2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Driver assistance Problems

I was on the highway doing 70 MPH with my family driving down I-40 through western NC (mountainous terrain) when my brakes went out and the vehicle went into limp mode. I was able to safely pull over thank God and then had my vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer just informed me that a software update is needed, and not covered under warranty. There are multiple safety bulletins coming out for related years and issues related to the braking system of this make/model and I would like this documented as well as Chevy to cover the cost of repairing this defect.

NHTSA ID

11747665

Incident

Jun 30, 2026

Once I disengaged the auto stop on my vehicle, I would accelerate from a stop and I would loose my brakes. This happened several times. I took it to the shop and was told it was fine. Finally, one day I was descending on an overpass, disengaged my auto stop and my brakes were complete failure, even my emergency brakes, my check engine light engaged (the code read emissions issue). Was able to stop in a field, get it back to the dealership to find out I lost the master break cylinder but no indication on prior visits. The truck, check engine light will spontaneously start blinking but hold no codes. I have had it routinely serviced and it will overheat and oil will run hot but mechanics find no issues

NHTSA ID

11737957

Incident

Oct 21, 2025

On 4/27/26, my family and I were traveling south on Colorado C470 at 8 AM. Our 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 had catastrophic engine failure at highway speed as we were passing an 18 wheeler. The failure caused the vehicle to lose power and engine, and the display said to put the truck in Neutral and restart the engine. After coasting to the shoulder, the engine would not restart. We were stranded on the highway during rush hour for an hour and 1/2 waiting for a tow truck. This scenario is identical to the safety risks outlined in NHTSA Recall 25V274 (and investigation PE 24-007). This failure resulted in the intake manifold being physically displaced and damage to the timing assembly. The dealership is attempting to deny coverage by claiming the "upper gallery" damage (timing/intake) is unrelated to the "lower end" issues covered under the special coverage/recall [ this is a Dealer Quote]. This logic is technically flawed: Consequential Damage: A catastrophic lower-end failure (e.g., a broken connecting rod or seized crankshaft bearing) at 80 mph creates the massive internal pressure required to shatter or "blow off" a plastic intake manifold. Timing Linkage: The timing chain is physically connected to the crankshaft. It is mechanically impossible to have a catastrophic crankshaft failure at high RPMs without causing secondary damage to the timing gears and "upper gallery". Recall Precedence: My vehicle exhibits the exact failure mode—loss of motive power due to bearing failure—currently being investigated by the NHTSA for 2019-2024 L87 engines.

NHTSA ID

11735936

Incident

Apr 27, 2026

right bank collapsed lifter. this is the 3rd time in 5 years this has happened same side same lifter. loss of power engine shakes the whole truck. Also electronic emergency brake won't release automatically and engages when driving. This has happened when I first bought the truck in Mar 2021, again in nov 2024 and currently at antelope valley Chevrolet on Mar 20 2026 for the same thing.

NHTSA ID

11732691

Incident

Mar 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The Service Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light, Parking Brake warning light, a wrench warning symbol, and the check engine warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ID

11724543

Incident

Mar 13, 2026

Mileage

125,000 mi

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!

NHTSA ID

11716963

Incident

Jan 26, 2026

Throttle Body Failure Anti brake lock failure Throttle position sensor failure Power reduced *Vehicle has been to repair shop 3 times and the issue prevails. It poses a risk to my community because my loses power sporadically*

NHTSA ID

11706969

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

The brake stopped working. I just bought the car two months ago.

NHTSA ID

11705001

Incident

Dec 4, 2025

While driving at anywhere from 18–25 mph or 70–85 mph, my speedometer starts going crazy, the engine accelerates or decelerates, the speedometer shows random numbers, and you can hear and feel that the motor power feels different. Not all the times but is started to show more often

NHTSA ID

11693709

Incident

Sep 17, 2025

While driving, engine stop and dash had message to put in neutral and hit start button to restart, but dash would gest go dark and did not restart. Vehicle towed to Wilson and Bell Automotive. After get engine reset I was told engine has loud knocking sound and needs to be replaced. I been going to this shop for over 30 years and trust there description. New engine was ordered. Then found out several days later that GM is going to recall my vehicle 2021 Silverado 1500 6.2 engine due to engine failure.

NHTSA ID

11658903

Incident

Apr 28, 2025

while driving, the emergency brake engages and locks the car up coming to a complete stop mid driving (on highway!). this has happened 3 times now, took it into dealer, they did a computer update and released. It has since happened again, with my child in the car!

NHTSA ID

11655155

Incident

Mar 27, 2025

I was driving 60mph and went to accelerate a little bit more and my lifters went out and stated clicking.

NHTSA ID

11655061

Incident

Mar 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the engine started rumbling with the check engine, stability-trac, and the parking brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed a misfire in cylinder #1. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the lift valve had collapsed, and the right side of the block lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11652250

Incident

Mar 23, 2025

Mileage

80,000 mi

The car while I’m driving, when I start driving it has a kick could be transmission

NHTSA ID

11645764

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

While driving down a major, extremely dangerous highway [XXX] in Pasco County, FL) my truck randomly shut off (with zero warning, no check engine lights, nothing) Thankfully, i was already in the right hand lane and managed to coast into a gas station. At 60, 375 miles on my 2021 truck I was 352 miles outside of the powertrain warranty, so I had my truck towed to the closest chevy dealership to see if they would good-will the warranty. They (Chevy) reported to me that there was a rod-knock with an estimate of $17,203.52 to rebuild the motor. I would also have to pay approximately $2000 (10 hrs of labor) for tear down of motor to even see if GM would POSSIBLY pay out anything on warranty. I am the only owner of this truck since day 1. I have every oil change record that was done as specified by the manufacturer. I have no means of transportation at this time. My truck is available for inspection. I am also unable to take out any other vehicle loans while I am forced to pay for a truck that now, has no motor. Also, I went in for a recall of a software update for the forward collision system. Previous to the dealerships update, the system was working fine. After the update, the collision system no longer works. This is greatly affecting my ability to work, and function as a member of society. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11636690

Incident

Dec 21, 2024

1. The automatic tailgate opens by itself randomly. It appears to be malfunctioning. I am unable to open it from the tailgate now. When it’s open it continues to attempt to unlatch making the noise. It’s opened while driving. 2. So far I lost a cooler on the highway due to this problem which would cause a road hazard to other drivers. 3. I brought it to the dealer they said it’s not there problem due to my vin not matching the recall even though there’s a recall for this problem with same year trucks. 4. It has not been inspected due it not being an official recall. 5. No warning lights regarding this issue.

NHTSA ID

11636290

Incident

Jan 6, 2025

Vehicle has less than 35k miles. Vehicle started and operated normally Attempted to turn onto main thoroughfare from a stop. While still in drive, vehicle engine rev’d up but transmission did not engage. Attempted to cycle through gear selector with same result. Reverse is the only gear that allowed vehicle movement. Serious safety concern if this were to happen while traveling at any significant speed or if trying to merge or cross heavy traffic. Vehicle has not had an official diagnosis, but I believe this is a transmission valve body problem known to the manufacturer. There was no indication prior to this event of any mechanical or electrical problems with the vehicle. This issue could easily get someone killed.

NHTSA ID

11635864

Incident

Jan 14, 2025

We were driving 40 mph when all the sudden the rear tires locked up without warning. We almost got in an accident and thankfully were able to get off the road. Then, the check engine light came on and the truck went into limp mode and would not shift gears automatically and it was difficult to make it home. We had a mechanic come to our house to run a diagnostic and they informed us of the recall and confirmed it is what the truck was experiencing. We took it to the dealership and they confirmed the recall and that there was no available fix and nothing they could do for us. Meanwhile, ours is not safe to drive.

NHTSA ID

11627815

Incident

Nov 22, 2024

Fuel regulator- high/low pressure failed. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection (currently at Rotolo Chevrolet). My safety and others were compromised because was on freeway approximately 75 mph and my power and speed was unexpectedly reduced. Almost caused pile up, I had to take evasive measures to guide truck to slow lane, and off the road. Yes, the problem has been confirmed [XXX] by certified Chevrolet technicians at Rotolo Chevrolet-Fontana California. Yes the part/vehicle has been inspected by Certified Chevrolet technician. A few odd hard engine starts(June/July figured a "cold" start). 2 weeks prior([XXX]) to the on road incident, the check engine light came on while driving, stopped vehicle to refuel- when the truck was restarted the check light was no longer illuminated. Scheduled ASAP service appointment 8/16/24 with Chevrolet, they couldn't take it sooner than 8/19/24 being that my truck is still under power train warranty. Unfortunately they say a faulty Fuel regulator is not covered. Document is initial service request order, I was called by Technician stating the specific (fuel regulator) issue and that my repair cost would be over $1,030.00. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11609476

Incident

Aug 16, 2024

When I am driving over 40mph and accelerate my breaks lock up. It's almost like I hit something really hard. It has done this at 70 mph and almost cause an accident behind me. My truck doesn't have automatic emergency braking on it. I have read a form a lot of people are having this same issue with this year and make.

NHTSA ID

11590938

Incident

May 15, 2024

The transfer case has locked up several times causing me to wreck once. The engine misfires and does not give the MPG advertised. The life of my family has been put at risk with little to no care from the dealer after several attempts for service.

NHTSA ID

11519627

Incident

Aug 16, 2022

Cel flashing , traction control warning, stabilitrac warning, engine running rough, acceleration increased over normal driving. Happened multi times. After multiple restarts the cel light is on solid. Truck towed to dealer today. Have not heard back.

NHTSA ID

11515215

Incident

Apr 1, 2023

Upon returning home after a short drive I pulled into my garage and almost drove through the wall… I purchased parking assistance and it was not provided. The feature apparently failed and turned off at some point without clearly notifying the driver. I don’t know if it provided a silent notice that automatically dismissed but it certainly did not notify me when I really needed it… low speed. The park assist light is indeed off now when the vehicle starts. Clicking the button reports “Park Assist Off” even though it already appears off and is certainly not providing the intended safety feature. Clicking the button again does not turn the light back on but if clicked again it will again report it was disabled. This is strange and confusing for the driver. Using the infotainment screen one can toggle “Park Assist” off and the drivers info screen by the speedometer will finally say “park assist off”. Turning the feature back on in the infotainment screen actually turns the park assist button back on for about 5 seconds then it silently turns off and the driver is NOT warned that the system is not working. The driver is not properly warned of feature failure even though it appears the software knows it is not working. The little button goes out but the driver message screen does not warn the driver. This failure and poor awareness is a safety risk. Yes, we are unlikely to be parking super close to someone but we might indeed park near a GAS hot water heater or similar hazard in work trucks. The driver must know if safety features failure during driving. Otherwise they are potentially more hazardous than vehicles without them. Drivers will by design rely on these features and MUST be warned if the vehicle knows they have failed. I don’t love that the vehicle has already had a failure with only 1695 miles but this dangerous software concerns me more.

NHTSA ID

11424249

Incident

Jul 10, 2021

BOUGHT THE TRUCK 2 WEEKS AGO AND PUT 500 MILES ON IT. UPON ENTERING I GOT AN ALERT ON THE DASH SAYING ESC POWER STEERING FAILURE, PARKING SENSOR FAILURE AND ABS FAILURE DRIVE WITH CAUTION. ALL THESE ALERTS HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND BARELY TURNED ON. SURE ENOUGH I TRY TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE POWER STEERING WAS OUT AND THE PARKING SENSORS WERE OUT. I DIDN'T TRY THE BRAKES SINCE I WAS NOT MOVING AND PARKED.

NHTSA ID

11415357

Incident

May 5, 2021

Mileage

510 mi

THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS), BRAKES, AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM (ESC) MIGHT NOT ILLUMINATE. THIS COULD CAUSE THE DRIVER TO NOT KNOW IF ANY OF THESE SYSTEMS ARE INOPERABLE.*DT*DT

NHTSA ID

11390737

Incident

Jan 22, 2021

Mileage

7,500 mi