See attached document for complaint.
The worst 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine453
- Transmission245
- Electrical113
- Brakes45
- Steering43
- Fuel system32
- Body29
- Airbags20
- Suspension18
- Driver assistance17
- Locks15
- Acceleration10
- Wheels8
- Seat belts7
- Visibility7
- Lights6
- Tires3
- Seats2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Check engine light 192Engine failure 149Loss of power 86Knocking 63Misfire 53Stalling 51Jerking 43Harsh shifting 33Hesitation 33Shudder 32Transmission failure 31Won't shift 25Slipping 17Oil consumption 15Overheating 15Power steering loss 15Warning lights 14Ball joint 13Fire or smoke 13Fuel pump 11Won't start 11Grinding brakes 10No deployment 9Brake failure 9ABS 8Airbag light 7Backup camera 5Seat belt 5Water leak 5
Trouble codes owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 mention
P0016 11P1098 9P0300 6P0700 4P0303 2P0304 2P0340 2P0747 2P1010 2P1467 2P146B 2P2732 2
Recalls 8
Power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve body
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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 on February 12, 2026.
Recall number 26V083000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 25V274000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve body
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 24V797000 · Recall details
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 21V985000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- The missing tabs may prevent the air bag from deploying properly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 21V495000 · Recall details
Seat belts: critical fasteners
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 20V811000 · Recall details
Seat belts: critical fasteners
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 20V792000 · Recall details
Tires
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 20V684000 · Recall details
See all 8 recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Defect investigations
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001. This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V‑274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V‑274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GMâs recall remedy for Recall 25V‑274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V‑274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement. Additionally, ODI has received 191 reports of L87 engine failures in engines produced after the production period cited in Recall 25V‑274. GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysisto continue investigating complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is expanding the scope of this Investigation to include engines produced after the production period cited in the recall. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
EA26005
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001. This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V‑274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V‑274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GMâs recall remedy for Recall 25V‑274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V‑274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement. GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI will close this RQ and continue to investigate complaints of post-remedy engine failure for Recall 25V‑274 as part of an Engineering Analysis (EA26005). To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
RQ26001
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V‑274. These engines are installed in Model Years (MY) 2019â2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2021-2024MY Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV vehicles. The subject engine failures were investigated as part of a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25001). GM determined that these engine failures were due to multiple supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM issued recall 25V‑274 to address the supplier manufacturing and quality issues produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. Based on the issuance of recall 25V‑274, the federal safety agency has closed PE25001. ODI continues to receive a significant number of reports of engine failure in vehicles outside the scope of 25V‑274. This presents a potential safety risk that warrants further investigation. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis (EA) to further evaluate the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues of vehicles built outside the recall scope. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
EA25007
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
On January 16, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in MY2019-2024 GMâs full-size truck and SUV T1XX platform equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine. These complainants alleged engine bearing failures resulting in knocking and growling noises from the engineâs bottom end and in some cases more severe consequences such as broken connecting rods leading to engine damage, or engine failure. If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. On April 24, 2025, GM issued recall 25V‑274 to address the concern with L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GMâs recall remedy will be either an oil change to an oil with a different viscosity or engine replacement depending on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. To date, ODI has received 1,157 allegations of engine bearing failure. GM submitted 55,464 reports in total, with 29,752 unique VINs. ODI continues to receive allegations of L87 engine failures which fall outside of the scope of recall 25V‑274. Based on GMâs recall, ODI will close this PE. the federal safety agency will continue to investigate complaints of engine failure outside the scope of recall 25V‑274 as part ofEngineering Analysis (EA25007). To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
PE25001
Air Bag Malfunction
On April 9, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE21-010 to investigate instances of air bag malfunction indicator light (MIL) illumination and potential for frontal air bag non-deployment in several vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The vehicles included model year (MY) 2020 through 2021 CT4 and CT5 passenger cars, Sierra and Silverado trucks (1500/2500/3500 models), XT4 and MY 2021 Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon SUVs.Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 21-NA-005, issued in March 2021, addresses air bag MIL illumination with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B0001-1B or B0012-0D. It cites rust particles in the connection terminal interface of the driver air bag inflator housing as the cause of the air bag MIL illumination. Illumination of the air bag MIL under these circumstances may result in a non-deployment of the frontal driver air bag during a frontal collision and increased risk of injury to the driver.GM stated a correlation exists between production delays due to the pandemic shutdown and premature corrosion initiation on the surface of the air bag inflator housing, which, in some cases, caused rust development during a seven (7) month period of vehicle production. In the rare instance when a rust particle dislodges from the driver air bag inflator housing and enters the air bag connector prior to assembly, an intermittent resistance spike at the air bag connector may result. The condition generates excessive resistance in the air bag electrical system when the steering wheel horn cover is manipulated or the steering wheel is turned. This excessive resistance is momentary. A crash commanding air bag deployment would need to occur exactly when the momentary excessive resistance occurs. Thus, there is a very low likelihood the hazard will present a risk during a crash of sufficient severity to warrant a commanded deployment. This failure mechanism occurs early in life and results in an air bag MIL illumination that corresponds to a DTC warning the driver that the vehicle requires service. The vehicle's air bag remains functional while the MIL is illuminated, and the DTC is present.Once the connection of the driver air bag module to the clockspring is made at the plant, or at the dealership for service, there is no longer an opportunity for rust migration into the connection point. The connector is sealed and has gold terminals, eliminating the expectation of fretting corrosion. All subject vehicles passed standard corrosion validation testing for extensive corrosion with no issue of air bag non-deployment.There is a low rate of occurrence: 1.41 incidents per thousand vehicles (IPTV) for all related occurrences, and 0.04 IPTV for occurrences with a mention of visible rust and/or corrosion on the air bag inflator housing. The average occurrence mileage for the subject vehicles is approximately 2,100. Every occurrence related to the alleged defect experienced an air bag MIL illumination and there are no verified allegations of air bag non-deployment within all data sources.To date, there have been no reported fires, crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. In view of the low rate, and the nature of early-life failure, the high detectability of failures, and low potential hazard to drivers, this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at under the following identification numbers: 11537927, 11528888, 11525020, 11521401, 11506057, 11493107, 11486767, 11441525, 11433146, 11425658, 11423440, 11385267, 11376429, 11373466, 11366995.
PE21010
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 1,470
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories
- Unknown or other
- Beginning with 2026 model year production, the floor console/armrest lamp design was changed by removing...
- This document assists GM dealer technicians with diagnosing torque converter concerns to ensure torque...
- Unknown or other
- This PI communicates information that Engineering has released an updated Trailer Lighting Control Module...
- • Improvements to OnStar functionality.
- Unknown or other
- This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent...
See all 1,470 bulletins for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
What 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The truck shut down while on the highway, complete loss of power and would not restart. Chevrolet dealership concluded that the engine has locked up/failed. Chevrolet states that 2021 6.2-L L87 engine is not included in Recall 25V‑274 despite similar mechanical failure.
internal engine failure: Lifter went out. Hence caused a catalytic converter to fail without my knowledge. Obviously with this issue there is an issue and can potentially be more. This would be under a recall.
Took my truck 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 6.2 to GMC for engine noise and was told my engine needs to be tore down to replace the camshaft and lifters for $11,000 or I could replace the engine for around the same cost. Truck doesn’t fall under the 6.2 recall even though this is one of the issues that the motor has been recalled for?
The lifter on my cylinder one is failing. This is a known issue with the Chevrolet 5.3L 8cylinder engine and 2021 models are known for being notoriously bad with lifter issues. My safety and the safety of other drivers that own 2021 Chevrolet models is impacted due to this issue can cause the engine to completely fail and shut off while driving which could cause severe injuries up to death. The problem is a widespread issue and mine was confirmed by an independent service mechanic. The vehicle is now being inspected by the dealership. The issue did not arise until I reached 104,000 miles.
I bought this vehicle 9/2023. On 02/23/2024, I started my truck, and heard a very loud knocking noise upon starting it. I turned it off. Called the dealership to come pick it up. They were able to repair it, by repairing some of the lifters on one side. Fast forward to 10/25/2026, I started my truck and heard the same knocking noise. Called the dealership to come pick it up. They say my truck is no longer covered under the power train warranty, and it will cost $10,000 to replace the other side of lifters and cam shaft.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at highway speeds, the vehicle shut off and lost power. The vehicle failed to accelerate and coasted off the interstate to a safe stop. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel while the vehicle was losing power. The contact stated that two days prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change, and there was no failure found. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 79,000.
On October 18, 2026, I was driving my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 engine at highway speeds with my wife and two young daughters in the vehicle when the engine suddenly lost power and the truck began shaking violently. The check engine light flashed, and "Service ESC" and "Service Parking Brake" warnings appeared on the dashboard. The sudden loss of power at highway speeds created a serious safety risk to my family and surrounding motorists. I was able to get the vehicle off the highway safely. Restarting the truck did not resolve the issue, and it was no longer drivable. The truck was towed by a AAA contractor to a Chevrolet dealership. Following inspection, the dealership verbally diagnosed a broken camshaft and advised that the entire engine required replacement. The truck had approximately 98,000 miles at the time. A written diagnosis has been requested, and the vehicle is currently at the dealership. The truck has a documented history of engine problems. In July 2023, at approximately 33,500 miles, a Chevrolet dealership diagnosed code P0300 and documented misfires on cylinders 1, 3, and 7. Warranty diagnostic and repair work was performed. Another check engine light concern was documented in November 2024 at approximately 62,300 miles. In April 2025, at approximately 69,600 miles, Chevrolet again investigated a P0300 multiple-cylinder misfire condition. Beginning around 75,000 miles, the truck also began displaying recurring low-oil warnings. I added oil whenever these warnings appeared and maintained regular oil changes, supported by service records. Despite these prior engine concerns and dealership visits, the engine suffered a catastrophic failure without an immediate warning before reaching 100,000 miles. I am concerned about the potential for sudden engine failure and loss of propulsion at highway speeds and believe this warrants a safety investigation.
My truck experienced a sudden catastrophic engine failure at highway speeds. It is directly related to the current recall on L87 gm engines and has the same symptoms but is not covered under the current recall. The crankshaft failed thus causing the timing chain to break completely destroying the engine.
I was cruising down the highway at 55mph when the engine suddenly shut off. I took it to a mechanic who said the engine suffered a catastrophic failure and would need replaced. The truck only has around 93,000 miles on it and should definitely be looked into. The vehicle has always been very well maintained.
Compare the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Silverado 1500 vs Ford F-150Silverado 1500 vs Ram 1500Silverado 1500 vs GMC Sierra 1500Silverado 1500 vs Toyota TundraSilverado 1500 vs Nissan Titan
Other model years
199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliable?
Owners have filed 859 complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 1.3 times a typical Silverado 1500 model year.
What is the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 year score?
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 scores 60 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
Engine and cooling, with 453 complaints, typically around 64,000 miles. Next is transmission (245).
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?
8 recalls, covering power train, engine and engine cooling and tires.
Was there a recall on the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 25V274000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have bad engine?
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model years with the most engine complaints are 2021 (453 complaints), 2019 (424 complaints) and 2022 (281 complaints).
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its historyChevrolet Silverado 1500 in the news
- Chevrolet recalls 2016-2017 Silverado 1500, 2016-2017 Sierra 1500 and 2016 Silverado 2500 and other models over air bags inflator problem (1,559 vehicles)
- Safety regulators investigate 2021-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2021-2026 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2021-2026 GMC Sierra 1500 and other models for loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy