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2021 Chevrolet Silverado problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 12safety recalls
- 981owner complaints
- 23crash reports
- 14fire reports
- 19injuries reported
981 complaints, against an average of 747 for the other 14 Chevrolet Silverado model years.
Every Chevrolet Silverado model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado?
The components named most often in the 981 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2021 Chevrolet Silverado owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 981 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado?147 owners · 15%
- Has the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado had engine failures?138 owners · 14.1% · Recall 25V274000
- Why does my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado stall, lose power or shut off while driving?110 owners · 11.2%
- Why does my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado idle rough, misfire or hesitate?87 owners · 8.9%
- Why does my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?60 owners · 6.1%
- Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado?36 owners · 3.7%
- What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado engine?35 owners · 3.6%
- Has the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado had transmission failures?34 owners · 3.5% · Recall 26V083000
Has the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado been recalled?
12 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Control Module: Software General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
Risk: Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252516560. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 12, 2026.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Brake Fluid Low Warning: Switch/Sensor/FloatPark outside General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD vehicles. The brake pressure sensor assembly may leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch and cause a short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short in the brake pressure switch can overheat the circuit and increase the risk of a fire while driving or parked.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the brake pressure switch wire harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 11, 2025. Owners may contact GM customer assistance number at 1-866-467-9700. GM's number for this recall is N242482680. Vehicles in this recall that were previously repaired under 23V266 will need to have the new remedy completed.
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 defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Control Module: Software General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
Latches/Locks/Linkages: Tailgate: Latch General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in park.
Risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232426400.
Tires: Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 GMC Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500 vehicles equipped with certain accessory road tires and a 17" spare tire. The 17" spare tire provided with the vehicle is not compatible for use with the accessory wheels, which can cause the anti-lock brake system (ABS) to not function properly under certain conditions.
Risk: An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will provide a new 17" spare tire and wheel assembly that is compatible with the accessory wheels, free of charge. Dealers will also apply a new spare tire information label, and provide owners with an owner's manual insert clarifying which spare tire to use with the accessory road tires and with the 17" original tires. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212346510.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Power Assist: Electric: Control ModulePark outside General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles with electronic brake control modules (EBCM) replaced during vehicle assembly. The bolts that attach the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) assembly may not be properly tightened, which could fail to seal the two sub-assemblies and allow water intrusion.
Risk: Water in the BPMV may cause an electrical short circuit and increase the risk of fire.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will replace the BPMV assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 20, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212349181.
Tires: Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with a 17" spare tire (RPO ZHQ or ZXT) and either the 20" accessory road tire (RPO REM) or the 18" accessory road tire (RPO Q2V). Operating the spare tire with other 20" or 18" tires can prevent the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) from engaging.
Risk: An ABS system that cannot control the rear wheels independently increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will provide the appropriate spare tire and apply a new spare tire information label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 18, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212329780.
Air Bags: Frontal General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vehicles. The front driver's side air bag module may be missing one or more metal tabs that secure the plastic air bag cover to the housing.
Risk: The missing tabs may prevent the air bag from deploying properly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 16, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212336560.
Seat Belts General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
Risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Seat Belts General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
Risk: If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.
Tires General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
Risk: Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace tires that have DOT number and production mold number combinations identified by Continental, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202319030.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAL87 Engine Loss of Propulsion
Risk: The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure. If the engine fails while driving the vehicle will lose propulsion increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine. If the vehicle fails the inspection procedure the engine will be repaired or replaced. Vehicles that pass inspection will be provided a higher viscosity oil which will also require a new oil fill cap identifying the new required oil grade an oil filter replacement and an owner’s manual insert free of charge.
What do 2021 Chevrolet Silverado owners report?
12 of the 981 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
My 6.2L is experiencing engine knocking. Sounds like ball bearings rolling around at idle and acceleration. Its been seen by GM dealer and they notice "something" isnt right but say its not part of recall at this time. They want it to fail more before pursuing.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine coolant control valve had failed and required replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in Special Coverage Program: N252508341 (Coolant Control Valve), nor was the VIN included in the associated technical service bulletin. The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure…
Coolant control valve Is available for inspection Safty issues include Loss of power steering and brakes while driving Sudden power limp mode Sudden engine over heating and engine seizure Loss of visibility due to smoke and Loss of defrosting Inspection done by chevolet (live oak Fl) Check engine light and code p1098 appeared after defect.
While driving approximately 30–40 mph through an uphill left-hand curve, the steering suddenly became extremely stiff and very difficult to turn. I do not recall seeing any warning before I noticed the steering becoming stiff. While trying to control the vehicle, I noticed “Service Power Steering” and “Service ESC” warnings approximately 1–2 seconds later. I cannot say exactly when the warnings first appeared because everything happened very quickly and I was focused on trying to control the vehicle. The vehicle left the roadway onto an adjacent lawn and traveled along a steep hillside beside…
On my way home to [XXX] from [XXX] around XXX, my 2021 Chevy Silverado with 84,xxx miles with the 6.2 L engine started to make a popping sound. I checked my dash for any error codes and there were none. The oil pressure, temp, and transmission temp gauges all read normal. I stopped and topped the gas tank off with premium gas and checked the oil level, which was good. I was able to limp the truck back to my house. The next morning when I started it, there were error codes and the engine was still making the popping noise as well as a louder knocking noise. I started researching the symptoms…
2021 Silverado with 5.3 engine/8spd transmission/38,000 miles just outside of the 5-year powertrain warranty *No current recalls under this VIN as of 10/07/2026* Undiagnosed issues with symptoms similar to transmission or rear end slippage, torque converter or clutch pack problems. No warning lights or messages have appeared 1) Vehicle seems to hunt for proper gearing between 30-40 mph (3rd to 4th gear) with light shuddering before shifting gears. Occurred 20+ times 2) Sudden jerk when taking off from dead stop. Feels like being lightly bumped from behind then drives normally. Occurred 4 times…
While driving vehicle service power steering light came on had no power steering had to wrestle steering wheel no power steering a smaller person would not have able to handle it
Vehicle braking does not work- since new- dealer said it was funcitioning- sometimes you will get the warning and other times it does not and it never brakes. Transmission- i received a letter to bring truck in to have a software update for modulator valve wear....which was performed...since that time the stator and the torque converter were replaced in September/October of 2025. it was in dealership approx. 6 weeks for the repairs. Since that time i have had the vehicle roll forward when in reverse and pedal depressed, I have had hard shifts when shifting into gear at a stop, severe enough to…
Service Trailer Brake System error. There's a known issue for a faulty wire harness and BCM. Error makes it hard to drive and see the speed, keeps popping up.
I opened my passenger front door to load and the tailgate opens and closes by itself but doesn’t and remains open. I physically shut the tailgate and it opened again by itself. I started my truck to see if it would stop. It didn’t stop until I put my truck in reverse to back out of the garage. After I backed out and the tailgate stopped open. I closed it and the tailgate will not open by pressing the button on the tailgate. It will open if I use my key fob.
While coming to a stop, a snap ring came off the brake master cylinder. Vehicle top speed was 40mph, with the parking brake automatically engaged. ***Note from mechanic: Vehicle has several brake faults, C05CC and C05CF master cylinder piston position sensor performance, C2A17 hydraulic brake sponginess, and C0277 brake pedal position sensor fault. Tech recommends Hydraulic Brake Unit replacement***
Turned from [XXX] into my street, about 9 houses down, i could not brake or turn steering wheel. Ended up hitting 2 cars, the problem was that the air bags did not deploy and the seat belt did not lock. truck was totalled. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2021 Chevrolet Silverado: questions owners ask
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 981 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado; the most common categories were engine (401, 40.9%), power train (279, 28.4%), electrical system (143, 14.6%). There are 12 safety recalls. 23 complaints mention a crash, 14 mention a fire, 19 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado?
Across 981 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (40.9% of complaints), power train (28.4% of complaints), electrical system (14.6% of complaints), service brakes (6.6% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (6% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado; the most recent (campaign 26V083000, 2026-02-12) concerns Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Control Module: Software. 2 recalls carry a "do not drive" or "park outside" warning from the manufacturer. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado?
147 of the 981 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado (15%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Coolant control valve Is available for inspection Safty issues include Loss of power steering and brakes while driving Sudden power limp mode Sudden engine over heating and engine seizure Loss of visibility due to smoke and Loss of defrosting Inspection done…" (NHTSA complaint 11771734, October 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado had engine failures?
138 of the 981 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado (14.1%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. A related recall exists: campaign 25V274000 (engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical). The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. One owner wrote: "Chevy Silverado 1500 6.2L Truck lost acceleration while driving. Truck advised driver to shift to neutral and restart vehicle. When driver did, no resolve. Error code with diagnostic report was immediately emailed to owner with error code of P0016." (NHTSA complaint 11771512, October 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
110 of the 981 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado (11.2%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Coolant control valve Is available for inspection Safty issues include Loss of power steering and brakes while driving Sudden power limp mode Sudden engine over heating and engine seizure Loss of visibility due to smoke and Loss of defrosting Inspection done…" (NHTSA complaint 11771734, October 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
87 of the 981 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado (8.9%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Verified customers cpncern of cylinder 3 misfire and low compression. Inspected cylinder 3 sing a borescope and found excessive oil on top of the piston and on the cylinder walls. There are marks from loose carbon debris damaged the cylinder wall." (NHTSA complaint 11746169, June 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?
60 of the 981 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado (6.1%) describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. One owner wrote: "The truck started backfiring and shuddering. Took it to the mechanic and with only 112000 miles I am being told it needs a new engine. It is the 6.2l motor." (NHTSA complaint 11743395, June 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado?
36 of the 981 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado (3.7%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "Truck started violently shaking while driving 70 mph on highway. Check engine light, service electric parking brake warning light, TCS/ESC warning light, started flashing on tachometer. Check engine light remained on when truck was restarted later." (NHTSA complaint 11760442, August 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado engine?
35 of the 981 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado (3.6%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "My 6.2L is experiencing engine knocking. Sounds like ball bearings rolling around at idle and acceleration. Its been seen by GM dealer and they notice "something" isnt right but say its not part of recall at this time." (NHTSA complaint 11772872, October 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado had transmission failures?
34 of the 981 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado (3.5%) describe transmission failure, slipping or a replaced transmission. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 26V083000 (power train: automatic transmission: control module: software). The fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. One owner wrote: "10 speed transmission failed at 70K miles. Metal found in the torque converter. Manufacturer recommended routine maintenance was performed on transmission." (NHTSA complaint 11744565, June 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own Silverado
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2021 only; combines NHTSA's entries for SILVERADO 1500, SILVERADO 2500, SILVERADO 3500, SILVERADO 4500 and SILVERADO 6500.