2021 Chevrolet Silverado: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 720 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the engine, transmission, and electrical. The 10 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2021- Owner complaints
- 720
- Recalls
- 10
- 1 urgent
- Crashes reported
- 15
- 11 injuries
One recall on this model year told owners to park outside until the repair was done.
Do not buy until you have dealer paperwork or a recall lookup showing it was completed for this VIN.
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/10 checked
2021 Chevrolet Silverado: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/4
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/3
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/1
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Silverado is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.7L 4-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 20–21 mpg |
| 4.3L 6-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 17 mpg |
| 5.3L 8-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 19 mpg |
| 6.2L 8-cylGas | 4WD | 18 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylDiesel | 4WD, RWD | 24–27 mpg |
| 5.3L 8-cylFlex fuel | 4WD, RWD | 16 mpg |
- The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado was sold in six versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Silverado that averages well under the EPA 16 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Early lifter failure
5,000–20,000 miles
Tailgate opening by itself
26,000–74,000 miles
6.2L engine and lifter failure
30,000–80,000 miles
Torque converter failure
66,000–84,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Engine248No crashes
Sudden engine failure dominates these reports, mostly on the 6.2L V8. Lifters collapse, bearings and crankshafts fail, and the engine knocks loudly or seizes at highway speed, sometimes while towing a trailer and often with no warning light. Reported failures cluster between roughly 30,000 and 80,000 miles. Some replacement engines fail again soon after install. Several owners say dealers told them their truck falls outside the recall for this problem, leaving the repair bill to them once the warranty ends. One report describes an engine fire in a parked truck with no prior warning.
Most reports here concern recall campaign 25V274000 rather than a separate cooling problem. Owners describe dealers with no recall parts, no expected arrival date, or fully booked service departments, while others learn their VIN is not included. The failures behind the recall show up as rough running, ticking or knocking, violent shaking, and sudden stalls in traffic, with metal shavings in the oil and failed lifters, camshafts, or crankshafts. Some occur at very low mileage. One parked truck caught fire in the engine compartment at 12,000 miles.
Transmission2013 crashes
Transmission faults and engine failures share this category. Failed torque converters cause rumbling, shudder, or a vibration like driving on gravel, and dealers sometimes recommend a full transmission replacement because of metal debris. Other trucks refuse to go into gear, or rev at a stop with no drive. Many reports again describe 6.2L lifter failure with exhaust smoke and limp mode. Transmission complaints mostly fall between about 45,000 and 84,000 miles. Three crashes are reported, one blamed on a transfer case locking up, and one owner was hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning after a DPF replacement.
Electrical772 crashes
Vehicle fires are the most serious pattern, with 4 reported. Several trucks burned to a total loss after smoke appeared under the hood or behind the cab, with no warning lights beforehand. More common are sudden power losses: reduced engine power mode cuts speed on the highway, or the truck shuts down completely and will not restart, sometimes at very low mileage. Other complaints cover infotainment screens blanking out, an erratic speedometer, a tailgate that opens by itself, and a reductant heater fault on the 2500 that limits speed.
Steering351 crash
Power steering assist cuts out without warning, usually alongside "Service Power Steering" and "Service ESC" messages. The wheel becomes very hard to turn, sometimes at startup and sometimes mid-turn on the road, creating a real loss-of-control risk. Restarting the truck often clears it temporarily. Reports range from trucks with a few thousand miles to those past 50,000 miles. A separate group of complaints involves a "Service Steering Column Lock" error that prevents starting, or a key that will not release from the column. One crash is tied to poor forward visibility over the high hood.
Brakes291 crash
Sudden braking loss is the core complaint. The pedal drops to the floor, a "Brake Failure" or "Service Brake Assist" warning appears, and the truck barely slows, sometimes recovering after a restart. Brake control module replacements happen on nearly new trucks, with parts delays keeping some off the road for weeks. Other reports describe mushy brakes with a 43 mph speed limit message, the parking brake engaging at highway speed, and a leaking brake booster on the 2500. Several brake warnings appear together with engine failure and metal in the oil. One crash is reported.
Body and structure25No crashes
A tailgate that drops open by itself is the leading complaint, often in rain or wet weather, while parked, and occasionally while driving or towing, spilling cargo onto the road. Water leaks are the second pattern: rear windows crack or leak, and water enters at the rear roof and pillar, staining the headliner and raising mold concerns. Hood struts fail suddenly and let the hood fall, causing one hand injury. Another owner needed 7 stitches after a cut from a sharp edge between the seat and center console.
Door latches and locks17No crashes
Nearly every report describes the tailgate unlatching and lowering on its own, while parked, after power washing, during snow season, or at highway speed. Recall campaign 24V060000 covers this problem, but many owners say dealers confirmed their VIN is not included. One dealer fixed it by replacing the tailgate electrical switch, and another owner pulled the fuse to stop it. Reports span from about 26,000 to 117,000 miles, on both 1500 and 2500 trucks. A single complaint involves a fuel door that will not stay shut.
Airbags156 crashes
Failure to deploy in serious collisions is the main concern, with head-on impacts, a pole strike, and tree strikes all reported without deployment. This category carries 6 crashes and 5 injuries. The opposite failure also appears: roof rail air bags deploy with no impact, including once while driving at 45 mph. Many owners see the air bag light and a service restraint system message come and go, sometimes during turns, on trucks with very few miles. Dealer fixes include a clock spring replacement and repairs for corrosion.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Silverado owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
A couple of days ago, noticed some coolant under my truck. Took it to a dealer who informed me that the radiator has a crack in it. The truck has just over 53,000 miles on it and the warranty doesn't cover the radiator after 36,000 miles. We keep it serviced as normal and there hasn't been any extreme weather here in Oklahoma lately to explain the this away. Just irritating to pay the kind of money you pay for something that has this kind of issue already.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2024
July 18th 2022 16,059 miles engine issues again. This time was 21 hours from home. Cause reported was oil pump failed. New engine to be installed. Asked if previous engine issues was resolved aka lifters but couldn’t get a 100 precent yes or no. Truck now has little over 30k and from time to time makes noises like lifters chattering. I pray it’s been addressed but fell it may still fail again. Just will it be under warranty or out of warranty next time.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2023
At 4K miles, the lifters of the engine went bad. It was determined a rod was bent and had to be replaced. At 26K miles, another cylinder went bad and had to be replaced. At 40Kmiles, serpentine belt had to be replaced. At 41K miles, another cylinder went bad and had to be replaced. Now, at 55K miles, I am getting the same issues with loss of power, engines stuttering and misfiring and will be taking the truck to the dealer on 1/28/25.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2025
Truck has under 45k miles on it. After reaching 35-40mph, it began to shake and jolt. Once we drove approximately 20miles, the engine light began flashing, in addition to the parking break light turning on. The truck began to lose power and we were forced to pull over on the side of a busy road. After waiting a little bit, we were able to drive it to our local shop who advised us to tow it back the the dealership for repairs.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2025
The 2021 LT Trail Boss with the 5.3L engine started a really rough idle, engine knocking, random misfiring, had Service Emergency Brake, Service ESC messages on the display, check engine light and several other dash warning lights. The dealer diagnosed the truck with lifter fail apart (failure), intake valve push rod bent, and PCM failure. Odometer reading 19,368 miles.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2023
The ESC, parking light, traction control, and engine light came on while driving home. The engine started to shake. There was an issue with braking and steering the vehicle that made it difficult to control. A message on the dash said Service ESC. A report was sent via OnStar Notifications that said An issue with the emissions system is detected. After trying to restart the vehicle a few times, the lights will not go away. The truck is driving rough.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2022
Electric steering control and driver assist malfunctioning along with engine misfire Been to the dealership 3x they have reproduced the issue unable to repair Chevy also notified apparently many other vehicle of my same type have this issue Happens daily till vehicle has run for a bit Unsafe till then Started at about 13 k miles still ongoing
Filed with NHTSA, November 2021
I was driving and my electric steering locked up. I had it towed to a garage and they reset the computer. I'm afraid it's going to happen again. I'm going to the dealership on Tuesday and I don't feel that I should pay for this since it's a safety issue. I only have 50,000 miles on it.can someone please get back to me. Thanks
Filed with NHTSA, February 2025
How the 2021 compares with other Silverado years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2021 ranks second for owner complaints among 8 Silverado years, about 1.4 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Engine248107
- Transmission201136
- Electrical7777
- Steering3532
- Brakes2936
- Body and structure259
Where the 2021 fits in the Silverado's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2021 is the third model year of the Silverado's fourth generation (2019–2023).
Chevrolet updated the Silverado for 2022, so a 2021 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2022 (not on a 2021)
- New front-end design
- Updated interior
- New trim levels added (ZR2, Denali Ultimate)
Recalls to confirm (10)
Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
21V758000BrakesPark outsideSep 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles with electronic brake control modules (EBCM) replaced during vehicle assembly. The bolts that attach the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) assembly may not be properly tightened, which could fail to seal the two sub-assemblies and allow water intrusion.
Risk: Water in the BPMV may cause an electrical short circuit and increase the risk of fire.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will replace the BPMV assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 20, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212349181.
25V274000EngineApr 2025
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.
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
24V797000TransmissionOct 2024
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.
Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
24V060000Door latches and locksFeb 2024
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in park.
Risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232426400.
21V985000Wheels and tiresDec 2021
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.
Risk: An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
21V578000Wheels and tiresJul 2021
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with a 17" spare tire (RPO ZHQ or ZXT) and either the 20" accessory road tire (RPO REM) or the 18" accessory road tire (RPO Q2V). Operating the spare tire with other 20" or 18" tires can prevent the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) from engaging.
Risk: An ABS system that cannot control the rear wheels independently increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will provide the appropriate spare tire and apply a new spare tire information label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 18, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212329780.
21V495000AirbagsJul 2021
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.
Risk: The missing tabs may prevent the air bag from deploying properly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: 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.
20V811000Seat beltsDec 2020
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
20V792000Seat beltsDec 2020
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
20V684000Wheels and tiresNov 2020
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
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