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2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
430
Latest Sep 24, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
52%
of 825 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
9
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 430 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming engine

The 25 most recent of 430, in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Sep 24, 2026

the engine seized. I tore into the motor to inspect what caused it and it spun a connecting rod bearing on cylinder 1. I have been paying 600 a month on it without being able to drive it since this happened in november of 2024.

NHTSA ID
11766765
Incident
Nov 15, 2024
Engine
Filed Sep 20, 2026

My truck started skipping and over time the check engine light came on. I took it in and they are saying it is the lifters, which is costly. I know this truck was built during COVID and I know a lot of the manufacturers were dealing with skeleton crews. I heard this was an issue with the 2021 Silverado trucks, and a recall. Can you please advise?

NHTSA ID
11765689
Incident
Sep 1, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 20, 2026

The water pump went bad at 31,000 miles. If I continued driving and the pulley fell off the engine would overheat. I took it to the dealer and they confirmed the pump failure and want me to pay over $1,400 for repair that should be covered under warranty. There was no warning lamps lit, the pump just started making a grinding sound.

NHTSA ID
11765602
Incident
Sep 17, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 19, 2026
Fire reported

Engine failed and truck caught on fire from the engine failure

NHTSA ID
11765533
Incident
Jan 24, 2026
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 17, 2026

2021 silverado engine failure. Yes it was inspected by a dealership and my extended warranty company and serviced by the dealership. Back on August 5th I experienced a misfire cylinder 3 and felt loss of power. On August 7th the dealership diagnosed both camshafts, 1 lifter, 1 valve, and 1 fuel injector was damaged and never received at warning lights or messages on the dashboard. I was without the vehicle for 39 days and within 10 hrs after picking up the truck i got an engine light on and several new codes on it and can not be driven and being towed. I feel these engines need a recall as it is well documented that these engines go between 60 and 80,000 miles and some a lot less than that, mine has 70,800 and went and now being towed with in less than 24 hrs after engine repair. I will be in contact with a lawyer to follow up on this matter.

NHTSA ID
11764947
Incident
Aug 5, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 14, 2026

Engine noise, unable to pass or fail pico test due to to much noise in truck. Engine failure.

NHTSA ID
11764010
Incident
Sep 11, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 12, 2026

LM2 engine coolant control valve failure. My vehicle VIN is not listed for the repair i dont know how it is not but they want me to pay outa pocket

NHTSA ID
11763762
Incident
Jul 8, 2026
Body & structureEngine
Filed Sep 10, 2026

Statement for NHTSA Subject: Safety Complaint – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado Unexpected Jerking/Harsh Transmission Engagement I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2.7L Turbo with approximately 128,000 miles. My vehicle has developed a recurring problem involving harsh/jerking transmission engagement, hesitation, shuddering and abnormal shifting. The truck can jerk when engaging or changing gears and has also experienced a hard engagement when shifting from Reverse into Drive. During normal driving, the vehicle can hesitate or feel as though it is repeatedly fluttering/shifting instead of providing smooth and predictable acceleration. The vehicle has produced diagnostic trouble codes including P0700, U0100 and P0420. I am concerned that this condition could create a safety hazard, particularly if the vehicle unexpectedly jerks, hesitates or fails to respond normally when accelerating or changing gears in traffic. I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and review whether there is a pattern or potential safety-related defect involving transmission engagement, shifting or drivetrain control on 2021 Chevrolet Silverado vehicles. GM has published service information concerning delayed and harsh transmission engagement on certain Silverado applications, including 2019–2021 models, which makes me concerned that my vehicle may be experiencing a related issue. I am retaining my repair records, diagnostic information, receipts, videos and mileage/date information documenting when the problem occurs. I am willing to provide this information if requested. Please help me get my truck corrected, I love my Chevy Truck. Thanks Sincerely [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11763481
Incident
Sep 1, 2026
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Sep 9, 2026

My 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST with the 6.2L engine experienced an engine seizure. The engine was replaced by a Chevrolet dealership under a GM safety recall. Immediately after picking up the vehicle following the recall engine replacement, the truck stalled while still in the Chevrolet dealership parking lot. There was no warning before this first stall. We continued our trip because we did not realize at the time that the stall could indicate a problem following the engine replacement. During the drive from [XXX] to [XXX], the problem continued. In [XXX], the check engine light illuminated and the truck began malfunctioning. The vehicle subsequently stalled again. The problem continued after returning to [XXX]. A Chevrolet dealership in [XXX] inspected the vehicle and reproduced/confirmed a problem involving the camshaft position sensor wiring/connector. The dealership demonstrated the problem by manipulating the connector/wiring and recorded a video of the diagnostic procedure. The vehicle is currently at the Chevrolet dealership and is available for inspection. The affected component should also be available for inspection because it has not yet been repaired. The [XXX] dealership has characterized the wiring/connector condition as normal wear. However, the first stall occurred immediately after the GM recall engine replacement, while the vehicle was still on the repairing Chevrolet dealership's property. Unexpected engine stalling creates a serious safety risk because the vehicle can lose propulsion without warning while driving, including at highway speeds or in traffic. I am concerned that the camshaft position circuit/wiring/connector problem may be associated with the recall engine replacement procedure or replacement engine. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether other vehicles receiving this GM 6.2L engine recall remedy have experienced similar camshaft position circuit failures or unexpected stalling after engine repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FO

NHTSA ID
11763216
Incident
Sep 4, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 9, 2026

Following recall review by the dealership, experienced sudden, catastrophic engine failure nearly stranding me on the road with my son. Awaiting final diagnostics from the dealership, but every indication, errors, and symptoms align with all the other complaints that I have reviewed on line for the make/model of my vehicle. Recall assessment and corrective actions ineffective resolving engine failure.

NHTSA ID
11762998
Incident
Sep 6, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the exhaust manifold bolts had detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the warranty mileage limitation had been exceeded. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,248.

NHTSA ID
11762775
Incident
Aug 8, 2026
Mileage
62,248 mi
Engine
Filed Sep 8, 2026

Loss of power , catastrophic engine failure

NHTSA ID
11762721
Incident
Sep 8, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 6, 2026

My engine has been replaced twice already for total failure first time was in November 2023 and the second time was May 2026.

NHTSA ID
11762429
Incident
Nov 22, 2023
Engine
Filed Sep 1, 2026

Vehicle went into reduced power mode and was taken to the dealership. They had to tear down the motor to diagnose the problem and determined it was the crankshaft and the motor needed to be replaced. It was out of factory warranty however it has an extended warranty and the warranty covered 80% of the repair. We still had to pay over $3k out of pocket. Vehicle is now making engine noises again and will be getting taken back to the dealership to be looked at. Currently not part of the recall however truck was built at the Mexico plant in question. We believe it may have the faulty components as well.

NHTSA ID
11761259
Incident
Jun 1, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine was idling rough and the vehicle vibrated violently. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle hesitate while responding. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ID
11761138
Incident
Mar 1, 2026
Mileage
70,000 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2026

Took it to the dealer for the L87 recall back at the end of April 2026. GM stated that my truck passed the inspection and “upgraded” my oil to the new 0w-40 oil. Now 8-27-2026, 6500miles after the inspection. Driving to work in the morning, and my engine failed. What I believe happened was a lifter got stuck and the engine shook and all lights on the dash were flashing. Vehicle is currently at the dealership and they are saying the “special” warranty does not cover this failure. Which to me is completely unacceptable. Because for 72,900 miles I never had an issue with the truck. But 6500 miles after they changed the oil to the thicker oil now I have an engine failure.

NHTSA ID
11761136
Incident
Aug 27, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2026

Catastrophic internal engine failure Metal shavings throughout oil

NHTSA ID
11761099
Incident
Mar 12, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2026

The truck had been driving fine, no dash lights or warning messages appeared. It is available for inspection upon request. My family was at risk if this had happened on the freeway as we had been out just hours earlier. We attempted to start the engine like normal and there was a loud pop or bang and a sound like something dropped and it made loud revving sound never started up again. The initial confirmation by a certified mechanic is to be engine failure. They did not do an in depth diagnosis yet to determine if "the top valves dropped or bottom of the engine connecting rods to the crankshaft". THIS ISSUE ALL ALIGNS WITH THE CURRENT RECALL OF ENGINE FAILURE AS WELL AS THE MAKE. MODEL AND YEAR OF OUR TRUCK. But the dealership Bruce Lowrie Chevrolet says our VIN number does not qualify. Again the issue, make/model and year are all associated with the recall. We are in desperate need for our VIN to be added to the recall as it is fits all the details required.

NHTSA ID
11760997
Incident
Aug 28, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2026

Lifter and cam shaft failure rendering vehicle unable to run on the side of the road 5 hours from home.

NHTSA ID
11760983
Incident
Aug 22, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2026

Number 2 cylinder lifter failure. Metal found in oil. Need to replace the engine

NHTSA ID
11760853
Incident
Aug 24, 2026
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 30, 2026

About 2 months after bringing the truck in for the engine recall, my oil cooler blew up and I required that to be replaced, along with the radiator and hoses.

NHTSA ID
11760698
Incident
Jul 12, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 29, 2026

At 12,000 miles a lifter malfunctioned. It was repaired by my local Chevrolet dealership by replacing lifters on one side of the engine. The delearship also changed the viscosity of the oil. At 64,000 miles roughly another lifter malfunctioned and needed replacing. Had I been on the highway at the time of failure it could have posed a risk for the safety of my family and others on the road. Each time the check light was flashing at the time of the incident.

NHTSA ID
11760543
Incident
May 22, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 28, 2026

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. Chevy dealer service department reproduced problem and found broken bits of metal in the oil filter. Engine is shot. Likely caused by truck's Dynamic Fuel Management system. Dealer advises only option is to replace engine. Truck was up to date on all service maintenance.

NHTSA ID
11760442
Incident
Aug 25, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 26, 2026

As of august 19, 2026 my engine suffered a catastrophic failure with code P0016 which is cranckshaft camshaft lifter failure. Engine will be replaced. Currently at the dealership for replacement. Had the truck for 2 months and I’m requesting that GM fully replace my truck with a different one because I’m sick of hearing all the failures going on with the 6.2 engines. Such as my truck.

NHTSA ID
11759806
Incident
Aug 19, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 26, 2026

I own a 2021 Silverado Trail Boss LT with the 6.2L V8. I purchased the vehicle new at Classic Chevrolet in [XXX]. In XXX, it experienced what I can only describe as engine failure. Severe knocking, loss of power, rough idling. I contacted the dealership as it was under warranty (it had approximately 45k miles at the time). They towed the vehicle in and performed repairs. I do not have service records but the repairs totaled approximately 12-15k dollars and involved several engine part replacements. I received the vehicle back after about 2 weeks. I later learned of the factory recall that was issued by GM affecting my truck and took it in for inspection. This XXX5. It was inspected and passed. They did replace the oil to a higher weight oil as recommended. In XXX it experienced the same issues as before. This time while driving on freeway. Sever engine knocking and loss of power. As I was on the way to work, I drove straight to the dealership to drop it off. After inspecting, they determined it warranted a replacement engine under the original recall. They kept the vehicle about 3 weeks and returned back to me in early XXX. It has been driving fine since then, but I am worried the replacement engine may have the same defects as the original engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11759761
Incident
Mar 1, 2025

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.

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