Complaint volume
767 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
767 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, grouped by component category.
767 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 226
POWER TRAIN 130
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 43
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 40
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 39
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 24
STRUCTURE 19
STEERING 18
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 14
SERVICE BRAKES 14
767 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | POWER TRAIN | On January 6 and 7, 2025, the broken transmission valve body was subjected to inspection by a Chevrolet dealership. The vehicle exhibited faulty gear shifts, which resulted in reduced speeds and triggered the activation of "limp mode." This malfunction occurred while driving under severe winter storm conditions, posing a potential risk for serious injury. The issue was methodically diagnosed and documented for parts replacement. Furthermore, the transmission service indicator activated via the associated application, and the check engine light illuminated alongside a blinking "D" mode indicator at the time the warning lights were activated. The initial signs and symptoms of the issue were first observed at 11:00 PM on January 5, 2025. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Valve body went out at 52,000 miles and was replaced under warranty. Went out again at 104,000 miles, has been at dealer for a month now waiting on part that is unavailable | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and shifted into another unknown gear independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission torque converter and the valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure when a case was opened and escalated the matter to a higher supervisor. The failure mileage was 61,200. | Crash: No Fire: No | 61,200 |
| Dec 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | UNKNOWN. PARK Switch module is not working correctly. The vehicle keeps displaying message saying the vehicle needs to be the parking position. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Push-button tailgate electrical failure. Tailgate opens on its own while driving and while truck is off. This is a known issue that has already been recalled by GM but my truck was not included in the recall, even though the problem and repair are exactly the same as the currently recalled vehicles. I had to pay a GM Dealership to make the repair as the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to potential for flying debris from the bed while driving. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER | Hello: I have this issue with my vehicle, and have read several people on Chevrolet Silverado message boards noting that their windshield wipers do not function properly when turned on. My wipers only work when I push the button to wash the windshield and they do not work in any other setting. I believe this is something that should be looked into and it seems like this is a good place to start. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The transmission in this truck has been an issue since it had 50k miles on it. It doesn’t shift correctly or smooth at all. It shifts hard, slow to engage, studders, jerks, pops without any load. This is my second 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with same issue except it needed transmission replaced and didn’t know when they’d get another transmission in as they’re on backorder and these are work truck and can’t be down long - dealer said this is a common issue with these trucks - so I got rid of that one. If the dealers know this is a common issues and attorneys are sending letter for class action lawsuit against GM this should tell you something- recall them! No lights have ever come on with any warning on either truck. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Open recall with no remedy. Called GM and they cannot give me any timeframe as far as when a fix will be available. GM has proposed changing the software to limit the truck to fifth gear if excessive wear of the valve is detected but that is not a fix for the issue and they cannot even give a timeframe for that or what they will do to remedy the issue when there is excessive wear. The issue can cause the rear wheels to lock up while driving and is a major safety issue compounded with winter driving conditions yet GM cannot provide any information. I cannot even replace the vehicle as the vehicle cannot be sold in my state of Missouri with an open recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | SUSPENSION | The upper ball joint on the passengers side failed or separated. This caused the truck to lose brake pressure and put the occupants lives in danger. The vehicle is currently at a GMC dealership in Killeen, TX being repaired. There were no warning signs or lamps. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | STEERING,POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver and the rear wheels were intermittently inoperable with the transmission experiencing hard downshifting. The failure occurred on several occasions. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact researched and was made aware of an undisclosed NHTSA Campaign; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 30,000 |
| Dec 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I was driving down the highway when my tailgate open on its own. This has happened 4-5 times where items could have fallen from my truck bed and caused an accident. There is an active recall for this issue but according to my VIN my vehicle isn’t affected but it clearly is. Dealer has inspected and confirmed it’s the same issue as with other models. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | There is a current recall out there for the tailgates releasing on 20-24 Chevy Silverado 2500 and 3500. I own a 1500 and am having the same issue. Water is getting into the rear electronic switch and releasing the tailgate unbeknownst to me. I have lost items that were in the bed on the pickup on the road while traveling. Can the recall include the 1500 models also? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | THE TAILGATE HAS FELL DOWN SEVERAL TIMES BY ITS SELF .I REPORTED THE PROBLEM ON THIS TO THE CHEVY DEALER THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE 1500 SERIES. THE TAILGATE EVEN UNLATCHED ITS SELF AT THE DEALERSHIP SO THEY DISCONNECTED THE OUTSIDE TAILGATE SWITCH SO IT WOULDNT UNLATCHED ITS SELF 12/23 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | TIRES | Unknown,don’t want to have an accident if my rear wheel lock up on me for my recall of my vehicle don’t want to put my family at risk | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER | MY Windshield wipers stop working on low and high and from time to time my vehicle will not go in reverse. when it does finally go in reverse it's a very hard jerk, also when I'm driving it gets a drag an acts like it wants to stop going. It happens frequently and it has been going on for months. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | Mechanics said that they see this on all new chevy trucks that the bracket causes the rubber brake line to rub on the bracket holding it in place also causing it to stretch and tear. Resulting in a over 500 dollar fix. The brakes failed on the interstate causing them to lock up. Almost killing me and my daughter but was able to gain control of the vehicle and save it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate inadvertently opened on its own. As a result, the contacts tool box fell from the vehicle potentially becoming a dangerous road hazard. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign 24V060000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 17,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | ENGINE | I bought my 2021 chevy silverado 1500 Lt crewcab in march 2021 it had 5000 miles on it I had it for 2 weeks when it started shaking and the engine light was flashing. Took it in to auto nation cheverolet and they had it for a month. when I got it back and started the vehicle the engine light was still flashing. They had to change the lifters on Bank 1 because number 8 cylinder lifter was bad. why didn't they change all the lifters. 3 years later I am having the same issues getting a misfire on number 4 cylinder truck shaking and white smoke coming out of the exhaust. Also the dash lights up with service parking break and service esc when the engine light flashed. ofcourse my warranty is exceeded and GM knows about this problem with the 5.3 and 6.2 engines and won't issue a recall. it is a big saftey issue as your vehile looses power or shuts off. this shou;dn't be happening especially when your vehicle is fairly new. this is twice now this is happened in 3 years and now I have to pay out of pocket to get this fixed because gm won't issue a recall on this known problem that is happening to thousands of customers. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | We were driving 40 mph when all the sudden the rear tires locked up without warning. We almost got in an accident and thankfully were able to get off the road. Then, the check engine light came on and the truck went into limp mode and would not shift gears automatically and it was difficult to make it home. We had a mechanic come to our house to run a diagnostic and they informed us of the recall and confirmed it is what the truck was experiencing. We took it to the dealership and they confirmed the recall and that there was no available fix and nothing they could do for us. Meanwhile, ours is not safe to drive. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | UNKNOWN - The truck began jerking/braking on its own while driving last week. I took it to a local transmission shop where it has sat for the past week as they said the transmission control module/tcm needs to be replaced but the part needed is on back order. This issue sounds similar to the recent transmission recall (N242454440) though our vin does not show there to be a recall on our exact vehicle. Our truck meets the specifications of the recall and having it inoperable has placed a hardship on my family. How can I get it fixed under this recall at a local GM dealer? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission failed. Safety was put at risk for me and others, truck started jerking. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer and has been at a dealership since June 2024, it is now almost December 2024. They were waiting on a new transmission to come in due to these transmissions were put on back order. There were no warning lamps or messages on dash. The truck just started jerking while driving and it was very unsafe to drive. We had to have truck towed to dealership. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | STEERING | After parking my vehicle overnight, I started it up in the morning and it immediately said "Service Power Steering, Please Drive With Care" and also said "Service ESC". I could not steer the vehicle when these messages were displayed. I was able to get the vehicle to work normally by turning it off, waiting a few minutes and turning it back on. This is extremely dangerous if the vehicle decides to do this during a drive. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission issues such as vibration/grinding, delayed shifting, rough shifting, clunking noises when changing gears, jerking sensations, vehicle is available for inspection. The transmission control valve may fail, causing the rear wheels to lock up. Transmission was inspected, Dealer claimed Torque converter issue and replaced that part, however, ISSUE still exists and Dealer claims that at the 2nd inspection, it was the tires giving me the rough shifting and vibration/griding I feel when driving. No warning messages, just continued vibration that turned into grinding at it continues to get worse. Issue started at 55K miles, truck currently has 60K miles, torque converter was replaced at 58K miles. The issues seems to be the same as the current GMC Diesel transmission recall. This recall SHOULD pertain the Gas Transmissions for the same year vehicles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked with the oil pressure gauge fluctuating. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and upon inspection, the contact discovered that the engine oil was extremely low. The contact added six quarts of oil to the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil, and that six quarts of oil was added every 5,000 miles. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,400. | Crash: No Fire: No | 56,400 |
| Nov 2024 | POWER TRAIN | My truck has less than 50,000 miles on it and the transmission feels has if it's shifting hard and shuttering during the cycles of first to third. I do not see that my truck has a recall, but if there is a problem with my trucks transmission, then I need to have it looked at before the 60, 000 or 5 year warranty expires. Can I just take it to a Chevy dealership and have this inspected at NO CHARGE to me? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |