engine 6.2 L87 motor
Engine, Jun 6, 2025
Engine failure with no warning. Driving home from dinner, made a right at a stop light and then warning lights and knocking sound in engine compartment, truck noticeably shaking
Service brakes, Engine, Jun 5, 2025
First my engine light came on and as I was in my way to the dealership I lost my brakes. It stayed at the shop for a week before I was contacted only for them to tell me that there was metal shaving in my engine oil and they recommend full replacement, meanwhile haven’t even made it to my brakes. GM offered me 3K toward replacing the 13K+ engine. That’s so unacceptable!
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 4, 2025
The contact owned a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the contact heard a loud sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the connecting rod and the crankshaft engine components had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, and the dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Jun 3, 2025
May 3, 2025 while driving home truck starting making noise and all the dash lights started blinking including the 'check engine' light. Felt not safe to drive, afraid I would lose control of truck. Immediately pulled over and called dealership who advised to have truck towed in. Truck is still in shop and apparently needs a new engine, problem seems to be the same as the recalls for engines made in 2021-2024. The engine on my truck was manufactured in 2020 and not part of the current recall. This is the 2ND time engine has failed. June 7, 2021 at 4,600 miles again driving and engine started making noise, all dash lights flashing. Again didn't feel truck was safe to drive. Towed to dealership. Cause was a 'failure of lifters on cylinder 5 and a bent push rod.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 3, 2025
Engine started making clicking noise when accelerating. Followed by a large screeching noise. Dash read "shift to neutral and start again" pulled to stop and tried to start. Does not crank at all.
Engine, Jun 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The message “Reduced Power” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the lifters and push rods needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle started to smoke while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.