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.
Seat belts, Apr 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while her son was sitting in the driver’s side rear passenger seat, the seat belt fractured. The contact stated that she then sat her son in the middle rear passenger’s side seat and the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the driver’s rear and middle rear passenger seat belts and seat belt buckles needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V811000 (Seat Belts). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 33,000.
Engine, Lane departure, Apr 3, 2023
Cel flashing , traction control warning, stabilitrac warning, engine running rough, acceleration increased over normal driving. Happened multi times. After multiple restarts the cel light is on solid. Truck towed to dealer today. Have not heard back.
Engine, Apr 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle started to stall and jerk. The check engine warning light illuminated, followed by the vehicle losing motive power and stalled. The contact was not able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the engine wiring harness chafing were zip tied, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the connector to the ECM was replaced but the failure reoccurred again. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contact, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 6,000.
Service brakes, Mar 20, 2023
Loud growling. Breaks safety concern due to fail.
Structure, Mar 17, 2023
The tailgate will randomly open while driving allowing contents to fall from the bed of the truck
Engine, Mar 17, 2023
ENGINE LIFTER FAILURE AT 17K MILES. SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF POWER AT TIME OF FAILURE. ROUGH IDLE AFTERWARDS WITH TRUCK VIBRATING. NO WARNING LIGHTS AT TIME OF FAILURE. STOPPED VEHICLE AND SHUT OFF ENGINE. NUMEROUS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED UPON RESTART. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. PASSENGER SIDE BANK OF LIFTERS AND RODS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. SUBSEQUENTLY, DRIVER SIDE BANK OF LIFTERS FAILED AT 23K MILES. NO WARNING LIGHTS. AS BEFORE, SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF POWER AND NO THROTTLE RESPONSE. POWER LOSS POSES SIGNIFICANT RISK/DANGER WHEN MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. SECOND EVENT IS CURRENTLY AT DEALER FOR REPAIR.
Power train, Air bags, Service brakes, Mar 9, 2023
My safety system service warning comes on for about 30 seconds and then goes back off. This has happened about 4 times now. The transmission causes my truck to shake randomly. My pulley is going out and the local dealer said they wouldn't replace is under warranty(even though my warranty was still is effect) because they said it looked like someone sprayed tire cleaner under the hood(I bought it from the same dealership that I took it to for this service.) The brake seem to shake already when coming to a stop. They seem as if they are wearing prematurely.
Structure, Mar 5, 2023
I have major rust on the frame I just purchased the truck. Is their a recall on 2021 Silverado frames1500 custom.
Power train, Feb 27, 2023
While vehicle is in 4-wheel drive or 4 auto or 4 L. It makes a grinding whining noise! I have contacted the dealer Newberry motors of Newberry MI 49868. I asked them about a service bulletin I saw on the noises I am hearing, and I was told service bulletins are only assigned to a vin number and not groups of vehicles. which is a lie!!! SO THE GRINDING NOISE IS BAD WHEN IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE. PERIOD. DOES NOT MAKE THE NOISE WHILE IN 2 WHEEL DRIVE. THANKS FOR ANY HELP THAT CAN BE PROVIDED!
Engine, Feb 21, 2023
1 and 7 lifter failure occurred. Truck failed while driving on a congested highway putting myself and others at risk when speed was speed was reduced and truck eventually stalled. Truck was serviced by local dealer and confirmed lifter failure. KNOWN ISSUE!!! NO WARNING PRIOR TO MALFUNCTION.
Air bags, Feb 18, 2023, crash
I had a head on crash on 2/14/23. The other driver was moving in excess of 50mph. The hit was center of the front bumper pushing the bumper and radiator in to the engine compartment. No air bag deployment. However the Onstar system activated immediately.
Service brakes, Engine, Feb 13, 2023
ESC failed. The 2021 Chevy Silverado (39495 mi) began to shutter and a slight bouncing of the rear end. The ESC light came on the service ESC warning on the dashboard then the check engine light began to blink at the same time the parking brake light came on. The dash warning switched to have parking brake serviced. The truck as best as I could tell applied the parking brake several times for no reason while at highway speeds and traffic on all sides. All warnings stopped when Auto engine shut down at exit ramp light. Previously brought into dealership for “Service ECS” and “Service Power Steering Drive With Care”. I was told “ unable to replicate “ (23194 mi). Vehicle was returned to me. They did confirm the dash warning was stored in the computer. I do not believe any warning (blinkers) or brake lights came on to warn vehicles behind me of the rear brakes being applied by the ESC.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 7, 2023
The 2021 LT Trail Boss with the 5.3L engine started a really rough idle, engine knocking, random misfiring, had Service Emergency Brake, Service ESC messages on the display, check engine light and several other dash warning lights. The dealer diagnosed the truck with lifter fail apart (failure), intake valve push rod bent, and PCM failure. Odometer reading 19,368 miles.
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Jan 29, 2023
So I have been having issues with my truck losing oil. My dealership told me that Walmart made an issue with the oil filter causing it to leak oil out. After the dealership corrected the issue. I was on my way to the store this morning it was damp so I was having a lot of traction issues. Got to the gas station checked tires, no issue with them. Temperature is above freezing. Just thought maybe it’s in my head. Well I get about 2 miles from my house and low oil light comes on again. So this is an issue. It has happened 2 times to me. Had I not been cautious I could have slipped off the road or had a collision because the oil mixing with the water on the roadways. I will be reaching out to my dealership tomorrow to try and get them to correct this issue again. Seems there is a service bulletin on how to tighten the oil filter. Because of oil leaks.
Power train, Engine, Jan 18, 2023
Valve lifter failure resulting in bent rod engine failure.
Engine, Dec 27, 2022
On 12/26/22 my wife noticed a noise coming from the engine of the pick up truck. On 12/27/22 I started the truck and noticed a noise coming from the engine. I lifted the hood to try and locate where the noise was coming from but I could not see anything. There were no lights on the dash. I drove to work and parked it. 8 hours later I started the truck back up and the noise was still there. I began driving home and the truck made a spurted noise causing me to jerk the wheel nearly driving off the roadway. The truck is still making the noise. I contacted the Chevy dealer and they explained they would take a look into the issue. I’ve done some research and noticed that a bunch of 2020-2022 Silverado’s have been having lifter issues. I’ve also seen that the dealers are only replacing one side of the lifter banks and the others are failing 500-2000 miles after the repairs. I’ve also seen that people’s trucks have failed on highways and streets causing accidents and or traffic hazards. This is something Chevy needs to look into and fix to prevent any serious injury or death created by these issues. I don’t have photos but I do have a video of the noise that I could email if need be since I can not attach the video to this form.
Engine, Dec 21, 2022
Lifter failure
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 18, 2022
Anytime the weather gets colder than 32degrees Fahrenheit the DEF system freezes, which even if the tank is full makes the truck go into limp mode until it thaws out. The engine light pops on and off with no codes associated with it. Now the breaks and break lines are freezing when it gets below freezing. These are just a few of the reoccurring problems we’ve experienced since buying the truck less than a year ago.
Wheels, Nov 10, 2022
**The right and left front tires howling is so loud On this 2021 Chevy Silverado Z 71,it is deafening you would never be able to hear a rescue squad. ** This vehicle is available for inspection upon request. ** we feel that we are at a safety risk because of the howling being so loud is deafening. This is definitely a safety risk and a hazard. ** this problem has been inspected by Burtness Chevrolet in Orfordville Wisconsin on October 26, 2022. ** this vehicle has not been inspected or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives. ** This 2021 Chevy Silverado Z 71 had no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure of the 2 front tires. October 19,2022.
Tires, Nov 10, 2022
LT 275/65R18 **Both right and left front tires are very deafening when driving down the highway. ** yes this vehicle is available upon request. ** Our safety is at risk because the tires right and left front Howell so bad we would never be able to hear a rescue squad. ** Burtness Chevrolet in Orfordville Wisconsin confirmed there is no problem at all big trucks sound like this. This vehicle is going in for an inspection Monday, November 14, 2022 at symptoms Chevrolet in Evansville Wisconsin. ** This 2021 Chevy Silverado Z 71 has not been inspected by the manufacture or the police or insurance representative. ** This 2021 Chevy Silverado Z71 had no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure of the left and right right front tire. The left front tire was evaluated by Burtness Chevrolet in Orfordville Wisconsin on October 26, 2022.
Engine, Oct 24, 2022
Vehicle will not start and cranks until starter kicks out, about 30 seconds each time. I am afraid if this happens at a traffic signal or stop sign it could be bad. I took it to the dealer on July 30-2022. (2972 mileage) and they could not verify concern. I found a safety bulletin on a GM website for a extended crank/ no start. It is PIP5806D, The dealer says they know nothing about this. It lists a labor operation number 4088148, due to a corrupt signal from camshaft position sensor to the ECM. It has happened now 4 times, and current mileage is 6973. I have been dealing with Champion Chevrolet in Reno NV. It has started after 8 to 10 crank time outs and the battery starts slowing the crank speed down, but around 10 to 15 minutes have passed by then.
Engine, Oct 13, 2022
Engine oil cooler defect was diagnosed by chevrolet dealership. Everytime I drive the truck, it would leak oil and would have a burning smell all underneath the truck. The part was on backorder for over a month and a half. After this long wait of not being able to drive the truck, the dealership finally put a new oil cooler in. The problem persists and they are not able to figure out from the engineer what will solve the problem. I have been out of a truck for over a month and a half now with no hopes of the issue being resolved.
Power train, Oct 10, 2022
Power hesitation, along with loud knocking sounds coming from the engine. Cause truck to completely shut off while driving 35mph. No warning lights or anything came on until complete failure
Engine, Sep 26, 2022
Per the repairing dealership, a lifter went bad. GM will not replace all of the lifters, just one side of the engine, due to the vehicle having over 8000 miles. Mine currently has 12,500. I no longer feel safe knowing that GM is replacing only half of the know defect with new parts that have the same issue (Told to me by the repair facility.) The vehicles engine could fail again, resulting in loss of acceleration. No warning was observed during, however after the fact, check engine and other warning lights were illuminated.
Steering, Suspension, Electrical system, Sep 22, 2022
Body control modules sas modules no communication service esc light and traction control lights coming on vehicle looses all steers ng when lights come on at any speeds it says service esc power steering loss drive with caution have had it into multiple shops and no diagnostic scanners can get into the 3 systems there 6050 miles on vehicle we haven’t gotten in a wreck yet but that is totally not out of the question it will happen and when it does its going to be devistating