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.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 1, 2025
The contact's son owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while her son was driving at a moderate speed, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where the contact was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was also notified that the parts for the recall repair were unavailable. The vehicle remained with the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact's husband notified the manufacturer of the failure and was provided a case number. The failure mileage was 47,000
Power train, Engine, Sep 26, 2025
Truck has under 45k miles on it. After reaching 35-40mph, it began to shake and jolt. Once we drove approximately 20miles, the engine light began flashing, in addition to the parking break light turning on. The truck began to lose power and we were forced to pull over on the side of a busy road. After waiting a little bit, we were able to drive it to our local shop who advised us to tow it back the the dealership for repairs.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 25, 2025
Engine failure in October of 2023. Had vehicle towed to dealership and was told truck was not under warranty because of mileage and was going to be months before they can get to it because of parts on backorder or shortage of parts. Had truck towed to another shop and had the repairs done there, at my expense, for a total of $15,600. Fast forward to July of 2025, recall comes out on my truck for engine failure. Got reimbursement form with recall notice in the mail and got the required documents to submit form and was denied reimbursement for the following reasons, truck is too old for reimbursement and also because I did not have the work performed by a dealership. It is my understanding that there is a federal law stating that a manufacturer can not deny reimbursement for using a 3rd party auto shop for repairs and as far as the truck being too old for reimbursement, the repairs were done well within the 10 years allowed by federal law so I don't understand what the problem is . Please help Thanks
Power train, Sep 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the transmission shifted independently to a lower gear. The contact stated that the downshift of the transmission caused the rear wheels to lock up. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle, and was able to reset the transmission. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, but whenever the failure occurred, the check engine warning light was illuminated before the vehicle shifted to a lower gear. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts Store, where a handheld scanner was used to clear the transmission fault code. The contact stated that after the code was cleared, the vehicle operated normally, but the failure eventually reoccurred. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not properly diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the oil change message was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Sep 23, 2025
Transmission shuddering and vibration
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired on two occasions, but the failure persisted. While attempting to open the trunk, the trunk failed to open. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 500.
Engine, Sep 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately pulled over and attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.
Engine, Sep 22, 2025
Coolant control valve manufacturer defect, 3.0 duramax LM2
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 19, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Engine, Sep 18, 2025
We have a 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 in which the engine has failed. We believe this is the issue involved in the recall of Chevy Trucks. It needs to be added to the recall list. It has been unable to move since 2/17/2024. We have reported this to GM but they have not responded. Thank you
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine was misfiring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the cylinders were misfiring, and the mechanic recommended that the spark plugs be replaced. The contact replaced the spark plugs with the assistance of a retired mechanic; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a cylinder misfire. The mechanic recommended removing the dynamic fuel system management by replacing the camshaft, lifters, and other unknown parts. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to schedule an appointment for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to GM Campaign Number: N212353840. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Power train, Sep 18, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Power train, Sep 12, 2025
No reverse in transmission and sporadic engagement and shifting in forward gears.
Power train, Sep 11, 2025
The transmission is making a clanking noise during the lower gears. The local dealer said the transmissions is "done for". The truck has around 125,000 miles on it. The truck is available for inspection. When checking for recalls, i saw the GMC were being recalled for the same issue.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 11, 2025
I have a 2021 chevy silverado and in october of 2023 I lost oil pressure and took the truck to a mechanic shop and they determined that the engine had spun rod bearings and crankshaft bearings inside the engine block and needed to be rebuilt. I had them make the repairs and upgraded the engine with aftermarket parts which cost me $15,600. When the recall came out this year it came with a form for reimbursement. I collected all the documents required to submit for reimbursement and I was denied because I did not have the work performed at a gm dealership. I didn't take it to the dealership because of the time they required to fix the truck and it was already out of warranty because of the mileage and I really didn't want to replace the engine components with more of their faulty parts. Just because I had the repairs done at a 3rd party shop does not excuse the fact that they sold me a truck with a faulty engine.
