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, Jul 21, 2025
Driving Ashland pass in OR, the transmission over heated with the truck dinging for us to pull over an idle, there is no where to pull over on Ashland pass for 8 miles. After sitting in an unsafe location with the truck idling wasting fuel we where able to get back on road after 30min. Upon arrival to location we where able to see that the exhaust system sits right on the transmission pan heating it up when truck is running. This model does not have a dip stick to check transmission fluid resulting in a $2500.00 drop an drain to which I am told by the mechanic that this needs to be done every 40k. That is alot of cost 2x a year.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the side of the road however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
Engine, Jul 18, 2025
P0016 camshaft position not plausible Service manager at Loftons Chevrolet in Henderson Tn states that truck needs a new motor but not covered under recall
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 16, 2025
P146B (EVAP Purge Pump System Performance) engine code started occurring around 50,000 miles. This is similar to the recall for 2019-2020 Chevy Silverado, Cadillac XT4, and GMC Sierra 1500 covered by N202324990.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after arriving to her destination, the contact became aware that the tailgate was unintendedly lowered. While attempting to close the tailgate, the tailgate failed to latch securely. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.
Engine, Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, an abnormal boom sound was heard coming from the engine. The vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and was diagnosed with crank shaft sensor failure. The contact was later informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Engine, Jul 12, 2025
Losing power while driving and acceleration and uneven idle sometimes
Electrical system, Jul 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, or while attempting to reverse, the infotainment system displayed a blank screen; however, approximately a minute later the infotainment screen displayed as intended. The contact stated that the radio became silent and then thirty seconds later the infotainment system operated as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the infotainment system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 44,540.
Power train, Jul 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the transmission shifted hard while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the TCM was reprogrammed; however, the failure worsened, and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train) and linked the failure to the recall. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 11, 2025
July, 10 2025 My 2021 chevy Silverado has stalled today in the middle of the road. When trying to start, it sounds like if it wants to turn over but it won’t. I bought a brand new battery and problem is not resolved. I did some digging and sounds like fuel pump will not come on. This truck is only 4 years old and I should be having these issues. Please help thanks
Power train, Engine, Jul 9, 2025
My truck is experiencing what is commonly known as the Chevy shakes. Whenever the transmission goes over 2000RPM or below 2000RPM my truck jumps. Also, the rear wheels lock up for a short time while I start driving for about 50 feet. Almost as the brakes are pressed slightly.
Engine, Jul 9, 2025
My vehicle has almost 53,000 miles, I went for an oil change, hasn't even been 5,000 miles since last one, and I had no oil on the dipstick. I wanted to get it changed before a short trip. Glad I did. This could have caused the engine to blow up. I didn't know new vehicles could lose oil like that . The problem was confirmed by an independent oil change station where I always go. No inspections have been done by anyone. No warning lights came on telling me that the oil was low. No other issues prior to this.
Structure, Jul 8, 2025
Tailgate operation failure. The tailgate switch appears to be operating when no button is pressed. When vehicle is unlocked or key fob near vehicle tailgate automatically goes down on own. Component is available upon request. Appears to be tailgate release switch 85734717. Safety at risk as although it does not open in driving it does when stopped and in park. Tailgate went down and driver failed to realize this as component had failed and it had been put up and driver drove forward so unable to witness it down as truck was not in reverse. Upon driving forward materials in bed of truck were dispersed in roadway until driver realized tailgate had come down just prior to pulling away. Causes a safety hazard to drivers and others on road. Problem has happened in park and has not been taken into dealer yet as it is out of dealer warranty. Vehicle not inspected by anyone else. No lamps displayed prior to or following failure. No lift gate down warning. Safety failure
Power train, Jul 7, 2025
Vehicle is shifting harshly. Looked up recalls. "Certain" 2021 Silverado 1500's have recall for transmission problem that can cause rear wheels to lock up and cause a crash. GM says my truck is not included in the recall. I have filed an official complaint with GM.
Engine, Jul 3, 2025
While towing a trailer on a highway during a trip, my truck experienced a catastrophic engine failure with no prior warning. I was driving at highway speeds when the vehicle suddenly lost all engine power, creating an immediate and dangerous situation. I had to use extreme effort to steer the truck and trailer off the road and onto a narrow shoulder. There was no safe breakdown lane, and we were stranded for over eight hours waiting for assistance. Due to the size and weight of the trailer, the truck and trailer had to be towed separately, further complicating the situation. The vehicle was towed to the nearest Chevrolet dealership, where it was diagnosed and confirmed that the engine failure falls under the ongoing 6.2L V8 engine recall. The dealer stated the engine must be replaced under the recall. Unfortunately, that was over eight weeks ago, and I have still received no timeline, no updates, and no meaningful support from either the repairing dealer or the selling dealer (which is located three hours away from the incident site). Since then, my vehicle has remained undrivable, and I have had no access to alternative transportation. I was offered a reimbursement of $44 per day toward a rental car, but the process requires me to pay out-of-pocket and submit extensive documentation for potential reimbursement. Without knowing how long the delay will be, this could result in thousands of dollars in unreimbursed costs, which is simply not sustainable for me. This situation not only created a serious safety risk during the initial breakdown but has left me without reliable transportation for two months, with no indication of when my truck will be repaired. The lack of communication and accountability from GM and its dealerships is unacceptable given the known defect.
Power train, Jul 2, 2025
Repair & Breakdown Timeline – 2021 Chevy Silverado Owner: [XXX] and [XXX] VIN [XXX] Warranty: Extended vehicle warranty (active) Millenium ________________________________________ Repair History Summary Oct 2024 – Issue: Hard shifting; GM recall for purge pump – Action Taken: Purge pump replaced under recall – Status: Returned to owner Nov 19, 2024 – Issue: Continued shifting problems – Action Taken: Transmission replaced – Status: Vehicle kept until Feb 2025 Feb 12, 2025 – Issue: Vehicle returned to owner – Action Taken: GM reimbursed car payments during downtime – Status: Returned to owner April 2025 – Issue: Loss of power; wouldn’t shift past 15 mph – Action Taken: Generic transmission code cleared, no fix – Status: Returned with unresolved issue June 9, 2025 – Issue: Random downshifting; RPM/speedometer erratic – Action Taken: External TCM wire replaced – Status: Returned June 11 June 18, 2025 – Issue: Recurring downshifting issue – Action Taken: Internal TCM wire replaced – Status: Returned June 25 June 27, 2025 – Issue: Hard downshifting, braking sensation during acceleration – Action Taken: Returned to shop – Status: Ongoing •7 total repair visits, 4 of them since February 2025 transmission replacement •Symptoms continue despite following GM’s repair instructions •Dealership has followed GM repair guidance each time •Vehicle remains a safety risk, especially with children onboard •Similar Silverado models have recalls, but this VIN is not include I have two young children, and this vehicle has now placed us in extremely unsafe situations multiple times. We’ve been stranded in traffic, unable to accelerate, and fearful for our safety. Despite repair after repair, the problem continues. At this point, I do not believe this truck can be fixed, and I am unwilling to keep driving it—or trade it in knowing another family could end up in the same dangerous situation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Jul 2, 2025
As I am driving, the truck shutters off and on and its shifts hard when shifting gears. I drive long distances daily and if the transmission fails, this could cause an accident that could put the safety of my children’s lives, or mine, at risk. It has not yet been inspected, but I spoke with several transmission specialists and have been told this is a very common issue among 2021, and other year models close to that, Chevrolet Silverados. The cost for confirmation would be upwards of $1000, which is not something I am able to afford. There have not been any warning lights or lamps. Only shuttering and harsh shifting.
Power train, Jul 2, 2025
Unknown transmission failure
Power train, Jun 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was shifting hard. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at 70 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was purchased for diagnostic testing, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact used a scanner and retrieved DTC: B3205-4B-BCM, and a message that the steering column circuit was locked. Additionally, the scanner displayed a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); which the contact related to the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall and referred the contact to a Chevrolet dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that assistance could not be provided because the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Service brakes, Jun 29, 2025
2021 Silverado 1500 TrailBoss LT Brake Sensor Monitor failure causes you not to be able to see brake pad wear/life remaining on dash information. Brake Pads (front and rear) replaced with sensor on 12/14/2023 and was unable to reset the brake pad monitor on dash (would not reset passed 51%) at approx 32K miles 01/2024, Front Left Sensor Monitor replaced again by dealership for $293 06/2025 Truck prompting if brake pads were replaced recently on dashboard 06/13/25 Brake Pad Life showing at 71% Front and 77% Rear at approx 50K miles 06/14/25, Brake Pad Sensor Monitor Error Message
Power train, Jun 25, 2025
My vehicle started shuttering approximately after 128,000 miles. I took it to a Edwards Chevrolet dealership near my home to have it serviced. I wa told that the transmission was going out and needed to be replaced.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 23, 2025
Failure of the coolant flow control valve and DEF component. Caused the engine to overheat and potentially fail while driving. The part to repair this problem has been very difficult to obtain causing a prolonged period of time in a repair shop. According to online forum information this an ongoing problem with this particular engine for over 4 years now. In my general area there are 6 vehicles that are in need of this particular part before they can be repaired. This is definitely not an isolated incident.
Power train, Jun 19, 2025
At approximately 67,000 miles I noticed upon starting and putting it in gear the motor would rev/clunk while going into gear. Shifting from one gear to another the truck would shutter. Did not feel safe driving any distance because the truck would lock up when trying to put it in gear. I had the truck looked at after reading numerous complaints about this 8 speed transmission and wanted to make sure it was safe to drive. After test driving it a couple of times during the course of a day it was determined the transmission needed to be replaced/rebuilt. At no time did any warnings appear on the display indicating there was an issue. I had the transmission rebuilt but feel like there are many complaints and no recalls regarding this same issue.
Engine, Jun 18, 2025
While traveling at highway speed an engine lifter collapsed and I was left stranded with a flashing check engine light, severe engine knocking and lack of power.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 18, 2025
Check engine light is on, code reads emissions fail due to the Evaporative Emissions leak detection pump.( EVAP PURGE PUMP UNDERSPEED) P1467. I see this was a recall on several Chevrolet vehicles but not yet on mine.