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, Aug 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally, and the transmission shifted hard. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Power train, Traction control system, Engine, Aug 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the rear wheels locked up, causing the vehicle to slide across the road. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and came to a stop in the middle of the road. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact turned off and then restarted the vehicle and became aware that the transmission failed to shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was towed to the contact's place of employment. The contact who is a certified mechanic performed a diagnostic test and retrieved DTC: P0747, indicating a failure with the pressure control cylinder in the transmission. The contact also found information on NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included int the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,830.
Power train, Aug 9, 2025
Transmission is making rattling or ticking noise when accelerating , I'm getting hard shifting in 1st and 2nd and some random gears , I have been launched forward when coming to a stop , some hard shifting when kicking down to pass
Power train, Aug 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving on a neighborhood road, after coming to a complete stop and attempting to accelerate, the transmission started slipping. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that while driving and accelerating, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was no cause for the failure found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000.
Power train, Aug 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, while completing a right turn, there was a loud bang and the vehicle immediately lost motive power. The vehicle was coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission, and determined that there was a rupture in the transmission cooling system. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice in the past and the transmission was rebuilt by the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 59,000.
Power train, Engine, Aug 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The vehicle was initially taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train). The contact stated the vehicle was not repaired. While driving 30-35 MPH, the rear-end locked up and caused the vehicle to enter the wrong lane. The contact stated that other vehicles were able to drive around the vehicle during the failure. The engine revved, and the RPMs revved too high. The driver was able to pull over safely. The check engine, traction control, parking brake, and maintenance warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the rear-end had locked up, and the #5 cylinder and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The mechanic was unable to unlock the rear-end. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on six other occasions for unknown issues. The manufacturer was contacted regarding a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 34,958.
Power train, Aug 3, 2025
Transmission shifts rough, shudders, has hesitation at times, makes the vehicle feel like it is missing from jerking. Have not contacted dealer. No warning lamps, messages. Occurred a week after purchasing vehicle.
Power train, Jul 30, 2025
I was driving in a straight line at 45mph when my truck jerked to one side. It felt like the back of the truck was sliding out from behind me and also felt like my truck was being pulled to a stop. A check engine light came on. I drove it back to my house (approximately 3 miles). The light went away but came back, and the transmission started overheating even though I was only going 10-20 mph. The truck randomly did the same jerking action while going home. I had to drive slow to get home. There was no warning when this happened. No lights, sounds, or other warnings. The jerking motion almost made me hit other cars, and almost made me lose control of the vehicle. It is available for inspection if needed. It has not been looked at yet because I found this website when researching the problem online. If you want to inspect it, then you need to inspect within 2-3 weeks because I’m military and I am getting stationed overseas.
Power train, Jul 28, 2025
Transmission problems, when the truck would get to operating temperature the transmission would lurch when I would stop the truck. If I pulled up to a stop sign/light the transmission would lurch forward hard enough to make it feel like I got hit. If I didn't have my foot hard on the brake pedal it would move the truck far enough to hit another vehicle or pedestrian. After awhile the transmission started to slip out of gear as I was driving at highway speeds or not engage correctly during acceleration. I have now been without this truck for months while they try to replace the transmission.
Power train, Jul 21, 2025
Driving Ashland pass in OR, the transmission over heated with the truck dinging for us to pull over an idle, there is no where to pull over on Ashland pass for 8 miles. After sitting in an unsafe location with the truck idling wasting fuel we where able to get back on road after 30min. Upon arrival to location we where able to see that the exhaust system sits right on the transmission pan heating it up when truck is running. This model does not have a dip stick to check transmission fluid resulting in a $2500.00 drop an drain to which I am told by the mechanic that this needs to be done every 40k. That is alot of cost 2x a year.
Power train, Jul 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the transmission shifted hard while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the TCM was reprogrammed; however, the failure worsened, and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train) and linked the failure to the recall. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
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.
Power train, Jul 7, 2025
Vehicle is shifting harshly. Looked up recalls. "Certain" 2021 Silverado 1500's have recall for transmission problem that can cause rear wheels to lock up and cause a crash. GM says my truck is not included in the recall. I have filed an official complaint with GM.
Power train, Jul 2, 2025
Repair & Breakdown Timeline – 2021 Chevy Silverado Owner: [XXX] and [XXX] VIN [XXX] Warranty: Extended vehicle warranty (active) Millenium ________________________________________ Repair History Summary Oct 2024 – Issue: Hard shifting; GM recall for purge pump – Action Taken: Purge pump replaced under recall – Status: Returned to owner Nov 19, 2024 – Issue: Continued shifting problems – Action Taken: Transmission replaced – Status: Vehicle kept until Feb 2025 Feb 12, 2025 – Issue: Vehicle returned to owner – Action Taken: GM reimbursed car payments during downtime – Status: Returned to owner April 2025 – Issue: Loss of power; wouldn’t shift past 15 mph – Action Taken: Generic transmission code cleared, no fix – Status: Returned with unresolved issue June 9, 2025 – Issue: Random downshifting; RPM/speedometer erratic – Action Taken: External TCM wire replaced – Status: Returned June 11 June 18, 2025 – Issue: Recurring downshifting issue – Action Taken: Internal TCM wire replaced – Status: Returned June 25 June 27, 2025 – Issue: Hard downshifting, braking sensation during acceleration – Action Taken: Returned to shop – Status: Ongoing •7 total repair visits, 4 of them since February 2025 transmission replacement •Symptoms continue despite following GM’s repair instructions •Dealership has followed GM repair guidance each time •Vehicle remains a safety risk, especially with children onboard •Similar Silverado models have recalls, but this VIN is not include I have two young children, and this vehicle has now placed us in extremely unsafe situations multiple times. We’ve been stranded in traffic, unable to accelerate, and fearful for our safety. Despite repair after repair, the problem continues. At this point, I do not believe this truck can be fixed, and I am unwilling to keep driving it—or trade it in knowing another family could end up in the same dangerous situation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Jul 2, 2025
As I am driving, the truck shutters off and on and its shifts hard when shifting gears. I drive long distances daily and if the transmission fails, this could cause an accident that could put the safety of my children’s lives, or mine, at risk. It has not yet been inspected, but I spoke with several transmission specialists and have been told this is a very common issue among 2021, and other year models close to that, Chevrolet Silverados. The cost for confirmation would be upwards of $1000, which is not something I am able to afford. There have not been any warning lights or lamps. Only shuttering and harsh shifting.
Power train, Jul 2, 2025
Unknown transmission failure
Power train, Jun 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was shifting hard. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at 70 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was purchased for diagnostic testing, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact used a scanner and retrieved DTC: B3205-4B-BCM, and a message that the steering column circuit was locked. Additionally, the scanner displayed a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); which the contact related to the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall and referred the contact to a Chevrolet dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that assistance could not be provided because the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Power train, Jun 25, 2025
My vehicle started shuttering approximately after 128,000 miles. I took it to a Edwards Chevrolet dealership near my home to have it serviced. I wa told that the transmission was going out and needed to be replaced.
Power train, Jun 19, 2025
At approximately 67,000 miles I noticed upon starting and putting it in gear the motor would rev/clunk while going into gear. Shifting from one gear to another the truck would shutter. Did not feel safe driving any distance because the truck would lock up when trying to put it in gear. I had the truck looked at after reading numerous complaints about this 8 speed transmission and wanted to make sure it was safe to drive. After test driving it a couple of times during the course of a day it was determined the transmission needed to be replaced/rebuilt. At no time did any warnings appear on the display indicating there was an issue. I had the transmission rebuilt but feel like there are many complaints and no recalls regarding this same issue.
Power train, Jun 13, 2025
Transmission is changing hard and jerking
Power train, Jun 10, 2025
Vehicle started with vibration at speed 45mph and sometimes it gets worse already balance the wheels twice and same issue so I took it to another shop and they found that my vehicle has hesitation and shuddering also really hard down shift
Power train, Engine, Jun 1, 2025
At 2000 miles my truck developed a new “fluttering”, “ticking sound” once all cylinders reactivated as apart of the dynamic fuel management system. After bringing the truck to dealership, they proceeded to replace the lifters, the exhaust system twice, and performed a computer reflash. The truck was at the dealership for over 45 days within the first 6 months of ownership. After all the repairs, the sound is still audible and getting worse. In addition to this sound, at around 30,000 miles the transmission has now developed an audible clunking sound that can be felt once on release the gas peddle under slower operating speeds. After trying to engage with GM on simply understanding what the problem is and why there is the need for so much repair on a brand new vehicle, I am candidly fed up and let down as long term GM customer.
Power train, May 29, 2025
Pulling out to an intersection my 2021 chevy Trailboss stopped going forward. All I had was reverse. Fortunately cars stopped and no one was injured. The truck was towed to a chevy dealership and was inspected and said that the transmission went out on it. The service manager told me that the "transmissions that were put in these trucks were not good" No warning lights ever came on prior to this incident. There was a recall for transmission problems for other chevy models however I have been told that my truck does not qualify for the recall.
Power train, Engine, May 22, 2025
The truck, while driving at highway speeds on the interstate, experienced catastrophic engine failure, seizing the motor while in driving. Luckily, I was able to pull the truck to the side of the road safely, without a crash occurring. Losing engine/braking power could have been a major concern but thankfully, traffic was light enough I had space to pull to the side of the road. The truck had to be towed to the nearest dealer, where it was discovered the motor had seized. 2021 Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss 6.2L motor with 47k miles on the factory warranty/no modifications. Since taking the truck to the dealer, they warranty-swapped a remanufactured crate motor in the truck. Hearing of the major increase in issues with this truck, I traded it in on a different manufacturer and now have a different vehicle. Aside from this huge inconvenience and safety issue, GM's customer support line failed to cover the full cost for a rental truck while my vehicle was down for a new motor (late November 2024 until mid January 2025) and I still have yet to receive a refund for my tow bill. This experience that has now lasted almost 6 months (still with no resolution) has been horrible. I hope General Motors is held liable for this major issue.
Power train, May 13, 2025
Shuddering when driving. Erratic shifting and downshifting.