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, Electrical system, Nov 25, 2024
UNKNOWN - The truck began jerking/braking on its own while driving last week. I took it to a local transmission shop where it has sat for the past week as they said the transmission control module/tcm needs to be replaced but the part needed is on back order. This issue sounds similar to the recent transmission recall (N242454440) though our vin does not show there to be a recall on our exact vehicle. Our truck meets the specifications of the recall and having it inoperable has placed a hardship on my family. How can I get it fixed under this recall at a local GM dealer?
Power train, Nov 19, 2024
Transmission failed. Safety was put at risk for me and others, truck started jerking. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer and has been at a dealership since June 2024, it is now almost December 2024. They were waiting on a new transmission to come in due to these transmissions were put on back order. There were no warning lamps or messages on dash. The truck just started jerking while driving and it was very unsafe to drive. We had to have truck towed to dealership.
Power train, Nov 15, 2024
Transmission issues such as vibration/grinding, delayed shifting, rough shifting, clunking noises when changing gears, jerking sensations, vehicle is available for inspection. The transmission control valve may fail, causing the rear wheels to lock up. Transmission was inspected, Dealer claimed Torque converter issue and replaced that part, however, ISSUE still exists and Dealer claims that at the 2nd inspection, it was the tires giving me the rough shifting and vibration/griding I feel when driving. No warning messages, just continued vibration that turned into grinding at it continues to get worse. Issue started at 55K miles, truck currently has 60K miles, torque converter was replaced at 58K miles. The issues seems to be the same as the current GMC Diesel transmission recall. This recall SHOULD pertain the Gas Transmissions for the same year vehicles.
Power train, Nov 13, 2024
The transmission jerks from time and time. There is a lag between shifting and first and second gear
Power train, Nov 13, 2024
My truck has less than 50,000 miles on it and the transmission feels has if it's shifting hard and shuttering during the cycles of first to third. I do not see that my truck has a recall, but if there is a problem with my trucks transmission, then I need to have it looked at before the 60, 000 or 5 year warranty expires. Can I just take it to a Chevy dealership and have this inspected at NO CHARGE to me?
Power train, Nov 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and passing another vehicle, the rear wheels inadvertently locked-up momentarily, causing the vehicle to momentarily shudder and to downshift to second gear while the RMPS revved significantly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The dealer replaced the knock sensor; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the failure recurred while the vehicle was being test-driven; however, the dealer was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact later became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V097000(Power Train), which the contact related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Oct 25, 2024
Vehicle began to lose power on the highway almost causing a collision due to the low speeds I had to travel. My vehicle was taken to a local Chevrolet Dealership and was told I had bad lifters and a bent rod. I was told this is a common issue with newer mold Chevrolet Silverado’s .
Power train, Engine, Oct 22, 2024
When I started my truck in the morning a group of warning lights came on. This included check engine, ECS control, Parking Brake service I took truck to dealer that said I had bad or broken lifter in cylinder # 6.
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 7, 2024
Fuel pump module failure while driving causing vehicle to stop abruptly while driving at highway speeds.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 23, 2024
Lifter failure of the right bank in 2021 at 19,000 miles. At the time of failure engine was 2.5 quarts low on oil. Ever since, this truck has been using oil excessively. I am currently involved with an oil consumption test. Of which over the last 5k miles I have had to have more oil added by the dealership.
Power train, Engine, Sep 2, 2024
My lifters gave out on a brand new engine with 4000 miles on it. Truck was currently at 60,000 miles on odometer. I was traveling 75mph when everything locked up and all my lights on my dash board lit up. Causing multiple cars to swerve around as I guided the limping truck off the highway.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 19, 2024
Fuel regulator- high/low pressure failed. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection (currently at Rotolo Chevrolet). My safety and others were compromised because was on freeway approximately 75 mph and my power and speed was unexpectedly reduced. Almost caused pile up, I had to take evasive measures to guide truck to slow lane, and off the road. Yes, the problem has been confirmed [XXX] by certified Chevrolet technicians at Rotolo Chevrolet-Fontana California. Yes the part/vehicle has been inspected by Certified Chevrolet technician. A few odd hard engine starts(June/July figured a "cold" start). 2 weeks prior([XXX]) to the on road incident, the check engine light came on while driving, stopped vehicle to refuel- when the truck was restarted the check light was no longer illuminated. Scheduled ASAP service appointment 8/16/24 with Chevrolet, they couldn't take it sooner than 8/19/24 being that my truck is still under power train warranty. Unfortunately they say a faulty Fuel regulator is not covered. Document is initial service request order, I was called by Technician stating the specific (fuel regulator) issue and that my repair cost would be over $1,030.00. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Aug 13, 2024
While driving and slowing at an intersection, my vehicle would not accelerate. Only rev the engine causing my to come to a stop in the middle of an intersection. After getting to the side of the road and trou Le shooting for 5 minutes. The vehicle started driving again like nothing was wrong. I took it in to get checked out and tje dealership said my transmission was completely broken. At no time did a warning light come on or it feel like it was shifting hard. I researched and found many similar problems with this transmission.
Power train, Aug 9, 2024
8 speed trans mission jumps, lurges, hard shifts with and without towing. Transmission overheats. Does not engage when cold
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 3, 2024
When you drive the truck for at least an hour then you turn it off the entire front like vibrates or shakes . It almost feels like something is still turning in the transmission but everything is turned off. This particular truck has already had the engine replaced at 14,000 miles bc it was faulty. It also has issues with tires. The radio and lights also all go off for brief time and then it comes back on. At times the drives side seat belt will lock and it pins you to the seat where you cannot move and you have to remove the seat belt. It is becoming more of an issue. I believe the transmission to be going out. Today, I wasn’t sure if the vibration in the truck was going to stop. So I stopped driving the truck and went and got another vehicle to drive
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jul 29, 2024
Heard and felt a loud clunk from underneath truck while driving 70 mph on interstate. Pulled off and next available exit with a hotel and parked truck. Cranked truck to move and it would not move forward or backward except for about a foot. Loud grinding noise. Had to call tow truck to tow us to nearest Chevrolet dealer. Dealer service department says transfer case has seized up and must be replaced. Transfer case is currently on backorder and not available from GM. Was given rental car to drive home, which is 10 hours away. Truck has been in shop for 7 days as for this writing and I still do not have an answer about when a transfer case will be available and they can repair my truck. I located transfer case at my local dealer but repair dealer says they have to wait on GM.
Power train, Jul 26, 2024
While accelerating moderately, the transmission downshifted and momentarily locked up the read axle. This caused the rear of the truck to start sliding out. There was a loud bang, and when I checked my outside mirrors, I saw smoke from the tires. I almost lost control in heavy highway traffic. The entire event lasted about a second or two. I am glad I was not pulling a trailer at this time. I reported this incident to my Chevy dealer and informed them of the existing service bulletin on this exact issue. 21-NA-275. The dealer has not followed up with me on their conclusion or what they will do about this dangerous defect. No warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms before this incident.
Power train, Jun 23, 2024
Bulletin No.: 21-NA-275 Please refer to the posted bulletin. This known issue is absolutely dangerous and needs to be recalled. My truck will lock up going 50 to 60 mph to a complete stop and there's no warning. Gm needs to get all these vehicles fixed it's going to hurt someone or even worse. There's no warming lamps. I'm getting my vehicle into the shop as soon as possible. This issue again is very very dangerous.
Power train, Jun 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered, jerked, and hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring increasingly while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was test-driven, but was not diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to the torque converter. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Power train, Service brakes, Mar 26, 2024
I was driving along about 45 mph and the truck was cruising in overdrive so about 1500 rmp on tachometer. I hit the gas to climb a hill as truck started to lose speed and when it tried to shift out of od to pick up speed the brakes seemed to slam on and I skidded to almost a stop. This has happened several times when climbing a hill or anytime I have to pass a vehicle or accelerate from out of overdrive. The dealer could never seem to get it to reproduce during test drive. They recently said there is a service bulletin for this exact issue and are waiting for a new valve body for transmission. My service records show I had a new valve body installed last year due to transmission pump bearing coming apart internally. The valve body is only a year old. But this is a very dangerous situation. I have to drive my truck for work and I have to be really cognizant of how hard I touch the gas and what gear I am in. If this happens to anyone while on the freeway and a semi or another vehicle is too close their truck will downshift and lock brakes and it could cost a life. It only happens under these circumstances but it has to be a recall. A service bulletin doesn't get it as someone has to have it happen for it to even be looked at. I have to drive my truck as I do not have a choice. But a service bulletin shows that GM I'd aware of the issue but they are unwilling to do a recall. A lotnof silverados are on the road and inwould hate for anything to happen. It could ruin a lot of lives.
