2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 complaints

I turned my truck on after grocery shopping and a notice to "Service Power Steering" popped up on my dashboard. I took it to a mechanic shop where they ran diagnostics. They discovered a TSB # 21-NA-149 and error code U0131. They believe there is an intermittent fault within the wiring causing the power steering to go out. My biggest fear is that this happens while I am negotiating a curve and lose power steering causing a crash or someone to get injured. There was also a "Service ESB" notice on the dashboard after the power steering notification.

I have a 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 Custom crew cab truck with an 8-speed transmission. I have had transmission issues for a few months. I am experiencing hard shifting from 2nd gear down to 1st gear, slipping while at cruising speed, shuddering between 20mph-50mph, transmission getting too hot. I was told by an automotive shop that they experienced the hard shifting and that they also heard a whining sound while driving. They told me that they a found a Service Bulletin that came out in December of 2024, that there could be a pinched line on top of the transmission that could be causing the overheating. I have read that the transmission control module needs to be reprogrammed, a fluid flush and refill, the Thermal Bypass Valve could be at fault. Basically everything that has been released about the transmissions on 2020- 2024 GM vehicles as being safety problems, I am experiencing. I have checked my VIN on the NHTSA website and also with a dealership, and both show that there is not a recall for my VIN. I do not tow anything, just normal ever day driving. I now have 90,000 miles on the truck and the issue first happened at around 87,000 miles. The issues with this truck are clearly manufacturer defaults and something should be done on their dime, not mine. The first time that I experienced the problems was at the end of November in traffic, which a hard shift into 1st gear, felt like I was hit from behind, but was not. Dash lights came on (traction control light, parking brak

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while shifting into park(P), the vehicle failed to recognize that the vehicle was in park(P). The contact stated that the "Shift to Park" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact was forced to move the gear shifter back and forth between gears before the correct gear was recognized. The vehicle was initially taken to a dealer; however, the dealer failed to duplicate the failure. The failure persisted and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and it was discovered that the transmission control module had short circuited and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.

2021 Silverado LT Trail Boss 6.2 (production date: 01/2021) was taken to the GM/Chevy dealer (Ed Morse Chevrolet) on 01/29/2024. It was confirmed by the GM mechanic that the engine had failed (75k miles) due to a shattered camshaft and metal in the engine and a complete engine replacement is needed. Had prior complaint at around 6k miles for engine noise along with hard shifts and a check engine light that had appeared then went away on its own (documented). I was told by a GM certified dealership, it was normal in the new trucks and no action was taken. Unsatisfied, I made another appointment for a second opinion and only regular maintenance service was suggested and performed several days after, at a GM certified dealership. All oil changes have been performed in a timely manner. No forewarning prior to engine failure to include check engine light or any system messages, although trucks performance from the initial complaint did not subside. To my knowledge, this vehicles engine is weighing heavy on consumers safety with engine failure and is a well documented issue, leaving many stranded. Thank you!

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the oil was lowering several quarts at a fast rate, and the oil was burning at a fast rate. After lowering down 3 quarts of oil by 3 weeks. At the same time, driving at approximately 25 - 30 MPH when they noticed black smoke coming from underneath the front passenger side of the hood between the window and windshield. The contact pulled to the side of the road where the fire was extinguished with a fire extinguisher. The fire department was not called. A police report was not filed. There were no injuries and no medical attention was needed. The vehicle was towed to their home. The dealer was contacted however they confirmed they were unable to inspect the vehicle for another 5 weeks. The contact had ordered and replaced the intake and the fuel return lines. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure opened a case for the failure and offered a buyback option however the contact decided not to take the offer. The failure mileage was 32,000.

The truck jerks when first driving and will jerk and lundge at various times and speeds. There is a almost grinding nosie. It often says "Reduced Engine Power" and the engine light comes one, the "Service ESC" notice comes on with the vehicle light, when this happens the truck will barely accelerate even if flooring the gas, continues to make a grinding noise. This happens frequently, but then lights go away, then come back on. Dealership pulled multiple codes (image attached). This is a huge safety risk due to failure of acceleration, and the jerking that causes the truck to jerk while in motion and slow.

With absolutely no warning, the 6.2 liter V-8 engine with 28,500 miles on it seized up solid and would not run. I was stranded in heavy Christmas traffic and completely blocked one lane. It was an unsafe situation. I had to summon a wrecker to come and tow the vehicle, and I called 911 for police presence to alert and direct traffic. The vehicle was at the Chevy dealer for a month while they installed a new engine. The dealer never fully confirmed what the cause was - I don't believe they really know - and I only have 10 months of warranty left. I am concerned about another failure and thought I should at least get the warranty on the new engine re-set to 60,00 or more miles.

There is a water leak from the rear roof leaking causing water to come inside by the rear window down the rear pillar by the airbag. May cause problems with the rear side airbag and mold. Dealer charged me a $273 diagnostics charge and will not repair under warranty or extended warranty even though there is a TSB on this affecting numerous other trucks

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the transmission was slipping between the third and fourth gears. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving between the sixth and seventh gears. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed due to the TCM and torque converter failure; however, the parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH following a school bus, there was an abnormal screeching sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that a message to pull over safely was displayed. The contact stated that the engine had seized. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft bearings and connecting rod bearings had failed. After further diagnostic tests, the contact was informed that the vehicle was not repairable. The vehicle was repaired with a remanufactured engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.

I brought in vehicle for check engine light is on for p0300 / p0308 had misfire tech removed engine valve cover and determine no movement in valve train components tech determine valve train failure lifters possible camshaft we would need to remove the cylinder head and replace valve train lifters.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed or while stopping the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the top of the engine where the lifters were located. The contact stated that the spring in the engine had collapsed, causing the check engine message to be displayed. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the lifters on the top of the engine were causing the DEF sensor to engage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

At 4K miles, the lifters of the engine went bad. It was determined a rod was bent and had to be replaced. At 26K miles, another cylinder went bad and had to be replaced. At 40Kmiles, serpentine belt had to be replaced. At 41K miles, another cylinder went bad and had to be replaced. Now, at 55K miles, I am getting the same issues with loss of power, engines stuttering and misfiring and will be taking the truck to the dealer on 1/28/25.

Engine failure

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 50-55 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle decelerated to 35-40 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming a quart of oil per month. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed lifter. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

Driving down the road and the vehicle shut off and said to restart. Wouldn't start back up. Check and found a 400 amp fuse was blown. Tested starter and was fine. Restarted the vehicle and it made a loud rattling noise and shut back off. Sent it to the dealer and they found that number 1 and 2 rods overheated and locked up the motor.

My 2021 Silverado with only 80,655 miles had to have the engine replaced. On 11/20/24, my vehicle indicated a P0303 code for miss-fire in cylinder 3. I took my vehicle to for repair to a local Chevy Dealership and was informed of the following: 1) Needed programming changes to the fuel injection based on service bulletin N242450631. This repair was completed by the dealer. 2) Needed a “tear down” for further diagnostic. It was determined that the specific code could not be repaired and the entire engine needed to be replaced which was done at my cost. The details on service bulletin N242450631 are limited and do not describe issues that could be caused by the fuel injector problem. Relative to service bulletin N242450631 fuel injector issue, based on my experience with my vehicle, I believe this fuel injector programming bulletin issue caused the engine malfunction and subsequent need to replacement. Before the bulletin repair was completed, I know that my vehicle engine surged often. Looking back now, this constant surging had to be hard on the engine and likely caused the failure. Regardless, if it wasn’t the service bulletin that caused the issue, a vehicle engine should last more than 80,000 miles. I believe GM needs to take responsibility for the engine failure which I believe was caused by faulty workmanship, design, computer engine programming, or some combination of these issues.

