Research

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 41 owner complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. Most complaints involve electrical system (13) and power train (7).

Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest Oct 2024
Owner complaints
41
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

5 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Service brakes

Park outsideFree remedy

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.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Sep 29, 2021NHTSA 21V758000

Power train: software

Free remedy

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.

Power trainReported Oct 24, 2024NHTSA 24V797000

Latches

Free remedy

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.

Latches/locks/linkagesReported Feb 1, 2024NHTSA 24V060000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

41 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2020 – Oct 2026
  1. Electrical system13
  2. Power train7
  3. Latches/locks/linkages6
  4. Structure6
  5. Service brakes5
  6. Fuel/propulsion system4
  7. Engine3
  8. Steering2
  9. Air bags2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Silverado 3500 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
202028
202141
202228
202316
202451
202512
20262
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

13 reports
“Service Trailer Brake System error. There's a known issue for a faulty wire harness and BCM. Error makes it hard to drive and see the speed, keeps popping up.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 6, 2026Electrical systemODI 11769417

Power train

7 reports
“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly went into Low Power Mode, with the check engine and low power mode warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where DTC: P2706 and P2732 were retrieved, and the contact was informed that the valve body and certain components of the transmission required reprogramming. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train). The dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 6, 2025Power trainODI 11691701

Latches/locks/linkages

6 reports
“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked or while driving at undisclosed speeds, the tailgate unintendedly opened or closed. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not free because the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 11, 2026Latches/locks/linkagesODI 11763651
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026
05 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
07 —FAQ

2021 Silverado 3500 questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have?

5 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems?

Owners filed 41 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (13), power train (7), latches/locks/linkages (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026