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, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 20, 2025
General Motors is selling vehicles that are unsafe, unreliable, and unfit for consumers. My experience shows a clear pattern of negligence, misrepresentation, and disregard for public safety. On or about April of 2021, I purchased a 2021 Chevy Silverado RST z71 from Vetter chvrolet for about $56,000. GM promoted this vehicle as safe and dependable. Within the short 4 years of owning this truck, I faced major failures: engine issues, transmission problems and electrical malfunctions causing the parking break to engage on its own, at highway speeds of 70-80 mph on which nearly caused a serious accident, and failed Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. This system helps maintain vehicle control, and a problem with it can affect braking, steering, and handling, Despite following GM’s maintenance guidelines, GM delayed repairs, denied coverage on certain failures, and left me with thousands in out-of-pocket costs. The vehicle remains unreliable and unsafe. For myself and my family, 2 children under 3 years old and one on the way. This is not an isolated issue—GM has a long history of recalls and defect cover-ups. These vehicles put lives at risk, cause financial hardship, and violate consumer trust. No one should fear for their safety in a vehicle marketed as “dependable.” This has impacted me by having : • Expensive repairs • Loss of transportation for extended periods • Ongoing fear of driving a defective vehicle with my family in it. Loss of use of my vehicle • Fear and emotional distress driving an unsafe product I have contacted GM and the dealership multiple times. Responses were dismissive, repairs were inadequate, and GM refuses accountability. Requested Resolution: Full reimbursement for all related costs Buyback (preferred) of the vehicle OR permanent repair at no cost Public acknowledgment and stronger quality control. Warning to Consumers: Think twice before trusting GM. Their failure to correct dangerous defects shows profits matter more than safety.
Power train, Aug 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally, and the transmission shifted hard. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded the limited time frame to have the parts available. The manufacturer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Engine, Aug 13, 2025
So many vehicles like mine have si.ilar issue. Lifter issues causing engine damage and other part damage. Causes issues at high-speed with power and stranded motorists on dangerous highways. It is a safety issue because you could be stranded in middle of highway. Lifter issues causing bent pushrods and other engine part damage costing . I had one pushrod covered, but others failed and now thousands in repairs. In expensive vehicles. Also towing charges, hotels, rental cars, etc... I dont want to be stranded again as only one bank was all replaced. The entire top half of the engine should be fixed and should be replaced and a service bulletin and recall should be issued to help.protect consumers.
Engine, Aug 13, 2025
On, or about, 10 June 2025 I attempted to start my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado (with the L87 engine) and noticed an extremely rough idle. I shut the engine off and attempted to restart the engine, the idle was rougher than previous and then white smoke started billowing out of my exhaust. At that point I called a wrecker to take my truck to the service center at my dealership. After the dealership diagnosed my engine they stated that it had failed due the defect in the L87 engine that is currently the subject of an active recall. The service center informed me I would need a replacement engine under the warranty but could not give me a timeline, I have been in constant contact with my service advisor and they indicate that GM has no updates as to where I am in the queue, or how long it may be before my replacement engine will be sent. As of writing this complaint it has been two months with no updates from the manufacturer.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH and attempting to decelerate, the brake pedal extended to the floorboard while depressed, and the vehicle failed to immediately decelerate. During the failure, the message "Brake Failure" was displayed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,000.
Power train, Traction control system, Engine, Aug 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the rear wheels locked up, causing the vehicle to slide across the road. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and came to a stop in the middle of the road. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact turned off and then restarted the vehicle and became aware that the transmission failed to shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was towed to the contact's place of employment. The contact who is a certified mechanic performed a diagnostic test and retrieved DTC: P0747, indicating a failure with the pressure control cylinder in the transmission. The contact also found information on NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included int the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,830.
Power train, Aug 9, 2025
Transmission is making rattling or ticking noise when accelerating , I'm getting hard shifting in 1st and 2nd and some random gears , I have been launched forward when coming to a stop , some hard shifting when kicking down to pass
Power train, Aug 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving on a neighborhood road, after coming to a complete stop and attempting to accelerate, the transmission started slipping. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that while driving and accelerating, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was no cause for the failure found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000.
Power train, Aug 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, while completing a right turn, there was a loud bang and the vehicle immediately lost motive power. The vehicle was coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission, and determined that there was a rupture in the transmission cooling system. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice in the past and the transmission was rebuilt by the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 59,000.
Power train, Engine, Aug 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The vehicle was initially taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train). The contact stated the vehicle was not repaired. While driving 30-35 MPH, the rear-end locked up and caused the vehicle to enter the wrong lane. The contact stated that other vehicles were able to drive around the vehicle during the failure. The engine revved, and the RPMs revved too high. The driver was able to pull over safely. The check engine, traction control, parking brake, and maintenance warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the rear-end had locked up, and the #5 cylinder and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The mechanic was unable to unlock the rear-end. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on six other occasions for unknown issues. The manufacturer was contacted regarding a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 34,958.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000(Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for a routine oil change, the contact requested an engine inspection and oil change. The dealer performed the oil change; however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall remedy was not yet available for the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was informed of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Power train, Aug 3, 2025
Transmission shifts rough, shudders, has hesitation at times, makes the vehicle feel like it is missing from jerking. Have not contacted dealer. No warning lamps, messages. Occurred a week after purchasing vehicle.
Electrical system, Aug 2, 2025
Tailgate experienced issues with not unlatching when button is pushed and also unlatching when button is not pushed.
Engine, Aug 1, 2025
The truck started rattling and lost power while driving. Every warning light came on on the instrument panel. I was driving on the freeway in rush hour traffic when this happened. Yes, it has been confirmed by a dealership and independent service center. No lights were on prior to when it failed to give any warning that something may be going wrong. The failure occurred immediately after GM issued a recall in April involving defective V8 engines (Recall Link [XXX] )). While our truck is not currently included in the recall, the diagnosis of the vehicle is all the same as that of the recalled engines. We should not have an engine failing at 130K miles on a vehicle that has been well maintained. We are asking that this truck be added to the recall. We are still without the vehicle as engines cannot be sourced. Please advise on next steps. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Jul 30, 2025
I was driving in a straight line at 45mph when my truck jerked to one side. It felt like the back of the truck was sliding out from behind me and also felt like my truck was being pulled to a stop. A check engine light came on. I drove it back to my house (approximately 3 miles). The light went away but came back, and the transmission started overheating even though I was only going 10-20 mph. The truck randomly did the same jerking action while going home. I had to drive slow to get home. There was no warning when this happened. No lights, sounds, or other warnings. The jerking motion almost made me hit other cars, and almost made me lose control of the vehicle. It is available for inspection if needed. It has not been looked at yet because I found this website when researching the problem online. If you want to inspect it, then you need to inspect within 2-3 weeks because I’m military and I am getting stationed overseas.
Engine, Jul 29, 2025
In June 2025, I received a letter from General Motors noting that a defect exist relating to motor vehicles safety in certain 2021 model of Chevrolet Silverado equipped with the 6.2L V8 gas engine (RPOL87). The dealer has been unable to fix the issue in a timely manner as they claim that the parts are on backorder. Additionally, they have been unable to provide me with another vehicle while my car is in the dealer. It is completely unacceptable that the dealer has been unable to fix the issue in a timely manner or provide with alternative form of transportation while the parts arrive.
Power train, Jul 28, 2025
Transmission problems, when the truck would get to operating temperature the transmission would lurch when I would stop the truck. If I pulled up to a stop sign/light the transmission would lurch forward hard enough to make it feel like I got hit. If I didn't have my foot hard on the brake pedal it would move the truck far enough to hit another vehicle or pedestrian. After awhile the transmission started to slip out of gear as I was driving at highway speeds or not engage correctly during acceleration. I have now been without this truck for months while they try to replace the transmission.
Engine, Jul 26, 2025
Lifters 1-3-5-7 all failed. They were pitted as was the camshaft. Diagnosis from Hendrick Chevrolet in Hoover AL. 70k miles on one owner truck. Regular servicing and never towed anything.
Engine, Jul 25, 2025
check engine light came on at 55000 mile went to servige ststion they check oil 4 quart lowe motor leaking o il . been to dealer 5 time in last 2 0r 3 month . now engine making peaking noise at 6400 mile . dealer say warrenty out have to pay for repair . something wrong clinder head they guess dont now for shore will have to tare into motor this truck was under warrenty when i first took it for repairs now they want me to pay for the repairs .
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 25, 2025
No updates have been made to fix recall. Status has been pending for a long and it’s preventing me from selling the car due to fear of breaking down.
Engine, Jul 24, 2025
Around July 1st, 2025 I was hearing a ticking sound when taking off from a stop. On July 11th I had an oil change completed on the truck at the Local Chevy dealership, after the oil change, I mentioned the noise and was told maybe we could schedule some sort of deep cleaning of the internal components of the engine. After leaving the dealership after the oil change, I was still hearing the ticking sound. I then scheduled an appointment on July 22nd for the dealership to look into the ticking sound. I drove the truck to the dealership and it was working fine; other than the ticking sound when the RPM’s were at 2200. At no time was there any warning lights that came on to alert me to a problem. After approximately 30 minutes of waiting in the customer waiting area, the service advisor came and got me and said “we have big problems” and they were going to need the truck longer to look into it. I walked out to the service bay to get some personal items out of the truck. At that time, the mechanic pointed out some white looking fluffy cotton material and said that just came out the end of your exhaust. I had never seen that material prior to this appointment on July 22. The dealership called me July 24th and told me that the engine and exhaust system need to be replaced. They told me that the bottom end connecting rod came apart, and went through the engine and the exhaust system while it was at their facility on July 22. This truck has the 6.2L V8 (RPO L87) gas engine…. This truck is a 2021 and there is 76,957 miles currently on it (7/24/2025). With a blown engine, and an exhaust system that needs to be replaced.
Engine, Jul 24, 2025
Went to accelerate through an intersection and the engine seized up in the middle of the intersection. Complete loss and of engine propulsion. Had to be towed. Could have caused an accident. No warning signs. Truck was running great until it wasn’t running at all.
Engine, Jul 24, 2025
Purchased a 2021 Chevy Silverado in Dec 2020. At 4600 miles had first engine failure requiring lifters and tie rods to be replaced, bank 1/Cylinder 5. Looking back this repair was a bandaid for an engine (6.2L) with problems known to GMC. On May 3, 2025 @ 79,000 miles truck started making loud noises and all dash lights started flashing including engine lights while driving, dangerous because we were on a busy roadway. Pulled over to shoulder and had towed to dealership. Diagnosis was a crank bearing failure, scored cylinder, push rod bent and lifters were damaged. Engine is not repairable. Here we are just short of 3 months and still no truck, no ETA on replacement engine. Even though our Silverado is a 2021 it is not part of the current GMC recall because the engine was manufactured in 2020. We know that NHSTA is investigating 6.2L engines for years 2019 and 2020 and urge NHTSA to broaden the current recall. Our truck was our only vehicle and the expenses we have incurred through no fault of our own are a strain on our budget, we are retired and on a fixed income. This is our 2nd Complaint filing on our truck to provide NHSTA with additional information.
Service brakes, Jul 21, 2025
I have this pick up I was on a hill heading down to stop sighn pressed on brake and went to the floor no resistance nothing luckily it was a rural rd went thru stop sigh coasted to a stop was 1/4 from home lifted hood the brake reservoir was full all brakes were in top shape it was like something shut off the brakes electrically I have driven many large trucks and buses and vehicles never felt this no spongey at all it is at the dealership they are looking at but my concern this could be a far worst circumstance if in heavy traffic or at cross walk can’t even think of it. Scary I would think gm would have some type of secondary for electric malfunction the vehicle is at Cerrone gmc south Attleborough mass. My vehicle is 2021 Chevy Silverado 75000 miles well maintained. In short I believe the mechanics will diagnose and fix it but my concern. That these vehicles need safety checks