- Warning came up that said to service power steering system. Steering wheel became extremely hard to turn. -I could barely complete my turn to get the vehicle clear of the road -Vehicle is scheduled to be seen by a dealer -No other parties have inspected the vehicle
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2021 record →
When my truck is outside and gets rained on. The Tailgate automatically drops and keeps dropping over and over again. It’s been doing this for months. I have many safety concerns. I’ve had my tailgate open while driving. I had a young child standing behind my truck and it automatically opened. Recently over the period of the night it kept sending signals to drop annd lights would alol turn on until my truck battery was drained. I’ve looked up and saw other Silverados in my time frame with same problem with tailgate switch and have been recalled. This is 100 percent same thing going on with my truck. I have video but couldn’t upload below
Bulletin No.: 21-NA-275 Please refer to the posted bulletin. This known issue is absolutely dangerous and needs to be recalled. My truck will lock up going 50 to 60 mph to a complete stop and there's no warning. Gm needs to get all these vehicles fixed it's going to hurt someone or even worse. There's no warming lamps. I'm getting my vehicle into the shop as soon as possible. This issue again is very very dangerous.
The power steering locked when driving, this happened last year. I had it serviced at the dealership and it was fixed but it’s reoccurring occasionally. Now when you turn it on you could hear a sound and it’s hard to turn. It’s a safety concern for me and for others to drive it with that condition. I brought it back to the dealership to have it serviced again, a mechanic inspected it and confirmed there’s a problem with the steering but they will have to do a proper diagnostic with the issue. There ‘s no warning message that pops out.
After starting the truck and placing in reverse the service power steering warning come on as well as service ESC. The steering wheel would not move. If I were driving at a higher speed a crash would be imminent. On the Chevy forums there are several other owners that experienced the same problem and the loss of steering happens randomly. After parking the truck and returning several hours later the warnings did not reappear. I called the Chevrolet dealership and they informed me that they cannot diagnose the vehicle if no service lights are actively showing. Then I called Chevrolet to report the issue and they informed me that there are no recalls and nothing can be done unless the warnings are active and to contact another service center. If the vehicle does this while i'm driving I most likely will be in a accident. The Chevrolet case # 9-12940772786
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered, jerked, and hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring increasingly while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was test-driven, but was not diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to the torque converter. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
When I am driving over 40mph and accelerate my breaks lock up. It's almost like I hit something really hard. It has done this at 70 mph and almost cause an accident behind me. My truck doesn't have automatic emergency braking on it. I have read a form a lot of people are having this same issue with this year and make.
The gas tank door will not stay shut. There’s is no damage something inside the bedside happened mechanical.
Leaking radiator with no ETA on parts availability and this is also an issue with the coolant valve being on back order and both have many reports of this failing as well with some google searches. The dealership has my vehicle and has been inspected by them. I also do not understand why radiators are not apart of the powertrain when it cools the most critical part the engine. If the Radiator fails the engine fails.
Rear tail gate opens when parked and while driving. It also opens when key has been removed.
The key fobs for keyless start/lock/unlock stopped working and batteries replaced still didn’t work. Brought to dealer to be fixed. They replaced a sensor thinking it would be the fix- did not work. They found a corroded wire and replaced it. Asked them what happened and how it corroded. They said it was nothing we did wrong it just corroded. Cost $1000+ for fix for an issue that seemed to “just happen”
Back in March 2024 the tailgate opened on its own only a few times. Now April 2024 it opened on its own several times without a button being pushed. After it opened it made several clocks like the tailgate is trying to lower. Now the tailgate button does not work and can only open it with the key fob
I dropped an ink pen between the drivers seat and the center fold down seat. While attempting to retrieve the pen I reached between the drivers seat and the console just forward of the seatbelt connector with my right hand. When I pulled my hand out a sharp piece of metal on the seat frame sliced the fatty portion of my hand below the thumb. There isn’t a guard to protect the hand in the event one reaches between the seat to retrieve an object. I also found the same sharp piece present on the passenger side seat between the seat and the center console. I took the vehicle to my local dealer and the service manager also noted the sharp portion of the seat. He too, sliced his finger while reaching between the seat and the console. I did warn him beforehand as to what could happen. He suggested the vehicle be brought in for service. This is not a functional issue. This is a design, material flaw issue which has the potential to created injury.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact observed an excessive amount of condensation on the interior of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the lifters resulting in misfires in the engine. The dealer also determined that cracks in the rear windshield glass guides resulted in excessive condensation in the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 18-NA-383. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 9,000.
Tailgate will open in it’s own while driving or when parked.
My 2021 Silverado (~29500 miles) pickup has a multifunction tailgate. I noticed about two weeks ago that the tailgate would unlatch and come down at random. I might unlock and open the door or I might start the vehicle or I might turn off the vehicle and the tailgate would come down. It is very random and has no pattern to why it is happening. The gate is electrically controlled inside the vehicle as well as the controls on the gate itself. I find this such a serious safety concern because you can not tell when it might come down and if you are pulling a trailer it could be disastrous. My main concern is that I might be backing into a parking spot, which I frequently do, and the tailgate is either down or comes down at the wrong time and at best I might back into something or at worst back into or pinch a person between the tailgate and another object. I have seen this problem reported online but I can not verify independently nor first person that it has happened to others. I am having the vehicle serviced next week under the existing warranty. There never were nor are there now any warning lamps to indicate a problem. Until the repair is completed I have put two bungee cords in place to hold the tailgate up.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while his wife was driving on two occasions at approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to exceed 20 MPH. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the #2 lifter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred a few weeks later. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled on three occasions while stopping and using the Auto START/STOP feature. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. On the last occasion, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that another lifter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.
Unknown system Tailgate lowered by itself. It was up when we got in and left and was down when we got to our destination. Luckily the only thing that came out was a golf towel and not the two sets of golf clubs as well. I believe this is a problem on other GM vehicles Has not been inspected and no warning lamps
I was driving along about 45 mph and the truck was cruising in overdrive so about 1500 rmp on tachometer. I hit the gas to climb a hill as truck started to lose speed and when it tried to shift out of od to pick up speed the brakes seemed to slam on and I skidded to almost a stop. This has happened several times when climbing a hill or anytime I have to pass a vehicle or accelerate from out of overdrive. The dealer could never seem to get it to reproduce during test drive. They recently said there is a service bulletin for this exact issue and are waiting for a new valve body for transmission. My service records show I had a new valve body installed last year due to transmission pump bearing coming apart internally. The valve body is only a year old. But this is a very dangerous situation. I have to drive my truck for work and I have to be really cognizant of how hard I touch the gas and what gear I am in. If this happens to anyone while on the freeway and a semi or another vehicle is too close their truck will downshift and lock brakes and it could cost a life. It only happens under these circumstances but it has to be a recall. A service bulletin doesn't get it as someone has to have it happen for it to even be looked at. I have to drive my truck as I do not have a choice. But a service bulletin shows that GM I'd aware of the issue but they are unwilling to do a recall. A lotnof silverados are on the road and inwould hate for anything to happen. It could ruin a lot of lives
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the tailgate independently unlatched. The contact stated that the failure occurred several times during the snow season. Additionally, the contact stated that due to the tailgate independently unlatching, damage was caused to the center of the tailgate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
I purchased a used 2021 Chevrolet Silverado from a dealership 5 months ago. Almost immediately after purchasing the truck, I would hear and feel an intermittent pop that originated from near the floor of the front passenger side. The sound became more frequent and would happen mostly when making sharp turns but also when making softer turns. I took it to the dealership to investigate. They had it for a week and supposedly examined the entire vehicle. They were able to replicate the pop sound when driving it but were unable to diagnose the problem. They claimed that sometimes trucks just make noise and assured me that the vehicle was safe to drive. I asked how they knew it was safe if they didn't know what the problem was and how was I to know that whatever is causing the sound isn't causing internal damage. The service manager again assured me that the certified mechanics looked at every detail of the vehicle and found nothing to be concerned about and sent me on my way. After taking the truck home, I continued normal use of the truck, taking it on 3 long distance trips on the highway. The sound continued as it had before, occurring intermittently when turning. 2 days ago, I was backing out of my driveway. I heard a very loud pop and got out of the vehicle to find that the front passenger wheel had completely broken at the ball joint of the control arm and was lying nearly flat on the ground, held suspended by the brake line and CV boot and other attached components. The truc
A couple of days ago, noticed some coolant under my truck. Took it to a dealer who informed me that the radiator has a crack in it. The truck has just over 53,000 miles on it and the warranty doesn't cover the radiator after 36,000 miles. We keep it serviced as normal and there hasn't been any extreme weather here in Oklahoma lately to explain the this away. Just irritating to pay the kind of money you pay for something that has this kind of issue already.
Several times mi wife and I have been close to provoking an accident due to the driver seat not been able to go up for my wife to see well over the dash nor will it go down for me to see the gages well. My wife has been stretching to look over creating neck and back pain and I have lowered my head down taking my eyes out of the road close to provoke accident several times.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, an abnormal grinding sound was coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle surged forward after experiencing hesitation. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the valve body was replaced; however, the failure worsened upon retrieving the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact of Technical Service Bulletin: 20-NA-187. The dealer stated that there was no repair for the bulletin. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
1. Trucks start/stop delays. When in traffic or crossing over lanes the truck fails to turn back on/start. When the truck does turn back on, the truck jumped forward almost sending me and my family into on coming traffic. 2. When trying to start the truck the starter will turn over constantly not turning on the truck (motor is turning over). The starter will time out after about 20+ seconds. The starter does this when auto start/stop is activated, so we get stuck in traffic almost causing accidents.
On Sunday, January 4th, the tailgate of the truck began unlatching and opening on its own. It has done this repeatedly since that date. Only unlatches when the vehicle is in park and unlocked. The electronic latch will continue to cycle (click) after the tailgate has initially opened. Exterior taillights and side markers flash as they should with each cycle. This issue is identical to the warranty recall issued recently for the 2020 through 2024 Chevrolet and GMC 2500 & 3500 trucks.
Lifter failure on bank 4. 23000 miles.
"Cylinder 4 misfire" was the diagnostic code - the vehicle is currently at Millennium Chevrolet in Hempstead, NY. First attempt at a fix was the fuel injector - second fix is replacing the rocker arm. Emissions is still showing as an error. I was traveling to the dealership for repairs when the misfire became so bad that multiple alerts illuminated on the dash. I was in stop and go traffic at the time going 30 mph. Thankfully I was near a place to pull over out of the flow of traffic. I tow with my vehicle and just returned from a cross country trip - if this happened while towing up a grade in the western half of the country, I don't know what I would have done. Yes, the dealership confirmed the problem and it is under the powertrain warranty. I do not know if GM Engineers have inspected the engine, however, it has been in the care of a GM dealership and service center since [XXX]. [XXX] the check engine light illuminated for the first time, yet went off after .2 of a mile when I turned around to return home. I made an appointment with service at the dealership the next morning ([XXX]) and was on my way there when I no longer felt safe driving it and called for a tow truck. [XXX] - check engine came on and went off. [XXX] - check engine came on again. [XXX] - check engine - on the way to the dealership - service parking break, anti-traction control. This is when I pulled over because the vibration from the misfire of the engine became much worse. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUAN
On the evening of Dec 19th, our 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 DuraMax with 19K miles on it caught fire, burned, and was declared a total loss. We were on our way to go pick up our travel trailer as were we leaving for a trip on Xmas with our 2 dogs and my brother-in-law. Smoke started billowing out from under the hood and within minutes the front end was engulfed in flames. I have pics/videos. We’re ok but that was a scary situation that could have had a different outcome. We could have been on the highway towing our trailer with our 2 dogs and bro-in-law and who knows how long it would have taken the fire department to arrive on scene on the highway. There were no warning lights etc. to notify us. The truck gets driven, taken care of and I had just driven it the day before. We’re not aware or have seen any recalls. All info is on our Chevy app. We filed a claim with our insurance, and it has been paid off now, but in reality, "our fault" in insurers eyes. No cause was determined. That being the case, GM has closed claim and say not liable for personal property lost in fire, as insurance didn't contact GM with any mfg defects and insurance has already paid off the truck. We are repeat Chevy customers. This was our 4th leased Silverado and we also have a Traverse. The lease on the burned-up truck was coming due May 2024. We way overpaid on the milage. We're not filing a homeowners claim for lost personal property as insurance has paid off the truck and we don't want to be dropped.
