Complaint volume
729 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2021 Chevrolet Silverado Complaints
729 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, grouped by component category.
729 Total complaints
16 Crash reports
11 Fire reports
11 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are engine, power train, engine and engine cooling. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 16 crash reports, 11 fire reports, 11 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 160 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 55,255 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to engine, power train, engine and engine cooling?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2021 Chevrolet Silverado?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado complaints?
16 Crash
11 Fire
11 Injury
0 Fatality
62 Towed
6 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 Chevrolet Silverado complaint categories?
ENGINE 211
POWER TRAIN 126
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 41
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 36
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 36
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 21
STRUCTURE 19
STEERING 18
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 14
SERVICE BRAKES 14
729 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom 2.7 L Turbo 4 cylinder with 34,000 miles When Truck cranks and put in gear begins moving at low speed between 1-2 gear (low speed 5-10 mph forward and also in put into reverse) hard jolted severely injuring passenger. Felt like being rear-ended by another car. Passenger was hurt & required Trauma 1 EMS & 2 surgeries (Spinal Fusion Surgery) hospitalization from 12/2/2025 to 12/13/2025. The truck jolt directly caused this accident and there were many recalls for this truck yet we had no direct knowledge of this information & was never notified of any of these issues. Truck was services at same dealership just weeks prior to accident. The truck check engine light came on only after the accident. It happened on a private gated property. Only select trucks have been said to do this very hard jolted injuring passenger and owners are not made aware using Silverado 1500 trucks. Please acknowledge receipt of this report and advise. Thank you. | Crash: No Fire: No Injuries: 1 | Unknown |
| May 2026 | AIR BAGS | 25 to 30 MPH front end collision with no air bag deployment. During repair it showed airbags deployed although none were out. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 2 | Unknown |
| May 2026 | ENGINE | I have a 2021 Silverado LT trailboss. Catastrophic engine failure. Camshaft bearing and lifter failure. First lifter replacement @ 16,000 miles. Second at 104,000 miles. Was told by GM the 6.2L L87 I have is not affected due to a Canadian VIN. The sticker on the truck says Assembled in Kentucky. Gm charged $18,000 for a refurbished motor. The “new” motor had lifter failure at 12,000 miles. Canada is now included in the recall but I was again told by GM that my engine is not affected due to being built in September 2020. I believe this engine bearing failure goes back further than they like to admit. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | STEERING | Sudden loss of power steering, usually upon initial start. May return, may not return during drive. Began around 1 week ago. Sudden loss of power steering when turning either right or left has occurred causing a dangerous situation. Upon loss of power steering, 2 warnings appear. One for loss of power steering and the other for the trailer brake. Have never trailered anything with truck. Check engine light has come on at times, others it has not. Steering failure has occurred approximately 6 times. An internet search found some reference to my vehicle being informally added to the recall affecting other GM Vehicles. Vehicle has not been inspected yet. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | SERVICE BRAKES | While driving my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss, multiple warning lights and messages suddenly appeared related to the ABS and brake system. The brake pedal became extremely difficult to press and the truck became unsafe to drive. The issue happened unexpectedly while the vehicle was in operation, creating a serious safety hazard and risk of accident or injury. After the incident, the truck was inspected by a mechanic who advised that the brake booster had essentially fallen apart and that I effectively had little to no braking capability. I was also informed that the condition and quality of the braking components were not acceptable for a vehicle of this age. This vehicle is only five years old and has been regularly maintained. For approximately the last three years, routine maintenance including oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections were performed at a Chevrolet dealership. At no time was I warned of any brake-related issue or safety concern. A major brake system failure should not occur suddenly on a properly maintained vehicle, especially without warning. This incident was extremely dangerous and could have resulted in a serious crash. I am submitting this complaint because I am concerned there may be a defect involving the brake system, brake booster, ABS system, or related components on this vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | ENGINE | The engine was burning oil, so did a consumption test. The dealer took apart the engine and found the rings for the pistons were leaking and scaring was resulting. This caused me to buy part of a new engine because it was 6days past warranty with only 44,000mi on it. Also, at 18,000mi, a lifter bent and needed that replaced. There are numerous reports for this engine. It should be recalled! I shouldn't have to pay out of pocket for the defaulted error proned engine. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a flashing check engine warning light appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the received fault code PO300 which was a general code for a misfire in the engine. The contact brought the vehicle back to the dealer multiple times due to various fault codes; however, the contact was given the same information. The contact then received a "Low Oil, Check Oil", the contact checked the oil and discovered no oil on the engine's dipstick. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed back to the dealer where they began an oil consumption test. The valves collapsed and the dealer replaced the valve in cylinders 1,3,5, and 7 as well as the spark plugs. Despite the repair, the contact stated that the failure returned almost two months later. The contact continued the oil consumption test and stated that the vehicle was losing 3 quarts of oil each oil change. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure on multiple occasions and had made multiple vehicle buyback requested; the manufacturer denied each buyback request. After his latest phone call with the manufacturer, he was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 12,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 12,000 |
| May 2026 | POWER TRAIN | My 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 3.0 diesel is experiencing constant high running engine fan, engine power reduced notification on the dash, fluctuating temperature and is showing a P1098 code indicating the coolant control valve needs replaced. GM has issued a special coverage on this part, which my truck is well withing the parameters for. However, GM tells me the VIN isn't associated with the special coverage. I have spoken with other owners who have the same year / engine vehicle as I do, and GM replaced their part for free under the special coverage. I have not been giving any explanation as to why my vehicle isn't covered even though the bulletin N25250834 clearly states my vehicle and year. I escalated to the GM executive level and have failed to get my coolant control valve replaced. The vehicle reducing engine power is a major safety concern in traffic as well as the obvious over heating issue. GM is blatantly mishandling the situation. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado LD Crew. The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle, the rear end locked up. Also, when accelerated, the vehicle jerked forward and stalled. When the vehicle is shutdown and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage. 64,900. | Crash: No Fire: No | 64,900 |
| May 2026 | POWER TRAIN | 47,000 miles and the transmission coolant lines are weeping and need to be replaced. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding an electrical system failure on my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado with approximately 61,000 miles. I brought the vehicle to Taylor Grubaugh Chevrolet of Waynesville after the check engine light illuminated. The dealership diagnosed a premature wiring harness failure caused by chafing. They also stated that this issue is known to affect multiple GM vehicles and is documented in Technical Service Bulletin 21 NA 149. Wiring harness failure presents a significant safety concern. A compromised harness can lead to erratic electrical behavior, reduced engine performance, stalling, or sudden loss of power while driving. With that the concern a possible vehicle malfunction or losing power in traffic came to light. The dealerships service department confirmed the problem, verified the wiring harness failure, & referenced the applicable GM technical bulletin. The vehicle was inspected by the authorized Chevrolet dealership. GM declined to cover the repair. No police, insurance, or other third party inspections have been conducted. Despite acknowledging that this is a documented & recurring issue across GM models, the GM informed me that the repair would not be covered under warranty or recall. At only 61,000 miles, a wiring harness failure due to chafing is not consistent with normal wear & tear & instead suggests a premature defect. Given that this is a known and documented defect, I believe it should be recalled. After further research, I discovered that this issue is far from isolated. There are more than 1,500 complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau and approximately 800 complaints submitted to NHTSA reporting the same or similar wiring harness failures across GM vehicles. The volume of complaints strongly suggests a widespread defect that may pose ongoing safety risks to consumers. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Once I disengaged the auto stop on my vehicle, I would accelerate from a stop and I would loose my brakes. This happened several times. I took it to the shop and was told it was fine. Finally, one day I was descending on an overpass, disengaged my auto stop and my brakes were complete failure, even my emergency brakes, my check engine light engaged (the code read emissions issue). Was able to stop in a field, get it back to the dealership to find out I lost the master break cylinder but no indication on prior visits. The truck, check engine light will spontaneously start blinking but hold no codes. I have had it routinely serviced and it will overheat and oil will run hot but mechanics find no issues | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado1500. The contact stated while driving the vehicle he felt shuttering and noticed his automatic start does not start. The contact also experienced engine reduced power issues, preceded by a warning sign on the dashboard stating "Engine Power is Reduced" while driving. Additionally, the contact noticed a significant loss of mileage per gallon and a loss of oil. The contact noticed a check engine light on, which had codes that had a crankshaft and cam shaft sensors that are not operating properly, which the vehicle cannot be inspected due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed to need a new timing chain to control on the cams and crankshaft. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 110,000 |
| May 2026 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado. stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost power and did not accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the coolant control valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 115,000 |
| May 2026 | ENGINE | While driving on the freeway, the truck suddenly displayed a flashing check engine light along with multiple warning/error messages. I was able to limp the vehicle to the nearest mechanic, where they inspected it and confirmed catastrophic internal engine failure. Upon removing the oil pan, they found large copper-colored metal chunks and metallic glitter throughout the engine oil, indicating severe internal bearing/component failure. The vehicle is no longer safe to operate and now requires major engine repair or replacement. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | LIFTER FAILURE AT 50,100 MILES- JUST OUT OF POWERTRAIN WARRANT BY 136 DAYS. FAILURE OCCURED ON FREEWAY. AFTER HEARING METALLIC SOUND SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THIS OCCURED 5/3/26. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE | On 4/27/26, my family and I were traveling south on Colorado C470 at 8 AM. Our 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 had catastrophic engine failure at highway speed as we were passing an 18 wheeler. The failure caused the vehicle to lose power and engine, and the display said to put the truck in Neutral and restart the engine. After coasting to the shoulder, the engine would not restart. We were stranded on the highway during rush hour for an hour and 1/2 waiting for a tow truck. This scenario is identical to the safety risks outlined in NHTSA Recall 25V274 (and investigation PE 24-007). This failure resulted in the intake manifold being physically displaced and damage to the timing assembly. The dealership is attempting to deny coverage by claiming the "upper gallery" damage (timing/intake) is unrelated to the "lower end" issues covered under the special coverage/recall [ this is a Dealer Quote]. This logic is technically flawed: Consequential Damage: A catastrophic lower-end failure (e.g., a broken connecting rod or seized crankshaft bearing) at 80 mph creates the massive internal pressure required to shatter or "blow off" a plastic intake manifold. Timing Linkage: The timing chain is physically connected to the crankshaft. It is mechanically impossible to have a catastrophic crankshaft failure at high RPMs without causing secondary damage to the timing gears and "upper gallery". Recall Precedence: My vehicle exhibits the exact failure mode—loss of motive power due to bearing failure—currently being investigated by the NHTSA for 2019-2024 L87 engines. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES | Two grounding straps failed on my 2021 Silverado Trail boss lt. GM has a recall for this exact problem under N252515590, model years 2019-2024. Apparently my vin number is not associated with this recall, yet my dealer just did the recall repair. They said my truck did not qualify for the GM recall and I was forced to pay for the repair. The failing grounding straps caused my power steering to go out and my brake system and safety traffic sensors to fail as well. This was very dangerous as it would fail randomly while driving the truck. There were no warning signs or lights on the the truck to indicate any problems. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | ENGINE | Valve Cover leak, Known Issue by GM, TSB 22-NA-027, refusing to warranty known problems & charge the customer $4,000 in repairs. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Vehicle: 2021 Chevrolet Silverado VIN: [XXX] Mileage at time of incident: Approximately 68,000 miles Date of incident: April 24, 2026 Approximate speed: 75 mph Weather/road conditions: Clear, sunny day Was the vehicle towed? No Did the engine restart? Yes My 2021 Chevrolet Silverado experienced a sudden loss of power and stalled while I was driving on the highway at approximately 75 mph. The weather was clear and sunny, and road conditions were normal. This created a serious safety concern because the vehicle lost power while traveling at highway speed in traffic and could have caused a crash. The vehicle did restart after the incident and was not towed, but it had to be taken in for service after the power loss/stalling event. The dealership later advised that the oil was low on the dipstick and stated they would change the oil and complete a recall/service update. However, I have maintained the vehicle with regular oil changes, and at the time of the incident, the vehicle’s oil life monitor still showed approximately 50% oil life remaining. I do not believe this should be dismissed as a simple lack-of-maintenance issue. I am concerned that the sudden loss of power/stalling may be related to an engine, fuel, oil pressure, electrical, ECM, or recall/service campaign issue. I am also concerned that the vehicle was low on oil despite regular oil maintenance and the oil life monitor still showing about 50%. The vehicle is currently at Tyrell Chevrolet for inspection/service. I have not yet received a clear explanation of the cause of the power loss, whether diagnostic trouble codes were found, whether oil pressure was affected, whether oil consumption was checked, whether any recall or service campaign caused or corrected the issue, or whether the truck is safe to drive. This sudden loss of power while driving at approximately 75 mph presents a serious safety risk and should be investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, it was later discovered that the rear tailgate door had erroneously opened. The contact indicated that the failure had occurred on multiple occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 22,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 22,000 |
| Apr 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The special coverage program on the coolant valve for My 2021 Chevy Silverado (70,000mi) is not covered due to my vin not being on the list. Something they say and know is an issue, but not covering it for the vehicles they say they’re covering it for. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | POWER TRAIN | The vehicle was shiifting sluggishly and the check engine light came on. The dealer has indicated that I need to replace a transmission controller valve body. This problem has been acknowledged by GM and a recall initiated, but my vehicle was not included in the recall. This does not seem reasonable and I believe the recall should be expanded. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | ENGINE | While operating my vehicle under normal driving conditions, I experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power without warning. The engine shut off abruptly in active traffic, creating an immediate safety hazard and increasing the risk of a collision for myself and surrounding motorists. Following the stall, the vehicle would not restart. The engine cranks but does not start (a “dry crank” condition). There were no prior warnings, indicators, or drivability issues suggesting an impending failure. This vehicle is equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine, which is subject to a known recall involving internal engine defects that may result in sudden failure. The symptoms and failure mode observed are consistent with reported cases of internal engine damage, including potential bearing or rotating assembly failure. At the direction of GM and the dealership, the vehicle was previously brought in for recall inspection. The recall was subsequently marked as completed. However, I am now being advised that the recall cannot be reopened and that I am responsible for the repair costs. A completed recall inspection does not eliminate manufacturer responsibility when the underlying defect later results in failure. I understand there is an ongoing and recently reopened NHTSA investigation into GM’s “Pico test” inspection process, as multiple engines have reportedly failed after passing this procedure. Given that this failure occurred after the recall inspection was completed, this incident raises concerns regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of the prescribed remedy. This event represents a serious safety issue due to the sudden loss of power in traffic without warning. I am submitting this complaint to document the failure and to request further review of the recall remedy and associated inspection process. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |