2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Routine

Owners filed 40 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 5 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System8
000
Power Train7
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages6
000
Structure › Body5
100
Service Brakes3
000
Fuel/Propulsion System3
000
Engine2
000
Air Bags2
000
Unknown or Other1
000
Tires › Tread/Belt1
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Fluid/Lubricant › Valves/Valve Body24V797000
Filed Oct 24, 2024463,295 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.

Risk. Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch24V060000
Filed Feb 1, 2024570,434 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in park.

Risk. An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232426400.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Electric › Control Module21V758000Park outside
Filed Sep 29, 20213,241 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles with electronic brake control modules (EBCM) replaced during vehicle assembly. The bolts that attach the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) assembly may not be properly tightened, which could fail to seal the two sub-assemblies and allow water intrusion.

Risk. Water in the BPMV may cause an electrical short circuit and increase the risk of fire.

Remedy. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will replace the BPMV assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 20, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212349181.

Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners20V811000
Filed Dec 23, 2020470 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.

Risk. If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.

Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners20V792000
Filed Dec 17, 2020624,216 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.

Risk. If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Sep 11, 2026OH

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked or while driving at undisclosed speeds, the tailgate unintendedly opened or closed. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not free because the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 19, 2026MO

On XXX the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado was taken to Mayse Automotive Group at [XXX] dealership for the complaint of the key getting stuck in the ignition and unable to remove causing a safety and security risk. Service department found that the transmission control in column needed to be replaced. The park switch control was defective and providing incorrect data. Service department confirmed that many vehicles alike have needed same repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 29, 2026WI

Water entered tailgate through drainage hole in tailgate cap. The water then dripped on the tailgate switch causing it to short out. This short circuit caused my tailgate to open and close randomly without pressing any switches or buttons or key fobs. May tailgate has a small ding it it now from where it kept hitting the wall while parked in the garage. I took the truck to the dealership to get repairs done and was charged 308.88 for the tailgate switch and diagnosis that should have been under a recall for this truck. Safety Recall N232426400 Tailgate May Open Unexpectedly issued May 2024. I called the customer service number [XXX] to try and get reimbursed for the repairs and they told me there is no recall on my truck. I had this problem and it clearly states the year, make and model of my truck in the recall, but because my vin wasn't included I'm out of luck? I will attach all the info i have on this matter. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 2, 2026OH

The tailgate will go up and down when the vehicle is turned off and in park. It will also do this while driving the vehicle. * I notice there has already been a recall for this issue, but my VIN shows NO RECALLS

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 20, 2026NY

Service engine light kept coming on the dash, and the code came back to a faulty DEF heater. My truck had a reduced power countdown on the dash indicating the truck was going go to into limp mode after x amount of miles. On warmer days the code would go away and there would be no reduced power. The vehicle was diagnosed at a GM dealership and confirmed the DEF heater was bad, but was notified that there is a bulletin with GM for this issue occurring in many other diesel trucks. My safety was put at risk due to the rapidly changing reduced speed milage, at any point it could drop from 100miles, to 10 miles until reduced speed. This could cause an instant car accident while driving if the truck were to randomly slow down to a speed much slower than the speed limit. IE- driving on the north way (65 speed limit) and having the speed drop to 5mph unexpectedly when you just had over 100 miles to reduced speed.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 8, 2026OH

My 2021 chevy 3500hd diesel had the engine light come on and the service emissions system popped up in the info screen. It said in so many miles speed would be limited. I took it to the dealer and they said the def tank would need replaced because the tank wiring connector overheated and would cost me over $2k.

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Nov 20, 202574,040 milesLA

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that the tailgate occasionally opened and closed unintendedly. The failure had occurred several times. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, an appointment was scheduled. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,040.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 18, 2025MI

Power unlatching tailgate opens unexpectedly (after big rain storm) The exact problem in this recall: Safety Recall N232426400 Tailgate May Open Unexpectedly However, my truck VIN wasn't part of the recall, even tho it shows it should be in the document above. I had to disconnect the tailgate switch myself to stop the tailgate from randomly opening while pulling a 5th wheel RV..... 3,000 miles from home. Just had it fixed at the dealer for $144, who said it wasn't coved under recall.

Engine
Filed Nov 10, 2025MD

My 2021 Chevy Silverado 3500 [XXX] Motor began requiring a quart of oil every 3-4 weeks. I took my vehicle to a GM dealer in October 2024 and the stated the couldn't find any issues. Fast forward to December 2024 my motor began reading low compression and saying stop the vehicle. I took the vehicle back and pressured them to find out whats wrong with the truck as I only have 76,000 miles and I have performed all of the necessary maintenance. I even have a Chevrolet Platinum protection plan for warranty coverage. I have gotten the run around for months and I have yet to get my vehicle repaired. After taking my truck to a certified 3rd party the verified that the lifters failed and the motor would likely need to be replaced or rebuilt. The mechanics reported this Information to the Chevrolet warranty company and the stated the refuse to provide and repairs unless I produce oil change receipts or return the vehicle back to a dealership and pay for the dealer to tear the motor down. PLEASE HELP ME!!! Im stuck paying $819 a month for a truck I haven't driven regularly since December 2024. Please please please help me Sincerely [XXX] General Motors [XXX] 2021 3500 hd wt 4x4 Case # 9-XXX [XXX] I have a 2021 chevy 3500 lt (dually) Been having issues with a rough idle so I figured to replace the plugs, coil packs and wires as my truck just hit 70,000 miles. After doing the full tune up nothing changed, so I scheduled an appointment with my local chevy dealership. They kept my truck fo

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Oct 30, 20258,611 milesVA

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the tailgate inadvertently opened and closed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that when the button to open the tailgate was pressed, the tailgate failed to function as intended. Upon further inspection, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). However, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic gate-release switch had short-circuited. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,611.

