2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: complete transmission failure

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 Sep 9, 2026 · Transmission · 53,020 miles · NC

The 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.

Filed Aug 6, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · OK

On August 22, 2025 the malfunction indicator lamp (code: P146B Evap. purge pump) illuminated with no noticeable change. Ran codes at auto zone which stated engine failed and emissions not ready. August 25, 2025 drove to certified Chevy dealer dropped off vehicle and showed the service advisor the fix finder test results from auto zone as well as the illuminated indicator lamp (check engine light). August 26, 2025 picked up my vehicle with receipt stating "found dtc's P146b and P1467 stored in ECM (engine control module) for evap purge pump fault. inspected evap canister for any signs of fuel and none were found. replaced evap purge pump per special policy #N232395310. Cleared dtc and road tested vehicle to verify repair". September 9, 2025 my engine indicator light illuminated and my engine entered limp mode, a safety feature which reduces cylinder output/capacity. September 12, 2025 while in limp mode, I returned to the service dealer and informed them of the reduced power (limp mode) and my confusion as the second engine symbol that has been illuminated is in a different area than the first and my truck has ONE engine. (editor note: malfunction indicator lamp is for the emissions). My original transmission (8L90) was replace, because my vehicle was under power train warranty and the service advisor took it upon himself to approve the disassembly of my running, in good condition 8L90 transmission without consulting me or my approval. the 8L90 was "discontinued" for the 2020-2022 years without recall come to find out (sarcasm). I now have a new transmission (8L86-85) with the "special coverage" part (#N232395310) still connected, only now I have NO additional powertrain coverage for a new transmission, but the "special coverage" originally issued in 2023, BY MAIL, for 15 yr/150,000miles has extended two years plus mileage. (15 yr / 152,955) .The "special coverage" part should NOT affect the engine! Engines produce power/HEAT not CO2 . Sarbane - Oxley Act.

Filed Jul 28, 2026 · Transmission · 105,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 - 60 MPH, the transmission failed to shift properly, and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Transmission · NY

Transmission needs to be replaced at 77000 miles!! A KNOWN problem with this make/model/year and NOTHING is being done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Filed Jun 16, 2026 · Transmission · GA

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)

Filed May 27, 2026 · Engine · TX

I was driving and all of a sudden engine and transmission failed many lights appeared on the dashboard brakes were not braking, the truck started to lose power and making weird noises.

Filed Apr 18, 2026 · Engine · MO

When taking off it will sometime have hard shifts, shuddering, and acceleration hesitation. While driving, it will do static jolts. Dealer couldn’t pin point problem and advised for a new transmission or we could drive it until it dies. Dealer didn’t recommend to change transmission oil in fear of creating more damage.

Filed Mar 26, 2026 · Transmission · 63,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle lunged forward while the accelerator pedal was depressed after the brake pedal was depressed. While the contact’s husband was driving approximately 78 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the transmission light drive(D) started flashing, and the transmission unexpectedly shifted to neutral(N). The driver was able to coast to the side of the road, depress the brake pedal, and wait for a while before continuing to drive. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, there was no cause for the transmission failure found. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 63,000.

Filed Mar 24, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · FL

My vehicle has been at the dealership since February 4 due to a transmission failure involving the valve body, which is currently on national back order along with the converter. These parts are required to complete the repair, and the vehicle is not drivable. This issue occurred after previous major repairs, including engine lifter replacement and a CV axle repair. It has now been 71 days without a repair. The dealer has confirmed the failures, but the manufacturer has not provided a repair timeline or a definitive solution. I have not received consistent updates since March 19, and the vehicle remains out of service with no estimated completion date..

Filed Mar 6, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · CA

My 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, with approximately 84,000 miles, experienced a premature and catastrophic transmission failure while driving. The vehicle began to shudder severely and lost its ability to accelerate properly, creating an unsafe driving condition. I was able to get the vehicle to a dealership. The dealership diagnosed a complete torque converter failure requiring a full transmission replacement. Crucially, at no point before or during this failure did the vehicle's onboard diagnostic systems provide any check engine light or warning message. A sudden loss of power and transmission function on a highway is a major safety risk. I believe this is a widespread defect that needs to be investigated before it causes a serious accident.

Filed Feb 23, 2026 · Transmission · GA

Transmission began shifting hard over between 60500 and 62000 miles. Dealership test drove and confirmed it was not normal. The transmission pan was dropped and contained metal shavings and bits. Dealer replaced transmission. During late February 2026, I began noticing some hard shifts again, but am hesitant to pay another $699 diagnostic fee and replacement transmission cost because I feel I am wasting money on a poorly designed and unreliable transmission. I don’t feel confident relying on this vehicle for transportation to medical appointments anymore.