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: power train
237 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Nov 11, 2025
I was stopped at a stop light and all of a sudden, the engine just revved amd revved and no drive only reverse, and it happened 4 times until tonight, 11/11/25 @ 8:38pm I am stuck at another red light and have to back my truck up to Home Depot and get a tow. Only a 5 year old truck with 71122 miles and ALWAYS WELL MAINTAINED WITH PAPERS AND GOES OUT ON ME. NOT ACCEPTABLE GM! You make things and used to be solid, like a rock trucks but now I feel robbed as a long time Chevy fan/enthusiast but I may have to change manufacturers unfortunately.
Power train, Nov 5, 2025
The truck started to vibrate badly. Brought it to the dealership and have to replace the 6.2 L engine. I was happy to make it home without it breaking down. The truck only has 67,000 miles on it.
Power train, Nov 4, 2025
My transmission started to make a rumbling sound intermittently while I was on the highway. It happened during normal highway speed and not dependent on acceleration or deceleration. I brought it to the dealership with 84,000 miles and they dropped the transmission pan. No metal found in the fluid. The issue was with the torque converter. I had my oil changed 1.5 weeks prior with a 21 point inspection. I was curious if there was a TSB for this issue. I haven't been able to find a recall notice for this issue.
Power train, Nov 3, 2025
1st gear to 2nd gear are slipping
Power train, Oct 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The dealer informed the contact that the recall repair had been performed; however, the recall remained marked as incomplete. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the recall service report had been sent to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the recall service report had been received; however, the manufacturer advised that the recall could not be marked as complete. The manufacturer did not provide further information. The contact expressed doubts that the recall repair was completed effectively. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.
Power train, Oct 30, 2025
I experienced a locking up or no power to the rear wheels. It was raining and the rear wheels would spin. I had no traction. I had to take a few turns and had to be careful or I would have fishtailed into other vehicles. When I stopped at a stop light/or sign then proceeded forward the rear wheels would spin in place. The tires wouldn't grab the pavement. This is the best way I could explain it.
Power train, Oct 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated while shifting into gear. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the transmission was flushed due to a possible torque converter failure; however, the failure progressed. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where it remained for further investigation; however, no cause for the failure was found. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,265.
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, Oct 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55-65 MPH, the vehicle shuddered while the RPM was fluctuating. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in GM Campaign Number: N212328090 (8 Speed Reaction Carrier Failure). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000
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.
Power train, Oct 23, 2025
Vehicle has started shuddering everytime i drive, normal speeds, flat roads, hills, everything. Feels like my rear end disengages and re-engages while driving. Afraid it is going to lock up completely or im going to lose all power. Dont understand why my vehicle isnt included in the recall already out for this issue.
Power train, Oct 17, 2025
Truck shudders when you try to maintain speed. The service engine light is on all the time. RPMs bounce up and down constantly. GMC dealership said it needs a new torque converter. It was $100 just to diagnose it!
Power train, Oct 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission temperature message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with possible transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further inspection, the contact discovered that the transmission thermal valve had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired by the contact. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.
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.
Power train, Sep 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the transmission shifted independently to a lower gear. The contact stated that the downshift of the transmission caused the rear wheels to lock up. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle, and was able to reset the transmission. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, but whenever the failure occurred, the check engine warning light was illuminated before the vehicle shifted to a lower gear. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts Store, where a handheld scanner was used to clear the transmission fault code. The contact stated that after the code was cleared, the vehicle operated normally, but the failure eventually reoccurred. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not properly diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Power train, Sep 23, 2025
Transmission shuddering and vibration
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 19, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Power train, Sep 18, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Power train, Sep 12, 2025
No reverse in transmission and sporadic engagement and shifting in forward gears.
Power train, Sep 11, 2025
The transmission is making a clanking noise during the lower gears. The local dealer said the transmissions is "done for". The truck has around 125,000 miles on it. The truck is available for inspection. When checking for recalls, i saw the GMC were being recalled for the same issue.
