Complaint volume
765 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
765 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, grouped by component category.
765 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 225
POWER TRAIN 130
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
765 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine was misfiring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the cylinders were misfiring, and the mechanic recommended that the spark plugs be replaced. The contact replaced the spark plugs with the assistance of a retired mechanic; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a cylinder misfire. The mechanic recommended removing the dynamic fuel system management by replacing the camshaft, lifters, and other unknown parts. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to schedule an appointment for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to GM Campaign Number: N212353840. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 65,000 |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN | No reverse in transmission and sporadic engagement and shifting in forward gears. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I have a 2021 chevy silverado and in october of 2023 I lost oil pressure and took the truck to a mechanic shop and they determined that the engine had spun rod bearings and crankshaft bearings inside the engine block and needed to be rebuilt. I had them make the repairs and upgraded the engine with aftermarket parts which cost me $15,600. When the recall came out this year it came with a form for reimbursement. I collected all the documents required to submit for reimbursement and I was denied because I did not have the work performed at a gm dealership. I didn't take it to the dealership because of the time they required to fix the truck and it was already out of warranty because of the mileage and I really didn't want to replace the engine components with more of their faulty parts. Just because I had the repairs done at a 3rd party shop does not excuse the fact that they sold me a truck with a faulty engine. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The transmission is making a clanking noise during the lower gears. The local dealer said the transmissions is "done for". The truck has around 125,000 miles on it. The truck is available for inspection. When checking for recalls, i saw the GMC were being recalled for the same issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | I am filing a formal complaint regarding a serious safety concern with my 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO, following the completion of recall N252494001 performed by Galleria Chevrolet in Dallas, TX. Prior to this recall work and related inspections, my vehicle operated without any abnormal engine noise. After the recall inspection and a subsequent fuel injector repair performed by the dealer, my vehicle began producing a bottom-end engine noise that had never been present before, and ultimately we have catastrophic engine failure. What is highly concerning is that the dealership staff previously documented the situation in writing as follows: “We performed the recall inspection and the truck passed. After performing an injector repair now there is a bottom-end noise when it's running. Did the failed injector possibly affect the validity of the test? That may be the case. We know that the truck did not experience the noise before the inspection; is it possible that the steps we took affected the truck in a way that got the noise to show itself? That’s what we need to determine.” Despite this acknowledgment, the dealership is now denying any responsibility, classifying the damage as unrelated “wear and tear”. This reversal appears highly suspicious, as it contradicts their own observations and written notes. It suggests that the dealership and GM may be refusing to fulfill their obligations under the recall and repair warranty, leaving me with a vehicle that has a blown engine and a significant safety risk. Given the timing of the noise, occurring directly after recall work and injector repair, and the internal documentation from the dealership itself, I request NHTSA investigate whether: This issue is part of a broader trend affecting other vehicles under the same recall. GM and its dealers are properly honoring their obligations to fully repair vehicles impacted by recalls. Consequential damage resulting from recall work is being systematically denied coverage. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle went into "LIMP Mode" and decelerated to approximately 35 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the engine "Crank Shaft" had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 165,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 165,000 |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Vehicle: 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 3.0L LM2 Turbo Diesel Mileage at most recent failure at 106k miles Complaint Narrative This vehicle has experienced repeated, serious defects affecting engine, transmission, emissions system, and safety recall performance. Despite numerous repair attempts over three years, the problems remain unresolved and the vehicle is currently undriveable and held by the dealership (since August 17, 2025). Key safety concerns: Transmission failure: Transmission catastrophically failed at 78,942 miles due to excessive metal contamination, requiring full replacement. Transmission issues have persisted even after replacement. Recall N24254440 (rear wheel lock-up): Dealer attempted recall repairs multiple times in 2025 but failed due to programming errors. Recall remains incomplete and unresolved. Hard starting / reduced power: Vehicle intermittently fails to start or loses propulsion, creating risk of stalling in intersections or traffic. Engine/emissions failures: Multiple check engine events with NOx sensors, exhaust differential pressure sensors, and coolant flow valve failures. Current status: Vehicle has been in dealer custody since Aug 17, 2025, with no completion date. Dealer reports unresolved oil leak, check valve/box sensor replacement pending, and open recall not fixed. The cumulative history shows systemic defects across powertrain and emissions systems, ongoing safety recall failures, and lack of durable repairs. I am providing all invoices, videos, and documentation upon request. --- Chronological Service Timeline Invoice #Mileage (in/out)DateReported Issue / Repair Attempt 33432337,290 → 37,62607/11/22 – 07/30/22Check engine light. Multiple fault codes. Dealer performed diagnostics, suspected exhaust leak, removed components for inspection. 33433837,450 → 37,50807/ | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The transmission shudders during light throttle at cruising speeds and low rpms, tachometer show continuous jumps in rpm and vehicle loosing power. No check engine lights. Concerned that transmission behavior can make the vehicle a hazard on highyways. Shuddering and hesitation on acceleration. Transmission fluid was changed at 70k miles and symptoms still persist. Current mileage 71k. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving off an off-ramp at approximately 40-60 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly lost power and turned off. The contact restarted the vehicle to continue driving. The failure had occurred twice. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes grabbed, causing the vehicle to lunge forward, decelerate, and then lunge forward again, before coming to a complete stop. The contact shifted to park(P) and then to drive(D) and continued driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer four times before receiving notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train). The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that one hour after the recall repair, the failure recurred with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was informed of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired again. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 56,000 |
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE | The 3 and 4 cylinder need to be replaced at 130000 miles with regulate maintenance always maintained | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, after making a left turn at a traffic signal, the rear wheels locked up. The contact stated that there was an abnormal screeching sound while depressing the brake pedal in a panic stop, and the vehicle jolted violently. The contact stopped the vehicle with the engine still running and observed the "Service Engine Soon" message displayed. The contact attempted to drive forward, and the rear wheels locked up. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an Auto Parts store. The contact stated that a store representative used a handheld scanner and was able to retrieve DTC: P0747 (Transmission Valve Body #1 Open). The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 140,000 |
| Aug 2025 | LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after power washing the vehicle, the tailgate opened unexpectedly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact used a bungee cord to secure the tailgate. The contact stated that the vehicle should be included in Customer Satisfaction Program: N232426401. The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 42,000 |
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE | 2021 Silverado 1500 Trail Boss LT with 6.2ltr V8 L87 had sudden catastrophic engine failure at 90,000 miles with excellent and routine maintenance up to. Findings were a broken timing chain, cracked piston and debris in number 8 intake port. Vehicle lost propulsion on the highway posing a safety risk to the driver, passengers and other vehicles on the roadway. Dealership confirmed the findings. There were no warning signs, signals, lamps, beeps, noises or any other indicators that there was an issue with the motor. It unexpectedly and suddenly failed without warning. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | General Motors is selling vehicles that are unsafe, unreliable, and unfit for consumers. My experience shows a clear pattern of negligence, misrepresentation, and disregard for public safety. On or about April of 2021, I purchased a 2021 Chevy Silverado RST z71 from Vetter chvrolet for about $56,000. GM promoted this vehicle as safe and dependable. Within the short 4 years of owning this truck, I faced major failures: engine issues, transmission problems and electrical malfunctions causing the parking break to engage on its own, at highway speeds of 70-80 mph on which nearly caused a serious accident, and failed Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. This system helps maintain vehicle control, and a problem with it can affect braking, steering, and handling, Despite following GM’s maintenance guidelines, GM delayed repairs, denied coverage on certain failures, and left me with thousands in out-of-pocket costs. The vehicle remains unreliable and unsafe. For myself and my family, 2 children under 3 years old and one on the way. This is not an isolated issue—GM has a long history of recalls and defect cover-ups. These vehicles put lives at risk, cause financial hardship, and violate consumer trust. No one should fear for their safety in a vehicle marketed as “dependable.” This has impacted me by having : • Expensive repairs • Loss of transportation for extended periods • Ongoing fear of driving a defective vehicle with my family in it. Loss of use of my vehicle • Fear and emotional distress driving an unsafe product I have contacted GM and the dealership multiple times. Responses were dismissive, repairs were inadequate, and GM refuses accountability. Requested Resolution: Full reimbursement for all related costs Buyback (preferred) of the vehicle OR permanent repair at no cost Public acknowledgment and stronger quality control. Warning to Consumers: Think twice before trusting GM. Their failure to correct dangerous defects shows profits matter more than safety. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally, and the transmission shifted hard. There was no warning light illuminated. 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 manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 160,000 |
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded the limited time frame to have the parts available. The manufacturer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE | So many vehicles like mine have si.ilar issue. Lifter issues causing engine damage and other part damage. Causes issues at high-speed with power and stranded motorists on dangerous highways. It is a safety issue because you could be stranded in middle of highway. Lifter issues causing bent pushrods and other engine part damage costing . I had one pushrod covered, but others failed and now thousands in repairs. In expensive vehicles. Also towing charges, hotels, rental cars, etc... I dont want to be stranded again as only one bank was all replaced. The entire top half of the engine should be fixed and should be replaced and a service bulletin and recall should be issued to help.protect consumers. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE | On, or about, 10 June 2025 I attempted to start my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado (with the L87 engine) and noticed an extremely rough idle. I shut the engine off and attempted to restart the engine, the idle was rougher than previous and then white smoke started billowing out of my exhaust. At that point I called a wrecker to take my truck to the service center at my dealership. After the dealership diagnosed my engine they stated that it had failed due the defect in the L87 engine that is currently the subject of an active recall. The service center informed me I would need a replacement engine under the warranty but could not give me a timeline, I have been in constant contact with my service advisor and they indicate that GM has no updates as to where I am in the queue, or how long it may be before my replacement engine will be sent. As of writing this complaint it has been two months with no updates from the manufacturer. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH and attempting to decelerate, the brake pedal extended to the floorboard while depressed, and the vehicle failed to immediately decelerate. During the failure, the message "Brake Failure" was displayed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 94,000 |
| Aug 2025 | POWER TRAIN,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the rear wheels locked up, causing the vehicle to slide across the road. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and came to a stop in the middle of the road. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact turned off and then restarted the vehicle and became aware that the transmission failed to shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was towed to the contact's place of employment. The contact who is a certified mechanic performed a diagnostic test and retrieved DTC: P0747, indicating a failure with the pressure control cylinder in the transmission. The contact also found information on NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included int the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,830. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 83,830 |
| Aug 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission is making rattling or ticking noise when accelerating , I'm getting hard shifting in 1st and 2nd and some random gears , I have been launched forward when coming to a stop , some hard shifting when kicking down to pass | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving on a neighborhood road, after coming to a complete stop and attempting to accelerate, the transmission started slipping. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that while driving and accelerating, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was no cause for the failure found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 24,000 |
| Aug 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, while completing a right turn, there was a loud bang and the vehicle immediately lost motive power. The vehicle was coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission, and determined that there was a rupture in the transmission cooling system. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice in the past and the transmission was rebuilt by the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 59,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 59,000 |
| Aug 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The vehicle was initially taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train). The contact stated the vehicle was not repaired. While driving 30-35 MPH, the rear-end locked up and caused the vehicle to enter the wrong lane. The contact stated that other vehicles were able to drive around the vehicle during the failure. The engine revved, and the RPMs revved too high. The driver was able to pull over safely. The check engine, traction control, parking brake, and maintenance warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the rear-end had locked up, and the #5 cylinder and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The mechanic was unable to unlock the rear-end. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on six other occasions for unknown issues. The manufacturer was contacted regarding a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 34,958. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 34,958 |
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000(Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for a routine oil change, the contact requested an engine inspection and oil change. The dealer performed the oil change; however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall remedy was not yet available for the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was informed of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | 30,000 |