Complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 peaked in 2025, with 329 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Pickup, gasoline, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in Mexico. Owner complaints on file from Dec 13, 2020 to Sep 30, 2026.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V-083 | Feb 12, 2026 | Transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up | Powertrain | 1,055 | Software update |
| 25V-274 | Apr 24, 2025 | Connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure | Engine and cooling | 597,571 | Part replacement |
| 24V-797 | Oct 24, 2024 | Transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up | Powertrain | 463,295 | Software update |
| 21V-985 | Dec 16, 2021 | 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… | Tires | 626 | Repair or modification |
| 21V-495 | Jul 1, 2021 | 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 | Airbags | 12 | Part replacement |
| 20V-811 | Dec 23, 2020 | Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle | Seat belts | 470 | Part replacement |
| 20V-792 | Dec 17, 2020 | Seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position | Seat belts | 624,216 | Inspection |
| 20V-684 | Nov 5, 2020 | Vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured | Tires | 7,516 | Part replacement |
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
830 complaints on file, page 1 of 42.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle previously had a bell housing installed to catch internal metal shavings; however, the housing assembly failed again and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test. The contact associated the failure with the torque converter. The torque converter was previously replaced once. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle felt like it was driving over rumble strips or speed bumps, which the contact felt and heard. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
NHTSA complaint 11768122My truck is the 2021 with the 6.2l L87 motor. My truck is not in the scope of the recall but i had the same failure and received a remanufactured engine without any warranty coverage.
NHTSA complaint 11768073This vehicle's engine failed on a high-volume roadway in [XXX] which resulted in a significant safety issue. The vehicle was taken to a certified Chevrolet dealership in Scottsdale (Van Chevrolet) whereby the engine in this 5.3L V8 was replaced due to catastrophic engine failure with the lifters being the suspected cause of the failure. Aside from the $10,400 cost of the remanufactured engine replacement, I have had considerable discussions (live and written) with GM Arizona and Corporate representatives outlining the issue(s) and filing formal complaints. These have gone relatively unheeded... Unfortunately, this is the second 5.3L V8 engine failure in one of our GM vehicles as I will be filing yet another formal complaint under separate cover for a 2021 Tahoe 5.3L V8 which had an engine failure requiring new lifters. I am not done yet as I have an appointment tomorrow for what appears to be, a third Chevrolet vehicle with a 5.3L V8 engine lifter failure. Depending on the outcome of this service appointment, I may be filing a third safety complaint regarding the GM 5.3L V8 engine. In my opinion, the NHTSA should absolutely open an investigation into this engine in the same manner that you have a formal investigation/recall in effect for the 6.2L GM engine as based on two personal experiences, the safety of the driver and passengers in these vehicles is compromised due to what appears to be significant engineering and/or manufacturing issues on the part of General Motors. Thank you for your consideration and I am free to discuss in further detail at [XXX] or [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11767705Vehicle has a bad valve body which was confirmed by the dealer. Driving down the street and the engine went from 3 to 4 gear and the rear wheels locked up. Also when coming to a stop the truck jerks so bad it snaps your neck. GM has major problems with these trucks and knows the problems and keeps issuing bulletins however they have a massive backlog of orders for parts to fix these trucks which leaves people's trucks sitting at service centers for months waiting for backordered parts
NHTSA complaint 11767590Truck stalled out while driving as if it had run out of fuel. Had to be towed to my house
NHTSA complaint 11767273the engine seized. I tore into the motor to inspect what caused it and it spun a connecting rod bearing on cylinder 1. I have been paying 600 a month on it without being able to drive it since this happened in november of 2024.
NHTSA complaint 11766765According to 2 mechanics- including a body shop - the frame has prematurely rusted due to: TSB 19-NA-255 - Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting There's so much damage to a 2021 truck, that it may not survive this winter. The frame welds are breaking due to the lack of frame protection. I asked my dealership, Lamoille Valley Chevrolet 868 VT RT 15E HYDE PARK, VT 05655, on two separate occasions to check for damage. One time they made no report, the second time they told me it was normal wear and tear. I've been told trucks 20 years older than mine, are in better condition. There was no protection for this frame.
NHTSA complaint 11766547The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after activating the 4WD feature, the rear wheels locked up with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions to be diagnosed. Several unknown parts were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Safety Recall : N242454440; as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,490.
NHTSA complaint 11766400Around 60k miles my truck started shifting rough and at odd times. Then it went into “limp” mode. I took it to the dealership and they replaced my battery and a solenoid. I asked about the transmission and they told me it was because it was in “limp mode”. I’ve continued to have issues with it then a couple of months ago while driving to work at around 60mph the truck harshly downshifted into a low gear causing the rear tires to break loose on the wet roads and sending me into an extended spin. I had the truck towed home and then to the local dealership. After researching, I have found that this is very common with the same vehicles in this year and that there are multiple recalls to address the issues. Unfortunately my VIN is not included. I believe the needed repairs and the associated costs should be GM’s responsibility under special coverages: N242454441 and N242454440-03
NHTSA complaint 11765787My truck started skipping and over time the check engine light came on. I took it in and they are saying it is the lifters, which is costly. I know this truck was built during COVID and I know a lot of the manufacturers were dealing with skeleton crews. I heard this was an issue with the 2021 Silverado trucks, and a recall. Can you please advise?