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 8, 2025
Vehicle: 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 3.0L LM2 Turbo Diesel Mileage at most recent failure at 106k miles Complaint Narrative This vehicle has experienced repeated, serious defects affecting engine, transmission, emissions system, and safety recall performance. Despite numerous repair attempts over three years, the problems remain unresolved and the vehicle is currently undriveable and held by the dealership (since August 17, 2025). Key safety concerns: Transmission failure: Transmission catastrophically failed at 78,942 miles due to excessive metal contamination, requiring full replacement. Transmission issues have persisted even after replacement. Recall N24254440 (rear wheel lock-up): Dealer attempted recall repairs multiple times in 2025 but failed due to programming errors. Recall remains incomplete and unresolved. Hard starting / reduced power: Vehicle intermittently fails to start or loses propulsion, creating risk of stalling in intersections or traffic. Engine/emissions failures: Multiple check engine events with NOx sensors, exhaust differential pressure sensors, and coolant flow valve failures. Current status: Vehicle has been in dealer custody since Aug 17, 2025, with no completion date. Dealer reports unresolved oil leak, check valve/box sensor replacement pending, and open recall not fixed. The cumulative history shows systemic defects across powertrain and emissions systems, ongoing safety recall failures, and lack of durable repairs. I am providing all invoices, videos, and documentation upon request. --- Chronological Service Timeline Invoice #Mileage (in/out)DateReported Issue / Repair Attempt 33432337,290 → 37,62607/11/22 – 07/30/22Check engine light. Multiple fault codes. Dealer performed diagnostics, suspected exhaust leak, removed components for inspection. 33433837,450 → 37,50807/
Power train, Aug 29, 2025
The transmission shudders during light throttle at cruising speeds and low rpms, tachometer show continuous jumps in rpm and vehicle loosing power. No check engine lights. Concerned that transmission behavior can make the vehicle a hazard on highyways. Shuddering and hesitation on acceleration. Transmission fluid was changed at 70k miles and symptoms still persist. Current mileage 71k.
Power train, Engine, Aug 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving off an off-ramp at approximately 40-60 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly lost power and turned off. The contact restarted the vehicle to continue driving. The failure had occurred twice. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes grabbed, causing the vehicle to lunge forward, decelerate, and then lunge forward again, before coming to a complete stop. The contact shifted to park(P) and then to drive(D) and continued driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer four times before receiving notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train). The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that one hour after the recall repair, the failure recurred with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was informed of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired again. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Power train, Aug 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, after making a left turn at a traffic signal, the rear wheels locked up. The contact stated that there was an abnormal screeching sound while depressing the brake pedal in a panic stop, and the vehicle jolted violently. The contact stopped the vehicle with the engine still running and observed the "Service Engine Soon" message displayed. The contact attempted to drive forward, and the rear wheels locked up. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an Auto Parts store. The contact stated that a store representative used a handheld scanner and was able to retrieve DTC: P0747 (Transmission Valve Body #1 Open). The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 20, 2025
General Motors is selling vehicles that are unsafe, unreliable, and unfit for consumers. My experience shows a clear pattern of negligence, misrepresentation, and disregard for public safety. On or about April of 2021, I purchased a 2021 Chevy Silverado RST z71 from Vetter chvrolet for about $56,000. GM promoted this vehicle as safe and dependable. Within the short 4 years of owning this truck, I faced major failures: engine issues, transmission problems and electrical malfunctions causing the parking break to engage on its own, at highway speeds of 70-80 mph on which nearly caused a serious accident, and failed Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. This system helps maintain vehicle control, and a problem with it can affect braking, steering, and handling, Despite following GM’s maintenance guidelines, GM delayed repairs, denied coverage on certain failures, and left me with thousands in out-of-pocket costs. The vehicle remains unreliable and unsafe. For myself and my family, 2 children under 3 years old and one on the way. This is not an isolated issue—GM has a long history of recalls and defect cover-ups. These vehicles put lives at risk, cause financial hardship, and violate consumer trust. No one should fear for their safety in a vehicle marketed as “dependable.” This has impacted me by having : • Expensive repairs • Loss of transportation for extended periods • Ongoing fear of driving a defective vehicle with my family in it. Loss of use of my vehicle • Fear and emotional distress driving an unsafe product I have contacted GM and the dealership multiple times. Responses were dismissive, repairs were inadequate, and GM refuses accountability. Requested Resolution: Full reimbursement for all related costs Buyback (preferred) of the vehicle OR permanent repair at no cost Public acknowledgment and stronger quality control. Warning to Consumers: Think twice before trusting GM. Their failure to correct dangerous defects shows profits matter more than safety.