Chevrolet Silverado Complaints (2021)

989 consumer complaints on file.

#11715992February 5, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
As I was driving my 2021 Chevrolet z71 pick up I had a warning light appear on the dash indicating the safety traction control system was faulty, at the same time my truck had a loss of power as if it was not operating on all cylinders. I could hear some strange noises that were not normal, at the same time my transmission was shifting abnormally. I managed to drive to a dealer and was told it was a collapsed lifter on cylinder #5 this occurred out of no where, I was informed what took place could have damaged the camshaft and I could be looking at a repair cost upwards of $5,000.00 and the service writer indicated this has been an ongoing issue with the 5.3 liter engine. My truck has been serviced at the dealership it was purchased from, and all oil changes have been performed within a reasonable window from when oil changes and service inspection has been recommended by General Motors.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715521February 4, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle has an electric tailgate lock switch failure/defect. The tailgate unlocks on its own and pops open while driving, at stop lights, in drive-thru restaurants, and while parked which causes a safety hazard to the driver and passengers in the vehicle, as well as other drivers around the vehicle. Even after closing the tailgate, it will unlock and pop open on its own again. Then, I tested the closed, locked tailgate by shacking and pulling it open from the top edge which caused the tailgate to unlock and open on its own. This causes a thief risk of personal belongings and vehicle parts. There are no warning lamps or messages about the component failure. Since no recalls for the vehicle's VIN number are listed, it has not been confirmed by the dealer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714911February 2, 2026
ENGINE
6.2L L87 V8 engine experienced catastrophic engine failure do to lifter failure and a cylinder 8 misfire. Causing additional damage to camshaft. The dealership has inspected the vehicle and refuses to acknowledge the problem as there own. I have invoices for the work if I choose to proceed. Incident occurred while driving on the freeway, complete lose of power and control. This engine is known for this exact problem yet I never received a recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714916February 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transmission Shuddering, trembling and rough shifting
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715050February 2, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715139February 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN
On January 3, 2026, I started the truck, but it would not go into gear when I put into drive; I then attempted to put into reverse and same problem. I had to have it towed to the dealership, McCluskey Chevrolet, Kings Automall, Cincinnati Ohio, on Monday, January 5, 2026, this is where I purchased the vehicle on May 14, 2022, with 16,594 miles at time of purchase (estimated), it was towed on a flatbed, and arrived at McCluskey with 60,072 miles. Truck was looked and they found that it needed a valve body. At which time they told me GM warranty expired, over 60,000 miles, really by 72 miles. Ok there is a powertrain warranty then I had to prove oil changes, guess what I'm human and I missed two oil changes so the "extended warranty" McCluskey "gifted me" was void. I then complained I only drove the vehicle 43000 miles and for a 2021 with 60,072 miles this is an issue. Service advisor then went to management and they reduce the cost from est. 4000.00 to 585.00 plus tax through a program that GM offers. Picked up repaired vehicle on 1/30/2026, 2/1/2026 engine light came on went to have a veriscan and it found solenoid 3 stuck off & solenoid 4 (the one that was replaced) stuck on. This is an issue on gas 2021 Silverado 1500 and I wanted to report my experience because this is not "primarily" a diesel problem any longer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714668January 31, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Noticed when pressing tailgate release button manually it would not open but would if fob used. However tailgate opens continuously on its own.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714400January 30, 2026
ENGINE
At 46000 miles the motor was replaced because of an internal oil consumption issue after the motor was replaced at 1500 miles the motor locked up while traveling down the road they rebuilt this motor. I went to go pick it up. Drove it 20 miles and oil was blowing out the rear main seal. after this, I sold the truck back to Gwatney Chevrolet and purchased a 2024 model with a 6.2 L I have not had any problems yet.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713846January 28, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The tailgate randomly opens and closes during driving causing contents to fall out of the tailgate and creating a hazard for other motorists and damaging personal property. The tailgate now will not open and there is no manual override to open the tailgate. Certainly a design flaw and now not allowing access to the tailgate. I've contacted 5 local gm/chevrolet dealer service departments and they cannot offer any guidance on how to manually or power open the tailgate. I have a tonneau cover on the tailgate which makes it pretty much unable to access. I'm a firefighter and put my gear in the tailgate and need access asap. Please advise on how I can get GM/Chevy to assist with this issue. A police officer was behind me when the contents fell out of the tailgate on 6/9/25. This has happened several times since and most recently on 1/17/26. This needs addressed asap. Thanks!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713957January 28, 2026
WHEELS, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
Starting back in June 2025 Loss of engine power multiple times. Many times almost hit from behind as I turned onto a highway. Found out vehicle had a stop sale recall at the time of purchase and I had issues with back right tire. Took truck to a tire shop and learned that the wheel was welded in many places and fracture was visible. Finally, got the dealership to pay attention in October to my concerns. They were going to allow me to trade the vehicle out for another one while paying off the bank but that’s not what they did. They attempted the repair and tried to hand it back to me. 1/27/26 Was recently told this was corrected, and the sales person told me when he picked it up from shop he couldn’t go more than 30 mph. Dealership management told him not to tell me. I am submitting this complaint for immediate review regarding Ruiz Ranch Motors (Spring Branch, TX) for an illegal vehicle sale, prolonged withholding of my vehicle, misrepresentation of a “loaner” vehicle, and coercive threats involving law enforcement. This matter involves ongoing safety risks, financial harm, and improper dealer conduct affecting both myself and my minor child. Summary of Key Facts (Concise): • On June 25, 2025, I purchased a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado (VIN 1GCUYHET7MZ155657) from Ruiz Ranch Motors, financed through Ally Financial. • The vehicle was subject to a GM Stop-Sale / No-Sale Safety Recall (NHTSA 24V797000) at or around the time of sale. • I repeatedly raised safety concerns beginning shortly after purchase. These concerns were dismissed for months. • In November, Ruiz Ranch Motors took possession of my 2021 Silverado under the representation that they were “working on trade numbers” and a solution to correct the experience. Misrepresented “Loaner / Trade” Vehicle: • I was provided a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado, represented as a potential trade option, no trade was made (only dealership delay) this vehicle now has a engine light and no cooperation from dealership
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713681January 27, 2026
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 local dealer was contacted but was unable to schedule an appointment because the service center was fully booked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713346January 26, 2026
ENGINE
I own a 2021 Silverado 1500 6.2 v8. Since October of 2025 this truck has been in and out of the dealership. First engine (Oct. 24, 2025) issue as my teen driver was on the expressway and luckily was able to get off and get safely to an unknown persons driveway. Then the motor seized and died as we tried to drive it home. A friend was able to tow it to our driveway and GM sent a tow truck to pick it up and haul to the dealership. The truck was in the dealership for 2 weeks prior to the first engine failure and "EVERYTHING WAS FINE". Nov 26, 2025 new engine comes in. December 12th SECOND motor was put in and FAILED as cylinder 7 had no compression. Dec 31, 2025 picked up my truck with the THIRD motor. Jan 14, 2026 took the truck back AGAIN for engine ticking, noise, loss of propulsion/speed, running sluggish. Dealer kept it until Jan 21, 2026. Dealer said they drove it and the noise is normal injector noise. They did nothing other than drive it. They will not investigate any further as it wasn't pulling codes or warning lights. It is still not running right and I'm waiting for it to have a major failure. It is not safe to drive. The first motor did not show any warnings either. GM really needs to get this figured out soon. No vehicle with 52,000 miles should have 3 motors put in it. This is not quality work and concerns for safety are real.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713188January 25, 2026
STEERING
Ignition key fails to release from column lock. It will return to accessory position but not full return for release. Frequent but intermediate problem. Dealer just replaced ignition switch however problem returned same day. (Have not contacted dealer back yet). Restarting the truck and turning the wheel back and forth, shifting to other gears then back to park sometimes works, and sometimes does not. I am often forced to leave the key in the column and lock/unlock truck with remote. No CEL, no other indicators or messages present. 49,515 miles on truck.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713201January 25, 2026
ENGINE
Lights appeared on dash, brought to the dealership. Dealership states engine damage due to valve train and a remanufactured engine was installed. This was approved by us for a $2000 charge. This charge included new manifolds, water pump, fuel pump and all associated gaskets
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712967January 23, 2026
ENGINE
I am the owner of a January 2021 6.2 liter Chevy Silverado 1500. I have had multiple issues with this vehicle. Oil pressure control solenoid, many no starts, failure to starts, engine lights, oil lights. Truck started to use an excessive amount of oil before scheduled oil changes. The engine sometimes hesitate and fails to accelerate. The engine became noisy. My mechanic started that the engine is noisy and the oil pressure is at 15 lbs. They said it will need a replacement engine that is not covered under my expired power train warranty. The mechanic stated it's not a matter of if it will go, is a matter of when We are a family of 5 and this is our family vehicle. We feel very uncomfortable driving this vehicle with our family knowing the engine is going to fail at any time while driving. This is a heartbreaking expense that I don't believe that we should have to pay for. We have always maintained our vehicle and have never abused it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712786January 22, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle: 2021 Chevrolet Silverado Issue: Infotainment system failure after GM‑pushed OTA update Description of Problem: On 10/31/2025, my vehicle’s infotainment system attempted an over‑the‑air software update. The update failed and the screen has been locked ever since, displaying only the message: “Update Failed – Return to Dealer.” As a result: - I cannot access any settings (clock, preferences, system menus). - All warning chimes and signal sounds (turn signal click, seatbelt reminder, back seat reminder, etc.) are disabled. - The backup camera still functions, but no other infotainment features are usable. - The system is completely unresponsive to reset attempts. I brought the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer, who verified that it was the OTA update that caused the failure, they attempted a reflash but was unsuccessful. They now claim the entire infotainment unit must be replaced at my expense, even though the failure was caused by GM’s own update which I neither approved, initiated, or requested. My vehicle is out of warranty, but this was not a wear‑and‑tear issue — it was introduced by GM’s software. Safety Concern: The loss of audible warnings and chimes poses a safety risk. Drivers rely on these alerts for seatbelt reminders, turn signal confirmation, and other critical notifications. A manufacturer‑pushed update disabled these among other functions including radio, navigation, and all vehicle settings. Resolution Attempts: - Dealer attempted reprogramming on 11/6 (charged $295) but failed and state I need a new infotainment system. - GM Customer Assistance refused to provide goodwill coverage. - Vehicle remains stuck in failed update state as pictured. Request: I am submitting this complaint because GM’s OTA update disabled core safety features of my vehicle along with other basic features such as radio. I believe this is a manufacturer defect that should be investigated and addressed, regardless of warranty status.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712603January 22, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Went to put the truck in gear and it will not move the Chevy dealership saids it needs a new transmission and I see that the 21 Silverado has multiple tranny issues I bought extended warranty and they are telling me it might not be covered
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712377January 21, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle had originally stopped in a moving lane of traffic. It was towed to a dealership and the engine was rebuilt with a remanufactured engine. The engine idled rough and seemed to be misfiring. The check engine light kept coming on. The dealership stated the vehicle was repaired and I picked it up. The engine is worse. It idles rough like before. It is rough while driving and the check engine light continues to come on. I am about to return the vehicle for the third time before it stops in the roadway again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712507January 21, 2026
ENGINE
Jan 2024 lifters on one side went out. Towed to dealer and had repaired. 9 months later lifters went out again. Had private shop repair it. Less than 3 months later, motor went out. Paid out of pocket to have new motor shipped and repair shop fixed it. A few months later, GM put out the safety recall for 6.2L engine failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712064January 20, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact was aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle pulsated before stalling. The contact was able to coast to the side of the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to another dealer, where the transmission failure was confirmed. The contact stated that the dealer had not inspected the transmission and used a "peephole" to inspect the transmission. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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