Chevrolet Silverado Complaints (2021)

989 consumer complaints on file.

#11774360October 29, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The lifter on my cylinder one is failing. This is a known issue with the Chevrolet 5.3L 8cylinder engine and 2021 models are known for being notoriously bad with lifter issues. My safety and the safety of other drivers that own 2021 Chevrolet models is impacted due to this issue can cause the engine to completely fail and shut off while driving which could cause severe injuries up to death. The problem is a widespread issue and mine was confirmed by an independent service mechanic. The vehicle is now being inspected by the dealership. The issue did not arise until I reached 104,000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11774268October 28, 2026
ENGINE
I bought this vehicle 9/2023. On 02/23/2024, I started my truck, and heard a very loud knocking noise upon starting it. I turned it off. Called the dealership to come pick it up. They were able to repair it, by repairing some of the lifters on one side. Fast forward to 10/25/2026, I started my truck and heard the same knocking noise. Called the dealership to come pick it up. They say my truck is no longer covered under the power train warranty, and it will cost $10,000 to replace the other side of lifters and cam shaft.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773920October 27, 2026
ENGINE
On October 18, 2026, I was driving my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 engine at highway speeds with my wife and two young daughters in the vehicle when the engine suddenly lost power and the truck began shaking violently. The check engine light flashed, and "Service ESC" and "Service Parking Brake" warnings appeared on the dashboard. The sudden loss of power at highway speeds created a serious safety risk to my family and surrounding motorists. I was able to get the vehicle off the highway safely. Restarting the truck did not resolve the issue, and it was no longer drivable. The truck was towed by a AAA contractor to a Chevrolet dealership. Following inspection, the dealership verbally diagnosed a broken camshaft and advised that the entire engine required replacement. The truck had approximately 98,000 miles at the time. A written diagnosis has been requested, and the vehicle is currently at the dealership. The truck has a documented history of engine problems. In July 2023, at approximately 33,500 miles, a Chevrolet dealership diagnosed code P0300 and documented misfires on cylinders 1, 3, and 7. Warranty diagnostic and repair work was performed. Another check engine light concern was documented in November 2024 at approximately 62,300 miles. In April 2025, at approximately 69,600 miles, Chevrolet again investigated a P0300 multiple-cylinder misfire condition. Beginning around 75,000 miles, the truck also began displaying recurring low-oil warnings. I added oil whenever these warnings appeared and maintained regular oil changes, supported by service records. Despite these prior engine concerns and dealership visits, the engine suffered a catastrophic failure without an immediate warning before reaching 100,000 miles. I am concerned about the potential for sudden engine failure and loss of propulsion at highway speeds and believe this warrants a safety investigation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11774032October 27, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at highway speeds, the vehicle shut off and lost power. The vehicle failed to accelerate and coasted off the interstate to a safe stop. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel while the vehicle was losing power. The contact stated that two days prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change, and there was no failure found. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 79,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11774121October 27, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
When leaving work my truck would crank but not start. Started searching fixes on the internet. I found many people talking about a known issue with the fuel pump control module. Called the dealer and the dealer already knew of this issue in my year model truck. I purchased the fuel pump control module and fixed the problem. I purchased this module at full price because there is no recall on my VIN number. One week later a coworker had the same issue on his 2024 truck and his truck was covered under warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773836October 26, 2026
ENGINE
My truck experienced a sudden catastrophic engine failure at highway speeds. It is directly related to the current recall on L87 gm engines and has the same symptoms but is not covered under the current recall. The crankshaft failed thus causing the timing chain to break completely destroying the engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773260October 23, 2026
ENGINE
I was cruising down the highway at 55mph when the engine suddenly shut off. I took it to a mechanic who said the engine suffered a catastrophic failure and would need replaced. The truck only has around 93,000 miles on it and should definitely be looked into. The vehicle has always been very well maintained.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772872October 22, 2026
ENGINE
My 6.2L is experiencing engine knocking. Sounds like ball bearings rolling around at idle and acceleration. Its been seen by GM dealer and they notice "something" isnt right but say its not part of recall at this time. They want it to fail more before pursuing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773066October 22, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving approximately 35 - 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact parked and restarted the vehicle; however, the RPM fluctuated and the failure persisted while driving. The vehicle then failed to restart and was towed to the dealer and DTC: P0016 was retrieved. The failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772005October 19, 2026
SUSPENSION
last October 2025 while going a slow rate of speed my passenger front ball joint severed and this past 17 oct 2026 my driver side ball joint broke also going a slow rate of speed after turning onto a highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772218October 19, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine coolant control valve had failed and required replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in Special Coverage Program: N252508341 (Coolant Control Valve), nor was the VIN included in the associated technical service bulletin. The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771734October 16, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Coolant control valve Is available for inspection Safty issues include Loss of power steering and brakes while driving Sudden power limp mode Sudden engine over heating and engine seizure Loss of visibility due to smoke and Loss of defrosting Inspection done by chevolet (live oak Fl) Check engine light and code p1098 appeared after defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771512October 15, 2026
ENGINE
Chevy Silverado 1500 6.2L Truck lost acceleration while driving. Truck advised driver to shift to neutral and restart vehicle. When driver did, no resolve. Error code with diagnostic report was immediately emailed to owner with error code of P0016. Mechanic advises truck needs new engine as this is a common issue with this year of truck that was included in a recall. After further investigation, truck vin is NOT included in recall as other GM vehicles (same engine & year). Would like this investigated as this truck should be included with the recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771523October 15, 2026
ENGINE
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 6.2L Truck was driving and fully lost capability to accelerate. Truck alarmed driver to shift to neutral and restart engine. Attempt to restart engine was not successful. Error code was sent via email in a diagnostic report to owner with code P0016. No check engine lights or alarms were on the dash. Truck is currently at an auto mechanic. Safety issue was leaving driver and passengers stranded. Auto mechanic states truck needs new engine. Tried to verify VIN to the GM recall notice (N252494000) and was told not included in recall, even though truck has same motor listed in recall AND giving the error code. There was no warning messages, lights or symptoms prior to this failure. Request to have this complaint investigated to be included in the recall with the information provided.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770545October 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving approximately 30–40 mph through an uphill left-hand curve, the steering suddenly became extremely stiff and very difficult to turn. I do not recall seeing any warning before I noticed the steering becoming stiff. While trying to control the vehicle, I noticed “Service Power Steering” and “Service ESC” warnings approximately 1–2 seconds later. I cannot say exactly when the warnings first appeared because everything happened very quickly and I was focused on trying to control the vehicle. The vehicle left the roadway onto an adjacent lawn and traveled along a steep hillside beside the road. The driver-side mirror struck a curve sign and broke before the vehicle returned to the roadway. The vehicle also bounced while traveling off the road, and there is additional visible body damage. I do not yet know whether there is hidden steering, suspension, underbody, or other damage. A passenger was in the vehicle and witnessed the incident. Shortly afterward, while taking the passenger home, the steering again became extremely stiff and I again noticed the Service Power Steering and Service ESC warnings. Because the steering problem occurred twice, I parked the vehicle and have not driven it since because I do not believe it is safe to operate. The vehicle has not yet been professionally diagnosed or repaired and remains available for inspection. I have opened a case with the manufacturer. There were no known steering problems before this incident. The vehicle had an alignment performed earlier the same day
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770577October 12, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On my way home to [XXX] from [XXX] around XXX, my 2021 Chevy Silverado with 84,xxx miles with the 6.2 L engine started to make a popping sound. I checked my dash for any error codes and there were none. The oil pressure, temp, and transmission temp gauges all read normal. I stopped and topped the gas tank off with premium gas and checked the oil level, which was good. I was able to limp the truck back to my house. The next morning when I started it, there were error codes and the engine was still making the popping noise as well as a louder knocking noise. I started researching the symptoms, called two local independent shops and concluded the DFM system that shuts cylinders off to conserve gas has failed and caused the lifters to fail. I was told the failed lifter could and probably did damage the cam shaft(s). If I kept driving it, the camshaft damage could cause complete engine failure and more safety consequences. One shop quoted $5000 to replace lifters and $8000 if the camshafts were damaged. The other shop was similar, but offered a rebuilt engine for $12,000 because the lifters, camshafts, and new GM crate engine were all back ordered with no ETA from the local Chevy dealership. After weighing my options, and needing a truck, I decided to trade in my damaged truck. I contacted the GM concierge on XXX and was told to call back when the dealership had my damaged truck and could diagnose it. On XXX I called them back and they said they wouldn’t help because I traded it in. I had no plans to trade it before the engine failed and took a substantial hit on the trade in price that GM should have helped with to cover their faulty DFM system that caused the lifters to fail, which the dealership confirmed was the problem. They said they wouldn’t know if the camshafts were damaged until they took it apart, which they decided to not do and send it to auction instead. 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
#11769970October 8, 2026
ENGINE
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 6.2L V8 (RPO L87), built November 2020. Mileage at failure: 11268. On XXX the check engine light came on with DTCs P0011 and P0016. The engine developed a rattle at startup and when lifting off the throttle around 40 mph. On XXX Fowler Chevrolet ([XXX]) isolated the abnormal engine noise to the crankshaft bearings. Cutting open the oil filter showed excessive bearing material. The dealer advised engine replacement before complete engine failure and quoted $12,561.66. This is the same failure described in recall 25V-274 (GM N252494000): crankshaft/connecting rod bearing failure in the L87 engine, which can cause loss of propulsion while driving. My VIN is not included in the recall because it was built before the XXX start of the recall build window. The engine is the same L87 and failed the same way. The vehicle has been maintained with regular oil changes and I have records. GM Customer Assistance case XXX was opened XXX. The vehicle is currently not safe to drive due to risk of engine seizure and loss of motive power. 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
#11769503October 7, 2026
POWER TRAIN
2021 Silverado with 5.3 engine/8spd transmission/38,000 miles just outside of the 5-year powertrain warranty *No current recalls under this VIN as of 10/07/2026* Undiagnosed issues with symptoms similar to transmission or rear end slippage, torque converter or clutch pack problems. No warning lights or messages have appeared 1) Vehicle seems to hunt for proper gearing between 30-40 mph (3rd to 4th gear) with light shuddering before shifting gears. Occurred 20+ times 2) Sudden jerk when taking off from dead stop. Feels like being lightly bumped from behind then drives normally. Occurred 4 times 3) Only noticed when towing appx 6,000lb trailer descending down a hill - A one-time loud clunk when easing off throttle and coasting downhill. The sound is similar to hitting a metal desk with a fist. Occurred 7 times. Spoke with local Chevrolet dealer who informed me the powertrain warranty has recently expired, and no repair cost would be covered. Recommended dealer service would be to replace the transmission fluid and filter with Mobil 1, potentially reprogram the transmission, and replace the torque converter. All on a vehicle with only 38,000 miles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769678October 7, 2026
STEERING
While driving vehicle service power steering light came on had no power steering had to wrestle steering wheel no power steering a smaller person would not have able to handle it
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769394October 6, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was smoking. The contact stated that the engine was smoking heavily with a strong oil odor, before the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the technicians confirmed the engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The failure mileage was 78,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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