Problems · by component

2021 Chevrolet Silverado engine and engine cooling problems

60 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado cite engine and engine cooling, 7% of all 855 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
60
7% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine and engine cooling

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine coolant control valve had failed and required replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in Special Coverage Program: N252508341 (Coolant Control Valve), nor was the VIN included in the associated technical service bulletin. The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11772218
“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the exhaust manifold bolts had detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the warranty mileage limitation had been exceeded. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,248.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 8, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11762775
“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to crank. The contact originally suspected a battery failure, as the vehicle had recently been involved in an accident that left the passenger-side mirror damaged with exposed wires. While driving at 70 MPH, a semi-truck sideswiped the passenger-side of the vehicle, causing a dent on the front door and a fractured side-view mirror. The semi-truck driver did not stop, and the contact's son drove the vehicle to the nearest exit. No air bags deployed, no warning lights illuminated, and no injuries were reported. A police report was filed. The vehicle was initially towed to a collision center, where it was determined that the battery was not the cause of the starting failure. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with camshaft, timing belt, and actuator failures. Upon removing the camshaft, metal shavings were found inside the engine, and the dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 21, 2026Engine and engine coolingCrash reportedODI 11758511
“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and the messages "Engine Power Reduced" and "Speed Limited to 65 MPH" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine coolant flow control valve and related components needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: EA25007 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 10, 2026Engine and engine cooling, EngineODI 11755936
“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle came to a complete stop without warning. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice. During the first failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer and a lifter inside the engine was replaced. The contact stated that after the second failure, the contact allowed the vehicle to sit for a while before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that a lifter and the camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 3, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11754554

Showing 6 of 60 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

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

1 recall on this component

Engine and engine cooling: hard parts internal

Free remedy

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.

Engine and engine coolingReported Apr 24, 2025NHTSA 25V274000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

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