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
827 reports, newest first.
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall parts were not yet available, and that the dealer had been made aware of the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Engine, Nov 24, 2025
My truck was brought in for the recall inspection for the 6.2 lt recall. After showing the dealer pictures from the oil that drained out of my previous oil change that was filled with metal, they expedited the inspection. But with substantial amount of metal in the oil filter the truck still passed the test. GM corporate has told me that once the inspection is done, it is out of their hands and that my truck will be covered under the new extended warranty. GM also should have the pictures of the metal flakes from the previous filter. I fill like this is a failure to ensure the safety of their product. I do not fill safe having my children or my wife in the truck due to the inevitable of the engine loosing power due to the faulty cam shafts that need to be replaced.
Power train, Nov 20, 2025
6 months and 20,000 miles after purchasing the 2021 Chevy Silverado custom 4x4 with the 8 automatic transmission and the 2.7L turbo charged engine with 32,000 original miles on it from Volume Chevrolet in Forsyth GA I noticed the transmission was jerking when the truck was first crunk and warming up after about 10 minutes and once it got to 8 mph after a while when the temperature gauge was half way up it would stop and when you slowed down from 55 mph to about 5 MPH to make a turn it would suddenly jerk again, I reported the issue to the dealership service mechanic shop reps during every oil change and they assured me that it was normal and that it would stop happening when I let the truck warm up for about 30 minutes prior to driving, once the factory power train warranty ran out, they informed me that it needed a transmission service and they would have to keep it a few days and it would cost around $800 or so to get it done, the purge pump on the emissions system has a factory defect and I received a recall letter about it 6 months after purchase and they are refusing to replace the purge pump until they perform a full diagnostic first even though they have done a scan diagnostic and it shows the purge pump failed and I have just been struggling with all the cost of living and increased prices I can't afford any kind of costly repairs right now and my truck now has 120,350 miles on it and the issue is getting worse to the point that I am sure that the transmission valve body and some other sensors and control modules are failing, this is not a single issue and other dealerships have said that the transmission was starting to have problems in other trucks at around 55,000 miles and some earlier than 55,000 miles, I believe that this is an ongoing transmission issue with the 2.7L turbo charged engine in both the 4x4 and 2x4 models and with the 8 speed automatic transmission In general, I have talked with several other owners and they have had similar issues .
Engine, Nov 19, 2025
Vehicle experienced engine failure while driving. Loss of power in traffic. Inspected by dealer and determined to have lost compression in cylinder #5. Initial inspection determined that lifters and camshaft would need to be replaced. This issue is the same common problem with this year model (2021) Chevy Silverado Trucks as noted in TSB #N212353840. At time of purchase dealer did not notify me that these trucks were experiencing these issues nor did they complete the suggest repairs prior to the sell as described in the TSB.
Electrical system, Nov 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition. The contact stated that several attempts were needed, and up to 45 minutes were needed to remove the key from the ignition. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was referred to a locksmith regarding the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.
Engine, Nov 17, 2025
engine is knocking very bad. GM Dealer says it is an issue w/ the piston main bearing and the engine needs to be replaced. Says vehicle should not be driven.
Engine, Nov 17, 2025
My engine on my 2021 Silverado 1500 with the 6.2L L87 engine failed, I took it to the dealer to repair and they quoted $4500 to fix it. I know these same engines are being recalled and GM is having to replace them, but they told me mines not one of the ones being recalled and the won't cover it because the warranty was up 5,000 miles ago. I highly doubt it's a coincidence, that mine failed after only 65,000 miles and it's not a manufacturer flaw. The vehicle is currently at the dealership awaiting repairs.
Power train, Nov 13, 2025
Component is transmission. Stutter vibrate shift while driving. There is a recall on the 2021 Chevy 1500 Silverado which is exactly the issue we are having from our 2021 Silverado. The VIN for our truck is falling under the current recall. Chevy wants to charge to even diagnose the problem which has to be done with a dealer and not a private place. That is absurd and puts our safety at risk should the vehicle stop functioning while driving it. The dealer ship has inspected the vehicle for the yearly inspections which is interesting since this has happened and been complained about since purchase.
Engine, Nov 12, 2025
I was driving on big highway when I lost power brake light came on engine light on message about emergency brake need it serviced I was only able to go about 15 mph on big highway very dangerous engine sounds knocking was very loud at this point I knew something very bad happen my truck only had about 85k miles on it I took to the dealership to get a diagnose they took my oil filter off and found metal debris on it and told me I need a new engine I has to know what made this engine fail but they just told me a internal part fail well I was not happy with that answer knowing that some model truck with the v8 engine where having problems with valve body’s my truck is 4 cylinder turbo 2.7. My truck is out of warranty I call gm and told them what happen and they call me back after speak to the dealership and offer to pay 30% of total cost to replace engine I was quoted $10,400.000 for the engine replacement the dealership was shock that gm was willing to pay for something out of warranty I just wanted to have this on record it seems very wrong that a truck with so low miles with need a engine replacement out of nowhere broke down on highway put me and other at risk my truck as been at the dealership from the day it happen and I’m still waiting on a engine they are telling me they are out of stock over a month still waiting
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed, and the vehicle lost motive power and came to a stop in the middle of a four-lane highway. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it could not be serviced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where metal shavings were found in the oil pan, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the dealer for a month, and the dealer was in the process of ordering the part. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that assistance would not be provided because the vehicle was purchased used and was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 30-40 MPH, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the engine was running rough. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be diagnosed due to a lack of equipment. The vehicle was then taken to Gary Sapp Automotive, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be taken apart for the repair or replacement. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under an extended warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
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.
Engine, Nov 10, 2025
GM 6.2 engine recently tested for the national recall regarding valve and lifter issues. Recall was cleared as ok, but they found burnt cylinders in multiple areas within the engines. Several issues are still occurring with this engine, and I think most are related to the recall effort. 1. Engine will use oil at an abnormal pace when towing anything heavy. Recently used an additional 2 quarts of oil when towing a trailer that weighed 10, 000 pounds over 1600 miles. 2. Recently engine seemed to lose compression at a stop light and turned off. This happened an additional 5 times until I could get the truck off the road and into a safe place. The engine would immediately start and then die within 5-10 seconds. Towed to a Chevrolet dealership and the service manager tried to move it into the bay for diagnostic testing. started and stopped 4 additional times as they attempted to drive if 100 feet into the service bay. Towed to my hometown dealer that afternoon for diagnostics testing. The next morning when they started the truck it cranked fine and has been running since (7 days). No lights appeared on the dash during the breakdown or warnings appeared in their testing I have spoken to several other Chevrolet owners about the 6.2 engine issues and what was occurring with my truck They also had seen an increase in oil usage when towing heavy. I believe that your investigation needs to delve further into not only issues with the lifter / rods but also into other mechanical concerns that are oil dependent and related such as burnt cylinders. This last issue occurred on October 27, 2025.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 7, 2025
Vehicle was at a stoplight with the auto start button engaged on it. The vehicle completely stalled. All the power is drained from the car. leaving me stranded in the highway. I got it towed and when replacing the battery still nothing will roll over or even turn on.
Electrical system, Nov 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon arriving at the destination and turning off the vehicle, several attempts were needed to release the key from the ignition. The contact also had to leave the key in the ignition on several occasions because the key could not be released or removed. The vehicle originally returned to normal functionality, but the key had since become permanently stuck in the ignition. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the ignition switch. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a ticking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with crankshaft failure. The dealer discovered metal shavings in the engine oil and oil filter, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The replacement engine was ordered, and the vehicle was repaired. After the engine replacement, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle felt difficult to operate. Additionally, while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the vehicle failed to restart and lost motive power without any warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic, who found that the metal bar located near the battery was very loose. The mechanic also informed the contact that due to the prior crankshaft failure, the transfer fuse box, starter motor, and battery had failed and required replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that upon inspecting the replacement engine, the manufacturer’s sticker indicated that the engine was a remanufactured engine, and there was dirt and debris on the engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 48,650.
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.
Engine, Nov 5, 2025
Engine just died going 55 mph on a paved road. GM repair shop says engine needs to replaced. They originally told me my 6.2L engine was a recall, but my VIN didn’t show on database. Seems GM’s scope was not wide enough on their recall. I feel I deserve a new engine.
Engine, Nov 4, 2025
misfire on cylinder #6 lifter failure on cylinder #6 bent push rod on cylinder #6 happened going down the highway at 75mph, luckily no one was injured local Chevrolet dealer did diagnostic and repairs repairs were covered by aftermarket warranty - $100.00 deductible no warning lamps or messages or other symptoms before hand
Engine, Nov 4, 2025
2021 chevy silverado Engine was under the 6.2 recall On Sept 4 2025. The engine blew and the truck was taken to local chevrolet dealer. It had 38k miles on it. It stillf ell under the original powertrain warranty and the recall. Dealer informed me new engine was needed and ordered. It has been 2 months and the engine has not shipped from GM. 60 days is more than adequate time for this issue to be resolved. GM has made no attempts to make this right. Please help
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.
Engine, Nov 4, 2025
Started with a clicking noise that mechanic thought it was the fuel pump but found out later it was the bearing is the rocker arms that failed and ruined the camshaft. Now it needs a new engine.