Radiator is leaking coolant. Truck is 2 years old and this is a known issue being widely reported
Truck lost power and shut down without warning while driving in traffic. Happened twice on the way home from church with my family. First time truck shut off as we were turning across a busy intersection. Coasted off on to shoulder of highway. After several attempts truck restarted. It shut off again before reaching home. Has to call a tow truck. Has truck towed to local Chev dealer on New Years Eve. Dealer kept truck three days. Could not find problem. I picked up truck, drove home, truck shut off just before I reached my house. Coasted into driveway. Called dealer. Said bring it back. Waited two hours. Truck started so I drove back to dealership, approximately 15 miles. Truck shut off again without warning on highway in front of dealership. I sounded horn and flashed lights as I coasted across oncoming traffic into dealership parking lot. This was on Wednesday Jan 3rd. Friday afternoon dealer called and said that hey have not been able to isolate problem. Said they know they are losing communication between modules but don’t know where. The “fix” they claim is to take the cab off the truck and replace entire wiring harness! Cost is $6300. Truck has 48,000 miles on it. All highway and road miles. Can’t afford $6300 to repair a 2.5 year old truck. I am fortunate that neither me or my family were involved in a crash due to truck shutting off unexpectedly. This is a very dangerous issue.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH a burning rubber odor and a smoke haze was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. After stopping to investigate under the hood flames were present at the passenger side fire wall of the engine compartment. Moments later the cabin of the vehicle was in flames which quickly spread and the entire vehicle became engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene to extinguish the flames. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. A police report and fire report were taken. The cause of failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The local dealer was contacted. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Transmission lags between 1st & 2nd gear some times as long as 3 seconds making transfer case hit hard . I have had this truck at the dealer 2 are 3 times with this and other matters , the maintenance technician reports he can not reduplicate my grievance , this malfunction occurs more prominently in cold weather in morning on first take off . All so turn signal malfunction at random no particular pattern , Tech. all so unable to reduplicate .
Airbag failure to deploy. Vehicle didn't deploy airbags at a head on side collision, metal bumper got pushed in and front tow hook got bent, Impact was detected by iPhone crash detection.
I went to dealer for an oil change last week. They told me the left front shock had a minor leak and they would be ordering me a new one. After arriving home I noticed that the passenger side shock was also leaking. On 11/28/23 the truck went to the dealer to get both front shocks replaced. Upon arriving home after the new ones were installed I looked at the shocks and noticed the passenger side was leaking fluid to the point it was puddling in my driveway. The fluid was pissing out from inside the shock. I began taking photos and videos of such. My wife is 22 weeks pregnant and this was in needed stress for her. Not only did the brand new shock fail but put her and my future baby at risk.
On October 2, 2023, the check engine light starting flashing and loss of power while driving. I was not far from the dealership where I purchased the truck on September 12, 2023, with 29.000 miles. They did diagnostics on it and found that the engine/powertrain computer/module needed factory reset. Then on October 17, 2023, I started my truck and heard what sounded like a knocking sound in the engine. It quit after about 1 minute during cold start. The next day it sound got worse, so I drove it into the dealership to have them look at it. There were no warning lights or any other warning signs. Was told by the service advisor after showing them the video I took of the noise that the lifters have failed. The repair was done a week later and that did not fix the issue. I was told the truck needed a full engine replacement. I'm very fortunate that I was not driving at the time when this failure happened, or I could have had an accident. It is now almost a month later and I'm still waiting on the engine to arrive for replacement.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal, pinging sound was coming from the vehicle before the vehicle started to lose motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that several unknown messages had flashed on the instrument panel during the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that the cause of the failure was due to the lifters. The lifters were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,500. The VIN was not available.
On 6.22.23 at Lake Powell AZ this truck transmission locked up twice and nearly threw the wife and I through the windshield, very traumatic!! Happened towing a boat entering highway, had to pull to a narrow shoulder. Jarred our bodies, seatbelt into shoulder/chest. The engine light came on, had truck towed to Flagstaff Chevrolet. Had it 3 weeks. Drove home to Huntington Beach, CA without issue. Drove fine until 10.21.23 when engine light came on. Took truck to Delillo Chevrolet on 10.30.23 where purchased, they diagnosed, said Flagstaff Chevy did not program trans. computer correctly, programmed and said it was good to go. Picked up truck on 10.30.23, drove about 50 miles 11.2.23 to work and back, that night went to drive and the engine light was back on. I turned off an hour later. I drove it the next day no engine light, leaving physical therapy for my recent shoulder replacement, going 40 mph when it did the same thing it did in June! It jolted me two times nearly hitting my head on the steering wheel. The transmission shifted to 1st gear, certainly red-lining the engine. I drove the truck slowly to Delillo, just a few miles away. I told the service manager I can never drive this truck again, it is unsafe, traumatizing waiting for this to happen again. I would never put my family in this truck again. It has caused me physical and emotional trauma. The vehicle is unsafe, the jolts caused my new shoulder to hurt. It is devastating to think what would happen if I was at freew
On October 31st while driving my vehicle my power steering light came on stating ESC POWER STEERING Failure/Issue. This caused me to have no power steering. I was able to safely stop the vehicle. I restarted it numerous times with the same message showing up. About 5-10 minutes later it started with no issues and without the same power steering message. This is extremely dangerous!
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to steer as needed. The service now message was displayed. The vehicle was restarted three times, but the steering remained inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the system was reset. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired, but the failure recurred. While starting the vehicle, the power steering functionality was inoperable. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH and traveling down a 5 percent grade hill, the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard on several attempts. The vehicle failed to slow down. The driver continued to pump the brake pedal. The contact engaged the parking brake. The service trailer brake system and the engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact had an independent mechanic reset the brakes. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake master cylinder booster system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 49,400.
Push start button malfunctioned. The vehicle would not turn off last night and took about 30 minutes to get vehicle to turn off. Next day, had the same issue where vehicle would not start and left me stranded. After calling for a tow truck, I was able to start the vehicle. When researching the problem online, I saw several other complaints of the same issue where the buttons malfunctioned and could either not start their vehicle or turn the vehicle off.
Engine suddenly began to run rough and slowed substantially while driving. If this occurred at highway speed, it could have presented a safety risk. Multiple check engine lights and error messages appeared at the time of the event - "service emissions system" and "65mph max speed" Dealer inspected vehicle and found a shorted wiring harness and fuel injector. The faulty parts were replaced
Upper control arm ball joint failed causing me to lose stealing control, luckily I was only driving 10MPH, if I had been on the interstate this could have been more serious possibly fatalities involved, I have read reports this is a common thing, my truck is a 2021 Silverado, I never received a recall notice
Rear third brake light is leaking water into the cab and causing water stains on the headliner. I am worried about it eventually causing an electrical short or more water damage. I don't have a rear window that slides open and the rear glass has never been replaced nor has the third brake light all original from factory.
Unknown
On three separate instances (two after paying $3,000 to "fix" it) my 2021 Trailboss is flashing warnings of: Park Assist Off, Steering Assist is Reduced Drive with Care, Service 4WD, Service Trailor Brake System...all while driving down the rode and losing all gauges/flatlining and no fuel warning engaging (had a 1/2 tank). The Chevrolet Dealer claims it's not producing a code (Thankfully I recorded the evidence)...Truck has just over 40k miles and has been driven with care. **Pictures are all while driving down the road** Serious electrical and SAFETY ISSUE and it needs to be RECALLED and addressed!
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started to pull to the left and the contact became aware that front driver’s side wheel had separated from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road safely. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. A police report was filed. The contact was unsure if the vehicle was diagnosed. The dealer stated that the front driver’s side ball joint was defective. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 37,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact attempted to change lanes and the high beams automatically activated without driver input. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and confirmed that the high beam headlights were activating whenever the indicators were activated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Started having a rubbing sound in rear end of vehicle. Took it to dealer. Brake calipers are a issue on this model and dealer says, “ found updated rear brake calipers with deflectors to help with dirt in rear calipers/not covered under warranty customer pay expense”, they are replacing rotors under warranty that got worn out. They want me to pay $2400 to purchase and have the “updated brake calipers” installed. If brake calipers are updated then that means there is a known issue with them. Spoke with the manufacturer and they said too bad.
Reading these
NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Full record for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 → · Every Silverado 1500 year → · How the figures are calculated →