2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years
More complaints than typical for this model
70/100 1.6× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.6× that of a typical Chevrolet Silverado 1500 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 174 of its 852 complaints were filed by the end of 2023.
- Most reported problem: Engine seizure or internal engine failure (224 complaints, median 63,000 mi).
- 8 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Open NHTSA investigationLoss of motive power due to engine failure
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2018
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 852filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 56,000miles, 180 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 8campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4–5 / 5stars overall, 6 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 4.3L 6-cyl RWD · 16 city / 21 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 report mostly engine and transmission problems, and the engine reports are often severe: stalling, loss of power, knocking, and in many cases a seized engine that a dealer says needs replacement. Transmission complaints center on shuddering, hard or delayed shifts, and valve body or torque converter repairs, while a smaller group of early-mileage complaints covers infotainment and tailgate behavior.
- Engine
Engine seizure or internal engine failure
- 224 complaints (26%)
- median 63,000 mi at 4.5 yrs old (71 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $7,250 (median of 14 quotes)
- filed 2020–2026
Owners describe knocking, ticking, or popping sounds followed by loss of power and a vehicle that will not restart. In several complaints a dealer or mechanic found metal debris in the oil or diagnosed failed bearings, a broken rod, or a failed crankshaft, and said the engine needed to be replaced. Some owners mention that parts for the related recall were not yet available, leaving the truck at the dealer. Reported from a few thousand miles up to well past 100,000 miles, with many reports clustered in the 40,000-90,000 mile range.
Recall 25V2740001 related service bulletin
What to check: Ask whether the truck has had recall 25V274000 performed and whether the engine was inspected or replaced. Check the oil and filter for metal debris and listen for knocking at cold start.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Full enjine failure at 371 miles causing loss of control.vehicle was driveing on city street about 30mph when failure happen. Just prior to that vehicle stalled in traffic at a stop when waiting for a red light. Spring broken in piston causeing failure. Also had problems with info. System blanking out and no radio then when it did work no volume control on the radio. Info. System first failed when backing up and no radio at all. Second time when moving forward but I had radio but no volume control. 3rd time when backing up and no radio at all. …”
NHTSA complaint #11384725, filed 2020-12, 371 miles“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the Low Oil Pressure - Turn Off Engine was displayed and the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to turn off and restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. …”
NHTSA complaint #11655099, filed 2025-04, 43,986 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Harsh, shuddering or slipping transmission
- 165 complaints (19%)
- median 68,450 mi at 4.5 yrs old (38 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,150 (median of 8 quotes)
- filed 2021–2026
Complaints describe shuddering, jerking, banging, and delayed or hard shifts, sometimes with the transmission slipping or dropping into neutral. Dealers have flushed the fluid, replaced the transmission valve body, or in some cases replaced the transmission; a few owners report the problem returning after a repair. Mostly reported between roughly 45,000 and 120,000 miles, with some at very low mileage.
Recall 24V797000Recall 26V0830004 related service bulletins
What to check: Test drive at low and highway speeds and watch for shudder or hesitation on light throttle. Ask whether the transmission fluid or valve body has been serviced and whether the truck falls under the transmission recalls.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the temperature gauge remained at hot (Hot) location, with a dinging warning notification. The check engine and Transmission idle temperature high messages were displayed. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road each time and turned off for approximately 45 minutes to allow the vehicle to cool down. …”
NHTSA complaint #11660413, filed 2025-05, 115,000 miles“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission temperature message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with possible transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11693446, filed 2025-10, 101,000 miles - Engine
Excessive oil use and low oil pressure
- 116 complaints (14%)
- median 57,000 mi at 4.5 yrs old (31 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $5,000 (median of 7 quotes)
- filed 2021–2026
Owners report the oil pressure gauge fluctuating, low-oil or low-pressure warnings, and finding the oil level far below full, with one owner adding several quarts between changes. Some describe the engine then stalling or seizing, and dealers sometimes could not determine a cause. Reported from about 40,000 to 65,000 miles in the sampled complaints.
What to check: Check the oil level and condition before buying and ask the seller about oil consumption between changes; look for low-oil-pressure warnings in service records.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The low engine power warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine failure was the result of no oil in the vehicle. The contact was informed that there was no oil on the dipstick when checked. …”
NHTSA complaint #11710411, filed 2026-01, 62,248 miles“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a ticking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with crankshaft failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11697905, filed 2025-11, 48,650 miles - Engine
Lifter, camshaft and misfire problems
- 191 complaints (22%)
- median 69,000 mi at 4.5 yrs old (36 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $6,750 (median of 10 quotes)
- filed 2021–2026
Complaints describe pinging or metallic noises from the top of the engine, rough running, and loss of power. Dealers diagnosed failed lifters, a camshaft concern, or a cylinder misfire, and replaced lifters, a fuel injector, or related parts; some owners report the noise returning after repair. Reported from around 30,000 to 120,000 miles.
What to check: Listen for ticking or pinging at idle and cold start, and ask whether lifters or fuel injectors have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, there was a metallic sound as if a bolt had fallen inside the engine compartment and was rotating and spinning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the camshaft and the engine lifters had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11721729, filed 2026-03, 116,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11639104, filed 2025-01, 90,000 miles - Engine cooling
Coolant control valve and overheating
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report intermittent overheating, the check engine light, and multiple stored codes. Dealers traced the problem to a failed coolant flow control valve that needed replacement, and some owners noted the repair was not covered under warranty or an associated program for their vehicle. Mostly reported between roughly 77,000 and 105,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the coolant control valve has been replaced and watch the temperature gauge during a long test drive, including with the A/C on.
An excerpt from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the engine occasionally overheated. The check engine warning light was illuminated for a day, and there were six diagnostic trouble codes displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the coolant flow control valve was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the repair was not covered under warranty or recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #11751121, filed 2026-07, 105,000 miles
Buying note. Have a 2021 Silverado 1500 inspected by an independent mechanic before purchase, focusing on engine noise, oil consumption, and transmission behavior, and confirm which open recalls have already been completed. Service records showing engine or transmission work are worth reading closely.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 852 consumer complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. 180 of the complaints include a mileage, and 46% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 56,000 miles. Of all complaints, 20 involved a crash, 12 a fire, 17 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns and 1,463 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 70 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine393 46%
- Transmission and drivetrain242 28%
- Electrical system113 13%
- Other or unknown75 8.8%
- Engine cooling60 7.0%
- Brakes45 5.3%
- Steering43 5.1%
- Fuel system32 3.8%
- Body and structure29 3.4%
- Air bags20 2.4%
Also reported: Suspension (18), Latches, locks and linkages (15), Forward collision avoidance (10), Vehicle speed control (10), Wheels (8), Seat belts (7), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (7), Exterior lighting (6), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (3), Tires (3), Electronic stability control (2), Seats (2), Equipment (1), Lane departure (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “On thursday feb 18th is was snowing when I left work, drove around the beltway approximately 30 miles going on average 30-40 MPH.no issues just bad roads. Right after I left the highway and turned on to a main road, I was approximately 1 mile on that road in the middle lane driving straight at about 25-30 MPH when my new 2021 silverado (5000 miles) loss power. The battery and check engine light came on with no engine power. As the vehicle was coasting attempted to get off the main road, but didn't make it due to the snow covered roads and slush. …”
NHTSA complaint #11397267, filed 2021-02, 5,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “The vehicle was shiifting sluggishly and the check engine light came on. The dealer has indicated that I need to replace a transmission controller valve body. This problem has been acknowledged by GM and a recall initiated, but my vehicle was not included in the recall. This does not seem reasonable and I believe the recall should be expanded.”
