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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2022 | ENGINE | Vehicle will not start and cranks until starter kicks out, about 30 seconds each time. I am afraid if this happens at a traffic signal or stop sign it could be bad. I took it to the dealer on July 30-2022. (2972 mileage) and they could not verify concern. I found a safety bulletin on a GM website for a extended crank/ no start. It is PIP5806D, The dealer says they know nothing about this. It lists a labor operation number 4088148, due to a corrupt signal from camshaft position sensor to the ECM. It has happened now 4 times, and current mileage is 6973. I have been dealing with Champion Chevrolet in Reno NV. It has started after 8 to 10 crank time outs and the battery starts slowing the crank speed down, but around 10 to 15 minutes have passed by then. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2022 | ENGINE | Engine oil cooler defect was diagnosed by chevrolet dealership. Everytime I drive the truck, it would leak oil and would have a burning smell all underneath the truck. The part was on backorder for over a month and a half. After this long wait of not being able to drive the truck, the dealership finally put a new oil cooler in. The problem persists and they are not able to figure out from the engineer what will solve the problem. I have been out of a truck for over a month and a half now with no hopes of the issue being resolved. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2022 | POWER TRAIN | Power hesitation, along with loud knocking sounds coming from the engine. Cause truck to completely shut off while driving 35mph. No warning lights or anything came on until complete failure | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | ENGINE | Per the repairing dealership, a lifter went bad. GM will not replace all of the lifters, just one side of the engine, due to the vehicle having over 8000 miles. Mine currently has 12,500. I no longer feel safe knowing that GM is replacing only half of the know defect with new parts that have the same issue (Told to me by the repair facility.) The vehicles engine could fail again, resulting in loss of acceleration. No warning was observed during, however after the fact, check engine and other warning lights were illuminated. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | STEERING,SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Body control modules sas modules no communication service esc light and traction control lights coming on vehicle looses all steers ng when lights come on at any speeds it says service esc power steering loss drive with caution have had it into multiple shops and no diagnostic scanners can get into the 3 systems there 6050 miles on vehicle we haven’t gotten in a wreck yet but that is totally not out of the question it will happen and when it does its going to be devistating | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | ENGINE | Engine misfire due to faulty valves which caused vehicle to lose power and stall. Check engine light began to flash on dash. Took directly to Chevrolet dealership. Dealership confirmed faulty valves and bent pushrod on left side of engine. Dealership to repair engine under warranty. Dealership stated that right side engine valves had already been replaced in November 2021 at approximately 13,000 miles. This was before I purchased the truck in May 2022 and I was not made aware of this repair. Truck now has 22,900 miles. Dealership stated that this is a known issue with Chevrolet 5.3 liter engine and they preform similar valve replacements on this engine at least once a week. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Truck caught on fire while driving down I75 interstate in Florida. No component or system failure lights where present. Smoke was smelled by the passengers and within seconds the truck was on fire. The safety of the passengers was at FULL risk, and lucky to be alive! The truck was full engaged as soon as the truck pulled over on the side of the interstate. Investigation by GM & Insurance company took place. The truck is available for further investigation. We are unsure how the fire started. It did come up from both sides of the cab, and very quickly. Nothing has been confirmed by any inspections completed by GM & Progressive. GM & the Service Dealer are not engaging as they should be. | Crash: No Fire: Yes | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | ENGINE | 2021 Silverado RST, 5.3. Started having strange loud random clicking sounds when first starting. Would loose power, at take off or when trying to accelerate. This was at 9400 miles on the vehicle. Was not showing any check engine light or issues on dash. When examining engine compartment, found loose bolts, that had broken. Took it to local Chevy dealership, acted like there was nothing wrong with it. Instantly trying to get out of performing work. I had a feel it was going to be lifter issues. Found out while there around 4 thousand miles it already had lifters replaced. After debating with them for two days, and trying to convince them there was issues. They finally found multiple problems with lifters, misfiring, rocker arm not moving due to collapsed lifter. They found broken bolts in cylinder heads. Ended up having to replace all left and right side lifters. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | ENGINE | My truck has had lifter issues twice now. Finally, a new engine had to be installed and I have recently began getting the check engine light along with sputtering sensation while the truck is on idle. Also, I purchased this truck, brand new, and I was without it for close to six months. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Dealer said lifters failed. Was stuck in middle of interstate for 2 hrs | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | POWER TRAIN | I was not personally at risk during my incident, but I can see how I could have been if my situation was a different. My 2021Chevy truck suddenly lost engine power at a traffic stoplight. It almost stalled coming to a stop. Then when trying to accelerate, it had very low power, and was stumbling. I was only a mile from home, and not busy traffic, so I managed to make it home. Driving very slowly with the engine clearly under very low power. No CEL or warning lights came on. After getting it towed to the dealer the next day, the dealer informed me it was a failed lifter and bent pushrod. After a little google searching, I found it is a common failure in newer GM V8s. I also learned my truck was built in a date window that GM issued a Service bulletin for lifter failures. According to forums and Facebook pages, Many other owners have had the same problem. Even 2-3 time failures with some owners. Even after repairs. Either in the date range of the bulletin or outside of it. My specific situation wasn't dangerous, but I could see how it could be, if I were on a busy highway, or if the truck completely lost power. As far as I see, no Recall has been issued, just many internal service bulletins over several years. And even a class action lawsuit in regards to lifter failure. My truck was fixed with all lifters replaced with an updated part number. 5000 miles since the repair. Gm did a good job with the repair, and after some communication with GM customer service, they replaced all the lifters, and not just the broken one. This gave me a bit more peace of mind, but I worry with so many failures posted online daily, and without a documented case on NHTSA this will continue. Thanks | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | ENGINE | Collapsed Lifters an Bent Push Rods | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | POWER TRAIN | I was on interstate 85 and the whole truck started shaking and check engine light, service ESC light and service parking brake light came on. Thankfully I was near and exit ramp and got off as I had almost no power. I limped my truck back to the dealership where they diagnosed it as lifter failure and replaced both banks of lifters. This is a known problem with General Motors and is simply a matter of time before a terrible accident occurs. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | POWER TRAIN | MY PICK UP WAS HIT FROM THE REAR THE DRIVE SHAFT BROKE AT THE WELL AND THE REAR BROKE BOTH SIDE OF THE AXLE TO THE HOUSING OF THE REAR I HAVE PICK OF THE REAR AND THE DRIVE SHAFT. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed Medical attention | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | ENGINE | Lifters blew in my brand new engine with only 18k miles while driving. Engine was shaking & knocking & lost power when trying to accelerate. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2022 | ENGINE | I have a 2021 Chevy Silverado. The #3 Cylinder has failed and an all new lifter kit needs to be installed. Truck was knocking violently and died. Dealership stated the parts on back order nationwide and they have no clue when replacement parts will arrive. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2022 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | At 7,316 miles my 2021 Silverado 5.3 V8 had lifter failure while driving, the truck would not accelerate correctly and I was forced to pull off the road, luckily it was able to turn off at the next road before the vehicles behind me caught up. The check engine light was blinking and was making a lot of popping noises. I was able to take back roads and drop it off at the dealership for repairs. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2022 | ENGINE | This 2021Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss I purchased new April 2021. Since I have owned it the check engine light would flash randomly with or without a load and now just this past weekend (7/17/2021) the check engine light stayed on. Took it to the Chevy dealer for repair and was told it was a lifter problem. I recently just purchased a camper, well under GM allowed towing capacity, and worried that if the engine should fail either up hill or down hill that there could be loss of control of vehicle from other systems shutting down. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2022 | POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | Vehicle began having issues at 3 months old... Random service messages, defective headlight, wierd engine noises at startup and stalling upon acceleration/deceleration. I took it to the dealer several times about the issues I were having but they always say they aren't able to replicate any issues. 3 months later I was driving on the highway and the engine started knocking. Had it towed to the dealer and it took them 6 months to replace engine, tcm, starter, and other parts. After finally getting the truck back, it was still stalling and there was a check engine light... Dealer did not reassemble the vehicle properly and several parts and bolts were still missing. It went right back in the shop and catalytic converters were replaced. I also mentioned missing parts and bolts. I get the truck back again and it still seems like it wants to stall. I was turning into a parking lot a few days later and it seemed like it wanted to cut off. While I was distracted trying to see if the truck cut off, I hit a small pole... Truck was damaged way more than it should have been because the dealer did not reassemble it properly. Body shop said my bumper was only held on by 2 bolts and several other bolts and pieces were missing. They said if my bumper was attached properly the damage would not have been as bad. The vehicle was already unsafe because of stalling and the dealer made it structurally unsafe as well... I have opened cases with gm and they aren't doing anything about it. Here this truck is 14 months old and it's been in their possession more than mine... I have asked them about replacing the vehicle and they insist on fixing the issues but never do and I end up driving an u safe vehicle around. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Jul 2022 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power with the “Engine Power Reduced” message displayed. The temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact initially had the vehicle towed to the dealer and diagnosed with a defective fuel pump. The dealer replaced the fuel pump, the fuel pump system, and the fuel pump sensor; however, each repair failed to fix the failure. The contact towed the vehicle to AutoNation Chevrolet Pembroke Pines (8600 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024) where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective catalytic converter; however, the part remained on back order. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a claim was filed. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 15,000 |
| Jul 2022 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | Add 1 more victim to the ongoing and growing list of GM owners of vehicles with 5.3/6.2Lmotors with DFM lifter failure. 50 miles after returning from a 500 mile trip from N. Wisconsin fishing trip this motor threw in the towel. Dealer assessment cylinder #6 lifter failure with an extra bonus of damage bad enough to require replacement of entire cylinder head! This motor has 11K. miles on it, and I have had oil changed multiple times as I am old school and don't buy into the whole 7500K. thing. Guess I should have saved my cash for something more fun! Check engine light did not come on till almost 2mi. after vehicle started running badly, flashing check engine light did not come on till I was almost home 15 mi. Had it towed to the dealer on my own dime! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2022 | ENGINE | Speed limit 70mph and driving on the highway, suddenly the vehicle began to shake and the engine light came on and the vehicle was making a forced deceleration to 40mph. Other vehicles had to swerve to avoid my vehicle, as I was attempting to pull off the highway safely. "service brake system" alarm also came on. The manual advised when getting this alarm to have the vehicle towed. Once at the dealership this note was on my service papers " Customer stated engine light was on and truck running rough and shaking, review of DTC's showed cylinder misfire on #3, tested showed possible issue with spark plug. Relocated coil to different cylinder to see if issue followed. Misfire still noted on cylinder 3, replaced spark plug and conducted test drive and note misfire still present on #3. Removed valve cover and noted failed lifter on intake valve for cylinder #3. All lifters replaced on left side of engine." The dealership stated that "this is a known problem for the 5.3L V8Ecotec engine, that the lifters FAIL." I am a female, I was traveling alone and had to find tow service and pay up front. Once transported 20miles to the nearest dealership, on a Saturday afternoon, I was stranded at a hotel for 2 days waiting for the dealership to open and check out the vehicle. If this is a "known" problem with this engine, THEY SHOULD BE RECALLED. Now I get to worry when the other side of the engine's lifters will 'fail' so they can be replaced under warranty. This is unacceptable in an almost new 2021 truck with 20,000 miles on it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2022 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | Vehicle engine has experienced engine lifter failure at 28,000 miles. Engine began shaking violently, check engine lights flashing, traction control light, and stability control lights all came one while driving on the highway several hours away from home. Vehicle had to be towed by Chevy roadside assistance to the nearest dealership. Chevy dealership inspected and said they have to order new lifters for my engine and it would take several weeks for repair. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2022 | ENGINE,POWER TRAIN | The 2021 silverado v8 randomly started making a knocking noise. The steering wheel would shake randomly as I accelerated and stayed above certain speeds. I’m barely able to drive slowly residential speeds at most. If I drive any faster I’m worried for my safety that the car while break down in the middle of a busy road posing a danger to my family and those around me. I’m not sure if this is a lifter issue, or engine issue but it seems to be a widespread issue that I haven’t recurved any recall notice for. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2022 | STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES | 2021 Silverado Trail Boss. Went to the store, came outside started the truck and it showed me ESC Warning and Power Steering Failure Drive with Care notice on the dash. The Steering was very hard to turn. I tried multiple times, and it did not work. I started reading information on line and found out that there are multiple truck owners who had same issue. I saw some information to leave the truck off for 20 - 30 min and try again. I left it off for 30 min and started again. At that time it started fine. I am going to the Chevy dealer because this can also happen while I am driving and it can cause an accident. My truck has only 12k miles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |