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.
Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2026
Rear power sliding window. Leaking when it rains or going through the car wash. On 6/4/25 I had a leak from my rear window checked out by the dealership were I bought the truck. Morrie's Onalaska Chevrolet. They found a water leak from cracks in the rear glass molding. I have water lines on the roof lining from the leak.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal sound while driving. Upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an oil change, it was discovered that there were metal shavings inside the engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnosis, and to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance in adding the VIN to the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Engine, Jun 24, 2026
Verified customers cpncern of cylinder 3 misfire and low compression. Inspected cylinder 3 sing a borescope and found excessive oil on top of the piston and on the cylinder walls. There are marks from loose carbon debris damaged the cylinder wall. Upon further inspection the oil looks to be coming from the valve seals. Recommend replacement of the long block assembly to correct these conditions. --Cody Glasscock, Ford Lincoln of Morgantown
Power train, Jun 22, 2026, crash
My 2021 Chevrolet Silverado RST 4x4 5.3L V8 was a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle purchased through a GMC dealership, strictly maintained by certified GMC service departments, and had its torque converter replaced one year prior in accordance with a manufacturer Technical Service Bulletin (TSB). One week before a scheduled round-trip journey from Alabama to North Carolina, the truck underwent a comprehensive multi-point inspection, oil change, and tire rotation at an authorized Chevrolet dealership. While driving on the highway, I came to a complete stop due to an accident ahead, but when traffic resumed a forward-moving pace, the drivetrain completely lost the ability to propel the vehicle without any prior warning signs or symptoms of mechanical failure. While immobilized and contacting 911 and towing services, I attempted to cycle through all drive modes—including Auto, 4-High, 4-Low, and 2WD—but none succeeded in transferring power to the wheels; though the engine would still rev, no power reached the tires. No dashboard warning lights illuminated prior to the drivetrain failure, though a check engine light did appear after the vehicle became immobile when I was switching through drive modes. Because there was no available highway shoulder or exit to seek safety, and due to the sudden nature of the mechanical failure, emergency vehicles and tow trucks could not safely divert traffic or move the vehicle in time, resulting in a severe rear-end collision that caused a total loss. The vehicle has not yet undergone a mechanical inspection, but it is currently under a 60-day hold for examination by insurance adjusters and legal counsel, and it remains available for a formal teardown upon request.
Engine, Jun 22, 2026
It started backfiring and knocking
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 21, 2026
Check engine light flashes when pulling a load and accelerating above 50mph. Check engine light code is PO300 Random multiple misfires. Took it to the shop and there we’re currently no active misfires.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated to 30 MPH and the vehicle loss motive power. A dealer was contacted. An undisclosed warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced, and that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was informed that the warranty would not cover the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,082.
Power train, Jun 16, 2026
10 speed transmission failed at 70K miles. Metal found in the torque converter. Manufacturer recommended routine maintenance was performed on transmission. There needs to be a recall on 2020 to 2021 vehicles with the 10 speed transmission due to the reporting of safety issues of the vehicles locking up while driving. I was lucky to feel the issue happening and getting off the road before it was able to lock up on me causing serious injuries. This needs to be addressed and taken seriously before someone loses their life. Best regards, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jun 16, 2026
I have 112,000 miles on my truck and my 6.2l motor is going out or knocking. I am very unhappy that my truck is not covered under the recall and I would like to understand why it is not since this is the issue of the recall. I would like to clarification on this and what options I have since it is going to cost me 14k to replace the motor. Case #101943027
Engine, Jun 15, 2026
Lights on the panel reads service parking break, engine, transmission, abs, traffic control and esc service. All these lights are on. Idling rough, white smoke with rich smell. Had a diagnostic read cam/crank and lifters bad… estimated cost 15,000. Total new engine install.
Engine, Jun 14, 2026
I bought a 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 Badlander edition in February of 2025. I love the truck and drive it everywhere. I have brought it in for every oil change when needed. I got my first oil change April of 2025 and had no issues. Then I got my second oil change June of 2025 and both of these were done at the dealership that I purchased the truck from. At the June oil change I asked Jeff Belzers to do an oil consumption test and they said they would not because my vin did not show up in the recall. On July 31 of 2025 I got an engine oil low light on my dash, which I took a picture of. At that time I had to add two quarts of oil. Then in August of 2025 I went in for my oil change at Jeff Belzers again and I told them about adding the two quarts of oil and asked again at that time if they could do an oil consumption test and they told me no again because my vin was not on the recall list. I then got another low engine oil light on September 29, 2025 and at that time I added 2 quarts of oil. In October of 2025 I brought my truck to Maur Chevrolet for an oil change and asked them to check my vin for a recall and they said there were no recalls. Then I brought my truck to Maur Chevrolet in November of 2025 for an oil change and I asked if the vin recall had changed and they said no. At this time I was just checking my oil and adding as needed. I took my truck in for an oil change in January of 2026 and asked about the recall again and no changes. Then after that oil change, I was adding a quart of oil every 600 miles. So when I went in for an oil change in April, I asked for an oil consumption test to be done and the service advisor said yes. This was the first positive step I had in this entire ordeal. At the end of the consumption test, which was on June 12, 2026 it was verified that the engine was burning 3 1/2 quarts of oil every 3,000 miles. At that time I had another oil change done and they told me that they would discuss what would happen on Monday June 15, 2026
Power train, Engine, Jun 11, 2026
The truck started backfiring and shuddering. Took it to the mechanic and with only 112000 miles I am being told it needs a new engine. It is the 6.2l motor.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 10, 2026
Loud ticking noise and power loss. Transmission shift slips from 2nd to 3rd . Called factory and dealership for check up. Said no problem… Told to Change oil. Did this, NO CHANGE.
Engine, Jun 8, 2026
On June 3, 2026, my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss, which has a 6.2L L87 V8 engine, stalled and shut off unexpectedly while I was stopped at a traffic light on a public highway. The engine died without warning, leaving me stranded in traffic and creating a serious safety risk for me and other drivers because of the chance of a collision. I had to call the police to come and sit behind me to keep myself safe from a collision while I waited for a tow truck. A dealer diagnosed the vehicle with DTC P0016, indicating a crankshaft/camshaft position correlation fault. This points to either an engine timing problem or an internal engine failure. The dealer confirmed the issue and gave me a repair estimate of about $11,000. Both the vehicle and repair records can be inspected if needed. Before the failure, the vehicle showed signs of an engine timing or internal issue and eventually triggered the check engine light with code P0016. After researching, I discovered many reports from other owners with the same 6.2L L87 engine who faced similar problems, including P0016 faults, engine stalling, internal engine damage, and complete engine replacement. While some vehicles with this engine have been part of recalls or special coverage programs, my vehicle is not included, even though it shows the same failure pattern. At the time of the failure, the vehicle has about 140,336 miles. I believe my vehicle has the same defect affecting other 6.2L L87 engines. I ask that NHTSA look into whether more vehicles should be added to any current or future recalls or defect investigations. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 8, 2026
When i first purchased the vehicle off the lot a few years back (its a 21, so probably in 22?) Brand new off the lot minimal miles. Within the first few months we started having issues with the power wanting to shift down. We took it in, the dealership found nothing wrong with it and cleared the codes. This happened a few more times. The last 2 times I took it in. They mentioned that there were recalls on it and could possibly be causing the issue. Took care of that (last august- have docs. to prove it as along with what they did and what we stated). Fast forward now 2 months ago (April of 25) and it starts acting up again and wants to downshift, shifting hard, stuttering and not wanting to drive, the same things we have been complaining about since beginning with lights on etc. However, this time we tried to shut it off and give some down time to get back home. After about 10 mins, we went to start the truck to get it home, and it would not start. We had it towed to the dealership. Once they got it, after 2 weeks of waiting we were finally presented with, the starter went out and the wiring box needed to be replaced (this has to be done before they can look into the original problem again) (because without those 2 things fixed, they wont be able to do) it is now June. I took the vehicle home, due to not having funds to fix right away. After doing some research and some digging, it would appear that the issues that we are having with the truck are issues that are already being recalled on this specific truck and model. However, for mine it is not, because I have the 2.7 l turbo and not the 6.8. THere have been numerous complaints about the known issue.(which i found out is the other wiring by the engine that is being chafed which is causing the wires to break and causing the other box and alternator to go and be replaced). If you replace it fries all again. Why is the 2.6 engine problem thats reported not recalled but rest is and it is known. I also see this online
Power train, Engine, Jun 7, 2026, crash
Loud ticking noise and power loss. Transmission shift slips from 2ed to 3rd .Recall to factory for check up. Said no problem? Changed oil. They say it was good. It is not.
Other or unspecified, Jun 6, 2026
After putting our Silverado in park it will not turn to the off position or release the key from the ignition immediately. We have to wait 1-3 minutes without attempting to turn it in the off position and then the key will release from ignition. No warning lamps. No error codes on reader. Repeatable by auto technician who suggested a battery change- our current battery was fine and did not fix the issue. If you forget and try to remove the key in under a minute after parking you have to restart the truck, go back to park and then start the 1-3 minute countdown all over before it will release the key. The truck is in park, the parking brake is engaged (although we tried without using the brake and still won’t release key) This means the trucks battery has to run until it will release the key. Or chance leaving the key in the ignition (still draining battery) since it won’t turn to the off position.
Engine, Jun 6, 2026
Was on way to trade truck in onb6/6/26 and got a cylinder #7 misfire. Replaced spark plug and wire and moved coil packs around to trace and stayed on #7. Just had recall completed on 9/25/25 and stated that I've heard a rattling noise in engine area. They performed recall and changed to new oil suggested by GM. Dealership said noise was transmission. I told them that was replaced already within last 50k miles under warranty. Drive it for a few days and rattling noise still there. Took back to dealer on 9/30/25 at cost of $200 diagnositc and stated there is a grinding noise under light acceleration like it's metal on metal. Dealer stated that it was the rear seat rattling. There were NO noises in the cab, only coming from outside at driverside motor area. Called GM 10/1/25 to let them know the denial of motor replacement and we wanted 2nd opinion but we would have to pay out of pocket again. On 6/4/26 had to have truck towed to new dealer. New dealer won't make deal on new truck because of this and we have 2 trips already booked and paid for and 1 at end of June. New dealer is putting in service on 6/8/26 to verify cause. I have called GM after making repairs and they said it was between me and the dealer, there is nothing they can do. This is unacceptable! Im fine if they would offset cost and buy a new Chevy truck and we are going to fight to get it made right. This does make us want to change brands even though we've bought 5 Chevys in the last 10 years.
Engine, Jun 6, 2026
I have fighting this issue since January and have not gotten any help or relief from Chevrolet. This issue caused a significant safety risk and has cost me $12,000. I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue involving my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado that resulted in a sudden loss of power while merging onto an interstate highway. On XXX, I brought my vehicle in for service to replace the upper and lower ball joints, as well as the control arms. I retrieved the vehicle from the repair shop on XXX, and departed the same day for travel to [XXX]. Later that evening, while traveling southbound on [XXX] near [XXX], I stopped at Exit XXX. Upon re-entering the highway and accelerating to merge into traffic, the vehicle began shifting through gears abnormally. While in approximately 6th gear at around 2,900 RPM, a loud banging noise occurred, followed immediately by a significant loss of engine power. At the same time, the check engine light illuminated. Due to the sudden and unexpected loss of power while actively merging into highway traffic, I was nearly rear-ended by another vehicle. I was forced to take immediate evasive action and pull onto the shoulder to avoid a collision. This incident created a highly dangerous situation not only for myself but for surrounding motorists. This failure occurred without warning and directly impacted my ability to safely operate the vehicle in a high-speed traffic environment. I believe this presents a significant safety concern that warrants investigation. Please let me know if any additional information is required. I appreciate your attention to this matter and request that this incident be formally documented and reviewed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags, Jun 3, 2026
Air bag light was on , took to dealership because this was absolutely a safety hazard! The left front crash sensor is defective.
Electrical system, Jun 1, 2026
1. An electrical failure from a component of the main wiring harness causes the ECM to respond with Service ESC, Reduced Engine Power, Service parking brake, service traction control. 2. Interstate driving requires maintaining rate of speed to avoid collision. The vehicle is much more difficult to drive as acceleration is very poor and also main safety functions like traction control are disabled. 3. Check engine light stays on until codes have been read. After codes have been cleared, normal driving and usually turning or bumps in the road tend to trigger the recurrence. 4. The vehicle has only been reviewed by the dealership for this issue. 5. No warnings before the failure occurs
Electrical system, Jun 1, 2026
1. An electrical failure from a component of the main wiring harness causes the ECM to respond with Service ESC, Reduced Engine Power, Service parking brake, service traction control. 2. Interstate driving requires maintaining rate of speed to avoid collision. The vehicle is much more difficult to drive as acceleration is very poor and also main safety functions like traction control are disabled. 3. Check engine light stays on until codes have been read. After codes have been cleared, normal driving and usually turning or bumps in the road tend to trigger the recurrence. 4. The vehicle has only been reviewed by the dealership for this issue. 5. No warnings before the failure occurs.
Engine, May 31, 2026
Truck started ticking/clicking a few months back and the ESC or ECS light came on took it to the dealer Carl Black Chevrolet in Orlando, where the was supposed to to fix the problem under the previous owner, my boss who gave me the truck and 30 days after receiving the title the motor is bad. Mileage now is 112,000, the truck has burned the right fuel and had proper oil changes. Now the motor is blown as per a certified mechanic northeast auto and truck service in Ocala. First owner called General Motors to see if they could help and was told it should have gone to a Chevy dealer so they won’t or cant help. Motor is blown on a truck with low miles and this is how Chevy appreciate its drivers who purchase their vechiles. Buy American, they say…wow! On [XXX] the same reading came on again. This time it said service emergency brakes, parked it, went in store to purchase food, came out, started truck, drove 4 miles, parked truck went in to work and three hour later came out and white smoke rolled out the back and inside cab. What the heck! Embarrassing … had to leave truck… Chevy replace this engine, please. Was concerned about it INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags, May 29, 2026, crash
25 to 30 MPH front end collision with no air bag deployment. During repair it showed airbags deployed although none were out.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, May 29, 2026
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom 2.7 L Turbo 4 cylinder with 34,000 miles When Truck cranks and put in gear begins moving at low speed between 1-2 gear (low speed 5-10 mph forward and also in put into reverse) hard jolted severely injuring passenger. Felt like being rear-ended by another car. Passenger was hurt & required Trauma 1 EMS & 2 surgeries (Spinal Fusion Surgery) hospitalization from 12/2/2025 to 12/13/2025. The truck jolt directly caused this accident and there were many recalls for this truck yet we had no direct knowledge of this information & was never notified of any of these issues. Truck was services at same dealership just weeks prior to accident. The truck check engine light came on only after the accident. It happened on a private gated property. Only select trucks have been said to do this very hard jolted injuring passenger and owners are not made aware using Silverado 1500 trucks. Please acknowledge receipt of this report and advise. Thank you.