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: other or unspecified
72 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 20, 2026
My truck started skipping and over time the check engine light came on. I took it in and they are saying it is the lifters, which is costly. I know this truck was built during COVID and I know a lot of the manufacturers were dealing with skeleton crews. I heard this was an issue with the 2021 Silverado trucks, and a recall. Can you please advise?
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 5, 2026
The automatic power-unlatching tailgate assembly failed. The tailgate unlatches, opens, and cycles closed completely on its own while the vehicle is in motion and driving on public roads and when the gear shifts from drive to park and park to drive. The vehicle and the tailgate assembly are fully available for inspection upon request. The tailgate opening unpredictably while driving at road speeds creates an extreme safety hazard. It risks cargo flying out into traffic, which could cause a severe multi-vehicle accident or injure pedestrians. Additionally, it creates a massive driver distraction while trying to monitor the opening and closing tailgate in the rearview mirror while maintaining control of the vehicle. Sometimes there isn’t a warning light and sometimes it shows a warning light “tailgate open” I have taken it to the dealership and was told it isn’t part of the active recall for similar makes and models and my vehicles year/make/model needs to be added to the current recall for these concerns. It opened on its own while in park and turned off when the mechanic was replacing the license plate light.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 21, 2026
When I put the pickup in park, I get a message that states "Shift to Park". The pickup is completely stopped, the gear shift indicator is in "P". When I get out of the vehicle I get two loud two-horn alerts indicating that the pickup in not in Park, when in fact it is. Doing some research, I have seen that this is a common problem for GM vehicles. The console shift vehicles are actually involved in a class action lawsuit, while the steering column shift vehicles are not.
Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2026
Check engine for cam shaft sensor wiring harness burnt up and damaged in numerous places shows bulletin board for this issue online but no recall has been made for this safety issue
Other or unspecified, Jul 16, 2026
My Chevy Silverado has a transmission defect that is under recall shift to park and my vin number is not included. I am disappointed because it’s exactly the same problem as the other ones.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 1, 2026
I was on the highway doing 70 MPH with my family driving down I-40 through western NC (mountainous terrain) when my brakes went out and the vehicle went into limp mode. I was able to safely pull over thank God and then had my vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer just informed me that a software update is needed, and not covered under warranty. There are multiple safety bulletins coming out for related years and issues related to the braking system of this make/model and I would like this documented as well as Chevy to cover the cost of repairing this defect.
Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2026
Rear power sliding window. Leaking when it rains or going through the car wash. On 6/4/25 I had a leak from my rear window checked out by the dealership were I bought the truck. Morrie's Onalaska Chevrolet. They found a water leak from cracks in the rear glass molding. I have water lines on the roof lining from the leak.
Other or unspecified, Jun 6, 2026
After putting our Silverado in park it will not turn to the off position or release the key from the ignition immediately. We have to wait 1-3 minutes without attempting to turn it in the off position and then the key will release from ignition. No warning lamps. No error codes on reader. Repeatable by auto technician who suggested a battery change- our current battery was fine and did not fix the issue. If you forget and try to remove the key in under a minute after parking you have to restart the truck, go back to park and then start the 1-3 minute countdown all over before it will release the key. The truck is in park, the parking brake is engaged (although we tried without using the brake and still won’t release key) This means the trucks battery has to run until it will release the key. Or chance leaving the key in the ignition (still draining battery) since it won’t turn to the off position.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, May 29, 2026
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom 2.7 L Turbo 4 cylinder with 34,000 miles When Truck cranks and put in gear begins moving at low speed between 1-2 gear (low speed 5-10 mph forward and also in put into reverse) hard jolted severely injuring passenger. Felt like being rear-ended by another car. Passenger was hurt & required Trauma 1 EMS & 2 surgeries (Spinal Fusion Surgery) hospitalization from 12/2/2025 to 12/13/2025. The truck jolt directly caused this accident and there were many recalls for this truck yet we had no direct knowledge of this information & was never notified of any of these issues. Truck was services at same dealership just weeks prior to accident. The truck check engine light came on only after the accident. It happened on a private gated property. Only select trucks have been said to do this very hard jolted injuring passenger and owners are not made aware using Silverado 1500 trucks. Please acknowledge receipt of this report and advise. Thank you.
Other or unspecified, Apr 30, 2026
The special coverage program on the coolant valve for My 2021 Chevy Silverado (70,000mi) is not covered due to my vin not being on the list. Something they say and know is an issue, but not covering it for the vehicles they say they’re covering it for.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 10, 2026
I brought my vehicle to the dealership on March 7, 2026, to address the outstanding safety recall. However, I was informed that the recall repair cannot be completed until I first pay $1,100 to replace the idler pulley. Unfortunately, an unexpected $1,100 expense is not currently in my budget. It is quite concerning to continue driving a vehicle with a known risk of losing propulsion, as the increased risk of a crash is a significant safety worry for me. I would appreciate any assistance or alternative solutions you can provide to ensure this safety recall is resolved. Please find the message from the dealership: Additional Diagnostic recommendations: we are going to want to get the Idler pulley replaced 1st as it can cause unwanted noise and vibration during the testing with the Pico scope. after the repair take the vehicle on a good test drive get it good and warm Then retest the engine with the Pico scope and proceed with those test results. we still want to make sure it is tested correctly If the engine passes just note under Special Coverage N252494003 This special coverage covers if an engine failure occurs in the vehicle as a result of the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership."
Other or unspecified, Mar 9, 2026
The tailgate release switch is randomly operating, allowing the tailgate to drop. This has happened at highway speeds (from 55 to 75) and also while in park. I've had to pull over on multiple occasions to close the tailgate. This could allow items to fall out the back of my truck and possible strike other vehicles and their passengers at speed. The dealership has reported it can also drain the battery, which can jeopardize my safety as I am often in the backcountry in very cold temperatures and could be stranded. (Has not happened to me as of yet) This is a known issue that other Chevrolet 1500 trucks have been recalled for (in Canada) and other models of the Silverado in the US. My dealership (Fox Negaunee) stated that they have received numerous complaints on this issue but no recall has been issued for my vehicle yet. I have spoken with the dealership over the phone, but I have not brought it in until further information on a recall may become available. There are no warning lights that appear. This started happening about a month ago, and has continued since then.
Other or unspecified, Feb 26, 2026
Warranty issue the p1098 code
Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2026
P1098 engine coolant control valve Engine light comes on and truck says reduced power. Then went off. Back on again
Other or unspecified, Jan 31, 2026
Noticed when pressing tailgate release button manually it would not open but would if fob used. However tailgate opens continuously on its own.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 28, 2026
The tailgate randomly opens and closes during driving causing contents to fall out of the tailgate and creating a hazard for other motorists and damaging personal property. The tailgate now will not open and there is no manual override to open the tailgate. Certainly a design flaw and now not allowing access to the tailgate. I've contacted 5 local gm/chevrolet dealer service departments and they cannot offer any guidance on how to manually or power open the tailgate. I have a tonneau cover on the tailgate which makes it pretty much unable to access. I'm a firefighter and put my gear in the tailgate and need access asap. Please advise on how I can get GM/Chevy to assist with this issue. A police officer was behind me when the contents fell out of the tailgate on 6/9/25. This has happened several times since and most recently on 1/17/26. This needs addressed asap. Thanks!
Other or unspecified, Jan 22, 2026
Vehicle: 2021 Chevrolet Silverado Issue: Infotainment system failure after GM‑pushed OTA update Description of Problem: On 10/31/2025, my vehicle’s infotainment system attempted an over‑the‑air software update. The update failed and the screen has been locked ever since, displaying only the message: “Update Failed – Return to Dealer.” As a result: - I cannot access any settings (clock, preferences, system menus). - All warning chimes and signal sounds (turn signal click, seatbelt reminder, back seat reminder, etc.) are disabled. - The backup camera still functions, but no other infotainment features are usable. - The system is completely unresponsive to reset attempts. I brought the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer, who verified that it was the OTA update that caused the failure, they attempted a reflash but was unsuccessful. They now claim the entire infotainment unit must be replaced at my expense, even though the failure was caused by GM’s own update which I neither approved, initiated, or requested. My vehicle is out of warranty, but this was not a wear‑and‑tear issue — it was introduced by GM’s software. Safety Concern: The loss of audible warnings and chimes poses a safety risk. Drivers rely on these alerts for seatbelt reminders, turn signal confirmation, and other critical notifications. A manufacturer‑pushed update disabled these among other functions including radio, navigation, and all vehicle settings. Resolution Attempts: - Dealer attempted reprogramming on 11/6 (charged $295) but failed and state I need a new infotainment system. - GM Customer Assistance refused to provide goodwill coverage. - Vehicle remains stuck in failed update state as pictured. Request: I am submitting this complaint because GM’s OTA update disabled core safety features of my vehicle along with other basic features such as radio. I believe this is a manufacturer defect that should be investigated and addressed, regardless of warranty status.
Other or unspecified, Nov 28, 2025
Transmission shudders and slipping gears at only 100k miles.
Other or unspecified, Nov 27, 2025
The track on the back glass is cracked and leaking water into the interior back cab light.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 12, 2025
Rear power window has been replaced multiple times, each time it develops cracks and leaks water causing possible mold in the truck cabin.
Other or unspecified, Oct 29, 2025
The air conditioning only blows HOT air. The vehicle was inspected by my mechanic and states that the compressor and belt have failed and needs to be replaced. I realize that my 2020 Silverado is out of warranty, but after looking into this situation, I have found that GM has had known air conditioning issues with certain Silverado models, especially 2019-2021. I believe this is a widespread defect and should be covered and repaired through a goodwill program. I am bringing the Silverado for repairs to my mechanic on 10/31/25 as I live in South Florida and cannot continue driving this vehicle without air conditioning.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 11, 2025
The following is a list of persistent electrical failures in my vehicle, several of which present a significant safety risk. I have attempted to resolve the issues: •Emergency OnStar Button Failure: My vehicle's emergency OnStar buttons consistently fail to function when the ignition is off. This is a critical safety defect, as the system is designed to work on a backup battery during an emergency, such as a crash. The system only operates when the ignition is on. • Excessive and Dangerous Floor Hump Heat: Following a service visit on October 2, 2025, the front floor hump became excessively hot, melting personal items and posing a fire and burn risk. •Fabricated Safety Warnings: The vehicle's computer system repeatedly displays false and misleading messages. Examples include an incorrect "new brake pads detected" prompt and a "taking your eyes off the road" warning that does not apply to this vehicle. These phantom messages are distracting and can cause driver confusion. •Persistent Connectivity Failures: The vehicle experiences frequent and consistent failures with its Wi-Fi and GPS systems, indicating a potential electrical or software malfunction. Numerous resets attempted by the manufacturer's technical support have not resolved the issue. • Computer Display Anomaly: the Chevrolet symbol appeared in red on the computer screen when the truck was started. The vehicle has repeatedly experienced spontaneous changes to the radio station and the air conditioning switching from cold to hot without driver input. •Unusual Decompressing Sound: When the vehicle has been sitting for an extended period, an unusual decompressing sound can be heard coming from the rear underside whenever a door is opened. Date: Software updates on January 27, 2025 and October 2, 2025. Diagnostic Test performed on October 2, 2025 that failed to resolve the issues. The OnStar buttons only works when the vehicle is turned on. I do have photos and videos available to support your claim.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 10, 2025
I am filing a formal complaint regarding a serious safety concern with my 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO, following the completion of recall N252494001 performed by Galleria Chevrolet in Dallas, TX. Prior to this recall work and related inspections, my vehicle operated without any abnormal engine noise. After the recall inspection and a subsequent fuel injector repair performed by the dealer, my vehicle began producing a bottom-end engine noise that had never been present before, and ultimately we have catastrophic engine failure. What is highly concerning is that the dealership staff previously documented the situation in writing as follows: “We performed the recall inspection and the truck passed. After performing an injector repair now there is a bottom-end noise when it's running. Did the failed injector possibly affect the validity of the test? That may be the case. We know that the truck did not experience the noise before the inspection; is it possible that the steps we took affected the truck in a way that got the noise to show itself? That’s what we need to determine.” Despite this acknowledgment, the dealership is now denying any responsibility, classifying the damage as unrelated “wear and tear”. This reversal appears highly suspicious, as it contradicts their own observations and written notes. It suggests that the dealership and GM may be refusing to fulfill their obligations under the recall and repair warranty, leaving me with a vehicle that has a blown engine and a significant safety risk. Given the timing of the noise, occurring directly after recall work and injector repair, and the internal documentation from the dealership itself, I request NHTSA investigate whether: This issue is part of a broader trend affecting other vehicles under the same recall. GM and its dealers are properly honoring their obligations to fully repair vehicles impacted by recalls. Consequential damage resulting from recall work is being systematically denied coverage.
Other or unspecified, May 11, 2025
A knocking noise coming from the left side drivers wheel
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 7, 2025
I purchased this truck 3/20/2025. I have since realized it wasn't me doing something wrong. The truck hesitates and shakes during shifting upon acceleration from a stop and when putting it in park and attempting to turn the truck off it has a message on the display saying "shift to park" and it will not turn off until you repeatedly restart it and play woth the gear shift to get it to register that it's in park. I have made an appointment to take it to the dealership to be looked at. The truck has 75,000 miles on it.