Power train, Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, an abnormal grinding sound was coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle surged forward after experiencing hesitation. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the valve body was replaced; however, the failure worsened upon retrieving the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact of Technical Service Bulletin: 20-NA-187. The dealer stated that there was no repair for the bulletin. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Power train, Jan 13, 2024
Radiator is leaking coolant. Truck is 2 years old and this is a known issue being widely reported
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 8, 2024
Truck lost power and shut down without warning while driving in traffic. Happened twice on the way home from church with my family. First time truck shut off as we were turning across a busy intersection. Coasted off on to shoulder of highway. After several attempts truck restarted. It shut off again before reaching home. Has to call a tow truck. Has truck towed to local Chev dealer on New Years Eve. Dealer kept truck three days. Could not find problem. I picked up truck, drove home, truck shut off just before I reached my house. Coasted into driveway. Called dealer. Said bring it back. Waited two hours. Truck started so I drove back to dealership, approximately 15 miles. Truck shut off again without warning on highway in front of dealership. I sounded horn and flashed lights as I coasted across oncoming traffic into dealership parking lot. This was on Wednesday Jan 3rd. Friday afternoon dealer called and said that hey have not been able to isolate problem. Said they know they are losing communication between modules but don’t know where. The “fix” they claim is to take the cab off the truck and replace entire wiring harness! Cost is $6300. Truck has 48,000 miles on it. All highway and road miles. Can’t afford $6300 to repair a 2.5 year old truck. I am fortunate that neither me or my family were involved in a crash due to truck shutting off unexpectedly. This is a very dangerous issue.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Dec 20, 2023
Transmission lags between 1st & 2nd gear some times as long as 3 seconds making transfer case hit hard . I have had this truck at the dealer 2 are 3 times with this and other matters , the maintenance technician reports he can not reduplicate my grievance , this malfunction occurs more prominently in cold weather in morning on first take off . All so turn signal malfunction at random no particular pattern , Tech. all so unable to reduplicate .
Power train, Nov 4, 2023
On 6.22.23 at Lake Powell AZ this truck transmission locked up twice and nearly threw the wife and I through the windshield, very traumatic!! Happened towing a boat entering highway, had to pull to a narrow shoulder. Jarred our bodies, seatbelt into shoulder/chest. The engine light came on, had truck towed to Flagstaff Chevrolet. Had it 3 weeks. Drove home to Huntington Beach, CA without issue. Drove fine until 10.21.23 when engine light came on. Took truck to Delillo Chevrolet on 10.30.23 where purchased, they diagnosed, said Flagstaff Chevy did not program trans. computer correctly, programmed and said it was good to go. Picked up truck on 10.30.23, drove about 50 miles 11.2.23 to work and back, that night went to drive and the engine light was back on. I turned off an hour later. I drove it the next day no engine light, leaving physical therapy for my recent shoulder replacement, going 40 mph when it did the same thing it did in June! It jolted me two times nearly hitting my head on the steering wheel. The transmission shifted to 1st gear, certainly red-lining the engine. I drove the truck slowly to Delillo, just a few miles away. I told the service manager I can never drive this truck again, it is unsafe, traumatizing waiting for this to happen again. I would never put my family in this truck again. It has caused me physical and emotional trauma. The vehicle is unsafe, the jolts caused my new shoulder to hurt. It is devastating to think what would happen if I was at freeway speeds. Others need to know about this issue as well. Thank you so much for your time and what you do to ensure the safety of vehicles on the road.