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.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 5, 2022
Can't pull a trailer without the SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT coming on a dinging over and over. Had my trailer completely rewired only to find out its a malfunction on my truck not my trailer. My truck is a 2021 Silverado z71 trail boss with low mileage
Engine and engine cooling, May 31, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that approximately 35 minutes after parking and turning the vehicle off he was notified that the vehicle had caught on fire. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. Upon inspection, it was determined that the fire originated in the engine compartment. A police and fire report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 12,000.
Engine, May 21, 2022
I was driving and noticed several loud clunking noises coming from the Engine bay. The truck began to cut out, shake, and misfire. My dash began to flash and state I had a parking brake failure. I had no choice but to be towed. I have just shy of 17,000 miles. The dealership stated I had two lifter and 1 rod failure. They replaced the rod and all lifters on one side of the engine. I took the truck home for one night and it broke down again. The dealership stated it was fixed for a second time. When I picked it up again, I made it 1 mile down the road before the truck had the exact same symptoms with shuddering and misfiring. It is at the dealership for a third time. I was surprised to fin several class action lawsuits now filed against gm concerning the lifter issue. YouTube is full of lifter issue videos. This should be fully investigated and obviously warrants a recall for lifters, rods, and the camshaft.
Service brakes, May 14, 2022
When I start my Chevy Silverado 1500, three warning lights come on that are telling me that I have brake system failure 43 MPH top speed, Service ESC and Service Trailer Brake system. When I drive, the brakes are very mushy and the truck is very difficult to brake. 20 minutes later after stopping and getting ready to take the truck to the dealer, the brakes worked fine. The dealer couldn't replicate the problem at first, but finally had the issue when they were putting it on the rack to perform improve my tire alignment, so they said they updated the software. The truck brakes worked fine when I left the dealership. The next day (Saturday) I went to start the truck and the same issue happened. I can't take it in as Service is not available on Saturdays so I started looking online. Apparently there are several other owners dealing with this same issue and have been for years. I have read that it might be a variety of things causing this issue, but someone needs to get this resolved ASAP as I have read about some getting into accidents regarding this. My truck is only 16 months old and only has 14,000 miles on it.
Other or unspecified, May 13, 2022, fire
My 2021 Chevrolet Silverado started on fire and blew up in my driveway. I had just returned from the store, parked it and went inside. No more than 3 minutes later, my neighbor came running over to tell me my truck was on fire. There were no issues at all while I was driving the vehicle. The township fire department said this is the 4th 2021 Chevrolet Silverado that has burst into flames in the last 6 weeks. They said they all had the 2.7L Turbo engine, as well. The truck is a complete loss. I have contacted the dealership and Chevrolet about the issue and have not heard back yet. The fire started in the engine compartment and quickly raged out of control. The hood and engine disintegrated from the heat. The vehicle was towed away and the insurance adjuster has yet to go out and look at it. If I would've been stuck in traffic on the way home, I would have been in the vehicle and may not be here typing this report right now. It went up that fast. This is a major safety issue that needs to be thoroughly investigated before somebody loses their life. It nearly caught my house on fire, but thankfully there was only minor damage to some garage trim and the driveway is ruined. Please investigate this issue immediately. This was a pretty traumatic experience, to say the least.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 4, 2022
On April 29, 2022 between 4:45 - 5:00 pm Eastern, I was dropping off my son at work when I suddenly experienced a variety of Truck Diagnostic Error messages on the front driver display window. In addition my OnStar advanced diagnostic alert system informed me with the following system issues: Engine and Transmission; StabiliTrak stability control; Antilock Brake; and Emissions. At that moment the truck experience a cut in power and slowed down with a knocking sound coming from what seemed under the truck. I slowly proceeded to drop off my son and drove back home and parked the truck. Truck was towed to local Chevy dealer on Friday of that day. A preliminary diagnosis was done Saturday, April 30 suggesting an Engine Lifter issue. On Monday, May 2, 2022, a final diagnosis determined engine lifter failure on one side of engine bank. Vehicle is still under Warranty with 17,400 miles on it.
