Fault Code Lookup › Powertrain codes › P0521
P0521 Powertrain · generic OBD-II
Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Range/Performance
P0521 is a standard code covering engine, transmission, fuel and emissions. It names the system that logged the fault, not the part that failed. Below: which cars owners reported it on, what happened, and recalls on those cars, from 7 complaints filed with NHTSA. Updated November 9, 2026.
- 7owner reports
- 5car models
- 0mention a crash
- 0mention a fire
- 2012–2024model years
Which cars get code P0521?
Every model whose owners mentioned P0521 in a complaint, most reports first. Each year opens that car's full problem report. Popular models collect more reports because more of them are on the road.
Where does P0521 show up?
By brand
- Chevrolet5
- GMC2
Component the owner filed it under
Is there a recall for P0521?
The others concern the component owners file this code under (Engine) on the same cars; they may or may not relate to the code. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing…
2021 GMC Sierra. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.
What happened when owners saw P0521?
7 of the 7 reports, spread across the models above, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
I am reporting a failure involving a 2020 vehicle equipped with a GM 6.2L V8 engine that developed a cylinder 8 misfire along with diagnostic trouble codes P0300, P0500, and P0521. Dealer inspection revealed a severely scored camshaft and metal debris present in the engine oil, indicating significant internal engine damage. The failure appears to be related to a lifter or valvetrain malfunction, leading to improper valve operation and engine misfire. This issue occurred unexpectedly and creates a serious safety concern due to the risk of sudden engine failure during operation. This may be associated with known problems affecting this engine type and should be investigated further.
P0521 has been addressed/replaced almost nine (9) times. “Low Oil Pressure-Stop Engine” is another one that is not completely functional. The truck is using oil but we cant find evidence of leakage. Services performed at dealership or certified shop. Troubleshooting was performed, Im told. I cant vouch for the quality of the workmanship. This should not be an issue at this mileage 100,100 ohe hundred thousand miles and oil components going bad is not good. GMC has sold me a truck that needs a new engine component. Please help. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, but the vehicle hesitated to accelerate before lurching forward. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power while driving 60-70 MPH and decelerated to 10 MPH. The engine revved while stopped at a red light, and the RPM was at HIGH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer on six occasions for the recurring failure. The contact stated that DTC: P0401 and P0521 were retrieved and cleared after securing the air box cover after the first failure. The second…
Original Owner of 2021 Chevy Trailblazer LT. Purchased new in April 2021. Vehicle has a history of major powertrain issues, starting with Check Engine light during its first year of ownership, culminating in a complete turbocharger replacement in December 2025. This only as a result of my research, after many visits to dealership trying to diagnose the issue. The check engine was consistently illuminated in the vehicle 2021-2025. 9 days ago while traveling the vehicle, experienced sudden oil pressure loss, and stalling risks, displayed a hard warning “ENGINE OIL PRESSURE LOW. STOP ENGINE”. On Star provided me with a diagnostic code of P0521, pointing to an engine oil pressure sensor…
…March 15, 2026 – Diagnostic Codes- P0521 – Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Range or Performance- P06DE – Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Stuck On Concerns include oil pressure, lubrication issues, and potential engine damage. April 27, 2026 – Second Highway Incident While driving on Route 78 after work, the vehicle experienced another failure:- Severe shaking- Check engine light- Unsafe operation Code:- P0300 – Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected GM Case Numbers:- XXX- XXX Manufacturer and Dealership Awareness: General Motors and the dealership are fully aware of these repeated issues. Vehicle is currently at: [XXX] Ongoing Safety Concerns:- Engine misfires- Highway hesitation…
…AUTO REPAIR SHOP GAVE ME BAD NEWS 3 CODES: 1) P0324 KNOCK SENSOR, 2) P0521 ENGINE OIL PRESSURE PERFORMANCE, 3) P06DD ENGINE OIL PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE STUCK OFF. WENT TO FELDMAN CHEVROLET OF HIGHLAND, TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THIS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, LAKESIDE TOWING DELIVERED MY TRUCK THERE. FELDMAN WILL NOT COVER REPAIRS STATING OUT OF WARRANTY. WILL GIVE ME $2000 DOLLARS OFF ON CERTI REBUILT MOTOR, MY COST $7,200 W/12 MONTH WARRANTY. NOT ACCEPTABLE. SALESMAN THERE OFFERED ME $8000 AS TRADE IN. WORKING WITH GM COMPLAINT DEPARTMENT, THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN ALL INFORMATION. BEEN NICE BUT SEEMS LIKE I AM CAUGHT IN MIDDLE BETWEEN HER AND SERVICE MANAGER AT FELDMAN. AS OF…
The contact's grandson owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after the vehicle was purchased from a private seller and driven 258 miles, while his grandson was merging off the exit ramp, the engine seized. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact scanned the vehicle and retrieved DTCs: P0011, P0016, P006DD, and P0521, stored DTCs: P06DD P0011, and permanent DTCs: P0011 and P0016. The engine was replaced by the contact. The local dealer was contacted for parts. No further information was available. The manufacturer…
P0521: questions drivers ask
What does code P0521 mean?
P0521 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code. Its standard definition is "Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Range/Performance". The code tells you which system set the fault, not which part failed; the owner reports on this page show what it meant in practice for 5 car models.
Which cars get code P0521 most often?
In NHTSA owner complaints, P0521 is mentioned most for the Chevrolet Silverado (2), GMC Sierra (2), Chevrolet Equinox (1), across 5 models and model years 2012 to 2024. Popular models collect more reports because more of them are on the road.
Is there a recall for code P0521?
No NHTSA recall text names P0521 directly. 1 recall on the cars that report this code concerns the same component owners name most (Engine); they may or may not relate to the code. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What should I do if my car shows P0521?
Write down when the code appeared and what the car did (warning lights, loss of power, noises, speed, weather). Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer or independent workshop to read the stored freeze-frame data before anyone clears the code, and keep the repair order. If the car loses power in traffic, stop driving it. CarHooq does not diagnose: these are owner reports and official recall notices, not repair advice.
How this page was made
CarHooq read the text of every owner complaint filed with NHTSA for 19 US and European brands (model years 2012 onwards) and picked out the diagnostic trouble codes owners wrote down. This page lists every mention of P0521. The definition is the generic SAE J2012 wording; a carmaker may use the code slightly differently. Nothing here is a diagnosis. More answers: the fault code FAQ. Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain), retrieved November 9, 2026. How CarHooq reports are made.
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