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle went into "LIMP Mode" and decelerated to approximately 35 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the engine "Crank Shaft" had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 165,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 8, 2025
Vehicle: 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 3.0L LM2 Turbo Diesel Mileage at most recent failure at 106k miles Complaint Narrative This vehicle has experienced repeated, serious defects affecting engine, transmission, emissions system, and safety recall performance. Despite numerous repair attempts over three years, the problems remain unresolved and the vehicle is currently undriveable and held by the dealership (since August 17, 2025). Key safety concerns: Transmission failure: Transmission catastrophically failed at 78,942 miles due to excessive metal contamination, requiring full replacement. Transmission issues have persisted even after replacement. Recall N24254440 (rear wheel lock-up): Dealer attempted recall repairs multiple times in 2025 but failed due to programming errors. Recall remains incomplete and unresolved. Hard starting / reduced power: Vehicle intermittently fails to start or loses propulsion, creating risk of stalling in intersections or traffic. Engine/emissions failures: Multiple check engine events with NOx sensors, exhaust differential pressure sensors, and coolant flow valve failures. Current status: Vehicle has been in dealer custody since Aug 17, 2025, with no completion date. Dealer reports unresolved oil leak, check valve/box sensor replacement pending, and open recall not fixed. The cumulative history shows systemic defects across powertrain and emissions systems, ongoing safety recall failures, and lack of durable repairs. I am providing all invoices, videos, and documentation upon request. --- Chronological Service Timeline Invoice #Mileage (in/out)DateReported Issue / Repair Attempt 33432337,290 → 37,62607/11/22 – 07/30/22Check engine light. Multiple fault codes. Dealer performed diagnostics, suspected exhaust leak, removed components for inspection. 33433837,450 → 37,50807/
Power train, Aug 29, 2025
The transmission shudders during light throttle at cruising speeds and low rpms, tachometer show continuous jumps in rpm and vehicle loosing power. No check engine lights. Concerned that transmission behavior can make the vehicle a hazard on highyways. Shuddering and hesitation on acceleration. Transmission fluid was changed at 70k miles and symptoms still persist. Current mileage 71k.
Power train, Engine, Aug 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving off an off-ramp at approximately 40-60 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly lost power and turned off. The contact restarted the vehicle to continue driving. The failure had occurred twice. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes grabbed, causing the vehicle to lunge forward, decelerate, and then lunge forward again, before coming to a complete stop. The contact shifted to park(P) and then to drive(D) and continued driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer four times before receiving notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train). The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that one hour after the recall repair, the failure recurred with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was informed of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired again. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Engine, Aug 27, 2025
The 3 and 4 cylinder need to be replaced at 130000 miles with regulate maintenance always maintained
Power train, Aug 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, after making a left turn at a traffic signal, the rear wheels locked up. The contact stated that there was an abnormal screeching sound while depressing the brake pedal in a panic stop, and the vehicle jolted violently. The contact stopped the vehicle with the engine still running and observed the "Service Engine Soon" message displayed. The contact attempted to drive forward, and the rear wheels locked up. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an Auto Parts store. The contact stated that a store representative used a handheld scanner and was able to retrieve DTC: P0747 (Transmission Valve Body #1 Open). The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Engine, Aug 22, 2025
2021 Silverado 1500 Trail Boss LT with 6.2ltr V8 L87 had sudden catastrophic engine failure at 90,000 miles with excellent and routine maintenance up to. Findings were a broken timing chain, cracked piston and debris in number 8 intake port. Vehicle lost propulsion on the highway posing a safety risk to the driver, passengers and other vehicles on the roadway. Dealership confirmed the findings. There were no warning signs, signals, lamps, beeps, noises or any other indicators that there was an issue with the motor. It unexpectedly and suddenly failed without warning.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after power washing the vehicle, the tailgate opened unexpectedly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact used a bungee cord to secure the tailgate. The contact stated that the vehicle should be included in Customer Satisfaction Program: N232426401. The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.