Chevrolet Silverado Complaints (2021)

989 consumer complaints on file.

#11703846December 8, 2025
ENGINE
August 30th 2024 the pickup was just turning to roughly 30,000 miles and started a knocking sound. The GM dealership tore it apart and fixed what I believe they said was a bent rod. I cycled through two oil changes and decided to pull an oil sample. I sent oil sample off for analysis. The oil analysis came back urgent with very high levels of copper and lead showing in the testing. I then called the GM dealer and they had me bring it in. They did not send off any oil sample because when they pulled the filter, they could already see metal in the new oil. They had me call GM customer service because it is not part of the current recall. I contacted GM customer service on October 27, 2025. They gave me a case number 80392504. I was to bring it back to the dealership which I did. Again dealership called said metal was found again but GM will not do anything with it because it’s not under recall. They also told me that GM told them it is OK to have metal in the oil. I said well if it is OK to have metal in the oil I want to know what the test results show. Then I said, I want to know where the maximum allowance is. They did not know that. I said so it is an infinite amount according to them because there is no standard to check against. I said I’m not taking this in for a recall. I am bringing it in because I had my own diagnostic testing done. It failed. I drive back-and-forth to North Dakota and I told them this is very unsafe if that motor goes out and it’s -30 or -45 and my little boys in the back the heater is not going to work. That is very unsafe and deadly. When you have extreme temperatures like that, we cannot just be running around. Tell the engine blows up or locks up. I told them this needs addressed you don’t pay $82,000 for a vehicle and not get any support or care. I said if something happens to my boy, they will wish that they put a new motor in there or fixed it. They are playing God. They need their hand, slapped and do the right thing. Thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703085December 4, 2025
AIR BAGS
Unexpected roof rail airbag deployment without vehicle impact or accident. Front left and right side deploy - rear left and right side deploy spontaneously without notice.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11702474December 2, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop light, the vehicle began to shake violently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle; however, the knocking sound persisted. The contact slowly drove the vehicle to the residence and later had the vehicle towed to the dealer. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702013November 29, 2025
AIR BAGS
Driving about 45 mph and unexpectedly both roof rail air bags deploy stoping vehicle on the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701916November 28, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission shudders and slipping gears at only 100k miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701829November 27, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The track on the back glass is cracked and leaking water into the interior back cab light.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701654November 26, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall parts were not yet available, and that the dealer had been made aware of the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701326November 24, 2025
ENGINE
My truck was brought in for the recall inspection for the 6.2 lt recall. After showing the dealer pictures from the oil that drained out of my previous oil change that was filled with metal, they expedited the inspection. But with substantial amount of metal in the oil filter the truck still passed the test. GM corporate has told me that once the inspection is done, it is out of their hands and that my truck will be covered under the new extended warranty. GM also should have the pictures of the metal flakes from the previous filter. I fill like this is a failure to ensure the safety of their product. I do not fill safe having my children or my wife in the truck due to the inevitable of the engine loosing power due to the faulty cam shafts that need to be replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700529November 20, 2025
POWER TRAIN
6 months and 20,000 miles after purchasing the 2021 Chevy Silverado custom 4x4 with the 8 automatic transmission and the 2.7L turbo charged engine with 32,000 original miles on it from Volume Chevrolet in Forsyth GA I noticed the transmission was jerking when the truck was first crunk and warming up after about 10 minutes and once it got to 8 mph after a while when the temperature gauge was half way up it would stop and when you slowed down from 55 mph to about 5 MPH to make a turn it would suddenly jerk again, I reported the issue to the dealership service mechanic shop reps during every oil change and they assured me that it was normal and that it would stop happening when I let the truck warm up for about 30 minutes prior to driving, once the factory power train warranty ran out, they informed me that it needed a transmission service and they would have to keep it a few days and it would cost around $800 or so to get it done, the purge pump on the emissions system has a factory defect and I received a recall letter about it 6 months after purchase and they are refusing to replace the purge pump until they perform a full diagnostic first even though they have done a scan diagnostic and it shows the purge pump failed and I have just been struggling with all the cost of living and increased prices I can't afford any kind of costly repairs right now and my truck now has 120,350 miles on it and the issue is getting worse to the point that I am sure that the transmission valve body and some other sensors and control modules are failing, this is not a single issue and other dealerships have said that the transmission was starting to have problems in other trucks at around 55,000 miles and some earlier than 55,000 miles, I believe that this is an ongoing transmission issue with the 2.7L turbo charged engine in both the 4x4 and 2x4 models and with the 8 speed automatic transmission In general, I have talked with several other owners and they have had similar issues .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700549November 20, 2025
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700404November 19, 2025
ENGINE
Vehicle experienced engine failure while driving. Loss of power in traffic. Inspected by dealer and determined to have lost compression in cylinder #5. Initial inspection determined that lifters and camshaft would need to be replaced. This issue is the same common problem with this year model (2021) Chevy Silverado Trucks as noted in TSB #N212353840. At time of purchase dealer did not notify me that these trucks were experiencing these issues nor did they complete the suggest repairs prior to the sell as described in the TSB.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700322November 19, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition. The contact stated that several attempts were needed, and up to 45 minutes were needed to remove the key from the ignition. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was referred to a locksmith regarding the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700011November 18, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I own a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Duramax diesel with approximately 100,300 miles. The truck began displaying a “Service Emissions System” warning and a countdown message that in a certain number of miles the vehicle will be limited in speed (for example to 65 mph). GM’s own Duramax diesel owner’s supplement explains that when a “Service Emission System” message appears it is accompanied by a distance-until-speed-limit countdown and that the truck will progressively limit speed first to about 65 mph and then to about 55 mph if the condition is not corrected, telling the owner to see the dealer. This creates a safety risk because the derate can occur while driving on highways or rural roads, where an unexpected limit on maximum speed can interfere with merging, passing, and keeping up with traffic. This is our only vehicle, and we must use it for important medical appointments, including cardiology and surgery-related visits. The condition started only about 300 miles beyond GM’s 5-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. I opened a case with Chevrolet / GM Corporate (Service Request No. XXX) and took the truck to Sons Chevrolet in Columbus, Georgia on November 17, 2025 for this issue and a rear wheel lockup recall. The dealer kept the truck from about 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and indicated they might need to keep it for at least two more days, but I was not given a clear written explanation of the diagnostic trouble codes or a firm repair plan. Because GM’s own manuals describe this “Service Emission System” message together with speed-limit countdowns, and because the vehicle can actively limit speed on the road if the fault is not resolved, I am concerned this represents a broader emissions/derate defect on late-model Silverado HD Duramax trucks. I request that NHTSA review similar complaints and consider whether further investigation or a safety recall is warranted. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700055November 18, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699850November 17, 2025
ENGINE
My engine on my 2021 Silverado 1500 with the 6.2L L87 engine failed, I took it to the dealer to repair and they quoted $4500 to fix it. I know these same engines are being recalled and GM is having to replace them, but they told me mines not one of the ones being recalled and the won't cover it because the warranty was up 5,000 miles ago. I highly doubt it's a coincidence, that mine failed after only 65,000 miles and it's not a manufacturer flaw. The vehicle is currently at the dealership awaiting repairs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699980November 17, 2025
ENGINE
engine is knocking very bad. GM Dealer says it is an issue w/ the piston main bearing and the engine needs to be replaced. Says vehicle should not be driven.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699620November 15, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Took truck to dealer with concern of higher than normal braking force needed. Couldn’t verify concern. Looked today under the steering column and the brake booster is leaking fluid inside the cabin of the truck when the brake pedal goes through the firewall. There was Almost no brake fluid inside the reservoir causing the brakes to fail with no warning. Looked at similar trucks and all have brake fluid leaking from the same location. With as little as 10,000 miles. Mine has 22,000 miles and it’s failed requiring complet replacement of the brake booster. Taking to the dealership to replace the complete brake booster assembly when part is available. This is a 21 Chevy 2500 truck that pulls up to 18,000 pounds. higher than normal braking application needed, can be deadly or lead to complete brake failure whether loaded towing a trailer at a weigh of 25,000lbs or even the 7,000 pounds empty the truck weighs would reasonably result in the loss of someone’s life. Only thing that drew me to this concern was a harder application of the brake pedal and noticing brake fluid under the dashboard. Would gladly allow anyone to inspect my truck.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699166November 13, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Component is transmission. Stutter vibrate shift while driving. There is a recall on the 2021 Chevy 1500 Silverado which is exactly the issue we are having from our 2021 Silverado. The VIN for our truck is falling under the current recall. Chevy wants to charge to even diagnose the problem which has to be done with a dealer and not a private place. That is absurd and puts our safety at risk should the vehicle stop functioning while driving it. The dealer ship has inspected the vehicle for the yearly inspections which is interesting since this has happened and been complained about since purchase.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698882November 12, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 30-40 MPH, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the engine was running rough. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be diagnosed due to a lack of equipment. The vehicle was then taken to Gary Sapp Automotive, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be taken apart for the repair or replacement. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under an extended warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698898November 12, 2025
POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while slowing down and coming to a stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed while in drive; however, the vehicle started to roll backwards. The contact depressed the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards, and the RPM became elevated to 5,000 RPM. The contact immediately turned off the vehicle to prevent the RPM from continuing to increase. The vehicle was shifted to park, restarted, and then shifted to drive(D) and the brakes released. While releasing the brake pedal, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was immediately turned off and towed to the residence. The dealer was informed of the failure of the clutch pack, which was welded together from friction. The dealer scheduled an appointment; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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