Complaint volume
729 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
729 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, grouped by component category.
729 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 211
POWER TRAIN 126
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 41
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 36
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 36
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 21
STRUCTURE 19
STEERING 18
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 14
SERVICE BRAKES 14
729 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | POWER TRAIN,WHEELS,ENGINE | Starting back in June 2025 Loss of engine power multiple times. Many times almost hit from behind as I turned onto a highway. Found out vehicle had a stop sale recall at the time of purchase and I had issues with back right tire. Took truck to a tire shop and learned that the wheel was welded in many places and fracture was visible. Finally, got the dealership to pay attention in October to my concerns. They were going to allow me to trade the vehicle out for another one while paying off the bank but that’s not what they did. They attempted the repair and tried to hand it back to me. 1/27/26 Was recently told this was corrected, and the sales person told me when he picked it up from shop he couldn’t go more than 30 mph. Dealership management told him not to tell me. I am submitting this complaint for immediate review regarding Ruiz Ranch Motors (Spring Branch, TX) for an illegal vehicle sale, prolonged withholding of my vehicle, misrepresentation of a “loaner” vehicle, and coercive threats involving law enforcement. This matter involves ongoing safety risks, financial harm, and improper dealer conduct affecting both myself and my minor child. Summary of Key Facts (Concise): • On June 25, 2025, I purchased a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado (VIN 1GCUYHET7MZ155657) from Ruiz Ranch Motors, financed through Ally Financial. • The vehicle was subject to a GM Stop-Sale / No-Sale Safety Recall (NHTSA 24V797000) at or around the time of sale. • I repeatedly raised safety concerns beginning shortly after purchase. These concerns were dismissed for months. • In November, Ruiz Ranch Motors took possession of my 2021 Silverado under the representation that they were “working on trade numbers” and a solution to correct the experience. Misrepresented “Loaner / Trade” Vehicle: • I was provided a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado, represented as a potential trade option, no trade was made (only dealership delay) this vehicle now has a engine light and no cooperation from dealership | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The tailgate randomly opens and closes during driving causing contents to fall out of the tailgate and creating a hazard for other motorists and damaging personal property. The tailgate now will not open and there is no manual override to open the tailgate. Certainly a design flaw and now not allowing access to the tailgate. I've contacted 5 local gm/chevrolet dealer service departments and they cannot offer any guidance on how to manually or power open the tailgate. I have a tonneau cover on the tailgate which makes it pretty much unable to access. I'm a firefighter and put my gear in the tailgate and need access asap. Please advise on how I can get GM/Chevy to assist with this issue. A police officer was behind me when the contents fell out of the tailgate on 6/9/25. This has happened several times since and most recently on 1/17/26. This needs addressed asap. Thanks! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | 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 local dealer was contacted but was unable to schedule an appointment because the service center was fully booked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ENGINE | I own a 2021 Silverado 1500 6.2 v8. Since October of 2025 this truck has been in and out of the dealership. First engine (Oct. 24, 2025) issue as my teen driver was on the expressway and luckily was able to get off and get safely to an unknown persons driveway. Then the motor seized and died as we tried to drive it home. A friend was able to tow it to our driveway and GM sent a tow truck to pick it up and haul to the dealership. The truck was in the dealership for 2 weeks prior to the first engine failure and "EVERYTHING WAS FINE". Nov 26, 2025 new engine comes in. December 12th SECOND motor was put in and FAILED as cylinder 7 had no compression. Dec 31, 2025 picked up my truck with the THIRD motor. Jan 14, 2026 took the truck back AGAIN for engine ticking, noise, loss of propulsion/speed, running sluggish. Dealer kept it until Jan 21, 2026. Dealer said they drove it and the noise is normal injector noise. They did nothing other than drive it. They will not investigate any further as it wasn't pulling codes or warning lights. It is still not running right and I'm waiting for it to have a major failure. It is not safe to drive. The first motor did not show any warnings either. GM really needs to get this figured out soon. No vehicle with 52,000 miles should have 3 motors put in it. This is not quality work and concerns for safety are real. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | STEERING | Ignition key fails to release from column lock. It will return to accessory position but not full return for release. Frequent but intermediate problem. Dealer just replaced ignition switch however problem returned same day. (Have not contacted dealer back yet). Restarting the truck and turning the wheel back and forth, shifting to other gears then back to park sometimes works, and sometimes does not. I am often forced to leave the key in the column and lock/unlock truck with remote. No CEL, no other indicators or messages present. 49,515 miles on truck. