NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls and 855 owner complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado. Most complaints involve engine (396) and power train (243). The EPA rates it 16–27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4–5 stars overall.
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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.”
“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”
“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…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silverado 2WD Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 27 | $3,500 | 383 |
| Silverado 4WD Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 22 | 26 | 24 | $3,900 | 430 |
| Silverado 2WD Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo, SIDI; 3-mode transmission (work truck) · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Silverado 2WD Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo, SIDI; 4-mode/Sport transmission · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,050 | 421 |
| Silverado 2WD Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L, SIDI · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,400 | 460 |
| Silverado 4WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L, SIDI; Stop-Start · 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 19 | $3,400 | 481 |
| Silverado 4WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start · 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | $4,400 | 493 |
| Silverado 2WD Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L, SIDI; Active Fuel Management · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| Silverado 2WD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L, SIDI · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| Silverado 2WD Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L, SIDI · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | $3,800 | 513 |
| Silverado 2WD Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L, SIDI; FFV · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | $4,000 | 547 |
| Silverado 2WD Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L, SIDI · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 21 | 16 | $4,000 | 541 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
8 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 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.
Owners filed 855 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (396), power train (243), electrical system (113). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado at 16–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (12 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 4–5 out of 5 stars overall.