POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:VALVES/VALVE BODY
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 781 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, most frequently naming the engine, powertrain (other) and electrical categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 4 NHTSA investigations name it; and 1,454 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2021 | 5 | 43 |
| Oct 2021 | 5 | 48 |
| Nov 2021 | 7 | 55 |
| Dec 2021 | 5 | 60 |
| Jan 2022 | 5 | 65 |
| Feb 2022 | 2 | 67 |
| Mar 2022 | 3 | 70 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 71 |
| May 2022 | 5 | 76 |
| Jun 2022 | 5 | 81 |
| Jul 2022 | 11 | 92 |
| Aug 2022 | 9 | 101 |
| Sep 2022 | 3 | 104 |
| Oct 2022 | 3 | 107 |
| Nov 2022 | 2 | 109 |
| Dec 2022 | 3 | 112 |
| Jan 2023 | 2 | 114 |
| Feb 2023 | 5 | 119 |
| Mar 2023 | 5 | 124 |
| Apr 2023 | 8 | 132 |
| May 2023 | 6 | 138 |
| Jun 2023 | 5 | 143 |
| Jul 2023 | 5 | 148 |
| Aug 2023 | 11 | 159 |
| Sep 2023 | 3 | 162 |
| Oct 2023 | 5 | 167 |
| Nov 2023 | 4 | 171 |
| Dec 2023 | 3 | 174 |
| Jan 2024 | 4 | 178 |
| Feb 2024 | 6 | 184 |
| Mar 2024 | 3 | 187 |
| Apr 2024 | 8 | 195 |
| May 2024 | 4 | 199 |
| Jun 2024 | 4 | 203 |
| Jul 2024 | 6 | 209 |
| Aug 2024 | 10 | 219 |
| Sep 2024 | 9 | 228 |
| Oct 2024 | 7 | 235 |
| Nov 2024 | 14 | 249 |
| Dec 2024 | 16 | 265 |
| Jan 2025 | 32 | 297 |
| Feb 2025 | 28 | 325 |
| Mar 2025 | 25 | 350 |
| Apr 2025 | 40 | 390 |
| May 2025 | 40 | 430 |
| Jun 2025 | 29 | 459 |
| Jul 2025 | 28 | 487 |
| Aug 2025 | 21 | 508 |
| Sep 2025 | 18 | 526 |
| Oct 2025 | 24 | 550 |
| Nov 2025 | 27 | 577 |
| Dec 2025 | 17 | 594 |
| Jan 2026 | 37 | 631 |
| Feb 2026 | 23 | 654 |
| Mar 2026 | 28 | 682 |
| Apr 2026 | 26 | 708 |
| May 2026 | 22 | 730 |
| Jun 2026 | 23 | 753 |
| Jul 2026 | 22 | 775 |
| Aug 2026 | 6 | 781 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine40341.0%
- Powertrain (other)22122.5%
- Electrical10510.7%
- Brakes444.5%
- Steering404.1%
- Fuel system272.7%
- Driver assistance262.6%
- Body & structure252.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
8 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:VALVES/VALVE BODY
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 36 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V274. In each VOQ, the engine had the recall remedy completed prior to the reported failure incident. Recall 25V-274 addresses vehicles equipped with a L87 6.2L V8 gas engine that experienced engine damage or failure. Recall 25V-274’s remedy includes an engine inspection. Based on the results of the inspection the vehicle will receive an oil change to a higher viscosity oil or an engine replacement. The complaints received allege failures of both remedies. ODI is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to assess the adequacy of the remedy for Recall 25V-274. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. These engines are installed in Model Years (MY) 2019–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2021-2024MY Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV vehicles. The subject engine failures were investigated as part of a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25001). GM determined that these engine failures were due to multiple supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the supplier manufacturing and quality issues produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. Based on the issuance of recall 25V-274, NHTSA has closed PE25001. ODI continues to receive a significant number of reports of engine failure in vehicles outside the scope of 25V-274. This presents a potential safety risk that warrants further investigation. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis (EA) to further evaluate the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues of vehicles built outside the recall scope. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
On January 16, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in MY2019-2024 GM’s full-size truck and SUV T1XX platform equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine. These complainants alleged engine bearing failures resulting in knocking and growling noises from the engine’s bottom end and in some cases more severe consequences such as broken connecting rods leading to engine damage, or engine failure. If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. On April 24, 2025, GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the concern with L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM’s recall remedy will be either an oil change to an oil with a different viscosity or engine replacement depending on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. To date, ODI has received 1,157 allegations of engine bearing failure. GM submitted 55,464 reports in total, with 29,752 unique VINs. ODI continues to receive allegations of L87 engine failures which fall outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. Based on GM’s recall, ODI will close this PE. NHTSA will continue to investigate complaints of engine failure outside the scope of recall 25V-274 as part ofEngineering Analysis (EA25007). To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Air Bag Malfunction
On April 9, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE21-010 to investigate instances of air bag malfunction indicator light (MIL) illumination and potential for frontal air bag non-deployment in several vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The vehicles included model year (MY) 2020 through 2021 CT4 and CT5 passenger cars, Sierra and Silverado trucks (1500/2500/3500 models), XT4 and MY 2021 Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon SUVs.Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 21-NA-005, issued in March 2021, addresses air bag MIL illumination with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B0001-1B or B0012-0D. It cites rust particles in the connection terminal interface of the driver air bag inflator housing as the cause of the air bag MIL illumination. Illumination of the air bag MIL under these circumstances may result in a non-deployment of the frontal driver air bag during a frontal collision and increased risk of injury to the driver.GM stated a correlation exists between production delays due to the pandemic shutdown and premature corrosion initiation on the surface of the air bag inflator housing, which, in some cases, caused rust development during a seven (7) month period of vehicle production. In the rare instance when a rust particle dislodges from the driver air bag inflator housing and enters the air bag connector prior to assembly, an intermittent resistance spike at the air bag connector may result. The condition generates excessive resistance in the air bag electrical system when the steering wheel horn cover is manipulated or the steering wheel is turned. This excessive resistance is momentary. A crash commanding air bag deployment would need to occur exactly when the momentary excessive resistance occurs. Thus, there is a very low likelihood the hazard will present a risk during a crash of sufficient severity to warrant a commanded deployment. This failure mechanism occurs early in life and results in an air bag MIL illumination that corresponds to a DTC warning the driver that the vehicle requires service. The vehicle's air bag remains functional while the MIL is illuminated, and the DTC is present.Once the connection of the driver air bag module to the clockspring is made at the plant, or at the dealership for service, there is no longer an opportunity for rust migration into the connection point. The connector is sealed and has gold terminals, eliminating the expectation of fretting corrosion. All subject vehicles passed standard corrosion validation testing for extensive corrosion with no issue of air bag non-deployment.There is a low rate of occurrence: 1.41 incidents per thousand vehicles (IPTV) for all related occurrences, and 0.04 IPTV for occurrences with a mention of visible rust and/or corrosion on the air bag inflator housing. The average occurrence mileage for the subject vehicles is approximately 2,100. Every occurrence related to the alleged defect experienced an air bag MIL illumination and there are no verified allegations of air bag non-deployment within all data sources.To date, there have been no reported fires, crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. In view of the low rate, and the nature of early-life failure, the high detectability of failures, and low potential hazard to drivers, this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the following identification numbers: 11537927, 11528888, 11525020, 11521401, 11506057, 11493107, 11486767, 11441525, 11433146, 11425658, 11423440, 11385267, 11376429, 11373466, 11366995.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
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)
- NHTSA ID
- 11756532
- Incident
- May 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and the messages "Engine Power Reduced" and "Speed Limited to 65 MPH" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine coolant flow control valve and related components needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: EA25007 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11755936
- Incident
- Mar 10, 2026
- Mileage
- 95,000 mi
On August 22, 2025 the malfunction indicator lamp (code: P146B Evap. purge pump) illuminated with no noticeable change. Ran codes at auto zone which stated engine failed and emissions not ready. August 25, 2025 drove to certified Chevy dealer dropped off vehicle and showed the service advisor the fix finder test results from auto zone as well as the illuminated indicator lamp (check engine light). August 26, 2025 picked up my vehicle with receipt stating "found dtc's P146b and P1467 stored in ECM (engine control module) for evap purge pump fault. inspected evap canister for any signs of fuel and none were found. replaced evap purge pump per special policy #N232395310. Cleared dtc and road tested vehicle to verify repair". September 9, 2025 my engine indicator light illuminated and my engine entered limp mode, a safety feature which reduces cylinder output/capacity. September 12, 2025 while in limp mode, I returned to the service dealer and informed them of the reduced power (limp mode) and my confusion as the second engine symbol that has been illuminated is in a different area than the first and my truck has ONE engine. (editor note: malfunction indicator lamp is for the emissions). My original transmission (8L90) was replace, because my vehicle was under power train warranty and the service advisor took it upon himself to approve the disassembly of my running, in good condition 8L90 transmission without consulting me or my approval. the 8L90 was "discontinued" for the 2020-2022 years without recall come to find out (sarcasm). I now have a new transmission (8L86-85) with the "special coverage" part (#N232395310) still connected, only now I have NO additional powertrain coverage for a new transmission, but the "special coverage" originally issued in 2023, BY MAIL, for 15 yr/150,000miles has extended two years plus mileage. (15 yr / 152,955) .The "special coverage" part should NOT affect the engine! Engines produce power/HEAT not CO2 . Sarbane - Oxley Act.