Lifter failure at 8629 miles. All warning lights went on at time of incident, truck would barely drive home and I had it towed into the dealership where they replaced the entire bank of lifters. This is on my repair order- "Checked and found dead mis on cylinder 4 and ticking noise from engine//performed compression test and found no compression on cylinder 4//removed passenger side cylinder head and found lifter bad causing push rod to bend//replaced all lifters on right bank and 1 pushrod//changed oil and filter//filled coolant and test drove and found all ok. I called Chevy at time of incident (1/21/22) and opened case# 9-7252876703 stating I wanted both banks of lifters replaced because I pull a 30' camper with my family and didn't want the other side to fail while I'm pulling 7000+ pounds. They declined to replace the other bank stating that since the vehicle had more than 5000 miles it did not qualify for both sides to be replaced and it was for only vehicles after 11/21 and mine was built 2/21. I still would like to get the other bank of lifters replaced under warranty.

Lifter failure on number 2 cylinder.

At start up check engine light, service esc, service parking brake. Code reader shows code P0304 misfire cylinder number 4.

2021 Chevy Silverado RST 6.2 Crankshaft Failure – Trust bearing / Main Bearing – Verified by GM dealership. This incident occurred without any prior warning indicators. The check engine light illuminated only after the engine began to seize, and the engine abruptly stalled. At the time of the failure, the vehicle was traveling at 60 MPH on a busy highway. Upon the event, the vehicle came to an immediate stop and could not be restarted. The engine failed to turn over, rendering the vehicle inoperable and partially obstructing traffic. The vehicle was subsequently towed to a local General Motors dealership, where it was determined that the failure was due to a crankshaft thrust and main bearing issue. The vehicle has 27,000 miles on the odometer.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH and attempting to overtake a semi, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 100,000.

I have just been made aware that there is a lot going on right now with the l87 6.2 motor. I purchased my truck last September so I e had it almost a year 1/2. I recently started having what seems like a misfire issue as of 1/20/2025. I have it scheduled to be checked out Friday 1/24/2025. I’m just reporting this to cover my back if any recall or anything comes about. In addition I’ve had regular oil changes and maintenance on the truck. It’s currently inspected and insured.

Started my truck and the check engine light was flashing along with a few other warming lamp lit up. When I went to drive the truck the engine started to make some noise, and didn't have much power. After being diagnosed by the dealer ship the motor needed new valves, lifters and camshaft. The bill for the repairs is going to be around $8,500 and GM is not willing to help with the costs.

Total catastrophic engine failure. Occurred at roughly 80,000 miles. Engine bearing shattered causing total engine loss. Needed to be replaced. Occurred in May 2023. There were no precursors to the event and the engine had been well maintained. I noticed an investigation of my vehicles engine and thought I should report this.

The crankshaft bearings failed causing engine to knock very loudly. I didn't get an engine light. Dealership did replace one bearing and said lifters we fault and replaced. This happened with just over 33000 miles on truck. I didn't receive any extended warranty from manufacturers for any problems that may occur in future from pieces of metal or other contamination to inside of engine.

Started The Vehicle and the Steering wheel would not turn. Warning said: Service ESC & Service Power Steering Drive and the Stability Control Light came on. After ready many complaints about the same thing, we turned the car off for 20 minutes and then on again and it worked. But this is dangerous.

I was driving 65mph down the freeway when the truck suddenly turned off and the dash told me to put in neutral and start again so I did just that. Made it about another mile and the truck completely turned off and wouldn’t turn back on there was nowhere to pull over or get off the freeway in that time frame so I was stopped in the middle of the highway with my family in the truck. Luckily a guy in another truck was able to push me over to the shoulder with his vehicle where I sat and waited four hours for a tow to the dealership. Two days later they called me and told me it’s spun a bearing and threw two rods and needed a new engine. I’m anal about servicing my vehicles they told me it just happens, but it was a brand new truck with only 35k miles. Ever since I got the new engine installed it’s constantly squeaking and they can’t seem to pin point the issues I feel like it’s going to happen again and this next time I’ll probably be out of warranty and it’ll be out of pocket for me to fix.

Major engine failure / main bearing failure with the engine burning oil and no warning signs no oil leaks or no burning oil smoke out of exhaust. I’m in the process of having the engine re built out of pocket on this date 1/19/2025 and have no documentation from repair shop at this time so I can’t up load any further information till I get it completed,

While driving down a major, extremely dangerous highway [XXX] in Pasco County, FL) my truck randomly shut off (with zero warning, no check engine lights, nothing) Thankfully, i was already in the right hand lane and managed to coast into a gas station. At 60, 375 miles on my 2021 truck I was 352 miles outside of the powertrain warranty, so I had my truck towed to the closest chevy dealership to see if they would good-will the warranty. They (Chevy) reported to me that there was a rod-knock with an estimate of $17,203.52 to rebuild the motor. I would also have to pay approximately $2000 (10 hrs of labor) for tear down of motor to even see if GM would POSSIBLY pay out anything on warranty. I am the only owner of this truck since day 1. I have every oil change record that was done as specified by the manufacturer. I have no means of transportation at this time. My truck is available for inspection. I am also unable to take out any other vehicle loans while I am forced to pay for a truck that now, has no motor. Also, I went in for a recall of a software update for the forward collision system. Previous to the dealerships update, the system was working fine. After the update, the collision system no longer works. This is greatly affecting my ability to work, and function as a member of society. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine stopped working while driving on major highway. Coasted to stop on shoulder. Truck was towed to nearest Chevy dealer, Parkway Chevy, Tomball, TX ([XXX]). Diagnosed bearings failed, camshaft froze and engine valve damaged. After rude treatment by service agent and service manager, towed truck to original dealer in Conroe, TX-- Buckalew Chev/Keating Chev (Nov. 25, 2024). They confirmed problem and truck has been sitting at their dealership since Nov. 25, 2024 waiting for re-mfgd engine. No timeline given for replacement. Bought another truck (Toyota Tundra -- [XXX]). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine lifter failure at 75 k miles

1. The automatic tailgate opens by itself randomly. It appears to be malfunctioning. I am unable to open it from the tailgate now. When it’s open it continues to attempt to unlatch making the noise. It’s opened while driving. 2. So far I lost a cooler on the highway due to this problem which would cause a road hazard to other drivers. 3. I brought it to the dealer they said it’s not there problem due to my vin not matching the recall even though there’s a recall for this problem with same year trucks. 4. It has not been inspected due it not being an official recall. 5. No warning lights regarding this issue.

Vehicle has less than 35k miles. Vehicle started and operated normally Attempted to turn onto main thoroughfare from a stop. While still in drive, vehicle engine rev’d up but transmission did not engage. Attempted to cycle through gear selector with same result. Reverse is the only gear that allowed vehicle movement. Serious safety concern if this were to happen while traveling at any significant speed or if trying to merge or cross heavy traffic. Vehicle has not had an official diagnosis, but I believe this is a transmission valve body problem known to the manufacturer. There was no indication prior to this event of any mechanical or electrical problems with the vehicle. This issue could easily get someone killed.

Vehicle is shuttering while driving, vibrating at different speeds and it feels like the wheels are locking.

I washed my truck and now suddenly the tailgate opens and closes whenever it decides and I have paint that is bubbling and it looks as if it’s gonna all chip right off the hood

When putting vehicle in PARK and releasing the foot brake it rolls back an excessive amount of space sometimes it rolls back so much we begin to get scared thinking we are still in DRIVE and jump back in vehicle just to learn we are in PARK. We have had this issue since the day of getting truck in August of 2024 and how much it rolls back is never consistent on the length of the roll back. Sometimes it feels like it make even slip out of gear and just keeping rolling. It’s very scary and we have almost knocked ourselves out when it happens trying to jump back in to stop it.

