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, Apr 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle briefly lost motive power before slamming into gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal sound was coming from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. After test-driving the vehicle, the dealer diagnosed that the fuel injectors had failed, and there was a misfire in cylinder #6 had, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The fuel injectors were replaced. The dealer test drove the vehicle and the failure persisted. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the lifter rocker arm had seized. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
Engine, Apr 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle there was an abnormally loud screeching sound coming from the vehicle, and the engine seized. The contact stated that the transmission was shifting hard. There was an abnormal banging sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The Carfax and GM global connect portal warranty document noted an abnormal loud banging noise and front-end damage at 1 mile prior to the purchase, and an insurance claim was filed for the rear main seal. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact filed a claim. The failure mileage was approximately 29,606.
Engine, Apr 26, 2025
While driving at 35 mph my check engine light, Service Parking Break light, ABS Maintenance light all came on and my truck lost power to a point I could not go over 10 MPH. It started chugging and running very rough. Fortunately I was close to home and got it in the driveway. I called the dealership to set and appointment, tried to drive it down my driveway and couldnt get it over 10 MPH. I called a tow company to take it to the local dealer I purchased from. After a couple days the dealership called and said there is a lifter problem but wasnt fully into the engine to see if there was more damage and would call me once more testing had been done. I have photos of the tow company tow bill ($169) and a photo of them lowering the bed to put the truck on it to haul to dealer if needed.
Engine, Apr 24, 2025
CEL with code P1098 - which is a coolant control valve issue. Engine is not properly distributing coolant potentially causing an overheating condition. Dealer informed me that it is dangerous to drive and it is recommended that it is left at the dealer until it is repaired. If driven and other issues occur do to this failure the warranty will not cover damages. The failed part - coolant control valve is on national backorder and there is no eta on when the part will be available, no vehicle has been provided and the replacement part appears to be no different than the original except for a different model number.
Engine, Apr 23, 2025
While driving on the highway the engine shimmered and shut down. I lost all steering and braking power. After 20 minutes I was able to restart and drive off the highway at a reduced speed. upon exiting the engine died again. The following day I took it to sunrise Chevy in Glendale Hights IL as this was just down the road from where it sat all night. Service rep called and said I need a new engine with only 81000 miles. It was major lifter failure he said. Job was done at a cost of 9417.89. With less than 1000 miles on the new GM engine I was coming home on [XXX] at night when I lost all power to steering and brakes, dashboard lit up. Made it to the shoulder and towed back to the dealer. Once again major engine failure. At least this one was under warranty. but still very dangerous on the highway. Needs to be a recall please. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Apr 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle was not making a sound. The contact checked the battery and believed that the engine was inoperable. The contact towed the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,005.
Engine, Apr 17, 2025
I was driving down the road at no more the 15 mph up hill in 4x4 when the engine shut off. No warning lights or noise and would not turn over. Had it towed to the local dealership to find out the main thrust bearing seized. I have to wait two to three months for a new engine which is covered under warranty. No wheels in the meantime. Only has 25,640 miles on it.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 17, 2025
while driving, the emergency brake engages and locks the car up coming to a complete stop mid driving (on highway!). this has happened 3 times now, took it into dealer, they did a computer update and released. It has since happened again, with my child in the car!
Engine, Apr 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the "Low Oil Pressure - Turn Off Engine" was displayed and the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to turn off and restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 as a possible cause for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 43,986.
Engine, Apr 16, 2025
Engine shut off on me while I was driving and wouldn’t crank back on. Had it towed to a dealership and they told me the engine is locked up and no idea why. It on has 61,xxx miles on it
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 16, 2025
I was driving 60mph and went to accelerate a little bit more and my lifters went out and stated clicking.
Engine, Apr 16, 2025
Camshaft bearing failure. Catastrophic engine failure while accelerating at left turn. Required full engine replacement. Incident occured at 59,982 miles on odometer. Even though vehical was under manufacture warranty it took approx. 18 days for GM to assume responsability. I was required to produce all maintenance records and was left without a vehicle for this time. Company was not clear on what work and parts of this repair would be protected under further warranty. Company did not provide exact specifics on replacement engine year and place of origin.
Engine, Apr 14, 2025
6.2 engine failure second motor put in last week dealer took for test drive truck was towed back for second engine failure
Power train, Apr 14, 2025
Transmission jerking violently while driving at low RPM 1000-1500 RPM. Occurs daily. Shudder and vibration as vehicle is slowed approaching stops. Effect and feeling is unsettling to driver and passengers. Can be recreated but is also intermittent at times. Dealer has avoided fixing as it is not 100% consistent. Asking me to drive until failure which is unsafe and could lead to accident or stranding.
Other or unspecified, Apr 12, 2025
I get A shift to park message on my dash behind steering wheel whenever I put the vehicle in park and turn it off. It want let the vehicle completely shutdown.
Power train, Apr 11, 2025
The transmission either shifts hard or momentarily locks up when downshifting and then shifting back up into high at 50+ mph. Check engine light comes on, tow haul mode is not available, engine rpm's increase dramatically. Transmission will begin shifting normally after a engine stop, but check engine light stays on, and tow haul mode is not available. Cycle continues. The hard shift before the check engine light comes on and transmission upper gears are locked out is very unnerving, especially with a travel trailer behind you at 65 mph. I no longer fell safe driving the vehicle. I am requesting assistance from the dealership on this truck with less than 49000 miles. The "flash for the transmission" recall was done several thousand miles ago. It only masks the situation. This is not acceptable, nor safe.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Apr 8, 2025
Rain is coming in through the back window. Dealer is stating that the rain is coming from the sliding window but satellite is stating it’s the brake light on the top of the truck.
Engine, Apr 8, 2025
I purchased this vehicle brand new is 2021 with the 6.2 liter engine. I have had all the regular maintenance performed as scheduled with 90% being done at a Chevrolet dealership. My truck has around 90,000 miles on it and now the engine is out. It started with showing low oil at 50% oil life left. When I took it to have it checked, it was 3 quarts low on oil. I did another oil change and was told I had to start an oil consumption test in order for them to review the issue. I had it checked every 1000 miles. The first and second check was fine. The third check was one quart low. They took it in and found that the spark plugs were oil fowled. Upon further investigation, they found that the cylinder walls were scored and had oil bypass in the cylinders. I have done everything right with this truck. Took care of it in all the ways I was supposed to. There is no reason what so ever for the engine to have gone out at 90,000 miles. There has to be more to this. I have looked it up and other people are having the same issue with the same engine. Why is nothing being done about this?
Power train, Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2025
Transmission isssues hard shifting and no shifting at times. I informed the dealership about the recall on this issue and they are saying it doesn’t fall under the recall which isn’t true because my vehicles is showing all of the symptoms under the recall #N242454440.
Engine, Apr 6, 2025
Had the check engine and recieved code p0303 cylinder 3 misfires i replaced fuel injectors on that side spark plugs ,wires ,spark plug solenoid,and still had the check engine p030 and would not run right my mechanic had to take the head off and replace all the valves of the motor costing me more than $5,000 i am so embarrass cause i was so honored to buy this silverado,but at 60,000miles this should nit happen why am i throwing alot of money to this truck gm you guys are letting me down i always by gm but at this point i dont know can you make this right,and no i dont want a 10 percent discount in a new one that a slap on my face .
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal knocking sound while driving at various speeds and while idling. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the engine lifters were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the engine abnormal knocking sound was not sufficiently loud to issue a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
Other or unspecified, Apr 3, 2025
When I am driving my vehicle and I pull in to park, I put the gear shift into park and shut the vehichle off and a light comes on in the dash and says shift to park. And the vehichle will not shut down for several minutes after this light comes on. It also feels like there is a hesitation in the transmission at times after I start the vehicle and start driving.
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while stopped, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear tailgate had opened independently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Power train, Apr 2, 2025
Transmission issues, rough shifting, hesitation and shuddering.
Parking brake, Engine and engine cooling, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the engine started rumbling with the check engine, stability-trac, and the parking brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed a misfire in cylinder #1. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the lift valve had collapsed, and the right side of the block lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.