- NHTSA ID
- 11755329
- Incident
- Aug 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle was jerking erratically. The contact stated that the transmission was shifting hard, and the vehicle drove abnormally rough. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The failure was persistent. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11754700
- Incident
- Aug 13, 2024
- Mileage
- 49,000 mi
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle came to a complete stop without warning. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice. During the first failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer and a lifter inside the engine was replaced. The contact stated that after the second failure, the contact allowed the vehicle to sit for a while before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that a lifter and the camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11754554
- Incident
- Jul 17, 2026
- Mileage
- 73,000 mi
2021 Chevy Silverado 5.3 trail boss lifters has failed on this driver two times while driving on highway engine lost power with my family in the vehicle. Dealer warranty fixed lifter the first time lifter went out at 1100 miles. The vehicle has failed again with multiple lifters going out and camshaft needing being replaced also on my extended warranty at 73000 miles. I do not want to take this vehicle back in my possession as it has put me and my family at risk twice being stuck on highway with no power.
- NHTSA ID
- 11754540
- Incident
- Jul 17, 2026
On or around XXX a my 2021 Silverado started making a rattling sound from the engine. The truck began to stall and the engine shut off three times while driving. I attached scanner the next day and the track showed P00011 and P00016 codes. Those codes are for the Camshaft Sensor and the Crankshaft Sensor. I went online and did research about the two codes and discovered there had been a couple recalls for these codes concerning my year model truck: (Recall Number 25V-274; GM: Campain N252494000). NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA25007 or RQ26001 I spoke with the Dealer I purchased vehicle from (Lynn Layton Chevrolet - Decatur, Al)and they said they will not begin repairs until they receive payment from GM or myself. I then spoke with Tyler at GM Corporate Customer Service. He said my VIN was not included in the GM Campaign|Recall. I asked why not because it is a 2021 Silverado and I’m having the exact same problems as vehicles included in the recall. He said because they checked their system and the parts used on my truck were from a different manufacturer than those included on the recall. I said that shouldn’t matter because my truck is having the same exact problems. I asked him to check and see if GM would be able to provide financial assistance to have motor repaired or replaced. Tyler told me that GM will not do repairs - they will only replace the engine. He said GM would not provide any financial assistance because my truck has 170k plus miles on it. I informed Him that I had previously taken my truck to Lynn Layton Chevrolet about these symptoms and it was diagnosed as transmission/torque converter problem. They changed transmission fluid and charged me ~$700. I then asked if GM would authorize a “Goodwill Replacement”. He said they would not. I called Lynn Layton Decatur back and asked how much would engine and reps if I have to pay for it. They said 10k -12k A local mechanic said he will fix for $6,000. Please help me get this resolved. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
- NHTSA ID
- 11753677
- Incident
- Jun 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 - 60 MPH, the transmission failed to shift properly, and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11753288
- Incident
- Jul 17, 2026
- Mileage
- 105,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
This document assists GM dealer technicians with diagnosing torque converter concerns to ensure torque converter replacement is necessary. The torque converter part number will be placed on order restriction, and the technician will be asked to follow 25-NA-148 before requesting a part through PQC.
This PI provides information to repair the door water deflector which is not sealed properly allows water into the door jam/sill area.
PI to help diagnose A/C concern
This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
This PI was created to help avoid unnecessary front camera module replacements
This PI provides a diagnostic tip on poor a/c performance due to a condenser issue and instructions to replace the ac condenser.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 69 | 3 | 0 | 53.3 |
| 2025 | 84 | 0 | 0 | 46.9 |
| 2024 | 281 | 2 | 3 | 60.5 |
| 2023 | 357 | 3 | 3 | 64.4 |
| 2022 | 583 | 6 | 3 | 67.2 |
| 2021Viewing | 781 | 8 | 4 | 69.6 |
| 2020 | 695 | 12 | 3 | 67.0 |
| 2019 | 1,053 | 10 | 2 | 64.7 |
| 2018 | 511 | 7 | 0 | 54.9 |
| 2017 | 711 | 6 | 0 | 57.9 |
| 2016 | 790 | 11 | 1 | 60.3 |
| 2015 | 1,095 | 11 | 2 | 62.9 |
| 2014 | 1,432 | 6 | 2 | 59.0 |
| 2013 | 301 | 2 | 2 | 54.0 |
| 2012 | 215 | 2 | 2 | 52.3 |
| 2011 | 563 | 4 | 2 | 57.1 |
| 2010 | 360 | 3 | 2 | 55.0 |
| 2009 | 444 | 3 | 2 | 53.6 |
| 2008 | 914 | 3 | 3 | 59.1 |
| 2007 | 849 | 2 | 3 | 55.7 |
| 2006 | 357 | 0 | 0 | 39.0 |
| 2005 | 525 | 0 | 0 | 39.6 |
| 2004 | 797 | 0 | 0 | 36.5 |
| 2003 | 805 | 0 | 3 | 43.9 |
| 2002 | 509 | 0 | 2 | 49.0 |
| 2001 | 468 | 0 | 2 | 49.0 |
| 2000 | 611 | 0 | 2 | 49.9 |
| 1999 | 587 | 2 | 2 | 57.5 |
| 1998 | 361 | 2 | 0 | 48.1 |
| 1997 | 555 | 2 | 0 | 49.3 |
| 1996 | 7 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1995 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1994 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 38.6 |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.