Problems · by component

2021 Chevrolet Silverado electrical system problems

113 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado cite electrical system, 13% of all 855 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
113
13% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“2021 silverado engine failure. Yes it was inspected by a dealership and my extended warranty company and serviced by the dealership. Back on August 5th I experienced a misfire cylinder 3 and felt loss of power. On August 7th the dealership diagnosed both camshafts, 1 lifter, 1 valve, and 1 fuel injector was damaged and never received at warning lights or messages on the dashboard. I was without the vehicle for 39 days and within 10 hrs after picking up the truck i got an engine light on and several new codes on it and can not be driven and being towed. I feel these engines need a recall as it is well documented that these engines go between 60 and 80,000 miles and some a lot less than that, mine has 70,800 and went and now being towed with in less than 24 hrs after engine repair. I will be in contact with a lawyer to follow up on this matter.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 17, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11764947
“My 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST with the 6.2L engine experienced an engine seizure. The engine was replaced by a Chevrolet dealership under a GM safety recall. Immediately after picking up the vehicle following the recall engine replacement, the truck stalled while still in the Chevrolet dealership parking lot. There was no warning before this first stall. We continued our trip because we did not realize at the time that the stall could indicate a problem following the engine replacement. During the drive from [XXX] to [XXX], the problem continued. In [XXX], the check engine light illuminated and the truck began malfunctioning. The vehicle subsequently stalled again. The problem continued after returning to [XXX]. A Chevrolet dealership in [XXX] inspected the vehicle and reproduced/confirmed a problem involving the camshaft position sensor wiring/connector. The dealership demonstrated the problem by manipulating the connector/wiring and recorded a video of the diagnostic procedure. The vehicle is currently at the Chevrolet dealership and is available for inspection. The affected component should also be available for inspection because it has not yet been…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 9, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11763216
“The automatic power-unlatching tailgate assembly failed. The tailgate unlatches, opens, and cycles closed completely on its own while the vehicle is in motion and driving on public roads and when the gear shifts from drive to park and park to drive. The vehicle and the tailgate assembly are fully available for inspection upon request. The tailgate opening unpredictably while driving at road speeds creates an extreme safety hazard. It risks cargo flying out into traffic, which could cause a severe multi-vehicle accident or injure pedestrians. Additionally, it creates a massive driver distraction while trying to monitor the opening and closing tailgate in the rearview mirror while maintaining control of the vehicle. Sometimes there isn’t a warning light and sometimes it shows a warning light “tailgate open” I have taken it to the dealership and was told it isn’t part of the active recall for similar makes and models and my vehicles year/make/model needs to be added to the current recall for these concerns. It opened on its own while in park and turned off when the mechanic was replacing the license plate light.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 5, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11762348
“The check engine light came on and my engine would stall sometimes, it would stall at start up so no safety issue. I took my truck to the dealer a week later where they said a wire was corroded from rubbing on something causing the issues and that it was a common issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 28, 2026Electrical systemODI 11760302
“When I put the pickup in park, I get a message that states "Shift to Park". The pickup is completely stopped, the gear shift indicator is in "P". When I get out of the vehicle I get two loud two-horn alerts indicating that the pickup in not in Park, when in fact it is. Doing some research, I have seen that this is a common problem for GM vehicles. The console shift vehicles are actually involved in a class action lawsuit, while the steering column shift vehicles are not.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 21, 2026Steering, Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11758467

Showing 6 of 113 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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