Problems · NHTSA complaints
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 problems
Owners filed 89 complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 with NHTSA between Jan 2021 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (30).
Complaints
89
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Power train30
- Electrical system17
- Service brakes12
- Engine8
- Latches/locks/linkages8
- Fuel/propulsion system7
- Structure4
- Forward collision avoidance3
- Tires2
- Air bags2
- Vehicle speed control2
- Exterior lighting2
- Steering2
- Back over prevention2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
11
5
7
21
29
16
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 29 |
| 2026 | 16 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Power train
30 reports1 related recall
“Vehicle braking does not work- since new- dealer said it was funcitioning- sometimes you will get the warning and other times it does not and it never brakes. Transmission- i received a letter to bring truck in to have a software update for modulator valve wear....which was performed...since that time the stator and the torque converter were replaced in September/October of 2025. it was in dealership approx. 6 weeks for the repairs. Since that time i have had the vehicle roll forward when in reverse and pedal depressed, I have had hard shifts when shifting into gear at a stop, severe enough to lurch the truck forward and break traction....i have started having three to four downshifts very abrupt and very hard when decreasing speed. Dealership does not act like they want to do anything about it.”
Electrical system
17 reports
“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that the connector for the heater system was causing the vehicle to overheat, subsequently enabling the vehicle to go faster than 50 MPH. If the vehicle reaches 75 miles, it would immediately decrease in speed to 5 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed a P20C1 code, indicating reductant heater failure had occurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the dealer, who recommended calling the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The manufacturer was informed of the failure they also referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.”
Service brakes
12 reports1 crash
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The parking brakes were engaged and would not release / yes, it is available for inspection How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was in traffic stopped at a train track and could not move. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes, the rear actuator for the brakes was faulty and had to be replaced. The warranty work was completed by the dealership Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Unknown Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - Not prior to the problem My concern is that my parking brakes "were nonexistent" per the dealership when they were diagnosing the warning light. So, I am afraid that the truck was driving while these were engaged.”
Engine
8 reports
“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the engine was blown causing complete engine failure. The engine was replaced under warranty, but the failure reoccurred. The warranty company inspected the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.”
Latches/locks/linkages
8 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that the electronic tailgate door had erroneously opened and closed and also, moments after turning the vehicle off the door had erroneously opened. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000(LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 47,000.”
Fuel/propulsion system
7 reports
“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.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.