Complaint volume
732 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
732 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, grouped by component category.
732 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 212
POWER TRAIN 126
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 41
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 38
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 36
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 21
STRUCTURE 19
STEERING 18
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 14
SERVICE BRAKES 14
732 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2025 | POWER TRAIN | My 2021 Chevy jerks and jumps into gear when putting it into drive from park. This has resulted in the truck jetting off uncontrollably. This has happend several times going back to 2021 but Chevy will not do anything about it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | POWER TRAIN | While driving vehicle pulling out into an intersection lost power do to Transmission failure (valve control body). Truck was towed to a Chevy Dealer and was confirmed transmission failure. There was no warning or symptoms prior to this incident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I turned my truck on after grocery shopping and a notice to "Service Power Steering" popped up on my dashboard. I took it to a mechanic shop where they ran diagnostics. They discovered a TSB # 21-NA-149 and error code U0131. They believe there is an intermittent fault within the wiring causing the power steering to go out. My biggest fear is that this happens while I am negotiating a curve and lose power steering causing a crash or someone to get injured. There was also a "Service ESB" notice on the dashboard after the power steering notification. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | POWER TRAIN | I have a 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 Custom crew cab truck with an 8-speed transmission. I have had transmission issues for a few months. I am experiencing hard shifting from 2nd gear down to 1st gear, slipping while at cruising speed, shuddering between 20mph-50mph, transmission getting too hot. I was told by an automotive shop that they experienced the hard shifting and that they also heard a whining sound while driving. They told me that they a found a Service Bulletin that came out in December of 2024, that there could be a pinched line on top of the transmission that could be causing the overheating. I have read that the transmission control module needs to be reprogrammed, a fluid flush and refill, the Thermal Bypass Valve could be at fault. Basically everything that has been released about the transmissions on 2020- 2024 GM vehicles as being safety problems, I am experiencing. I have checked my VIN on the NHTSA website and also with a dealership, and both show that there is not a recall for my VIN. I do not tow anything, just normal ever day driving. I now have 90,000 miles on the truck and the issue first happened at around 87,000 miles. The issues with this truck are clearly manufacturer defaults and something should be done on their dime, not mine. The first time that I experienced the problems was at the end of November in traffic, which a hard shift into 1st gear, felt like I was hit from behind, but was not. Dash lights came on (traction control light, parking brake light, check engine light) and the truck went into "Limp Mode". I was able to exit the highway and get into a parking lot. I looked in the owners manual and found a quick solution and was able to regain power and all lights went off except for the check engine light. Got the code checked and it came up Transmission Control Module was potentially the issue. Code was cleared and didn't have the problem for a long time. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while shifting into park(P), the vehicle failed to recognize that the vehicle was in park(P). The contact stated that the "Shift to Park" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact was forced to move the gear shifter back and forth between gears before the correct gear was recognized. The vehicle was initially taken to a dealer; however, the dealer failed to duplicate the failure. The failure persisted and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and it was discovered that the transmission control module had short circuited and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 41,000 |
| Feb 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | 2021 Silverado LT Trail Boss 6.2 (production date: 01/2021) was taken to the GM/Chevy dealer (Ed Morse Chevrolet) on 01/29/2024. It was confirmed by the GM mechanic that the engine had failed (75k miles) due to a shattered camshaft and metal in the engine and a complete engine replacement is needed. Had prior complaint at around 6k miles for engine noise along with hard shifts and a check engine light that had appeared then went away on its own (documented). I was told by a GM certified dealership, it was normal in the new trucks and no action was taken. Unsatisfied, I made another appointment for a second opinion and only regular maintenance service was suggested and performed several days after, at a GM certified dealership. All oil changes have been performed in a timely manner. No forewarning prior to engine failure to include check engine light or any system messages, although trucks performance from the initial complaint did not subside. To my knowledge, this vehicles engine is weighing heavy on consumers safety with engine failure and is a well documented issue, leaving many stranded. Thank you! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the oil was lowering several quarts at a fast rate, and the oil was burning at a fast rate. After lowering down 3 quarts of oil by 3 weeks. At the same time, driving at approximately 25 - 30 MPH when they noticed black smoke coming from underneath the front passenger side of the hood between the window and windshield. The contact pulled to the side of the road where the fire was extinguished with a fire extinguisher. The fire department was not called. A police report was not filed. There were no injuries and no medical attention was needed. The vehicle was towed to their home. The dealer was contacted however they confirmed they were unable to inspect the vehicle for another 5 weeks. The contact had ordered and replaced the intake and the fuel return lines. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure opened a case for the failure and offered a buyback option however the contact decided not to take the offer. The failure mileage was 32,000. | Crash: No Fire: Yes Towed | 32,000 |
| Feb 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | The truck jerks when first driving and will jerk and lundge at various times and speeds. There is a almost grinding nosie. It often says "Reduced Engine Power" and the engine light comes one, the "Service ESC" notice comes on with the vehicle light, when this happens the truck will barely accelerate even if flooring the gas, continues to make a grinding noise. This happens frequently, but then lights go away, then come back on. Dealership pulled multiple codes (image attached). This is a huge safety risk due to failure of acceleration, and the jerking that causes the truck to jerk while in motion and slow. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | With absolutely no warning, the 6.2 liter V-8 engine with 28,500 miles on it seized up solid and would not run. I was stranded in heavy Christmas traffic and completely blocked one lane. It was an unsafe situation. I had to summon a wrecker to come and tow the vehicle, and I called 911 for police presence to alert and direct traffic. The vehicle was at the Chevy dealer for a month while they installed a new engine. The dealer never fully confirmed what the cause was - I don't believe they really know - and I only have 10 months of warranty left. I am concerned about another failure and thought I should at least get the warranty on the new engine re-set to 60,00 or more miles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | There is a water leak from the rear roof leaking causing water to come inside by the rear window down the rear pillar by the airbag. May cause problems with the rear side airbag and mold. Dealer charged me a $273 diagnostics charge and will not repair under warranty or extended warranty even though there is a TSB on this affecting numerous other trucks | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the transmission was slipping between the third and fourth gears. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving between the sixth and seventh gears. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed due to the TCM and torque converter failure; however, the parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 95,000 |
| Jan 2025 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH following a school bus, there was an abnormal screeching sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that a message to pull over safely was displayed. The contact stated that the engine had seized. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft bearings and connecting rod bearings had failed. After further diagnostic tests, the contact was informed that the vehicle was not repairable. The vehicle was repaired with a remanufactured engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 16,000 |
| Jan 2025 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed or while stopping the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the top of the engine where the lifters were located. The contact stated that the spring in the engine had collapsed, causing the check engine message to be displayed. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the lifters on the top of the engine were causing the DEF sensor to engage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 90,000 |
| Jan 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I brought in vehicle for check engine light is on for p0300 / p0308 had misfire tech removed engine valve cover and determine no movement in valve train components tech determine valve train failure lifters possible camshaft we would need to remove the cylinder head and replace valve train lifters. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | At 4K miles, the lifters of the engine went bad. It was determined a rod was bent and had to be replaced. At 26K miles, another cylinder went bad and had to be replaced. At 40Kmiles, serpentine belt had to be replaced. At 41K miles, another cylinder went bad and had to be replaced. Now, at 55K miles, I am getting the same issues with loss of power, engines stuttering and misfiring and will be taking the truck to the dealer on 1/28/25. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ENGINE | Engine failure | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 50-55 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle decelerated to 35-40 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming a quart of oil per month. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed lifter. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 92,000 |
| Jan 2025 | ENGINE | Driving down the road and the vehicle shut off and said to restart. Wouldn't start back up. Check and found a 400 amp fuse was blown. Tested starter and was fine. Restarted the vehicle and it made a loud rattling noise and shut back off. Sent it to the dealer and they found that number 1 and 2 rods overheated and locked up the motor. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ENGINE | My 2021 Silverado with only 80,655 miles had to have the engine replaced. On 11/20/24, my vehicle indicated a P0303 code for miss-fire in cylinder 3. I took my vehicle to for repair to a local Chevy Dealership and was informed of the following: 1) Needed programming changes to the fuel injection based on service bulletin N242450631. This repair was completed by the dealer. 2) Needed a “tear down” for further diagnostic. It was determined that the specific code could not be repaired and the entire engine needed to be replaced which was done at my cost. The details on service bulletin N242450631 are limited and do not describe issues that could be caused by the fuel injector problem. Relative to service bulletin N242450631 fuel injector issue, based on my experience with my vehicle, I believe this fuel injector programming bulletin issue caused the engine malfunction and subsequent need to replacement. Before the bulletin repair was completed, I know that my vehicle engine surged often. Looking back now, this constant surging had to be hard on the engine and likely caused the failure. Regardless, if it wasn’t the service bulletin that caused the issue, a vehicle engine should last more than 80,000 miles. I believe GM needs to take responsibility for the engine failure which I believe was caused by faulty workmanship, design, computer engine programming, or some combination of these issues. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ENGINE | Lifter failure on number 2 cylinder. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | At start up check engine light, service esc, service parking brake. Code reader shows code P0304 misfire cylinder number 4. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | Lifter failure at 8629 miles. All warning lights went on at time of incident, truck would barely drive home and I had it towed into the dealership where they replaced the entire bank of lifters. This is on my repair order- "Checked and found dead mis on cylinder 4 and ticking noise from engine//performed compression test and found no compression on cylinder 4//removed passenger side cylinder head and found lifter bad causing push rod to bend//replaced all lifters on right bank and 1 pushrod//changed oil and filter//filled coolant and test drove and found all ok. I called Chevy at time of incident (1/21/22) and opened case# 9-7252876703 stating I wanted both banks of lifters replaced because I pull a 30' camper with my family and didn't want the other side to fail while I'm pulling 7000+ pounds. They declined to replace the other bank stating that since the vehicle had more than 5000 miles it did not qualify for both sides to be replaced and it was for only vehicles after 11/21 and mine was built 2/21. I still would like to get the other bank of lifters replaced under warranty. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH and attempting to overtake a semi, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 100,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 100,000 |
| Jan 2025 | ENGINE | 2021 Chevy Silverado RST 6.2 Crankshaft Failure – Trust bearing / Main Bearing – Verified by GM dealership. This incident occurred without any prior warning indicators. The check engine light illuminated only after the engine began to seize, and the engine abruptly stalled. At the time of the failure, the vehicle was traveling at 60 MPH on a busy highway. Upon the event, the vehicle came to an immediate stop and could not be restarted. The engine failed to turn over, rendering the vehicle inoperable and partially obstructing traffic. The vehicle was subsequently towed to a local General Motors dealership, where it was determined that the failure was due to a crankshaft thrust and main bearing issue. The vehicle has 27,000 miles on the odometer. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | I have just been made aware that there is a lot going on right now with the l87 6.2 motor. I purchased my truck last September so I e had it almost a year 1/2. I recently started having what seems like a misfire issue as of 1/20/2025. I have it scheduled to be checked out Friday 1/24/2025. I’m just reporting this to cover my back if any recall or anything comes about. In addition I’ve had regular oil changes and maintenance on the truck. It’s currently inspected and insured. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |