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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | SERVICE BRAKES | Master Brake Cylinder failed according to dealership. This however is the second time this issue has occurred. This system failure caused brakes to not respond correctly leading to risk of collision. My safety and my kid's safety was put at risk due to issue happening while vehicle was in drive. Part was initially replaced in April of 2025 and issue has occurred two more times since then in December of 2025 and February of 2026. Vehicle has been inspected by dealership multiple times but has not been fixed. Symptoms of issue included clicking sound when pressing brake pedal and becomes stiff. There were warning in the dash and lights: "Brake System Failure", "43MPH Top Speed", "Service ESC" and "Service Brake System". Along with Check Engine light, Brake light and Traction Control light. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | ENGINE | In 2024, the vehicle began experiencing severe jerking and drivability issues that appear to be transmission-related. We first took the vehicle to Terry Cullen Chevrolet in Southlake. The vehicle remained in the shop for months while still under warranty, yet the issue was never properly resolved. Attempts to communicate with management were largely unsuccessful, and we received little support in addressing the problem. Following guidance from Chevrolet corporate customer service, we then took the vehicle back to the original dealership, Nash Chevrolet in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Nash Chevrolet also held the truck for several months without resolving the issue. During this time, my husband who is self-employed in the home renovation industry—was left without adequate transportation. Because his work requires a truck, he was unable to complete scheduled projects, resulting in an estimated loss of $50,000–$60,000 in income. After the vehicle was returned to us, the same issue occurred again. When we attempted to contact Nash Chevrolet for assistance, our calls were no longer returned. We were forced to seek help elsewhere and brought the truck to a GMC/Buick dealership in Newnan, Georgia. The vehiche is unsafe to drive and after further research found this information and this is exactly the issue we have experience out of this truck making it unsafe to drive-8-Speed Transmission Issues (2015-2019): Litigation exists for 2015–2019 Silverados equipped with Hydra-Matic 8-speed transmissions, alleging rough shifting, hesitation, and vibration. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | POWER TRAIN | I purchased this vehicle Oct 2024 from CARMAX Tallahassee FL. When I test drove the vehicle I noticed a pause when it was placed in drive. The after about 10 seconds it would engage and begion moving (49,000 miles). I told the dealer and the said it my be the torque and advised me to take it to the GM dealership. I did take it 4 times. The said they adjusted the transmission software , but the problem persisted. Now the manuafactures warranty has expired and the vehicle is much worse now. It atcually throws a check engine light. I went to auto zone for the plug in tester to fine out what the code was. P0700, P0746, P2714. The truck will completely lock and not move. This vehickle has not perfomred properly since my purhcase and I taken it to the dealer x4. Something need to be doner and it shoulod be included iin the recal to be repaire. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, a message that the rear tailgate was open was displayed. The vehicle was stopped and inspected, and discovered that the tailgate had erroneously opened while driving. After closing the tailgate and driving away, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure occurred several times while the vehicle was parked. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 52,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 52,000 |
| Mar 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | I brought my vehicle to the dealership on March 7, 2026, to address the outstanding safety recall. However, I was informed that the recall repair cannot be completed until I first pay $1,100 to replace the idler pulley. Unfortunately, an unexpected $1,100 expense is not currently in my budget. It is quite concerning to continue driving a vehicle with a known risk of losing propulsion, as the increased risk of a crash is a significant safety worry for me. I would appreciate any assistance or alternative solutions you can provide to ensure this safety recall is resolved. Please find the message from the dealership: Additional Diagnostic recommendations: we are going to want to get the Idler pulley replaced 1st as it can cause unwanted noise and vibration during the testing with the Pico scope. after the repair take the vehicle on a good test drive get it good and warm Then retest the engine with the Pico scope and proceed with those test results. we still want to make sure it is tested correctly If the engine passes just note under Special Coverage N252494003 This special coverage covers if an engine failure occurs in the vehicle as a result of the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership." | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The tailgate release switch is randomly operating, allowing the tailgate to drop. This has happened at highway speeds (from 55 to 75) and also while in park. I've had to pull over on multiple occasions to close the tailgate. This could allow items to fall out the back of my truck and possible strike other vehicles and their passengers at speed. The dealership has reported it can also drain the battery, which can jeopardize my safety as I am often in the backcountry in very cold temperatures and could be stranded. (Has not happened to me as of yet) This is a known issue that other Chevrolet 1500 trucks have been recalled for (in Canada) and other models of the Silverado in the US. My dealership (Fox Negaunee) stated that they have received numerous complaints on this issue but no recall has been issued for my vehicle yet. I have spoken with the dealership over the phone, but I have not brought it in until further information on a recall may become available. There are no warning lights that appear. This started happening about a month ago, and has continued since then. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2021 Silverado tailgates often stop working due to a faulty, corroded electronic switch caused by water intrusion. A major 2020-2024 GM recall exists for this, which can cause unexpected opening. Check for corrosion in the tailgate switch/connector, a pinched wiring harness, or check for a blown fuse. This is the 2nd time my truck is at ganley Chevy in Cleveland Ohio. They already fixed 1 rotted wire due to corrosion. And now having same issue again that tailgate won’t open. They told me approximately 1000.00 to find and MAYBE fix the problem. This truck should be included in the recall as to it falls under the year of the issues and that it’s the same EXACT ISSUES AS LISTED Again they have my truck in shop and I feel my truck falls under the recall proximity of said items. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | My 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, with approximately 84,000 miles, experienced a premature and catastrophic transmission failure while driving. The vehicle began to shudder severely and lost its ability to accelerate properly, creating an unsafe driving condition. I was able to get the vehicle to a dealership. The dealership diagnosed a complete torque converter failure requiring a full transmission replacement. Crucially, at no point before or during this failure did the vehicle's onboard diagnostic systems provide any check engine light or warning message. A sudden loss of power and transmission function on a highway is a major safety risk. I believe this is a widespread defect that needs to be investigated before it causes a serious accident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | STEERING | When I started my truck, a "service power steering" error was displayed in my DIC. My power steering lost all control. After driving for 10 minutes and then shutting the truck off for about 5 minutes, the system reset. This looks very similar to the recall #N212333900, but 2021 Silverados were not included with the recall. This is the 2nd time it happened. The first time was in 2023. It's pretty scary when you can't steer without extreme exertion. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, there was a metallic sound as if a bolt had fallen inside the engine compartment and was rotating and spinning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the camshaft and the engine lifters had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and NHTSA Action Numbers: EA25007 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) and RQ26001 (Engine). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance because the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 116,000 |
| Mar 2026 | POWER TRAIN | UNKNOWN. I have had issues with my vehicle since the purchase. Very subtle in the beginning, then it became more noticeable. There was a recall issue with a valve in the operation of the transmission, this issue is now affecting the shifting into different gears. The other day a vehicle ran a red light and my wife and I were in the intersection. I tried to accelerate to get out of the way, but here was a delay before the truck's transmission engaged. Luckily it did engage and the collision was avoided. This is a serious issue, an issue that shouldn't exist, an issue that the manufacturer knew about. I would like someone to investigate this and hopefully, help me with this issue. [XXX] [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Warranty issue the p1098 code | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | POWER TRAIN | On a very cold day in January I left work to head home in 4-high. Just before I got on the highway, the truck did a hard shift from 1st to 2nd and I felt kind of a clunk. Truck immediately threw a check engine light and went into limp mode (didn't seem to shift at all). Pulled into a parking lot and tried to go in reverse, but truck would not go into reverse. Truck was towed to local dealership where they diagnosed it with a failed valve body on the transmission. Dealership told me the valve body was on back order so I then towed the truck to a local transmission shop who changed out the valve body. Transmission had no issues before this. The morning this happened it was very cold (below zero) and I got a message in the truck that said, "heater performance mode active". Thought that was weird, but dealer did not seem to think it had anything to do with the failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | SUSPENSION | On 2-23-2026, while traveling at highway speeds on the freeway, the front upper and lower A-arms (control arms) suffered a complete structural failure. This caused an immediate loss of steering control, forcing the vehicle off the road. By sheer luck and reactive maneuvering, I was able to avoid a multi-vehicle collision; however, the failure resulted in over $4,000 in mechanical and body damage. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER | Window switch failed and I was unable to roll down the window. Dealer confirmed and performed repairs. Problem occurred on a dry day with no previous issues and the dealer stated it was manufacturing defect with the switch. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | At 62000 miles, I was having a transmission problem but had no check engine lights associated with the issue. The day I took it to the dealership for the transmission, the check engine light came on for the first time ever when I started the vehicle. The dealership first said it was a faulty solenoid on the purge valve, replaced that part, but it didn’t fix the problem. The dealership then said it needed a new fuel pump control module, which was heavily back ordered due to demand. I needed the vehicle because it had already been at the dealership for a transmission replacement for many weeks and is my only transportation. The dealership told me other vehicles were there for the same problem, parts were on a national back order and being rationed to dealerships around the country. They could not provide an estimate for when my vehicle would be ready and pushed me to trade in my vehicle as a solution. The sales manager offered a very low trade in value, told me I couldn’t get the part faster by purchasing it myself, and was very pushy. She said my vehicle was devalued because it didn’t have the fuel pump control module needed for the check engine light to turn off, and had a history of transmission problems (even though it just got a new transmission). I got frustrated and ordered the new GM part from summit racing and had it on my doorstep in two days. I took it to the dealership and all of a sudden they had received a shipment of this part, and replaced the faulty one in my vehicle. Their repair resolved the problem, but I still had reliability concerns. Despite all repairs being completed, the sales manager said the vehicle trade in value remained unchanged. It was a complete nightmare and I felt my vehicle was being held back from repair resolution to convince me to trade it in for a new truck. I kept my vehicle and extra part I ordered in case this happens again. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | Belt tensioner/idler pulley began chirping during warm up after starting engine. Noticed serpentine belt was beginning to fray on edges. Dealership confirmed the pulley failed prematurely and caused the serpentine belt to be damaged. Dealership replaced pulley and belt. It was just after warranty expired. The belt is supposed to be replaced at 100,000 miles as routine maintenance, but the failure of the pulley, which the dealer informed me was also premature, but common, was not covered under warranty. Power steering was lost one time in park and a message showed on the dash, but went away after restarting the vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission began shifting hard over between 60500 and 62000 miles. Dealership test drove and confirmed it was not normal. The transmission pan was dropped and contained metal shavings and bits. Dealer replaced transmission. During late February 2026, I began noticing some hard shifts again, but am hesitant to pay another $699 diagnostic fee and replacement transmission cost because I feel I am wasting money on a poorly designed and unreliable transmission. I don’t feel confident relying on this vehicle for transportation to medical appointments anymore. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving 43 MPH, the message "Brake Failure" was displayed. The contact then lost control of the vehicle, and the vehicle drove from the right side to the left side of the road, the vehicle drove off the road and crashed into a ditch before coming to a stop. The driver had not sustained any injuries. There was no property damage. The air bags did not deploy. The check engine, the ABS and several unknown warning lights were illuminated after the failure. A tow truck driver who was also a mechanic inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the driver's side front suspension had fractured from the upper ball joint and the wheel was folded in underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was being diagnosed. A Police Report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | 98,000 |
| Feb 2026 | AIR BAGS | The vehicle involved is a Chevrolet Silverado 1500. During a collision, the vehicle sustained a front-left (driver-side) impact which caused it to spin and subsequently strike the rear. Despite the severity of the initial impact and secondary rear collision, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), including the front and side airbags, did not deploy. The failure of the airbag system increased the risk of injury to all occupants, including a minor child. Without deployment of the front or side airbags during a front-left impact and secondary rear collision, occupants were exposed to direct impact forces that airbags are designed to help mitigate. There were no airbag or SRS warning lights, dashboard messages, or other indications of a malfunction prior to the collision. The concern regarding the airbag system arose only after the incident occurred. Following the collision, the vehicle was inspected by law enforcement and insurance representatives, and documentation is available. The issue has not been reproduced, as it occurred during the collision event. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 2 Towed Medical attention | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | P1098 engine coolant control valve Engine light comes on and truck says reduced power. Then went off. Back on again | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | I bought this Truck in December 2023 from Honda of Ocala as a used vehicle it had 59,000 miles when I bought it. In October 24 it started smoking from the exhaust one morning as I was leaving work. I have always changed the oil on time and taken good care of the truck. I found out the lifters had failed and Honda of Ocala replaced all of my lifters on both sides around $4,000 in repairs the truck was at 73,000 miles at this time. A few months after getting it fixed the truck started smoking again and going into limp mode at 81,000 miles. I still owe $30,000 on this truck but can’t afford to keep fixing it and can’t afford to trade it in and go negative on it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I just bought this truck off a used car lot certified dealer and I noticed the engine light on then the truck would hesitate to start and I know the battery is dying so I looked it up and I got a recall on 2021 Chevy Silverado just like mine just wondering why mine is not under recall or why won’t mine get fixed but everybody else is the same year in the same problems can get fixed. I think mine should be fixed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | POWER TRAIN | A recall repair was performed on my vehicle at approximately 157,000 miles. Approximately 4,000–5,000 miles later, the transmission failed. The vehicle entered reduced power mode and became stuck in gear while driving. The dealership is recommending full transmission replacement but will not provide written explanation for why the failure is not related to the recall repair. I am concerned the recall remedy may have failed and that this condition poses a safety risk. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE | Good morning, While driving and starting my Chevy Silverado 1500 with 3.0 durmax it will suddenly go into a “limp mode” reducing speed and power. Recently while driving on a highway it reduced engine power causing the vehicle to slow down suddenly with many cars speeding by. This caused me to try and pull over the vehicle and avoid hitting other vehicles. When pulling codes off the vehicle there is a p1098 which refers to the engine coolant control valve. This will cause the vehicle to do the described power reduction. Upon researching the issue Gm has recognized and released a special coverage to fix the issue. N252508341. However my vehicles VIN does not pull up the coverage. All the characteristics of the coverage seem to fit the model and issues I have. It’s the same year, model, engine, etc. I’ve attached a DOT report of the special coverage. I’m hoping this will help fix my vehicle and others with this same issue. Although it’s not specifically listed as a safety recall, I feel the cause of the sudden power reduction is known by Gm and warranty issued and the problem should be resolved for all vehicles with this issue. Thank you! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |