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2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission problems

245 complaints (29% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 64,000. 6 crashes reported.

owner complaints
245
of this car's complaints
29%
typical mileage
64,000
crashes
6
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
    2
  • Manual transmission: seals/gaskets
    1
  • Driveline: differential unit
    1
  • Automatic transmission: torque converter
    1
  • Automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve body
    1
  • Automatic transmission
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission problems in other years

1997200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Jerking 43Harsh shifting 33Hesitation 33Shudder 32Transmission failure 31Won't shift 25Slipping 17

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve bodyReported February 12, 2026 · 1,055 vehicles affected
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

Power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve bodyReported October 24, 2024 · 463,295 vehicles affected
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

What 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Transmission · MI · crash · 4 injuries

See attached document for complaint.

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 29, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · MS

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.

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Transmission · KY

2021 Silverado with 5.3 engine/8spd transmission/38,000 miles just outside of the 5-year powertrain warranty *No current recalls under this VIN as of 10/07/2026* Undiagnosed issues with symptoms similar to transmission or rear end slippage, torque converter or clutch pack problems. No warning lights or messages have appeared 1) Vehicle seems to hunt for proper gearing between 30-40 mph (3rd to 4th gear) with light shuddering before shifting gears. Occurred 20+ times 2) Sudden jerk when taking off from dead stop. Feels like being lightly bumped from behind then drives normally. Occurred 4 times 3) Only noticed when towing appx 6,000lb trailer descending down a hill - A one-time loud clunk when easing off throttle and coasting downhill. The sound is similar to hitting a metal desk with a fist. Occurred 7 times. Spoke with local Chevrolet dealer who informed me the powertrain warranty has recently expired, and no repair cost would be covered. Recommended dealer service would be to replace the transmission fluid and filter with Mobil 1, potentially reprogram the transmission, and replace the torque converter. All on a vehicle with only 38,000 miles

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 · Transmission · FL

6.2 L engine failure oil related. Had to replace engine.

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · MS

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.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · AZ

This 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 federal safety agency 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)

Filed Sep 28, 2026 · Transmission · NM

Vehicle 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

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Transmission · 102,490 miles · VA

The 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.

Questions about the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 245 complaints about the transmission of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 29% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 64,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission?

Yes, 2 recalls: 26V083000, 24V797000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have bad transmission?

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model years with the most transmission complaints are 2019 (331 complaints), 2021 (245 complaints) and 2020 (239 complaints).

Other 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems

Engine 453Electrical 113Brakes 45Steering 43Fuel system 32Body 29Airbags 20Suspension 18Driver assistance 17Locks 15Acceleration 10Wheels 8Seat belts 7Visibility 7Lights 6Tires 3Seats 2

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