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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Feb 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | Check engine turned on and at the same time the vehicle turned into safety mode abruptly, it slowed down to 10 miles an hour while on the high way and receiving a message stating that the "engine power reduced", the issue was presented to the dealership and they believe to be fixed with a sensor issue, the light came back on a few days after the initial repair and once again the engine lost power while driving the vehicle, the vehicle was then taken back to the dealership for repair once again, both times I mentioned the service bulletin, which they did not consider in their repair, stating that the issue was specific for a code (which all codes present are in the service bulletin) the 2nd repair was done on a actuator, which they stated should fix the issue, and did not, a 3rd time the vehicle lost power while hauling a trailer, this time I brought up the concern of them not reviewing the service bulletin, this time they confirmed that the service bulletin was the issue causing the check engine light (GM service bulletin no: 21-NA-149) now they are looking to slowly start repairing the issue and wait for the check engine light to turn on again to then go back and forth and review step by step the instructions in the bulletin. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | POWER TRAIN | 2021 Chevrolet Silverado Z71 Sherrod truck with the 6.2 engine came apart (blew up) driving down the interstate at 65 mph. Had truck towed to dealership and was told needed a new motor. Truck has 89,000 miles on it. I was told truck does not meet recall because of the date it was manufactured but was acknowledged that what happened to it is what the recall is for. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | As I was driving my 2021 Chevrolet z71 pick up I had a warning light appear on the dash indicating the safety traction control system was faulty, at the same time my truck had a loss of power as if it was not operating on all cylinders. I could hear some strange noises that were not normal, at the same time my transmission was shifting abnormally. I managed to drive to a dealer and was told it was a collapsed lifter on cylinder #5 this occurred out of no where, I was informed what took place could have damaged the camshaft and I could be looking at a repair cost upwards of $5,000.00 and the service writer indicated this has been an ongoing issue with the 5.3 liter engine. My truck has been serviced at the dealership it was purchased from, and all oil changes have been performed within a reasonable window from when oil changes and service inspection has been recommended by General Motors. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The vehicle has an electric tailgate lock switch failure/defect. The tailgate unlocks on its own and pops open while driving, at stop lights, in drive-thru restaurants, and while parked which causes a safety hazard to the driver and passengers in the vehicle, as well as other drivers around the vehicle. Even after closing the tailgate, it will unlock and pop open on its own again. Then, I tested the closed, locked tailgate by shacking and pulling it open from the top edge which caused the tailgate to unlock and open on its own. This causes a thief risk of personal belongings and vehicle parts. There are no warning lamps or messages about the component failure. Since no recalls for the vehicle's VIN number are listed, it has not been confirmed by the dealer. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | POWER TRAIN | On January 3, 2026, I started the truck, but it would not go into gear when I put into drive; I then attempted to put into reverse and same problem. I had to have it towed to the dealership, McCluskey Chevrolet, Kings Automall, Cincinnati Ohio, on Monday, January 5, 2026, this is where I purchased the vehicle on May 14, 2022, with 16,594 miles at time of purchase (estimated), it was towed on a flatbed, and arrived at McCluskey with 60,072 miles. Truck was looked and they found that it needed a valve body. At which time they told me GM warranty expired, over 60,000 miles, really by 72 miles. Ok there is a powertrain warranty then I had to prove oil changes, guess what I'm human and I missed two oil changes so the "extended warranty" McCluskey "gifted me" was void. I then complained I only drove the vehicle 43000 miles and for a 2021 with 60,072 miles this is an issue. Service advisor then went to management and they reduce the cost from est. 4000.00 to 585.00 plus tax through a program that GM offers. Picked up repaired vehicle on 1/30/2026, 2/1/2026 engine light came on went to have a veriscan and it found solenoid 3 stuck off & solenoid 4 (the one that was replaced) stuck on. This is an issue on gas 2021 Silverado 1500 and I wanted to report my experience because this is not "primarily" a diesel problem any longer. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | See attached document for complaint. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission Shuddering, trembling and rough shifting | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ENGINE | 6.2L L87 V8 engine experienced catastrophic engine failure do to lifter failure and a cylinder 8 misfire. Causing additional damage to camshaft. The dealership has inspected the vehicle and refuses to acknowledge the problem as there own. I have invoices for the work if I choose to proceed. Incident occurred while driving on the freeway, complete lose of power and control. This engine is known for this exact problem yet I never received a recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Noticed when pressing tailgate release button manually it would not open but would if fob used. However tailgate opens continuously on its own. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ENGINE | At 46000 miles the motor was replaced because of an internal oil consumption issue after the motor was replaced at 1500 miles the motor locked up while traveling down the road they rebuilt this motor. I went to go pick it up. Drove it 20 miles and oil was blowing out the rear main seal. after this, I sold the truck back to Gwatney Chevrolet and purchased a 2024 model with a 6.2 L I have not had any problems yet. | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 |