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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | 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); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle was idling roughly. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who replaced an undisclosed sensor. The contact stated that the warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the camshaft had failed and there were metal shavings found in the oil filter; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 119,000 |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a popping sound, and the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact coasted off to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from inside the engine. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine had an internal failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced or rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an ongoing NHTSA investigation. The contact declined the repair while awaiting the results of the current NHTSA investigation. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 108,000 |
| Dec 2025 | LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after activating the 4WD in the driveway and going onto the road, while in 4WD and driving 35 MPH, the transfer case began making a blender-type sound with a pinging sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the tailgate unexpectedly opened while driving on a side road without warning. The contact had to manually operate the tailgate; however, the button was nonfunctional. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact linked the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program N212328090 and GM Bulletin N232426400. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 84,000 |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE | August 30th 2024 the pickup was just turning to roughly 30,000 miles and started a knocking sound. The GM dealership tore it apart and fixed what I believe they said was a bent rod. I cycled through two oil changes and decided to pull an oil sample. I sent oil sample off for analysis. The oil analysis came back urgent with very high levels of copper and lead showing in the testing. I then called the GM dealer and they had me bring it in. They did not send off any oil sample because when they pulled the filter, they could already see metal in the new oil. They had me call GM customer service because it is not part of the current recall. I contacted GM customer service on October 27, 2025. They gave me a case number 80392504. I was to bring it back to the dealership which I did. Again dealership called said metal was found again but GM will not do anything with it because it’s not under recall. They also told me that GM told them it is OK to have metal in the oil. I said well if it is OK to have metal in the oil I want to know what the test results show. Then I said, I want to know where the maximum allowance is. They did not know that. I said so it is an infinite amount according to them because there is no standard to check against. I said I’m not taking this in for a recall. I am bringing it in because I had my own diagnostic testing done. It failed. I drive back-and-forth to North Dakota and I told them this is very unsafe if that motor goes out and it’s -30 or -45 and my little boys in the back the heater is not going to work. That is very unsafe and deadly. When you have extreme temperatures like that, we cannot just be running around. Tell the engine blows up or locks up. I told them this needs addressed you don’t pay $82,000 for a vehicle and not get any support or care. I said if something happens to my boy, they will wish that they put a new motor in there or fixed it. They are playing God. They need their hand, slapped and do the right thing. Thank you | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop light, the vehicle began to shake violently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle; however, the knocking sound persisted. The contact slowly drove the vehicle to the residence and later had the vehicle towed to the dealer. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 34,000 |
| Nov 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Transmission shudders and slipping gears at only 100k miles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The track on the back glass is cracked and leaking water into the interior back cab light. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | 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 vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall parts were not yet available, and that the dealer had been made aware of the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE | My truck was brought in for the recall inspection for the 6.2 lt recall. After showing the dealer pictures from the oil that drained out of my previous oil change that was filled with metal, they expedited the inspection. But with substantial amount of metal in the oil filter the truck still passed the test. GM corporate has told me that once the inspection is done, it is out of their hands and that my truck will be covered under the new extended warranty. GM also should have the pictures of the metal flakes from the previous filter. I fill like this is a failure to ensure the safety of their product. I do not fill safe having my children or my wife in the truck due to the inevitable of the engine loosing power due to the faulty cam shafts that need to be replaced. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | POWER TRAIN | 6 months and 20,000 miles after purchasing the 2021 Chevy Silverado custom 4x4 with the 8 automatic transmission and the 2.7L turbo charged engine with 32,000 original miles on it from Volume Chevrolet in Forsyth GA I noticed the transmission was jerking when the truck was first crunk and warming up after about 10 minutes and once it got to 8 mph after a while when the temperature gauge was half way up it would stop and when you slowed down from 55 mph to about 5 MPH to make a turn it would suddenly jerk again, I reported the issue to the dealership service mechanic shop reps during every oil change and they assured me that it was normal and that it would stop happening when I let the truck warm up for about 30 minutes prior to driving, once the factory power train warranty ran out, they informed me that it needed a transmission service and they would have to keep it a few days and it would cost around $800 or so to get it done, the purge pump on the emissions system has a factory defect and I received a recall letter about it 6 months after purchase and they are refusing to replace the purge pump until they perform a full diagnostic first even though they have done a scan diagnostic and it shows the purge pump failed and I have just been struggling with all the cost of living and increased prices I can't afford any kind of costly repairs right now and my truck now has 120,350 miles on it and the issue is getting worse to the point that I am sure that the transmission valve body and some other sensors and control modules are failing, this is not a single issue and other dealerships have said that the transmission was starting to have problems in other trucks at around 55,000 miles and some earlier than 55,000 miles, I believe that this is an ongoing transmission issue with the 2.7L turbo charged engine in both the 4x4 and 2x4 models and with the 8 speed automatic transmission In general, I have talked with several other owners and they have had similar issues . | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition. The contact stated that several attempts were needed, and up to 45 minutes were needed to remove the key from the ignition. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was referred to a locksmith regarding the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 101,000 |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE | Vehicle experienced engine failure while driving. Loss of power in traffic. Inspected by dealer and determined to have lost compression in cylinder #5. Initial inspection determined that lifters and camshaft would need to be replaced. This issue is the same common problem with this year model (2021) Chevy Silverado Trucks as noted in TSB #N212353840. At time of purchase dealer did not notify me that these trucks were experiencing these issues nor did they complete the suggest repairs prior to the sell as described in the TSB. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE | My engine on my 2021 Silverado 1500 with the 6.2L L87 engine failed, I took it to the dealer to repair and they quoted $4500 to fix it. I know these same engines are being recalled and GM is having to replace them, but they told me mines not one of the ones being recalled and the won't cover it because the warranty was up 5,000 miles ago. I highly doubt it's a coincidence, that mine failed after only 65,000 miles and it's not a manufacturer flaw. The vehicle is currently at the dealership awaiting repairs. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE | engine is knocking very bad. GM Dealer says it is an issue w/ the piston main bearing and the engine needs to be replaced. Says vehicle should not be driven. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Component is transmission. Stutter vibrate shift while driving. There is a recall on the 2021 Chevy 1500 Silverado which is exactly the issue we are having from our 2021 Silverado. The VIN for our truck is falling under the current recall. Chevy wants to charge to even diagnose the problem which has to be done with a dealer and not a private place. That is absurd and puts our safety at risk should the vehicle stop functioning while driving it. The dealer ship has inspected the vehicle for the yearly inspections which is interesting since this has happened and been complained about since purchase. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE | I was driving on big highway when I lost power brake light came on engine light on message about emergency brake need it serviced I was only able to go about 15 mph on big highway very dangerous engine sounds knocking was very loud at this point I knew something very bad happen my truck only had about 85k miles on it I took to the dealership to get a diagnose they took my oil filter off and found metal debris on it and told me I need a new engine I has to know what made this engine fail but they just told me a internal part fail well I was not happy with that answer knowing that some model truck with the v8 engine where having problems with valve body’s my truck is 4 cylinder turbo 2.7. My truck is out of warranty I call gm and told them what happen and they call me back after speak to the dealership and offer to pay 30% of total cost to replace engine I was quoted $10,400.000 for the engine replacement the dealership was shock that gm was willing to pay for something out of warranty I just wanted to have this on record it seems very wrong that a truck with so low miles with need a engine replacement out of nowhere broke down on highway put me and other at risk my truck as been at the dealership from the day it happen and I’m still waiting on a engine they are telling me they are out of stock over a month still waiting | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Rear power window has been replaced multiple times, each time it develops cracks and leaks water causing possible mold in the truck cabin. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed, and the vehicle lost motive power and came to a stop in the middle of a four-lane highway. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it could not be serviced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where metal shavings were found in the oil pan, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the dealer for a month, and the dealer was in the process of ordering the part. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that assistance would not be provided because the vehicle was purchased used and was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 135,000 |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 30-40 MPH, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the engine was running rough. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be diagnosed due to a lack of equipment. The vehicle was then taken to Gary Sapp Automotive, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be taken apart for the repair or replacement. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under an extended warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 89,000 |
| Nov 2025 | POWER TRAIN | I was stopped at a stop light and all of a sudden, the engine just revved amd revved and no drive only reverse, and it happened 4 times until tonight, 11/11/25 @ 8:38pm I am stuck at another red light and have to back my truck up to Home Depot and get a tow. Only a 5 year old truck with 71122 miles and ALWAYS WELL MAINTAINED WITH PAPERS AND GOES OUT ON ME. NOT ACCEPTABLE GM! You make things and used to be solid, like a rock trucks but now I feel robbed as a long time Chevy fan/enthusiast but I may have to change manufacturers unfortunately. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE | GM 6.2 engine recently tested for the national recall regarding valve and lifter issues. Recall was cleared as ok, but they found burnt cylinders in multiple areas within the engines. Several issues are still occurring with this engine, and I think most are related to the recall effort. 1. Engine will use oil at an abnormal pace when towing anything heavy. Recently used an additional 2 quarts of oil when towing a trailer that weighed 10, 000 pounds over 1600 miles. 2. Recently engine seemed to lose compression at a stop light and turned off. This happened an additional 5 times until I could get the truck off the road and into a safe place. The engine would immediately start and then die within 5-10 seconds. Towed to a Chevrolet dealership and the service manager tried to move it into the bay for diagnostic testing. started and stopped 4 additional times as they attempted to drive if 100 feet into the service bay. Towed to my hometown dealer that afternoon for diagnostics testing. The next morning when they started the truck it cranked fine and has been running since (7 days). No lights appeared on the dash during the breakdown or warnings appeared in their testing I have spoken to several other Chevrolet owners about the 6.2 engine issues and what was occurring with my truck They also had seen an increase in oil usage when towing heavy. I believe that your investigation needs to delve further into not only issues with the lifter / rods but also into other mechanical concerns that are oil dependent and related such as burnt cylinders. This last issue occurred on October 27, 2025. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Vehicle was at a stoplight with the auto start button engaged on it. The vehicle completely stalled. All the power is drained from the car. leaving me stranded in the highway. I got it towed and when replacing the battery still nothing will roll over or even turn on. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon arriving at the destination and turning off the vehicle, several attempts were needed to release the key from the ignition. The contact also had to leave the key in the ignition on several occasions because the key could not be released or removed. The vehicle originally returned to normal functionality, but the key had since become permanently stuck in the ignition. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the ignition switch. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 69,000 |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a ticking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with crankshaft failure. The dealer discovered metal shavings in the engine oil and oil filter, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The replacement engine was ordered, and the vehicle was repaired. After the engine replacement, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle felt difficult to operate. Additionally, while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the vehicle failed to restart and lost motive power without any warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic, who found that the metal bar located near the battery was very loose. The mechanic also informed the contact that due to the prior crankshaft failure, the transfer fuse box, starter motor, and battery had failed and required replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that upon inspecting the replacement engine, the manufacturer’s sticker indicated that the engine was a remanufactured engine, and there was dirt and debris on the engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 48,650. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 48,650 |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE | Engine just died going 55 mph on a paved road. GM repair shop says engine needs to replaced. They originally told me my 6.2L engine was a recall, but my VIN didn’t show on database. Seems GM’s scope was not wide enough on their recall. I feel I deserve a new engine. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |