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2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: engine failure

149 of the 859 complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 describe engine failure.

owner complaints
149
of this car's complaints
17%
typical repair cost reported
$10,292
typical mileage
64,000
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 321 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

What owners say

Filed Nov 1, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CO

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.

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Engine · MN

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?

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Engine · OH

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.

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Engine · 79,000 miles · MN

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.

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Engine · OH

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.

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Engine · MI

Chevy Silverado 1500 6.2L Truck lost acceleration while driving. Truck advised driver to shift to neutral and restart vehicle. When driver did, no resolve. Error code with diagnostic report was immediately emailed to owner with error code of P0016. Mechanic advises truck needs new engine as this is a common issue with this year of truck that was included in a recall. After further investigation, truck vin is NOT included in recall as other GM vehicles (same engine & year). Would like this investigated as this truck should be included with the recall.

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Engine · MI

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 6.2L Truck was driving and fully lost capability to accelerate. Truck alarmed driver to shift to neutral and restart engine. Attempt to restart engine was not successful. Error code was sent via email in a diagnostic report to owner with code P0016. No check engine lights or alarms were on the dash. Truck is currently at an auto mechanic. Safety issue was leaving driver and passengers stranded. Auto mechanic states truck needs new engine. Tried to verify VIN to the GM recall notice (N252494000) and was told not included in recall, even though truck has same motor listed in recall AND giving the error code. There was no warning messages, lights or symptoms prior to this failure. Request to have this complaint investigated to be included in the recall with the information provided.

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · WI

On my way home to [XXX] from [XXX] around XXX, my 2021 Chevy Silverado with 84,xxx miles with the 6.2 L engine started to make a popping sound. I checked my dash for any error codes and there were none. The oil pressure, temp, and transmission temp gauges all read normal. I stopped and topped the gas tank off with premium gas and checked the oil level, which was good. I was able to limp the truck back to my house. The next morning when I started it, there were error codes and the engine was still making the popping noise as well as a louder knocking noise. I started researching the symptoms, called two local independent shops and concluded the DFM system that shuts cylinders off to conserve gas has failed and caused the lifters to fail. I was told the failed lifter could and probably did damage the cam shaft(s). If I kept driving it, the camshaft damage could cause complete engine failure and more safety consequences. One shop quoted $5000 to replace lifters and $8000 if the camshafts were damaged. The other shop was similar, but offered a rebuilt engine for $12,000 because the lifters, camshafts, and new GM crate engine were all back ordered with no ETA from the local Chevy dealership. After weighing my options, and needing a truck, I decided to trade in my damaged truck. I contacted the GM concierge on XXX and was told to call back when the dealership had my damaged truck and could diagnose it. On XXX I called them back and they said they wouldn’t help because I traded it in. I had no plans to trade it before the engine failed and took a substantial hit on the trade in price that GM should have helped with to cover their faulty DFM system that caused the lifters to fail, which the dealership confirmed was the problem. They said they wouldn’t know if the camshafts were damaged until they took it apart, which they decided to not do and send it to auction instead. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 8, 2026 · Engine · CO

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 6.2L V8 (RPO L87), built November 2020. Mileage at failure: 11268. On XXX the check engine light came on with DTCs P0011 and P0016. The engine developed a rattle at startup and when lifting off the throttle around 40 mph. On XXX Fowler Chevrolet ([XXX]) isolated the abnormal engine noise to the crankshaft bearings. Cutting open the oil filter showed excessive bearing material. The dealer advised engine replacement before complete engine failure and quoted $12,561.66. This is the same failure described in recall 25V‑274 (GM N252494000): crankshaft/connecting rod bearing failure in the L87 engine, which can cause loss of propulsion while driving. My VIN is not included in the recall because it was built before the XXX start of the recall build window. The engine is the same L87 and failed the same way. The vehicle has been maintained with regular oil changes and I have records. GM Customer Assistance case XXX was opened XXX. The vehicle is currently not safe to drive due to risk of engine seizure and loss of motive power. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Engine · 78,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was smoking. The contact stated that the engine was smoking heavily with a strong oil odor, before the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the technicians confirmed the engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The failure mileage was 78,000.

Filed Oct 4, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss 4WD with the [6.2L V8 (L87)], VIN [XXX], 101,000 miles. The truck was assembled in Mexico in XXX, about six weeks before XXX, just outside the build range of GM recall 25V‑274 (N252494000, Engine Failure). On 10/2/2026, [XXX], [XXX] a certified GM dealership, diagnosed crankshaft and lifter failure, matching the recall condition. Codes: P0300, P050D, P0016. The truck was shaking violently, the ESC and emergency braking system failed, reducing engine power. GM's Part 573 filing attributes the defect to out-of-specification crankshafts and identifies a Mexico-based crankshaft supplier. I ask GM to confirm my engine's build date and crankshaft source. A six-week gap in build date should not exclude a truck with the same failure. Engine failure can cause sudden loss of power while driving, a safety risk. The dealer quoted repairs of up to $10,292.00. I request: That GM cover the repair in full as a goodwill adjustment. That GM and the federal safety agency review expanding the recall population to trucks built near my date. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Engine · 37,100 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption at 2,600 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown engine. The engine was replaced; however, the contact stated that the replacement engine continued to consume a significant amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the replacement engine was diagnosed with premature engine failure at 37,100 miles. The contact stated that during the engine failure, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine and transmission. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer every 1,000 miles for oil to be added due to the excessive oil consumption. The dealer confirmed the initial engine failure and the premature failure with the replacement engine. The failure mileage was 37,100.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanicalReported April 24, 2025 · 597,571 vehicles affected
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

Questions about the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine failure

Is engine failure a common problem on the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

149 of 859 owner complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (17%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2021.

How much does it cost to fix engine failure on the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $10,292 (median of 16 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

There is 1 recall and 321 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Check engine light 192Loss 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

All model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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