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ENGINE | Lights appeared on dash, brought to the dealership. Dealership states engine damage due to valve train and a remanufactured engine was installed. This was approved by us for a $2000 charge. This charge included new manifolds, water pump, fuel pump and all associated gaskets | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ENGINE | I am the owner of a January 2021 6.2 liter Chevy Silverado 1500. I have had multiple issues with this vehicle. Oil pressure control solenoid, many no starts, failure to starts, engine lights, oil lights. Truck started to use an excessive amount of oil before scheduled oil changes. The engine sometimes hesitate and fails to accelerate. The engine became noisy. My mechanic started that the engine is noisy and the oil pressure is at 15 lbs. They said it will need a replacement engine that is not covered under my expired power train warranty. The mechanic stated it's not a matter of if it will go, is a matter of when We are a family of 5 and this is our family vehicle. We feel very uncomfortable driving this vehicle with our family knowing the engine is going to fail at any time while driving. This is a heartbreaking expense that I don't believe that we should have to pay for. We have always maintained our vehicle and have never abused it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Vehicle: 2021 Chevrolet Silverado Issue: Infotainment system failure after GM‑pushed OTA update Description of Problem: On 10/31/2025, my vehicle’s infotainment system attempted an over‑the‑air software update. The update failed and the screen has been locked ever since, displaying only the message: “Update Failed – Return to Dealer.” As a result: - I cannot access any settings (clock, preferences, system menus). - All warning chimes and signal sounds (turn signal click, seatbelt reminder, back seat reminder, etc.) are disabled. - The backup camera still functions, but no other infotainment features are usable. - The system is completely unresponsive to reset attempts. I brought the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer, who verified that it was the OTA update that caused the failure, they attempted a reflash but was unsuccessful. They now claim the entire infotainment unit must be replaced at my expense, even though the failure was caused by GM’s own update which I neither approved, initiated, or requested. My vehicle is out of warranty, but this was not a wear‑and‑tear issue — it was introduced by GM’s software. Safety Concern: The loss of audible warnings and chimes poses a safety risk. Drivers rely on these alerts for seatbelt reminders, turn signal confirmation, and other critical notifications. A manufacturer‑pushed update disabled these among other functions including radio, navigation, and all vehicle settings. Resolution Attempts: - Dealer attempted reprogramming on 11/6 (charged $295) but failed and state I need a new infotainment system. - GM Customer Assistance refused to provide goodwill coverage. - Vehicle remains stuck in failed update state as pictured. Request: I am submitting this complaint because GM’s OTA update disabled core safety features of my vehicle along with other basic features such as radio. I believe this is a manufacturer defect that should be investigated and addressed, regardless of warranty status. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Went to put the truck in gear and it will not move the Chevy dealership saids it needs a new transmission and I see that the 21 Silverado has multiple tranny issues I bought extended warranty and they are telling me it might not be covered | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ENGINE | The vehicle had originally stopped in a moving lane of traffic. It was towed to a dealership and the engine was rebuilt with a remanufactured engine. The engine idled rough and seemed to be misfiring. The check engine light kept coming on. The dealership stated the vehicle was repaired and I picked it up. The engine is worse. It idles rough like before. It is rough while driving and the check engine light continues to come on. I am about to return the vehicle for the third time before it stops in the roadway again. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ENGINE | Jan 2024 lifters on one side went out. Towed to dealer and had repaired. 9 months later lifters went out again. Had private shop repair it. Less than 3 months later, motor went out. Paid out of pocket to have new motor shipped and repair shop fixed it. A few months later, GM put out the safety recall for 6.2L engine failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked unexpectedly. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available and the VIN not being included in a recall. In addition, the part was ordered at the owner's expense. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,565. | Crash: No Fire: No | 145,565 |
| Jan 2026 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact was aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle pulsated before stalling. The contact was able to coast to the side of the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to another dealer, where the transmission failure was confirmed. The contact stated that the dealer had not inspected the transmission and used a "peephole" to inspect the transmission. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 100,000 |
| Jan 2026 | ENGINE | Dealer did the L87 6.2 Recall (basically changed the oil to 0w-40). Based on the “clean bill of health” we towed our Imagine trailer to Tucson. Stayed for 3weeks over Thanksgiving and then started back home. We then towed it back home to Fort Collins and when we reached Denver the check engine light came on and within seconds the engine stopped. We had to coast off the freeway and ended up on an interstate interchange ramp (blind and dangerous). The motor was seized completely. Oil pressure and temps were all normal before the engine stopped. Oil was super HOT when I checked it. After a big adventure dealing with getting the truck and trailer to a safe place via a tow from OnStar, they towed the truck to the nearest dealer. I had to rent a UHaul truck to tow the trailer home (another 80 miles or so) with wife, two dogs and myself crammed in the cab. The dealer got Chevy to cover the engine replacement but I was out $200 for the trailer tow to safety and another $200 for the U-Haul rental. Chevy would not cover that. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | SEAT BELTS | I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a vehicle restraint system failure. I was involved in a collision with a deer. During the incident, the seat belt pretensioner activated; however, the seat belt did not properly restrain me. I experienced forward movement despite the pretensioner activation. The airbags did not deploy. Because pretensioner activation is intended to lock and tighten the seat belt during a collision, I am concerned that the restraint system failed to function as designed. This raises concerns about occupant safety and the ability of the seat belt system to provide protection in future crashes. I am submitting this complaint to document a potential safety defect and request review of this restraint system failure.“After reporting the seat belt restraint failure to General Motors, I was informed that because I was not injured, no action would be taken and no further review would occur.” Thank you for your attention to this matter. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | Component that failed: The valve train system failed due to collapsed lifters in the GM 5.3L L84 engine. The lifter failure caused internal camshaft damage requiring major repair. The failed components were removed by the Chevrolet dealership and should be available through the repair facility if inspection is requested. Safety risk: The engine failure caused a sudden and severe loss of power while driving. The vehicle would not accelerate beyond approximately 45 mph on a 65 mph roadway while en route to the dealership, creating an unsafe speed differential. When attempting to accelerate to pass another vehicle on a two lane road, the engine backfired and immediately throttled back, making it unsafe to complete the pass. The check engine light illuminated at the exact moment the vehicle lost power during the passing attempt. This sudden propulsion loss during an active maneuver created a hazardous driving condition. Dealer confirmation: An authorized Chevrolet dealership diagnosed collapsed lifters which damaged the camshaft and confirmed this as a known failure pattern in GM L84 engines. Inspection by others: Vehicle was inspected and repaired by the dealership. No accident occurred, so no police or insurance inspection was involved. Warnings or symptoms: No prior warning lights appeared before the passing event. The check engine light came on during the failure while accelerating. Additional context: This failure aligns with widely documented lifter collapse defects in GM 5.3L L84 truck engines. The breakdown was not caused by maintenance or wear and tear but by premature internal component failure known across this engine platform. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ENGINE | I have a 2021 Chevy Silverado 6.2 engine. The recall that has been sent out for most of those engines I have experience the same damage to my truck engine. Connecting rod/ crankshaft engine failure. But my vin is not in the system for the recall. Can someone have a engineer look into more of these engines especially my engine vin. I was driving and all of sudden my dash lite up saying I have reduce steering. Took it to the shop and I was told that my engine needs major repairs. I have a really nice truck and it can be a show truck and for the engine to just go out because of bad manufacturer parts is not right I also had my kids with me. Please help | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ENGINE | Most mornings after starting truck and driving off, it appears to be a hesitation or brief loss of power. Issue has been present for several years. It's hard to determine if it's engine or transmission issue. Truck is available for inspection. It usually occurs when leaving house in the morning so there is no safety issue because it happens within the first minute of driving. No warnings, cannot recreate issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | POWER TRAIN | The powertrain transmission system, specifically the torque converter, failed on my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado at approximately 66,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to and inspected by a GM-authorized dealership, Pellegrino Chevrolet, on January 7, at which time the dealership diagnosed a failed torque converter and formally recommended a full transmission replacement due to the risk that metal debris from the failed converter may have contaminated the transmission; the vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. This failure presents a safety risk due to the potential for loss of power, unpredictable drivability, delayed or failed acceleration, or sudden transmission malfunction, and this vehicle is my family’s primary transportation and is used to transport three child car seats. The problem has been confirmed by the GM-authorized dealership and additionally reviewed by four independent mechanics, all of whom advised that replacing only the torque converter would be insufficient. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership and documented under General Motors Case #87048318; it has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives at this time. Prior to diagnosis, the vehicle exhibited abnormal transmission behavior and drivability symptoms consistent with torque converter failure, which prompted inspection and worsened leading up to the dealer diagnosis. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ENGINE | Warning lights came on at approximately 46000 miles. Brought to dealer for faulty lifters. One week later they decided that the lifters had damaged the cam and now the dealer wants to replace the motor.. Unfortunately for us the dealer has no car that we can use, so we had to rent a vehicle. Hopefully it will be ready in 2 weeks. That will make it four weeks with out a vehicle | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ENGINE | On 4/19/24 I was driving at highway speed. The engine started to knock and the check engine light came on. I was fortunate enough to be extremely close to my local Chevrolet dealership and made it there before the engine failed. The truck had 38633 miles on it. They found damaged engine components and repaired only the broken parts. Was under warranty. Truck is still ticking to this day. Took it in for this noise and they said nothing was wrong. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1- Tailgate keeps opening by itself. It has opened while driving down the highway and things fell out of back of my truck almost causing an accident. It has opened while sitting in my driveway after I have turned the truck off and gone inside. I have reported this to a dealer they said my vin is not on the recall list. I would like my VIN added since it is obviously an issue with the Silverado's. 2- I recently has to bring my truck to the dealer for the transfer case sounding like there were bolts in a blended and a pinging sound by the bell housing while in park. They stated it was the front axle and fixed it saying it was a power train thing. The noise is back and now out of warranty. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ENGINE | Complete engine failure and it just outside the recall. This is unacceptable and needs fixed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The low engine power warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine failure was the result of no oil in the vehicle. The contact was informed that there was no oil on the dipstick when checked. The contact stated that the failure had occurred shortly after an oil change was performed on September 9, 2025, at Walmart. In addition, the contact stated that there was no evidence of an oil leak. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,248. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 62,248 |
| Jan 2026 | LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate became inoperable and unexpectedly unlatched and lowered. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 65,000 |