2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Owner Complaints

Water entered tailgate through drainage hole in tailgate cap. The water then dripped on the tailgate switch causing it to short out. This short circuit caused my tailgate to open and close randomly without pressing any switches or buttons or key fobs. May tailgate has a small ding it it now from where it kept hitting the wall while parked in the garage. I took the truck to the dealership to get repairs done and was charged 308.88 for the tailgate switch and diagnosis that should have been under a recall for this truck. Safety Recall N232426400 Tailgate May Open Unexpectedly issued May 2024. I called the customer service number [XXX] to try and get reimbursed for the repairs and they told me there is no recall on my truck. I had this problem and it clearly states the year, make and model of my truck in the recall, but because my vin wasn't included I'm out of luck? I will attach all the info i have on this matter. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11734635

Incident

Apr 24, 2026

The tailgate will go up and down when the vehicle is turned off and in park. It will also do this while driving the vehicle. * I notice there has already been a recall for this issue, but my VIN shows NO RECALLS

NHTSA ID

11721418

Incident

Feb 26, 2026

Service engine light kept coming on the dash, and the code came back to a faulty DEF heater. My truck had a reduced power countdown on the dash indicating the truck was going go to into limp mode after x amount of miles. On warmer days the code would go away and there would be no reduced power. The vehicle was diagnosed at a GM dealership and confirmed the DEF heater was bad, but was notified that there is a bulletin with GM for this issue occurring in many other diesel trucks. My safety was put at risk due to the rapidly changing reduced speed milage, at any point it could drop from 100miles, to 10 miles until reduced speed. This could cause an instant car accident while driving if the truck were to randomly slow down to a speed much slower than the speed limit. IE- driving on the north way (65 speed limit) and having the speed drop to 5mph unexpectedly when you just had over 100 miles to reduced speed.

NHTSA ID

11719345

Incident

Dec 22, 2025

My 2021 chevy 3500hd diesel had the engine light come on and the service emissions system popped up in the info screen. It said in so many miles speed would be limited. I took it to the dealer and they said the def tank would need replaced because the tank wiring connector overheated and would cost me over $2k.

NHTSA ID

11716547

Incident

Feb 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that the tailgate occasionally opened and closed unintendedly. The failure had occurred several times. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, an appointment was scheduled. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,040.

NHTSA ID

11700549

Incident

Nov 19, 2025

Mileage

74,040 mi

Power unlatching tailgate opens unexpectedly (after big rain storm) The exact problem in this recall: Safety Recall N232426400 Tailgate May Open Unexpectedly However, my truck VIN wasn't part of the recall, even tho it shows it should be in the document above. I had to disconnect the tailgate switch myself to stop the tailgate from randomly opening while pulling a 5th wheel RV..... 3,000 miles from home. Just had it fixed at the dealer for $144, who said it wasn't coved under recall.

NHTSA ID

11700055

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

My 2021 Chevy Silverado 3500 [XXX] Motor began requiring a quart of oil every 3-4 weeks. I took my vehicle to a GM dealer in October 2024 and the stated the couldn't find any issues. Fast forward to December 2024 my motor began reading low compression and saying stop the vehicle. I took the vehicle back and pressured them to find out whats wrong with the truck as I only have 76,000 miles and I have performed all of the necessary maintenance. I even have a Chevrolet Platinum protection plan for warranty coverage. I have gotten the run around for months and I have yet to get my vehicle repaired. After taking my truck to a certified 3rd party the verified that the lifters failed and the motor would likely need to be replaced or rebuilt. The mechanics reported this Information to the Chevrolet warranty company and the stated the refuse to provide and repairs unless I produce oil change receipts or return the vehicle back to a dealership and pay for the dealer to tear the motor down. PLEASE HELP ME!!! Im stuck paying $819 a month for a truck I haven't driven regularly since December 2024. Please please please help me Sincerely [XXX] General Motors [XXX] 2021 3500 hd wt 4x4 Case # 9-XXX [XXX] I have a 2021 chevy 3500 lt (dually) Been having issues with a rough idle so I figured to replace the plugs, coil packs and wires as my truck just hit 70,000 miles. After doing the full tune up nothing changed, so I scheduled an appointment with my local chevy dealership. They kept my truck for about a week and never completed the diagnosis. I picked the truck back up and took it to another chevy dealer and the told me after a week or so that I had lifter issues and the truck would probably need a new motor. The truck seemed a little sketchy from the gate in the first 50k miles it consumed oil like it was a ol 250k mile chevy.... the alternator went out at around 50k miles and the fuel efficiency would be 6-8 mpg at best..... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11698677

Incident

Oct 11, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the tailgate inadvertently opened and closed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that when the button to open the tailgate was pressed, the tailgate failed to function as intended. Upon further inspection, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). However, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic gate-release switch had short-circuited. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,611.

NHTSA ID

11696625

Incident

Sep 16, 2025

Mileage

8,611 mi

I was driving down the highway at speed limit when the dash lights came on and the truck started jerking went to a mechanic and he stated it was a fuel ejector after getting it replaced the issue still occurs often check engine light comes on and off and this the only transportation I have for work

NHTSA ID

11694315

Incident

Oct 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly went into Low Power Mode, with the check engine and low power mode warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where DTC: P2706 and P2732 were retrieved, and the contact was informed that the valve body and certain components of the transmission required reprogramming. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train). The dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.

NHTSA ID

11691701

Incident

Oct 6, 2025

Mileage

146,000 mi

With 33k miles on the original tires on my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD. Driver's side rear ire self destructed going down the highway at 70mph. Was not towing at the time. LT275/65R20 126/123S E @ 80psi

NHTSA ID

11687064

Incident

Jul 16, 2025

Our tailgate would open on its own intermittingly. We haul our fifth wheel camper and this could cause damage to the RV and our vehicle. There have been recalls on one year older trucks and one year newer but not for the 2021Chevrolet Silverado. A Chevrolet dearlership in Florida looked at it for us. They said cause : checked for codes and bulletins. Found code B153D. Completed circuit check. Also found tailgate hatch out of adjustment. Corrctionj: Rec. replace switch and adjust latch. We were charged $486.05 for this. We feel this should be a recall problem. Please advise.

NHTSA ID

11658907

Incident

Mar 26, 2025

Tailgate opens by itself. This happened 3 times in 2 hours while the vehicle was parked. I tow a 5th-wheel trailer. If this happens when towing it can cause a catastrophe.

NHTSA ID

11654556

Incident

Apr 14, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park(P), the tailgate independently opened during rainy or inclement weather. No warning light was illuminated. Upon further inspection, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (Latch/Locks/Linkages); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

NHTSA ID

11641693

Incident

Dec 15, 2024

Mileage

34,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while the doors were unlocked, and the vehicle was idling or in motion; the rear tailgate independently opened and closed with an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact manually closed the tailgate and locked the doors to prevent the failure from reoccurring. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). The contact stated that the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11637603

Incident

Nov 14, 2024

Mileage

50,000 mi

This is regarding 24V797. A software update to "monitor" for transmission valve failure is not a resolution to a problem that could pose a sever risk to my safety on a very expensive truck.

NHTSA ID

11637480

Incident

Jan 21, 2025

Injector #4 connector harness issue- Known issue on the 6.6L duramax. Driving with my children for Christmas pickup and power reduction occurred while passing another car on the road. Causing us to hit the breaks as the truck wouldn’t allow us to pass timely. Known harness issue by GM and instead of covering I had to pay to have a new connector spliced in. Multiple warning lights. Check engine, Emissions warning, Reduced power, Traction control, parking brake

NHTSA ID

11632370

Incident

Nov 23, 2024

Driving home from work 7/1/2024 approx 5:15PM Smelled burning smell, no noise or dash lights, thought it was another car. 1 minute later, heard a thump from under hood and "Charging System Failure" came on dash. Decided to take to Chevy dealer, which was 5 minutes away. Within next 2 minutes steering failed. As I came to next intersection, brakes failed, went thorough red light, luckily not hit by another vehicle. Coasted to stop and called tow service.Engine was still running until I turned it off. Had towed to local Chevy dealer. AC compressor had locked up, broken belt. Steering and brakes failed. Dealer agreed both failed, but would not list the brake failure on the invoice. I was originally invoiced 2900.00 to repair, even though truck had only 29244 miles. That was reduced to 1160.00. Was told it was 2 months past 36 month warranty. Engine was still under warranty, but AC, alternator, power steering and brakes, was not,. I had contacted GM which originally told me they would reimburse me for repairs and would mail me a check, I have the email. When check did not arrive after 2 months, I contacted my case worker again via email and phone. Could not get a response after about 6 attempts. When I called and finally got another person, I was informed they had changed their mind.

NHTSA ID

11631152

Incident

Jul 12, 2024

Electrical components are failing in the tailgate lock/unlock mechanism. The tailgate goes up and down on its own while in park. It will also go up and down on its own after the truck is off and unattended This started happening about a week ago. It is available for inspection upon request and has not been inspected by any agency yet. The tailgate could damage itself or other property randomly. It could also impact someone standing near it causing injury. There is a service appointment scheduled 3 days from now. There were no symptoms or warnings of a problem. The Chevy App actually says that all systems are ok.

NHTSA ID

11627812

Incident

Nov 23, 2024

While towing my 5th wheel rv trailer, the rear wheels locked up numerous times while at highway speeds(60-70mph). Hope our didn't cause any internal/ structural damage to my trailer. Scheduled a service with the dealer(Gamblins Chevrolet, Enumclaw, WA) for them to diagnose. The dealer found no issue or cause. Left the dealer for the same thing to occur the following week. Brought back to the dealer for this issue and others to determine the torque converter had failed, dealer replaced converter, at a later date rear wheels locked up at highway speeds again. Been ongoing with no solution.

NHTSA ID

11625523

Incident

Jun 7, 2024

#N232426400-04: Safety Recall - Tailgate May Open Unexpectedly lists RPO code QT5 as the only applicable RPO code for the issue of tailgate opening unexpectedly. QT5 is for manual gate function with EZ lift, power lock release. The recall blames water intrusion into these vehicles’ tailgates that can come into contact with the electronic gate-release switch, potentially causing a short circuit, which may inadvertently unlatch and open the tailgate when in park. The correction is to replace the exterior touchpad switch assembly with part number 85734717. My vehicle has RPO code QT6, which is for power up/down gate function with power lock and release. That option uses the same exterior touchpad switch assembly with part number 85734717. My vehicle did exhibit the same problem of opening unexpectedly while in park. That exterior touchpad switch eventually stopped opening or closing the tailgate altogether, and occasionally the tailgate would get stuck in the closed position while a dash message would say it is open. When it was immobilized in the closed position neither the exterior switch, the interior switch, or the key fob would make the tailgate open. It's my opinion that my vehicle experienced the same root problem as is described in the recall with the exterior switch assembly short circuiting, and that RPO code QT6 units should be included in the recall.

NHTSA ID

11624358

Incident

May 26, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and extended to the floorboard, and the vehicle almost crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact later discovered that the rear driver’s side brake pad had been ejected from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission erroneously shifted out of 4-WD while driving. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 49,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11623512

Incident

Nov 1, 2021

Mileage

49,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the rain at night, the contact became aware that the tailgate had opened unintendedly. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while driving over bumpy road surfaces. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH and towing a trailer, the tailgate opened unintendedly and struck the trailer hitch, which scratched the tailgate. The contact stated that the tailgate warning light had illuminated several times while driving. The contact stated that the failure had caused him to frequently check a camera to see whether the tailgate opened while driving. The contact stated who is a disabled veteran was using a wheel chair, and was concerned for his safety. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

NHTSA ID

11607467

Incident

Jun 6, 2024

Mileage

42,000 mi

July 20, we were driving the 2021 3500HD to church w/our single axle trailer w/mower on it when we were stopped at a yield sign and proceeded to pull forward, our truck made a loud boom noise and immediately stopped. Warning lights on the dash began coming on, when the gas pedal was pressed it made a loud RPM sound of engine revving, following by barely coasting action. We were able to drift into the turn lane & get out of danger. We had to be towed to Capital Chevrolet bc something isn't functioning properly. Dealership said they believe it's transmission related and the power train warranty should cover repairs needed. We have tow receipt and gas receipts for rental vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11605693

Incident

Jul 31, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, he noticed smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the smoke would become more aggressive as the accelerator or brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle caught on fire however the origin was unknown. The contact and his family exited the vehicle safely and discovered unknown fluid emitting from the rear of the vehicle. The contact used a fire extinguisher to attempt to extinguish the fire however the fire kept returning a total of 4 times. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire. A fire report was not filed. A police report was filed however the police report number was unknown. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was destroyed and burned to the frame. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,521.

NHTSA ID

11605095

Incident

Jul 25, 2024

Mileage

15,521 mi