The 8-speed automatic transmission (8L90) has been failing. It has put me in my passengers safety at risk because my truck can lurch forward without warning due to delayed downshifting and RPM surge. Yes, the dealership has confirmed this issue multiple times. The component has been inspected by the dealership multiple times. Yes, check engine light came on and yes there was symptoms before the failure such as lurching jerking, surging harsh and erratic shifting. They first appeared at 55,000, MI. It continues to happen to this day. I have an appointment scheduled for today at 9:20 a.m. for the dealership to look at it again but this is a legitimate concern.

On January 6 and 7, 2025, the broken transmission valve body was subjected to inspection by a Chevrolet dealership. The vehicle exhibited faulty gear shifts, which resulted in reduced speeds and triggered the activation of "limp mode." This malfunction occurred while driving under severe winter storm conditions, posing a potential risk for serious injury. The issue was methodically diagnosed and documented for parts replacement. Furthermore, the transmission service indicator activated via the associated application, and the check engine light illuminated alongside a blinking "D" mode indicator at the time the warning lights were activated. The initial signs and symptoms of the issue were first observed at 11:00 PM on January 5, 2025.

Valve body went out at 52,000 miles and was replaced under warranty. Went out again at 104,000 miles, has been at dealer for a month now waiting on part that is unavailable

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and shifted into another unknown gear independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission torque converter and the valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure when a case was opened and escalated the matter to a higher supervisor. The failure mileage was 61,200.

UNKNOWN. PARK Switch module is not working correctly. The vehicle keeps displaying message saying the vehicle needs to be the parking position.

Push-button tailgate electrical failure. Tailgate opens on its own while driving and while truck is off. This is a known issue that has already been recalled by GM but my truck was not included in the recall, even though the problem and repair are exactly the same as the currently recalled vehicles. I had to pay a GM Dealership to make the repair as the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to potential for flying debris from the bed while driving.

Hello: I have this issue with my vehicle, and have read several people on Chevrolet Silverado message boards noting that their windshield wipers do not function properly when turned on. My wipers only work when I push the button to wash the windshield and they do not work in any other setting. I believe this is something that should be looked into and it seems like this is a good place to start.

The transmission in this truck has been an issue since it had 50k miles on it. It doesn’t shift correctly or smooth at all. It shifts hard, slow to engage, studders, jerks, pops without any load. This is my second 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with same issue except it needed transmission replaced and didn’t know when they’d get another transmission in as they’re on backorder and these are work truck and can’t be down long - dealer said this is a common issue with these trucks - so I got rid of that one. If the dealers know this is a common issues and attorneys are sending letter for class action lawsuit against GM this should tell you something- recall them! No lights have ever come on with any warning on either truck.

Open recall with no remedy. Called GM and they cannot give me any timeframe as far as when a fix will be available. GM has proposed changing the software to limit the truck to fifth gear if excessive wear of the valve is detected but that is not a fix for the issue and they cannot even give a timeframe for that or what they will do to remedy the issue when there is excessive wear. The issue can cause the rear wheels to lock up while driving and is a major safety issue compounded with winter driving conditions yet GM cannot provide any information. I cannot even replace the vehicle as the vehicle cannot be sold in my state of Missouri with an open recall.

The upper ball joint on the passengers side failed or separated. This caused the truck to lose brake pressure and put the occupants lives in danger. The vehicle is currently at a GMC dealership in Killeen, TX being repaired. There were no warning signs or lamps.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver and the rear wheels were intermittently inoperable with the transmission experiencing hard downshifting. The failure occurred on several occasions. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact researched and was made aware of an undisclosed NHTSA Campaign; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

I was driving down the highway when my tailgate open on its own. This has happened 4-5 times where items could have fallen from my truck bed and caused an accident. There is an active recall for this issue but according to my VIN my vehicle isn’t affected but it clearly is. Dealer has inspected and confirmed it’s the same issue as with other models.

There is a current recall out there for the tailgates releasing on 20-24 Chevy Silverado 2500 and 3500. I own a 1500 and am having the same issue. Water is getting into the rear electronic switch and releasing the tailgate unbeknownst to me. I have lost items that were in the bed on the pickup on the road while traveling. Can the recall include the 1500 models also?