Owner complaints
779NHTSA recordsUSED VEHICLE RESEARCH
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Is This A Good Car? organizes available NHTSA-derived research for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. This page includes owner complaint records, safety recall campaigns, manufacturer communications, defect investigations, and information about the completeness of the available evidence.
DATA CONFIDENCE: ModerateChevrolet Silverado 15002021 · VERIFIED IMAGE PENDING
Recall campaigns
8Year, make and model lookupManufacturer communications
0Matched NHTSA recordsInvestigations
0Matched NHTSA recordsEVIDENCE AVAILABILITY — NOT VEHICLE RELIABILITY
DATA CONFIDENCE
ModerateData Confidence measures how much usable evidence CarIQ has for this vehicle. It does not measure how reliable the vehicle is.
Why this rating?
- Owner complaint data
- Available
- Manufacturer communications
- Available
- Recall data
- Available
- Investigation data
- Available
- Production denominator
- Unavailable
- Complaint component completeness
- 100%
- Mileage completeness
- 0%
- Incident-date completeness
- 100%
DESCRIPTIVE ANALYTICS
DATA INSIGHTS
Derived from official NHTSA source records. These statistics are descriptive and are not a reliability score.
- Complaint records analyzed
- 779 NHTSA complaints
- Most reported component
- Engine 45% of categorized complaint records
- Top-three component concentration
- 74% Records mentioning at least one top-three component
- Median reported incident mileage
- Not available from current source 0 valid mileage observations
- Recall campaigns
- 8 NHTSA recalls
- Most recent recall report
- February 12, 2026 NHTSA recalls
- Manufacturer communications
- 0 NHTSA manufacturer communications
- Most documented component
- Not available NHTSA manufacturer communications
- Top-three communication concentration
- Not available Share of categorized manufacturer communications
SOURCE COMPLETENESS
DATA QUALITY
- Complaint records analyzed
- 779
- Component classification available
- 100%
- Incident date available
- 100%
- Mileage available
- 0%
- Structured outcome fields available
- 100%
Completeness describes fields present in the retrieved complaint records. It is not a data-quality grade or a vehicle assessment.
Learn about CarIQ methodologyPRODUCTION-ADJUSTED DESCRIPTIVE METRIC
NORMALIZED COMPLAINT CONTEXT
Production-normalized complaint data is not currently available for this vehicle.
This metric compares the number of NHTSA owner complaint records retrieved by CarIQ with NHTSA-reported production volume for the corresponding vehicle population.
It is not a vehicle failure rate. Complaint reporting behavior, vehicle age, time on the road, production definitions, and other factors can affect the result.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Early Warning Reporting, Light Vehicle Production Data. Read the methodology.
OFFICIAL NHTSA OWNER COMPLAINT DATA
OWNER-REPORTED COMPLAINTS
COMPONENT CATEGORIES
A complaint may list more than one component and therefore contribute to multiple categories. Percentages show the share of categorized complaint records that mention each component—not the percentage of vehicles affected. Category percentages may overlap.
INCIDENT REPORTS BY YEAR
Grouped from complaint records with a valid incident date.
RECENT OWNER COMPLAINTS
Power Train · Engine · Fuel/propulsion System
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11755329Read complaint narrative
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.
Power Train
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11754700Read complaint narrative
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.
Power Train · Engine
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11754540Read complaint narrative
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.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11754554Read complaint narrative
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.
Power Train · Engine
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11753677Read complaint narrative
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 ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power Train
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11753288Read complaint narrative
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.
Engine
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11752784Read complaint narrative
While driving at ~50mph, the truck immediately went into reduced power mode, temperatures spiked to 260 from 210. Engine code P1006 showed indicating coolant control valve failure. After experiencing, I discovered that GM issued Special Coverage for Coolant Control Valve (N252508341). However, the local Chevy dealership indicated my truck would not be covered even though it is within the timeframe/mileage, and falls in the year/make/model categories. According to them, the coverage is VIN specific and my VIN is not listed. They directed me to Chevrolet Customer Care. Customer Care did not acknowledge the Special Coverage until I directed them to the correct bulletin. They further indicated because my VIN was not covered, they would not be able to do anything. This issue is HIGHLY known by GM, but they have failed to remedy appropriately. It is also a safety hazard, especially in my case, where the failure occurred on the highway, at speed with cars behind me, and resulted in the truck immediately ceasing normal operation causing the potential for property damage and/or injury.
Engine
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11752540Read complaint narrative
Catastrophic engine failure. Confirmed by GM dealer. No symptoms prior.
NHTSA complaints are reports submitted by vehicle owners and other consumers. Complaint counts do not represent the percentage of vehicles affected and do not by themselves establish that a safety defect exists.
A higher complaint count can partly reflect how many vehicles were sold, vehicle age, and other factors. CarIQ does not yet normalize complaint counts by vehicles sold.
Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This site is not endorsed by NHTSA.
OFFICIAL NHTSA MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION DATA
MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATIONS
No NHTSA manufacturer communication records were returned for this year, make, and model.
Manufacturer communications include service bulletins and other technical information submitted by manufacturers to NHTSA. The existence or number of communications does not establish how often a condition occurs or whether an individual vehicle will experience it.
Some manufacturers may issue more detailed service documentation than others, so communication counts should not be used alone to compare vehicle reliability.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration manufacturer communicationsNATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
NHTSA DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS
No applicable NHTSA defect investigation records were returned for this year, make, and model.
NHTSA investigations evaluate potential motor-vehicle safety defects. The existence of an investigation does not by itself establish that a safety defect exists, and the absence of an investigation does not establish that a vehicle is problem-free.
Open and closed describe NHTSA's process status, not a CarIQ reliability judgment.
View official NHTSA investigation data ↗DESCRIPTIVE SOURCE OVERLAP
CROSS-SOURCE VEHICLE DATA
CarIQ compares categories appearing across independent NHTSA datasets. Overlap can help identify areas with more available documentation, but it does not establish defect frequency or prove that an individual vehicle will experience a problem.
| Component | Owner complaints | Manufacturer communications | Recall campaigns | NHTSA investigations | Official sources containing records |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 of 4 |
| Tires | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 of 4 |
| Engine | 351 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 of 4 |
| Power Train | 226 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 of 4 |
| Electrical System | 106 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 of 4 |
| Unknown or Other | 68 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 of 4 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 55 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 of 4 |
| Service Brakes | 42 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 of 4 |
| Steering | 40 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 of 4 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 of 4 |
Displayed first by the number of source categories containing the component, then by owner complaint count, then alphabetically. This is a presentation rule, not a vehicle ranking. Complaint reports, manufacturer communications, recalls, and investigations describe different events and are never added into a combined total.
- complaint
- Available
- communication
- Available
- recall
- Available
- investigation
- Available
- production
- Unavailable
OFFICIAL NHTSA SAFETY RECALL DATA
SAFETY RECALLS
8 recall campaigns found
01POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARECampaign 26V083000February 12, 2026
Summary
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.
Safety Consequence
Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICALCampaign 25V274000April 24, 2025
Summary
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.
Safety Consequence
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
03POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARECampaign 24V797000October 24, 2024
Summary
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.
Safety Consequence
Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
04TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRECampaign 21V985000December 16, 2021
Summary
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.
Safety Consequence
An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
05AIR BAGS:FRONTALCampaign 21V495000July 1, 2021
Summary
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.
Safety Consequence
The missing tabs may prevent the air bag from deploying properly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
06SEAT BELTSCampaign 20V811000December 23, 2020
Summary
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.
Safety Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
07SEAT BELTSCampaign 20V792000December 17, 2020
Summary
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.
Safety Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
08TIRESCampaign 20V684000November 5, 2020
Summary
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.
Safety Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall results shown here are based on year, make, and model. A specific vehicle may or may not be affected. Check the vehicle's VIN with NHTSA to confirm open recalls before purchasing. Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
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