Steering, Apr 28, 2022
Intermittent power steering failure.
Structure, Mar 24, 2022
Unknown
Engine, Mar 13, 2022
GM USES/USED SUBSTANDARD ENGINE COMPONENTS i.e. LIFTERS. GM KNOWS THSES ARE PRONE TO FAIL, YET ONLY REPAIRS THE VEHICLES THAT ARE AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER PRIOR TO SALE. ALL THE VEHICLES THAT WERE ALREADY SOLD WILL NOT BE REAPIRED UNLESS ITS BROUGHT IN FOR SEVICE, GM WILL NOT NOTIFY CUSTOMERS OF THIS ISSUE. ALSO GM FAILS TO STOCK THESE PARTS EVEN THOUGH BY THERE OWN SERVICE BULLETINS SUBSTANDARD PARTS WERE USED TO BUILD THESE VEHICLES. GM WILL NOT SUPPLY LOANER VEHICLES TO PATRONS WHO DO HAVE THIS SERVICE DONE NOR WILL THEY TELL CUSTOMERS THAT THE PATRON COULD RENT A VEHICLE AND GET REIMBURSED FOR SAID RENTAL.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 12, 2022
A squirrel chewed into the fuel line [Hose - GM (84871298), see: https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-parts/gm-hose-84871298). This caused a fuel leak that could be directly observed only while the vehicle was running. On one occasion, however, a small pool of fuel appeared under the vehicle immediately after shut off. This part failure poses a fire and explosion risk. In addition, the wasted gasoline pollutes the atmosphere. The line was replaced at Lynn Layton Chevrolet of Decatur Alabama (invoice 608119). The part was inspected by Lynn Layton Chevrolet as part of that service ticket in order to determine the cause of the leak. To my knowledge, further inspection has not occurred. No warning lamps indicated the failure. The problem was detected by observing the trail of fuel when parking.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 27, 2022
Concern: Various check engine lights occurred and vehicle making noise from the motor. Park collision assistance codes, emergency brake engaged code, when it was not on and could not move vehicle. Safety concerns about vehicle completely quitting or braking causing an accident, along with engine issue with only 5,161 miles on the motor of a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado. Cause: Scanned data indicated p0300 stored miss fire #4 cylinder on right side of engine, lifter noisy, push rod #4 intake bent. Correction: Removed intake, exhaust manifold, value cover, cylinder head, right side replaced all lifters, one push rod, related gaskets, reassembled engine.
Engine, Feb 1, 2022
While driving East on I-24 with my granddaughter. I felt a thump much like hitting a big dog or something in the road. I looked at my 10 year old granddaughter, she was looking at me, she said what was that? I said I don't know, but it happened again in about 1/4 mile down the road. We traveled about another 1/4 mile when the truck started sounding like a machine gun being fired!! My granddaughter started crying as she was scared, I pulled over into the emergency pull off to check my truck. It was running good now and NO ENGINE LIGHT was on. So I continued driving toward Clarksville, TN. although I considered turning back and heading home. I thought maybe it was water in the gas or something. After arriving in Clarksville to pick up my two grandsons we started home. As soon as I got on I-24 west the truck started the same thing again. Felt like we hit a big dog and then started sounding like a machine gun being fired. This time the ENGINE LIGHT DID come on. I was afraid the truck was going to quit running and there I was with 3 grandkids on a very busy I-24!! I contacted Patroit Chevrolet where I purchased the truck at. They told me it would be 6 weeks before they could look at my truck!!!! I hung up but called back as I was afraid that I couldn't make it home, the truck was running bad!! They found that it had dropped a lifter, it had only about 6,300 miles on it!!! They had it for about 3 weeks. Now, I find out that GM has had a lot of problems with these motors, "A LOT of PROBLEMS"!! I,m sure the problem WILL happen again, I am hoping no one gets killed when it does. THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM!!! GM needs to replace these motors or buy them back or something!!!
Power train, Jan 31, 2022
There is a massive shudder that sounds like the whole dash could come loose. feels and sounds like rumble strips and off road driving mixed all together. It happens at all speeds and when rpms are steady around 1200-1400.
Power train, Engine, Jan 21, 2022
I have a 2021 Silverado 6.2 being repaired for failed lifters. I see this is a common trend and can cause hazards when pulling over for a faulty motor. 10 speed Transmission downshifts from 2 to 1 harsh with rpms jumping up causing for me to apply more brake pressure to stop. I have had a few incidents when I get close to the vehicle in front coming to a stop. I have taken vehicle to dealer for issue and they couldn’t replicate issues. Check engine light has popped up once or twice but never stayed on long enough to throw a code.
Suspension, Power train, Engine, Jan 20, 2022
Engine valve lifter failure at 20,000 miles; engine hesitation and power loss. Error to parking brake and to electronic stability control. Chevrolet to replace damaged lifter but refused to replace both banks of defective lifters. As a result of dysfunction I was stranded 1200 miles from home and have been waiting 2 weeks for repair. Still 1200 miles from home with 2 kayaks, 2 bikes etc.
Engine, Jan 5, 2022
Engine lifter failure, excessive engine noise, loss of power and responsiveness, strange sounds from engine and runs very rough especially during acceleration. Multiple warning lights associated with the valve failure. Cruise control no longer works.
Electrical system, Jan 3, 2022
The ESC, parking light, traction control, and engine light came on while driving home. The engine started to shake. There was an issue with braking and steering the vehicle that made it difficult to control. A message on the dash said Service ESC. A report was sent via OnStar Notifications that said An issue with the emissions system is detected. After trying to restart the vehicle a few times, the lights will not go away. The truck is driving rough.
Service brakes, Dec 30, 2021
While driving the vehicle on a snow covered road the check engine light, abs light, esc light and parking brake light all came on. The vehicle also lost braking power. Took to the dealer. They told me it was a brake control module. If you do some research this is a on going thing since 2018. But they still continue to put this part in the trucks. On top of all of that they don't have a replacement part for the truck. Now the truck is going to sit at the dealer for one to two months. I am now paying on a truck that I can't drive to work and no loaners available. my question is why are they aloud to still put these parts in a truck. How do I know if they fix it if the problem wont happen again. If it does happen i hope my family and any one else is not in the way of my truck that I am unable to stop.
Air bags, Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Dec 27, 2021
Every so ofter I get an audible and visual alert telling me to Service Seat Safety Restraint System as well as the airbag light on the dashboard. This lastest incident is probably the 8th time it has happened since Ive brought the truck new
Engine, Dec 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, she heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the engine. The contact veered to the side of the road inspected the vehicle but found no issues. The contact continued driving for a while before the failure recurred and the sound was much louder. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that two rods had gone through the engine block and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.
Engine, Dec 4, 2021
At 7000miles truck had sudden engine failure, pulled to side of road and had towed. Dealership said it has a conmonly occuring failure of valve lifters causing bent pushrods.
Engine, Dec 1, 2021
Lifters in the engine failed causing the truck to sputter and shake going down the highway. Barely could hold it in the road. Truck wanted to stall out while driving. Truck was fixed and made it 30 miles before the same thing happened again. Chevrolet has dropped the ball and needs to be held accountable for this problem before someone gets hurt or killed.
Air bags, Nov 23, 2021
Service safety restraint system with airbag light comes on then goes away this happens when going into a turn.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 21, 2021
Driving down the road and out of know where engine starting knocking and lagging, idled rough. Drove to dealer lifter failure was what was diagnosed. 10000 miles on the truck driven easy, no towing or anything. Dealer also informed me 3 other silverados were there for the same problem! Ridiculous!!
Air bags, Nov 19, 2021
Safety restraint t system failure - airbag lights on and airbags advised will not deploy if in accident