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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2025 | STRUCTURE | Tailgate operation failure. The tailgate switch appears to be operating when no button is pressed. When vehicle is unlocked or key fob near vehicle tailgate automatically goes down on own. Component is available upon request. Appears to be tailgate release switch 85734717. Safety at risk as although it does not open in driving it does when stopped and in park. Tailgate went down and driver failed to realize this as component had failed and it had been put up and driver drove forward so unable to witness it down as truck was not in reverse. Upon driving forward materials in bed of truck were dispersed in roadway until driver realized tailgate had come down just prior to pulling away. Causes a safety hazard to drivers and others on road. Problem has happened in park and has not been taken into dealer yet as it is out of dealer warranty. Vehicle not inspected by anyone else. No lamps displayed prior to or following failure. No lift gate down warning. Safety failure | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Vehicle is shifting harshly. Looked up recalls. "Certain" 2021 Silverado 1500's have recall for transmission problem that can cause rear wheels to lock up and cause a crash. GM says my truck is not included in the recall. I have filed an official complaint with GM. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ENGINE | While towing a trailer on a highway during a trip, my truck experienced a catastrophic engine failure with no prior warning. I was driving at highway speeds when the vehicle suddenly lost all engine power, creating an immediate and dangerous situation. I had to use extreme effort to steer the truck and trailer off the road and onto a narrow shoulder. There was no safe breakdown lane, and we were stranded for over eight hours waiting for assistance. Due to the size and weight of the trailer, the truck and trailer had to be towed separately, further complicating the situation. The vehicle was towed to the nearest Chevrolet dealership, where it was diagnosed and confirmed that the engine failure falls under the ongoing 6.2L V8 engine recall. The dealer stated the engine must be replaced under the recall. Unfortunately, that was over eight weeks ago, and I have still received no timeline, no updates, and no meaningful support from either the repairing dealer or the selling dealer (which is located three hours away from the incident site). Since then, my vehicle has remained undrivable, and I have had no access to alternative transportation. I was offered a reimbursement of $44 per day toward a rental car, but the process requires me to pay out-of-pocket and submit extensive documentation for potential reimbursement. Without knowing how long the delay will be, this could result in thousands of dollars in unreimbursed costs, which is simply not sustainable for me. This situation not only created a serious safety risk during the initial breakdown but has left me without reliable transportation for two months, with no indication of when my truck will be repaired. The lack of communication and accountability from GM and its dealerships is unacceptable given the known defect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | POWER TRAIN | As I am driving, the truck shutters off and on and its shifts hard when shifting gears. I drive long distances daily and if the transmission fails, this could cause an accident that could put the safety of my children’s lives, or mine, at risk. It has not yet been inspected, but I spoke with several transmission specialists and have been told this is a very common issue among 2021, and other year models close to that, Chevrolet Silverados. The cost for confirmation would be upwards of $1000, which is not something I am able to afford. There have not been any warning lights or lamps. Only shuttering and harsh shifting. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Repair & Breakdown Timeline – 2021 Chevy Silverado Owner: [XXX] and [XXX] VIN [XXX] Warranty: Extended vehicle warranty (active) Millenium ________________________________________ Repair History Summary Oct 2024 – Issue: Hard shifting; GM recall for purge pump – Action Taken: Purge pump replaced under recall – Status: Returned to owner Nov 19, 2024 – Issue: Continued shifting problems – Action Taken: Transmission replaced – Status: Vehicle kept until Feb 2025 Feb 12, 2025 – Issue: Vehicle returned to owner – Action Taken: GM reimbursed car payments during downtime – Status: Returned to owner April 2025 – Issue: Loss of power; wouldn’t shift past 15 mph – Action Taken: Generic transmission code cleared, no fix – Status: Returned with unresolved issue June 9, 2025 – Issue: Random downshifting; RPM/speedometer erratic – Action Taken: External TCM wire replaced – Status: Returned June 11 June 18, 2025 – Issue: Recurring downshifting issue – Action Taken: Internal TCM wire replaced – Status: Returned June 25 June 27, 2025 – Issue: Hard downshifting, braking sensation during acceleration – Action Taken: Returned to shop – Status: Ongoing •7 total repair visits, 4 of them since February 2025 transmission replacement •Symptoms continue despite following GM’s repair instructions •Dealership has followed GM repair guidance each time •Vehicle remains a safety risk, especially with children onboard •Similar Silverado models have recalls, but this VIN is not include I have two young children, and this vehicle has now placed us in extremely unsafe situations multiple times. We’ve been stranded in traffic, unable to accelerate, and fearful for our safety. Despite repair after repair, the problem continues. At this point, I do not believe this truck can be fixed, and I am unwilling to keep driving it—or trade it in knowing another family could end up in the same dangerous situation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Unknown transmission failure | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was shifting hard. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at 70 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was purchased for diagnostic testing, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact used a scanner and retrieved DTC: B3205-4B-BCM, and a message that the steering column circuit was locked. Additionally, the scanner displayed a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); which the contact related to the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall and referred the contact to a Chevrolet dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that assistance could not be provided because the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 100,000 |
| Jun 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES | 2021 Silverado 1500 TrailBoss LT Brake Sensor Monitor failure causes you not to be able to see brake pad wear/life remaining on dash information. Brake Pads (front and rear) replaced with sensor on 12/14/2023 and was unable to reset the brake pad monitor on dash (would not reset passed 51%) at approx 32K miles 01/2024, Front Left Sensor Monitor replaced again by dealership for $293 06/2025 Truck prompting if brake pads were replaced recently on dashboard 06/13/25 Brake Pad Life showing at 71% Front and 77% Rear at approx 50K miles 06/14/25, Brake Pad Sensor Monitor Error Message | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | POWER TRAIN | My vehicle started shuttering approximately after 128,000 miles. I took it to a Edwards Chevrolet dealership near my home to have it serviced. I wa told that the transmission was going out and needed to be replaced. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Failure of the coolant flow control valve and DEF component. Caused the engine to overheat and potentially fail while driving. The part to repair this problem has been very difficult to obtain causing a prolonged period of time in a repair shop. According to online forum information this an ongoing problem with this particular engine for over 4 years now. In my general area there are 6 vehicles that are in need of this particular part before they can be repaired. This is definitely not an isolated incident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | POWER TRAIN | At approximately 67,000 miles I noticed upon starting and putting it in gear the motor would rev/clunk while going into gear. Shifting from one gear to another the truck would shutter. Did not feel safe driving any distance because the truck would lock up when trying to put it in gear. I had the truck looked at after reading numerous complaints about this 8 speed transmission and wanted to make sure it was safe to drive. After test driving it a couple of times during the course of a day it was determined the transmission needed to be replaced/rebuilt. At no time did any warnings appear on the display indicating there was an issue. I had the transmission rebuilt but feel like there are many complaints and no recalls regarding this same issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ENGINE | While traveling at highway speed an engine lifter collapsed and I was left stranded with a flashing check engine light, severe engine knocking and lack of power. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Check engine light is on, code reads emissions fail due to the Evaporative Emissions leak detection pump.( EVAP PURGE PUMP UNDERSPEED) P1467. I see this was a recall on several Chevrolet vehicles but not yet on mine. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ENGINE | Engine siezed while on a roadway that speed limit was 75 miles per hour. Was also actively pulling a trailer. Luckily avoided traffic in pulling off to the side of the road and was stuck there for about 8 hours on the side of the road. It broke down 5 hours from home. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil pressure level fluctuated between 60 and 0. The contact stated that the low-pressure oil warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the oil level was continually being topped off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. In addition, the contact was advised to have an oil change every 1,000 miles while waiting for the recall repair to be performed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 40,000 |
| Jun 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | My 2021 Silverado has the same issue as the current recall, whereas the tailgate open by itself when the vehicle is operations. This happens when it rains. The first time I noticed it I lost a cooler out of the back of my truck on the interstate highway. The second time it came down when hauling a trailer and cause minor damage to the tailgate. I have since removed the fuse that controls the tailgate. I notified Chevrolet of the issue, but the stated that my truck is not under the current recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission is changing hard and jerking | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ENGINE | The Vehicle that I own is a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with a 6.2 liter engine. on 6/2/2025 i went to have the oil changed and the service technician informed me there was no oil in the engine. He also informed me that this particular model with the 6.2 liter engine had a recall relating to components in the engine. After researching I found that there was in fact a recall, but my truck was not listed on the NHTSA web site. I made a visit to the local dealership and the service manager informed me that there was in fact a recall but there was nothing they could do at this time. He suggested that I check the oil level every 500 miles and wait on a recall notice. Now the engine is starting to make internal noises that concern me greatly. There is a opportunity that the engine could simply lock up and there is no certainty on what might happen. Please advise | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE | 1st incident cracked frame/suspension support for front suspension, 4 months to fix, 2nd incident oil pump, lifter failure, replaced under warranty. 3rd failure engine sieze while driving at 55-60 mph. Warning light flashed loss of oil pressure shut down immediately, put it in neutral to coat to side of road but moment I shifted to N engine failed, had to tow home cuz dealer was a month out to look at it, had to send to a different dealership 60 miles away to get looked at, confirmed castrophic engine failure, GM dealer wanted me to pay to fix it. I have had 2 major engine issues, 1 major suspension frame issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Vehicle started with vibration at speed 45mph and sometimes it gets worse already balance the wheels twice and same issue so I took it to another shop and they found that my vehicle has hesitation and shuddering also really hard down shift | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while leaving a parking spot and driving approximately 5-10 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine before the vehicle lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced catastrophic engine failure two years prior to the recent failure. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was 20,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 20,000 |
| Jun 2025 | ENGINE | I am facing my second coolant control valve replace in the last 10k miles. The truck errors with a code of P1098 due to the valve failure and the fan continues to run. My truck was then put into limp mode. This valve is a know problem with this motor and not cover under warranty. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | STEERING,AIR BAGS,ENGINE | I was on my way home from work on [XXX] coming around the lakes with no median or shoulder when the engine in my 2021 Silverado started rattling, temperature gauge started going up, and losing power. Within a matter of minutes my truck shut off leaving me stranded in the middle of a four lane highway with no safe location to stop. The engine wouldn’t even turn over to try and crank back up so I could get the truck out of the road. After help getting my truck to a safe location I noticed oil and antifreeze leaking out of the bottom side of the engine. This truck was at Love Chevrolet for engine failure on 8/14/24 and was told it was fixed and was never told about ongoing issues with this particular 6.2 engine. I found out a few weeks ago while trying to trade my truck in to Jim Browne Chevrolet dealer that my particular truck the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado High Country with the 6.2 engine had known issue with the engine locking up and was afraid to take my truck in on trade due to his service manger going through this same experience. So I paid top dollar for a high end Chevrolet truck to be stuck with not being able to trade it and now not being able to drive it. I called the dealer and was told that my trucks vin number was not part of the recall for this issue but there are trucks that are the same year, model, and engine type that are covered under this recall. I’m now stuck making a 850 a month payment on a 58000 dollar truck that I can’t drive and can’t afford to replace an engine. Any help would be greatly appreciated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ENGINE | While driving my truck at approximately 50mph it suddenly lost power while in traffic. I was fortunate enough to pull over safely to avoid an accident. The motor was violently shaking and sounded like it was coming apart internally. Almost every warning light on the dashboard came on as I was pulling over. The truck had little power and did not sound normal. I immediately called for a tow truck and had it towed to the nearest Chevrolet dealership. After inspection they confirmed the lifters were bad. The truck had 38,000 original miles on it at the time of this incident. The dealership repaired the defective lifters. With the current GM recall on the 6.2 liter engine my truck does not qualify as it was built 1 month prior to the recall date. This truck needs to be included in the current 6.2 liter engine that GM is recalling. The motor is defective and is a major safety issue. If I was driving with my family on the highway while this abrupt incident happened it could have been catastrophic. There were no signs or warnings whatsoever prior to this incident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ENGINE | blown engine 6.2 L87 motor | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |