Complaint volume
763 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
763 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, grouped by component category.
763 Total complaints
18 Crash reports
11 Fire reports
12 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 18 crash reports, 11 fire reports, 12 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 162 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 55,888 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?
18 Crash
11 Fire
12 Injury
0 Fatality
64 Towed
8 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 Chevrolet Silverado complaint categories?
ENGINE 224
POWER TRAIN 129
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 43
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 40
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 39
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 23
STRUCTURE 19
STEERING 18
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 14
SERVICE BRAKES 14
763 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | May 28 ,2026 I left work to get some lunch And when I went back inside my vehicle I turned it on and the check engine light came On and on the dash it was telling me to park the truck and it wasn’t going more then 45mph so I called my dealer ship simspson Chevrolet in garden grove and they told me they couldn’t do anything because it wasn’t under warranty so I had to take my truck to a near by auto shop because my truck is my daily and I use to get to work so the. The body shop found out the problem it was the wiring harness it was the way they installed the wiring harness it’s manufacturing I called my insurance company and I called GMC directly and they don’t want to help me | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2026 | ENGINE | An engine lifter broke in my 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 (6.2 liter) and it bent a push rod. The truck was towed to the dealership where it was purchased. They replace all the lifters on the failed side and the bent push rod. The reason I am reporting this is because it happened at a very unfortunate time and could have resulted in a major accident if the engine would have seized. I was turning a corner, crossing oncoming highway traffic, and pulling our camper/travel trailer. I see that it has been a relatively common problem with the GM 6.2L and even some 5.3L motors and appears to be related to GM's active fuel management (AFM). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2026 | ENGINE | Truck blew up driving down the road and the the Chevy app gave me a code and it was the same code it is recalled for but I was told it wasn’t under recall | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | Loss of engine power while merging or passing traffic. * Reduced acceleration making it difficult to enter highways safely. * Engine overheating if the active grille shutters fail in the closed position. * Unexpected limp mode causing sudden speed reduction in traffic. * Increased risk of a rear-end collision due to loss of power or reduced speed. * Check engine light and warning messages distracting the driver. * Vehicle stalling while driving or at intersections. * Reduced visibility if the defroster or HVAC performance is affected by engine temperature issues. * Potential engine damage from overheating, creating a hazard if the vehicle becomes disabled on the roadway. The active grille shutter system malfunctioned and caused warning lights to illuminate. I am concerned that the shutters remaining closed could lead to engine overheating or reduced vehicle performance while driving, increasing the risk of an accident due to loss of power or unexpected vehicle behavior in traffic. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2026 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message that the rear seats were occupied and that the windows were rolled down was displayed, which required the contact to press the OK button. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was purchased, but no assistance was provided. The traction control and the ABS warning lights were illuminated while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, the cruise control mode was inoperable. The contact replaced the brake pedal position sensor independently, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who reprogrammed the sensor. The contact stated that after the repair, the brake lights erroneously illuminated while the vehicle was turned off, causing the battery to drain. The contact disconnected and reconnected the battery, which reset the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not further diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 110,881. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2026 | ENGINE | I just got this car from a used car dealership, it has 170K miles and the engine just stopped on me today. It’s very disappointing for the car to just stop like this. While I had my family in the car with a new born. Very disappointing | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | I have a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with a 3.0 Duramax diesel engine, Have had a check engine light intermittent a couple times. Vehicle went into limp mode. Had the diagnostic code read; P1010. Code P1010 shows an engine coolant flow control valve position sensor exceeded minimum learning limit. General Motors has issued a special warranty N252508341covering 2021-2023 Silverado 1500 for this part ( LM2 coolant control valve replacement ) with a 15 year and 150,000 mile limit. I took my vehicle to the Chevrolet dealer and they said my VIN number was not covered. It would be a $1900 repair. I have read of numerous other of same vehicles listed under the special warranty, yet GM has excluded these VIN numbers as well. This is a known defect, GM has covered some but not all. Yet many are NOT covered yet having the same problem. I am not able to reach anyone at GM to talk about this issue. It needs to be addressed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Vehicle experienced sudden power steering failure and needed to be towed. A list of preceding error codes presented upon diagnostic review including power steering motor circuit, control module power circuit low input/low voltage, steering failure mitigation, power steering malfunction, lost communication with power steering control module to name a few. Dealership traced it back to a known GM part issue with the body to chassis ground strap identified in GM consumer satisfaction program N252515590 in Chevy and GMC 1500 2019-2024 models. The identified strap corrodes causing electronic failure noted above and documented by the dealership. The CSP was issued in January 2027 and is in effect until February 2028 however the dealership charged my out of pocket $384.48 for labor for a $13.40 part. My GM platinum protection plan also refused to cover the cost of the know defective repair. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2026 | ENGINE | I am requesting immediate review and resolution regarding a major engine failure in my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 6.2L V8 engine. My vehicle has suffered a complete engine failure and is displaying code P0016 (crankshaft/camshaft correlation). This is a known and widely documented defect affecting GM 6.2L engines and is the basis of an existing recall and engine replacement program for similarly equipped vehicles. Despite my vehicle exhibiting the exact same failure, I have been informed that my VIN is excluded from the recall. This is unacceptable, as it reflects inconsistent application of a known defect remedy. Under consumer protection principles, including the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, manufacturers are obligated to address known defects and ensure consistent warranty and post-warranty remedies where systemic issues exist. Denying coverage for an identical failure based solely on VIN exclusion raises serious concerns. I am formally requesting a full goodwill engine replacement. This failure is clearly tied to a known defect pattern, and I expect GM to provide the same remedy afforded to other affected customers. Please escalate this case for immediate review and confirm next steps. I am prepared to provide all supporting documentation. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | I was on the highway doing 70 MPH with my family driving down I-40 through western NC (mountainous terrain) when my brakes went out and the vehicle went into limp mode. I was able to safely pull over thank God and then had my vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer just informed me that a software update is needed, and not covered under warranty. There are multiple safety bulletins coming out for related years and issues related to the braking system of this make/model and I would like this documented as well as Chevy to cover the cost of repairing this defect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission shutter at low speed acceleration | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Rear power sliding window. Leaking when it rains or going through the car wash. On 6/4/25 I had a leak from my rear window checked out by the dealership were I bought the truck. Morrie's Onalaska Chevrolet. They found a water leak from cracks in the rear glass molding. I have water lines on the roof lining from the leak. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal sound while driving. Upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an oil change, it was discovered that there were metal shavings inside the engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnosis, and to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance in adding the VIN to the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 104,000 |
| Jun 2026 | ENGINE | Verified customers cpncern of cylinder 3 misfire and low compression. Inspected cylinder 3 sing a borescope and found excessive oil on top of the piston and on the cylinder walls. There are marks from loose carbon debris damaged the cylinder wall. Upon further inspection the oil looks to be coming from the valve seals. Recommend replacement of the long block assembly to correct these conditions. --Cody Glasscock, Ford Lincoln of Morgantown | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | ENGINE | It started backfiring and knocking | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | POWER TRAIN | My 2021 Chevrolet Silverado RST 4x4 5.3L V8 was a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle purchased through a GMC dealership, strictly maintained by certified GMC service departments, and had its torque converter replaced one year prior in accordance with a manufacturer Technical Service Bulletin (TSB). One week before a scheduled round-trip journey from Alabama to North Carolina, the truck underwent a comprehensive multi-point inspection, oil change, and tire rotation at an authorized Chevrolet dealership. While driving on the highway, I came to a complete stop due to an accident ahead, but when traffic resumed a forward-moving pace, the drivetrain completely lost the ability to propel the vehicle without any prior warning signs or symptoms of mechanical failure. While immobilized and contacting 911 and towing services, I attempted to cycle through all drive modes—including Auto, 4-High, 4-Low, and 2WD—but none succeeded in transferring power to the wheels; though the engine would still rev, no power reached the tires. No dashboard warning lights illuminated prior to the drivetrain failure, though a check engine light did appear after the vehicle became immobile when I was switching through drive modes. Because there was no available highway shoulder or exit to seek safety, and due to the sudden nature of the mechanical failure, emergency vehicles and tow trucks could not safely divert traffic or move the vehicle in time, resulting in a severe rear-end collision that caused a total loss. The vehicle has not yet undergone a mechanical inspection, but it is currently under a 60-day hold for examination by insurance adjusters and legal counsel, and it remains available for a formal teardown upon request. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 3 Towed Medical attention | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | Check engine light flashes when pulling a load and accelerating above 50mph. Check engine light code is PO300 Random multiple misfires. Took it to the shop and there we’re currently no active misfires. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated to 30 MPH and the vehicle loss motive power. A dealer was contacted. An undisclosed warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced, and that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was informed that the warranty would not cover the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,082. | Crash: No Fire: No | 109,082 |
| Jun 2026 | ENGINE | I have 112,000 miles on my truck and my 6.2l motor is going out or knocking. I am very unhappy that my truck is not covered under the recall and I would like to understand why it is not since this is the issue of the recall. I would like to clarification on this and what options I have since it is going to cost me 14k to replace the motor. Case #101943027 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | POWER TRAIN | 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) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | ENGINE | Lights on the panel reads service parking break, engine, transmission, abs, traffic control and esc service. All these lights are on. Idling rough, white smoke with rich smell. Had a diagnostic read cam/crank and lifters bad… estimated cost 15,000. Total new engine install. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | ENGINE | I bought a 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 Badlander edition in February of 2025. I love the truck and drive it everywhere. I have brought it in for every oil change when needed. I got my first oil change April of 2025 and had no issues. Then I got my second oil change June of 2025 and both of these were done at the dealership that I purchased the truck from. At the June oil change I asked Jeff Belzers to do an oil consumption test and they said they would not because my vin did not show up in the recall. On July 31 of 2025 I got an engine oil low light on my dash, which I took a picture of. At that time I had to add two quarts of oil. Then in August of 2025 I went in for my oil change at Jeff Belzers again and I told them about adding the two quarts of oil and asked again at that time if they could do an oil consumption test and they told me no again because my vin was not on the recall list. I then got another low engine oil light on September 29, 2025 and at that time I added 2 quarts of oil. In October of 2025 I brought my truck to Maur Chevrolet for an oil change and asked them to check my vin for a recall and they said there were no recalls. Then I brought my truck to Maur Chevrolet in November of 2025 for an oil change and I asked if the vin recall had changed and they said no. At this time I was just checking my oil and adding as needed. I took my truck in for an oil change in January of 2026 and asked about the recall again and no changes. Then after that oil change, I was adding a quart of oil every 600 miles. So when I went in for an oil change in April, I asked for an oil consumption test to be done and the service advisor said yes. This was the first positive step I had in this entire ordeal. At the end of the consumption test, which was on June 12, 2026 it was verified that the engine was burning 3 1/2 quarts of oil every 3,000 miles. At that time I had another oil change done and they told me that they would discuss what would happen on Monday June 15, 2026 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | The truck started backfiring and shuddering. Took it to the mechanic and with only 112000 miles I am being told it needs a new engine. It is the 6.2l motor. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | Loud ticking noise and power loss. Transmission shift slips from 2nd to 3rd . Called factory and dealership for check up. Said no problem… Told to Change oil. Did this, NO CHANGE. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | ENGINE | On June 3, 2026, my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss, which has a 6.2L L87 V8 engine, stalled and shut off unexpectedly while I was stopped at a traffic light on a public highway. The engine died without warning, leaving me stranded in traffic and creating a serious safety risk for me and other drivers because of the chance of a collision. I had to call the police to come and sit behind me to keep myself safe from a collision while I waited for a tow truck. A dealer diagnosed the vehicle with DTC P0016, indicating a crankshaft/camshaft position correlation fault. This points to either an engine timing problem or an internal engine failure. The dealer confirmed the issue and gave me a repair estimate of about $11,000. Both the vehicle and repair records can be inspected if needed. Before the failure, the vehicle showed signs of an engine timing or internal issue and eventually triggered the check engine light with code P0016. After researching, I discovered many reports from other owners with the same 6.2L L87 engine who faced similar problems, including P0016 faults, engine stalling, internal engine damage, and complete engine replacement. While some vehicles with this engine have been part of recalls or special coverage programs, my vehicle is not included, even though it shows the same failure pattern. At the time of the failure, the vehicle has about 140,336 miles. I believe my vehicle has the same defect affecting other 6.2L L87 engines. I ask that NHTSA look into whether more vehicles should be added to any current or future recalls or defect investigations. Thank you for your attention to this matter. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |