Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 Chevrolet Silverado problems

Owners filed 855 complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado with NHTSA between Dec 2020 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (396).

Complaints
855
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
20
Reported by owners
Fires
12
Reported by owners
Injuries
17
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine396
  2. Power train243
  3. Electrical system113
  4. Engine and engine cooling60
  5. Steering43
  6. Service brakes40
  7. Fuel/propulsion system30
  8. Structure29
  9. Air bags20
  10. Suspension18
  11. Latches/locks/linkages15
  12. Forward collision avoidance10
  13. Vehicle speed control10
  14. Wheels8

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 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20203
202157
202252
202362
202491
2025329
2026261

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.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

396 reports3 crashes3 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 29, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11774360

Power train

243 reports5 crashes2 related recalls
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2026Power trainODI 11769503

Electrical system

113 reports2 crashes4 fires
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 12, 2026Steering, Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11770545

Engine and engine cooling

60 reports1 crash1 fire1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving approximately 35 - 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact parked and restarted the vehicle; however, the RPM fluctuated and the failure persisted while driving. The vehicle then failed to restart and was towed to the dealer and DTC: P0016 was retrieved. The failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11773066

Steering

43 reports1 crash
“While driving vehicle service power steering light came on had no power steering had to wrestle steering wheel no power steering a smaller person would not have able to handle it”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2026SteeringODI 11769678

Service brakes

40 reports2 crashes
“While coming to a stop, a snap ring came off the brake master cylinder. Vehicle top speed was 40mph, with the parking brake automatically engaged. ***Note from mechanic: Vehicle has several brake faults, C05CC and C05CF master cylinder piston position sensor performance, C2A17 hydraulic brake sponginess, and C0277 brake pedal position sensor fault. Tech recommends Hydraulic Brake Unit replacement***”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 2, 2026Service brakesODI 11761533
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

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