Engine
Filed Oct 18, 2025TX

I was driving down the highway at speed limit when the dash lights came on and the truck started jerking went to a mechanic and he stated it was a fuel ejector after getting it replaced the issue still occurs often check engine light comes on and off and this the only transportation I have for work

Power Train
Filed Oct 6, 2025146,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly went into Low Power Mode, with the check engine and low power mode warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where DTC: P2706 and P2732 were retrieved, and the contact was informed that the valve body and certain components of the transmission required reprogramming. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train). The dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Sep 13, 2025UT

With 33k miles on the original tires on my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD. Driver's side rear ire self destructed going down the highway at 70mph. Was not towing at the time. LT275/65R20 126/123S E @ 80psi

Unknown or Other
Filed May 5, 2025WI

Our tailgate would open on its own intermittingly. We haul our fifth wheel camper and this could cause damage to the RV and our vehicle. There have been recalls on one year older trucks and one year newer but not for the 2021Chevrolet Silverado. A Chevrolet dearlership in Florida looked at it for us. They said cause : checked for codes and bulletins. Found code B153D. Completed circuit check. Also found tailgate hatch out of adjustment. Corrctionj: Rec. replace switch and adjust latch. We were charged $486.05 for this. We feel this should be a recall problem. Please advise.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 14, 2025PA

Tailgate opens by itself. This happened 3 times in 2 hours while the vehicle was parked. I tow a 5th-wheel trailer. If this happens when towing it can cause a catastrophe.

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Feb 10, 202534,000 milesMN

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park(P), the tailgate independently opened during rainy or inclement weather. No warning light was illuminated. Upon further inspection, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (Latch/Locks/Linkages); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Jan 22, 202550,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while the doors were unlocked, and the vehicle was idling or in motion; the rear tailgate independently opened and closed with an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact manually closed the tailgate and locked the doors to prevent the failure from reoccurring. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). The contact stated that the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Power Train
Filed Jan 21, 2025MN

This is regarding 24V797. A software update to "monitor" for transmission valve failure is not a resolution to a problem that could pose a sever risk to my safety on a very expensive truck.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 26, 2024OH

Injector #4 connector harness issue- Known issue on the 6.6L duramax. Driving with my children for Christmas pickup and power reduction occurred while passing another car on the road. Causing us to hit the breaks as the truck wouldn’t allow us to pass timely. Known harness issue by GM and instead of covering I had to pay to have a new connector spliced in. Multiple warning lights. Check engine, Emissions warning, Reduced power, Traction control, parking brake

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 17, 2024SC

Driving home from work 7/1/2024 approx 5:15PM Smelled burning smell, no noise or dash lights, thought it was another car. 1 minute later, heard a thump from under hood and "Charging System Failure" came on dash. Decided to take to Chevy dealer, which was 5 minutes away. Within next 2 minutes steering failed. As I came to next intersection, brakes failed, went thorough red light, luckily not hit by another vehicle. Coasted to stop and called tow service.Engine was still running until I turned it off. Had towed to local Chevy dealer. AC compressor had locked up, broken belt. Steering and brakes failed. Dealer agreed both failed, but would not list the brake failure on the invoice. I was originally invoiced 2900.00 to repair, even though truck had only 29244 miles. That was reduced to 1160.00. Was told it was 2 months past 36 month warranty. Engine was still under warranty, but AC, alternator, power steering and brakes, was not,. I had contacted GM which originally told me they would reimburse me for repairs and would mail me a check, I have the email. When check did not arrive after 2 months, I contacted my case worker again via email and phone. Could not get a response after about 6 attempts. When I called and finally got another person, I was informed they had changed their mind.

20 of 40 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2000
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20262300Routine
202512120Routine
202449302Fatalities reported
202315100Routine
202227310Routine
2021 — this page40510Routine
202042810Routine
201922700Routine
201819600Routine
201713600Routine
201651600Routine
201552730Routine
201410310Routine
201326410Routine
201223401Fatalities reported
201129500Routine
20102501Fatalities reported
200910610Routine
200831410Routine
200739520Routine
200652031Fatalities reported
200546100Routine
200441100Routine
200342110Routine
200250200Routine
200172210Routine
200080210Routine
199947100Routine
199867120Routine
199761110Routine
19961000Routine
19941000Routine

Compare every Silverado 3500 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 24, 2024. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.