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, Jan 19, 2025
The crankshaft bearings failed causing engine to knock very loudly. I didn't get an engine light. Dealership did replace one bearing and said lifters we fault and replaced. This happened with just over 33000 miles on truck. I didn't receive any extended warranty from manufacturers for any problems that may occur in future from pieces of metal or other contamination to inside of engine.
Engine, Jan 18, 2025
Engine lifter failure at 75 k miles
Engine, Jan 18, 2025
Engine stopped working while driving on major highway. Coasted to stop on shoulder. Truck was towed to nearest Chevy dealer, Parkway Chevy, Tomball, TX ([XXX]). Diagnosed bearings failed, camshaft froze and engine valve damaged. After rude treatment by service agent and service manager, towed truck to original dealer in Conroe, TX-- Buckalew Chev/Keating Chev (Nov. 25, 2024). They confirmed problem and truck has been sitting at their dealership since Nov. 25, 2024 waiting for re-mfgd engine. No timeline given for replacement. Bought another truck (Toyota Tundra -- [XXX]). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 18, 2025
While driving down a major, extremely dangerous highway [XXX] in Pasco County, FL) my truck randomly shut off (with zero warning, no check engine lights, nothing) Thankfully, i was already in the right hand lane and managed to coast into a gas station. At 60, 375 miles on my 2021 truck I was 352 miles outside of the powertrain warranty, so I had my truck towed to the closest chevy dealership to see if they would good-will the warranty. They (Chevy) reported to me that there was a rod-knock with an estimate of $17,203.52 to rebuild the motor. I would also have to pay approximately $2000 (10 hrs of labor) for tear down of motor to even see if GM would POSSIBLY pay out anything on warranty. I am the only owner of this truck since day 1. I have every oil change record that was done as specified by the manufacturer. I have no means of transportation at this time. My truck is available for inspection. I am also unable to take out any other vehicle loans while I am forced to pay for a truck that now, has no motor. Also, I went in for a recall of a software update for the forward collision system. Previous to the dealerships update, the system was working fine. After the update, the collision system no longer works. This is greatly affecting my ability to work, and function as a member of society. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 16, 2025
1. The automatic tailgate opens by itself randomly. It appears to be malfunctioning. I am unable to open it from the tailgate now. When it’s open it continues to attempt to unlatch making the noise. It’s opened while driving. 2. So far I lost a cooler on the highway due to this problem which would cause a road hazard to other drivers. 3. I brought it to the dealer they said it’s not there problem due to my vin not matching the recall even though there’s a recall for this problem with same year trucks. 4. It has not been inspected due it not being an official recall. 5. No warning lights regarding this issue.
Electrical system, Structure, Jan 14, 2025
I washed my truck and now suddenly the tailgate opens and closes whenever it decides and I have paint that is bubbling and it looks as if it’s gonna all chip right off the hood
Power train, Jan 14, 2025
Vehicle is shuttering while driving, vibrating at different speeds and it feels like the wheels are locking.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 14, 2025
Vehicle has less than 35k miles. Vehicle started and operated normally Attempted to turn onto main thoroughfare from a stop. While still in drive, vehicle engine rev’d up but transmission did not engage. Attempted to cycle through gear selector with same result. Reverse is the only gear that allowed vehicle movement. Serious safety concern if this were to happen while traveling at any significant speed or if trying to merge or cross heavy traffic. Vehicle has not had an official diagnosis, but I believe this is a transmission valve body problem known to the manufacturer. There was no indication prior to this event of any mechanical or electrical problems with the vehicle. This issue could easily get someone killed.
Power train, Jan 10, 2025
The 8-speed automatic transmission (8L90) has been failing. It has put me in my passengers safety at risk because my truck can lurch forward without warning due to delayed downshifting and RPM surge. Yes, the dealership has confirmed this issue multiple times. The component has been inspected by the dealership multiple times. Yes, check engine light came on and yes there was symptoms before the failure such as lurching jerking, surging harsh and erratic shifting. They first appeared at 55,000, MI. It continues to happen to this day. I have an appointment scheduled for today at 9:20 a.m. for the dealership to look at it again but this is a legitimate concern.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 10, 2025
When putting vehicle in PARK and releasing the foot brake it rolls back an excessive amount of space sometimes it rolls back so much we begin to get scared thinking we are still in DRIVE and jump back in vehicle just to learn we are in PARK. We have had this issue since the day of getting truck in August of 2024 and how much it rolls back is never consistent on the length of the roll back. Sometimes it feels like it make even slip out of gear and just keeping rolling. It’s very scary and we have almost knocked ourselves out when it happens trying to jump back in to stop it.
Power train, Jan 7, 2025
On January 6 and 7, 2025, the broken transmission valve body was subjected to inspection by a Chevrolet dealership. The vehicle exhibited faulty gear shifts, which resulted in reduced speeds and triggered the activation of "limp mode." This malfunction occurred while driving under severe winter storm conditions, posing a potential risk for serious injury. The issue was methodically diagnosed and documented for parts replacement. Furthermore, the transmission service indicator activated via the associated application, and the check engine light illuminated alongside a blinking "D" mode indicator at the time the warning lights were activated. The initial signs and symptoms of the issue were first observed at 11:00 PM on January 5, 2025.
Power train, Jan 4, 2025
Valve body went out at 52,000 miles and was replaced under warranty. Went out again at 104,000 miles, has been at dealer for a month now waiting on part that is unavailable
Power train, Dec 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and shifted into another unknown gear independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission torque converter and the valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure when a case was opened and escalated the matter to a higher supervisor. The failure mileage was 61,200.
Electrical system, Dec 23, 2024
UNKNOWN. PARK Switch module is not working correctly. The vehicle keeps displaying message saying the vehicle needs to be the parking position.
Electrical system, Dec 18, 2024
Push-button tailgate electrical failure. Tailgate opens on its own while driving and while truck is off. This is a known issue that has already been recalled by GM but my truck was not included in the recall, even though the problem and repair are exactly the same as the currently recalled vehicles. I had to pay a GM Dealership to make the repair as the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to potential for flying debris from the bed while driving.
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Dec 17, 2024
Hello: I have this issue with my vehicle, and have read several people on Chevrolet Silverado message boards noting that their windshield wipers do not function properly when turned on. My wipers only work when I push the button to wash the windshield and they do not work in any other setting. I believe this is something that should be looked into and it seems like this is a good place to start.
Power train, Dec 15, 2024
The transmission in this truck has been an issue since it had 50k miles on it. It doesn’t shift correctly or smooth at all. It shifts hard, slow to engage, studders, jerks, pops without any load. This is my second 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with same issue except it needed transmission replaced and didn’t know when they’d get another transmission in as they’re on backorder and these are work truck and can’t be down long - dealer said this is a common issue with these trucks - so I got rid of that one. If the dealers know this is a common issues and attorneys are sending letter for class action lawsuit against GM this should tell you something- recall them! No lights have ever come on with any warning on either truck.
Power train, Dec 14, 2024
Open recall with no remedy. Called GM and they cannot give me any timeframe as far as when a fix will be available. GM has proposed changing the software to limit the truck to fifth gear if excessive wear of the valve is detected but that is not a fix for the issue and they cannot even give a timeframe for that or what they will do to remedy the issue when there is excessive wear. The issue can cause the rear wheels to lock up while driving and is a major safety issue compounded with winter driving conditions yet GM cannot provide any information. I cannot even replace the vehicle as the vehicle cannot be sold in my state of Missouri with an open recall.
Suspension, Dec 13, 2024
The upper ball joint on the passengers side failed or separated. This caused the truck to lose brake pressure and put the occupants lives in danger. The vehicle is currently at a GMC dealership in Killeen, TX being repaired. There were no warning signs or lamps.
Electrical system, Dec 9, 2024
I was driving down the highway when my tailgate open on its own. This has happened 4-5 times where items could have fallen from my truck bed and caused an accident. There is an active recall for this issue but according to my VIN my vehicle isn’t affected but it clearly is. Dealer has inspected and confirmed it’s the same issue as with other models.
Steering, Power train, Dec 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver and the rear wheels were intermittently inoperable with the transmission experiencing hard downshifting. The failure occurred on several occasions. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact researched and was made aware of an undisclosed NHTSA Campaign; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 6, 2024
There is a current recall out there for the tailgates releasing on 20-24 Chevy Silverado 2500 and 3500. I own a 1500 and am having the same issue. Water is getting into the rear electronic switch and releasing the tailgate unbeknownst to me. I have lost items that were in the bed on the pickup on the road while traveling. Can the recall include the 1500 models also?
Other or unspecified, Dec 5, 2024
THE TAILGATE HAS FELL DOWN SEVERAL TIMES BY ITS SELF .I REPORTED THE PROBLEM ON THIS TO THE CHEVY DEALER THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE 1500 SERIES. THE TAILGATE EVEN UNLATCHED ITS SELF AT THE DEALERSHIP SO THEY DISCONNECTED THE OUTSIDE TAILGATE SWITCH SO IT WOULDNT UNLATCHED ITS SELF 12/23
Tires, Dec 4, 2024
Unknown,don’t want to have an accident if my rear wheel lock up on me for my recall of my vehicle don’t want to put my family at risk
Power train, Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Dec 3, 2024
MY Windshield wipers stop working on low and high and from time to time my vehicle will not go in reverse. when it does finally go in reverse it's a very hard jerk, also when I'm driving it gets a drag an acts like it wants to stop going. It happens frequently and it has been going on for months.