NHTSA complaint 11765689The water pump went bad at 31,000 miles. If I continued driving and the pulley fell off the engine would overheat. I took it to the dealer and they confirmed the pump failure and want me to pay over $1,400 for repair that should be covered under warranty. There was no warning lamps lit, the pump just started making a grinding sound.
NHTSA complaint 11765602Engine failed and truck caught on fire from the engine failure
NHTSA complaint 117655332021 silverado engine failure. Yes it was inspected by a dealership and my extended warranty company and serviced by the dealership. Back on August 5th I experienced a misfire cylinder 3 and felt loss of power. On August 7th the dealership diagnosed both camshafts, 1 lifter, 1 valve, and 1 fuel injector was damaged and never received at warning lights or messages on the dashboard. I was without the vehicle for 39 days and within 10 hrs after picking up the truck i got an engine light on and several new codes on it and can not be driven and being towed. I feel these engines need a recall as it is well documented that these engines go between 60 and 80,000 miles and some a lot less than that, mine has 70,800 and went and now being towed with in less than 24 hrs after engine repair. I will be in contact with a lawyer to follow up on this matter.
NHTSA complaint 11764947Engine noise, unable to pass or fail pico test due to to much noise in truck. Engine failure.
NHTSA complaint 11764010LM2 engine coolant control valve failure. My vehicle VIN is not listed for the repair i dont know how it is not but they want me to pay outa pocket
NHTSA complaint 11763762Statement for NHTSA Subject: Safety Complaint – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado Unexpected Jerking/Harsh Transmission Engagement I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2.7L Turbo with approximately 128,000 miles. My vehicle has developed a recurring problem involving harsh/jerking transmission engagement, hesitation, shuddering and abnormal shifting. The truck can jerk when engaging or changing gears and has also experienced a hard engagement when shifting from Reverse into Drive. During normal driving, the vehicle can hesitate or feel as though it is repeatedly fluttering/shifting instead of providing smooth and predictable acceleration. The vehicle has produced diagnostic trouble codes including P0700, U0100 and P0420. I am concerned that this condition could create a safety hazard, particularly if the vehicle unexpectedly jerks, hesitates or fails to respond normally when accelerating or changing gears in traffic. I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and review whether there is a pattern or potential safety-related defect involving transmission engagement, shifting or drivetrain control on 2021 Chevrolet Silverado vehicles. GM has published service information concerning delayed and harsh transmission engagement on certain Silverado applications, including 2019–2021 models, which makes me concerned that my vehicle may be experiencing a related issue. I am retaining my repair records, diagnostic information, receipts, videos and mileage/date information documenting when the problem occurs. I am willing to provide this information if requested. Please help me get my truck corrected, I love my Chevy Truck. Thanks Sincerely [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11763481My 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST with the 6.2L engine experienced an engine seizure. The engine was replaced by a Chevrolet dealership under a GM safety recall. Immediately after picking up the vehicle following the recall engine replacement, the truck stalled while still in the Chevrolet dealership parking lot. There was no warning before this first stall. We continued our trip because we did not realize at the time that the stall could indicate a problem following the engine replacement. During the drive from [XXX] to [XXX], the problem continued. In [XXX], the check engine light illuminated and the truck began malfunctioning. The vehicle subsequently stalled again. The problem continued after returning to [XXX]. A Chevrolet dealership in [XXX] inspected the vehicle and reproduced/confirmed a problem involving the camshaft position sensor wiring/connector. The dealership demonstrated the problem by manipulating the connector/wiring and recorded a video of the diagnostic procedure. The vehicle is currently at the Chevrolet dealership and is available for inspection. The affected component should also be available for inspection because it has not yet been repaired. The [XXX] dealership has characterized the wiring/connector condition as normal wear. However, the first stall occurred immediately after the GM recall engine replacement, while the vehicle was still on the repairing Chevrolet dealership's property. Unexpected engine stalling creates a serious safety risk because the vehicle can lose propulsion without warning while driving, including at highway speeds or in traffic. I am concerned that the camshaft position circuit/wiring/connector problem may be associated with the recall engine replacement procedure or replacement engine. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether other vehicles receiving this GM 6.2L engine recall remedy have experienced similar camshaft position circuit failures or unexpected stalling after engine repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FO
NHTSA complaint 11763216The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping while shifting gears and the transmission was shuddering. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were ordered. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the warranty had expired five months prior. The failure mileage was approximately 53,020.
NHTSA complaint 11763159Following recall review by the dealership, experienced sudden, catastrophic engine failure nearly stranding me on the road with my son. Awaiting final diagnostics from the dealership, but every indication, errors, and symptoms align with all the other complaints that I have reviewed on line for the make/model of my vehicle. Recall assessment and corrective actions ineffective resolving engine failure.
NHTSA complaint 11762998The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the exhaust manifold bolts had detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the warranty mileage limitation had been exceeded. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,248.
NHTSA complaint 11762775Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.