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.
Power train, Nov 3, 2025
1st gear to 2nd gear are slipping
Engine, Nov 1, 2025
Dealer says my vehicle is not approved to even check the motor out. Build date 6/21 6.2l motor under recall
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 30, 2025
Engine failure in 2023. Paid 15,600 to have engine repaired and gm is denying reimbursement because repairs not done at dealership and vehicle is too old is what they are giving me for reasons for denial.
Power train, Oct 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The dealer informed the contact that the recall repair had been performed; however, the recall remained marked as incomplete. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the recall service report had been sent to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the recall service report had been received; however, the manufacturer advised that the recall could not be marked as complete. The manufacturer did not provide further information. The contact expressed doubts that the recall repair was completed effectively. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.
Power train, Oct 30, 2025
I experienced a locking up or no power to the rear wheels. It was raining and the rear wheels would spin. I had no traction. I had to take a few turns and had to be careful or I would have fishtailed into other vehicles. When I stopped at a stop light/or sign then proceeded forward the rear wheels would spin in place. The tires wouldn't grab the pavement. This is the best way I could explain it.
Electrical system, Oct 29, 2025
This is a recurring and random issues: 1. The "Stereo" shuts off and will take anywhere from a minute to 10 minutes to come back on. The issue is: a. This cuts out the use of hands free operation. b. It stops all use of GPS c.I can no longer use my cell phone to call in an emergency 2. The backup camera (which is the "Stereo") goes blank or dark on occasion. Cannot see to the camera for backing up anymore. 3. The "Stereo" stops responding, but still has power. This means the radio or music or whatever is still playing but I cannot turn it DOWN or OFF. Very unsafe that I cannot turn this off when driving, cannot hear sirens, etc. I have tried to have this addressed by Chevrolet. They "reset" the truck but I did not work. They want to replace the "stereo/backup camera/communication system" but cannot guarantee this will actually fix the issue. It is over $2000 to "try" this fix I contacted GM customer service and was told NO RECALL, NO RECOURSE
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.
Engine, Oct 27, 2025
I’ve purchased my Chevy Silverado brand new and I’ve had to bring it to the dealership multiple times for code P1098 this will be the second time this has been repaired. Looking on line this is very common. This is the second time I have to leave my vehicle at the dealership and not I don’t have my vehicle.
Power train, Oct 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated while shifting into gear. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the transmission was flushed due to a possible torque converter failure; however, the failure progressed. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where it remained for further investigation; however, no cause for the failure was found. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,265.
Power train, Engine, Oct 25, 2025
ENGINE IS JERKY READ ONLINE ISSUES HAVE A LEMON LAWSUIT . THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS AN 02 SENSOR IT DIDNT FIXED THE ISSUES
Electrical system, Oct 25, 2025
Auto tailgate would open and shut on its own, the rear tailgate button stopped working and then only the interior switch would work, Then after a month, the tailgate would not open and switch shorted out. Seems very similar issue as other chevys with water intrusion.
Power train, Oct 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55-65 MPH, the vehicle shuddered while the RPM was fluctuating. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in GM Campaign Number: N212328090 (8 Speed Reaction Carrier Failure). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000
Power train, Engine, Oct 24, 2025
While driving the engine shut off without any warning lights which could have caused a serious accident causing bodily harm or property damages as I was unaware of the issue and was going 50mph at the time - this occurred on 10/23 I noticed a ticking and brought the vehicle to the dealer for inspection on 10/20, at the time of this inspection the technician said that they could not replicate the sound and I explained that this was happening at 3000 RPM. The technician said that I would need to bring the vehicle back and they would need to start to take apart my engine piece by piece and I said the ticking is part of the known lifter problem and the technician shrugged his shoulders offering no other options. That same day I took my vehicle to another independent shop and he confirmed the ticking is a known issue that occurs prior to the lifter collapsing. After the vehicle shut itself off, and I was able to restart the vehicle, many warning lights appeared on my dash, there were none there before, one of the codes that was flashing was ESC and the vehicle began to lurch and downshift. I called my mechanic who said the code was to do with the electronic stability control system but I should be okay to drive until I could get to him for him to look at the codes. On 10/24 I took the vehicle to the mechanic and another code was for Cylinder 3 misfire which he stated could be the collapse of the lifter and the codes will not clear. The vehicle now downshifts without warning, there is an engine knocking that is occurring and the vehicle is not safe to drive as the engine may seize at any moment.
Power train, Oct 23, 2025
Vehicle has started shuddering everytime i drive, normal speeds, flat roads, hills, everything. Feels like my rear end disengages and re-engages while driving. Afraid it is going to lock up completely or im going to lose all power. Dont understand why my vehicle isnt included in the recall already out for this issue.
Engine, Oct 23, 2025
Like many others, I have been dealing with many issues with this truck. I have had repeated cooling valve failures, resulting in decreased engine power and constant cooling fan running at high speeds. Additionally, cranking issues with starting the vehicle.
Engine, Oct 23, 2025
Like many others, I have been dealing with many issues with this truck. I have had repeated cooling valve failures, resulting in decreased engine power and constant cooling fan running at high speeds. Additionally, cranking issues with starting the vehicle.
Power train, Oct 17, 2025
Truck shudders when you try to maintain speed. The service engine light is on all the time. RPMs bounce up and down constantly. GMC dealership said it needs a new torque converter. It was $100 just to diagnose it!
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 15, 2025
While driving at anywhere from 18–25 mph or 70–85 mph, my speedometer starts going crazy, the engine accelerates or decelerates, the speedometer shows random numbers, and you can hear and feel that the motor power feels different. Not all the times but is started to show more often
Power train, Oct 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission temperature message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with possible transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further inspection, the contact discovered that the transmission thermal valve had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired by the contact. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.
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.
Engine, Oct 9, 2025
Left and right cylinder heads failed. Left bank at 20,000 and right bank at 40,000 miles
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 9, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that there was no expected date for parts availability. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Engine, Oct 6, 2025
My belief is a valve rotated and the cam shaft has defligrated to the point that the engine casing has been pierced. Chevrolet is saying I am not covered by the recall for my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Oct 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and lost motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence at a reduced speed. The vehicle was then driven to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine control module and sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was retrieved; however, while driving off the lot, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started shaking violently. The vehicle was with the dealer. The dealer then diagnosed the vehicle and determined that two of the lifters in the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.