NHTSA complaint #11734849, filed 2026-04Electrical system: “I lost control of the vehicle when the road became bumpy. The vehicle was bouncing up and down pitching from side to side. I was driving the posted speed limit. This happened on the day I bought the vehicle and I was on my way home from the dealership. At first I thought the vehicle was acting like that because it was new. Nope. It's real. The truck bounces and pitches hard every time I hit a bump in the road. I even drove back to the location where it happened on the first day that I bought it and sure enough the vehicle acted the same way. …”
NHTSA complaint #11413270, filed 2021-04, 25 milesOther or unknown: “My truck started skipping and over time the check engine light came on. I took it in and they are saying it is the lifters, which is costly. I know this truck was built during COVID and I know a lot of the manufacturers were dealing with skeleton crews. I heard this was an issue with the 2021 Silverado trucks, and a recall. Can you please advise?”
NHTSA complaint #11765689, filed 2026-09Mileage when problems were reported
46% of the 180 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 23,000 and 91,733 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silverado 1500 · regular cab 2WD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| Silverado 1500 · extended cab 2WD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| Silverado 1500 · extended cab 4WD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.8% risk |
| Silverado 1500 · regular cab 4WD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.8% risk |
| Silverado 1500 · crew cab 2WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| Silverado 1500 · crew cab 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.8% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2021 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning not available, automatic emergency braking optional.
Neighbouring years: 2020: same overall rating; 2022: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silverado 2WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Silverado 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Silverado 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Silverado 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Silverado 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Silverado 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 14 | 21 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Silverado 4WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 19 | 22 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Silverado 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Silverado 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Silverado 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Silverado 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Silverado 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Silverado 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 14 | 21 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Silverado 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
13 more EPA-rated versions are not shown.
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 26V083000Feb 12, 2026Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module › SoftwareCovers: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2020–2022, GMC Sierra 1500 2020–2022, Sierra 2500 2020 +3 more
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control…
- 25V274000Apr 24, 2025Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanicalCovers: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2021–2024, Tahoe 2021–2024, GMC Yukon 2021–2024 +5 more
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…
- 24V797000Oct 24, 2024Power train › Automatic transmission › Fluid/lubricant › Valves/valve bodyCovers: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2020–2022, GMC Sierra 2500 2020–2022, Sierra 3500 2020–2022 +9 more
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…
- 21V985000Dec 16, 2021Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tireCovers: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2019–2021, GMC Sierra 1500 2019–2021
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 GMC Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500 vehicles equipped with certain accessory road tires and a 17" spare tire. The 17" spare tire provided with the vehicle is not compatible for use with the accessory wheels…
- 21V495000Jul 1, 2021Air bags › FrontalCovers: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2021
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vehicles. The front driver's side air bag module may be missing one or more metal tabs that secure the plastic air bag cover to the housing.
- 20V811000Dec 23, 2020Seat belts › Critical fastenersCovers: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2021, Bolt EV 2020, Tahoe 2021 +15 more
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…
See all 8 recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA25007Loss of motive power due to engine failureOpen · Oct 23, 2025
- PE25001Loss of motive power due to engine failureClosed · Jan 16, 2025
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,463 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038463Oct 5, 2026Other or unknown. This document assists GM dealer technicians with diagnosing torque converter concerns to ensure torque converter replacement is necessary. The torque converter part number will be placed on order…
- 11038139Oct 5, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary PI was created to advise techniians in the field that they will not be able to perform a GDS automated bleed with the scan tool dues to a issue with the software in the scan tool
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037550Sep 21, 2026Other or unknown. This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when ordering
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11036713Aug 27, 2026Other or unknown. This document assists GM dealer technicians with diagnosing torque converter concerns to ensure torque converter replacement is necessary. The torque converter part number will be placed on order…
- 11036392Aug 20, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues
- 11036196Aug 7, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates an issue where an aftermarket autostop device or rear taillights is causing a dead battery.
- 11035709Jul 31, 2026Other or unknown. This document assists GM dealer technicians with diagnosing torque converter concerns to ensure torque converter replacement is necessary. The torque converter part number will be placed on order…
- 11035350Jul 23, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides information to repair the door water deflector which is not sealed properly allows water into the door jam/sill area.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 126 | 4,000 | 3 | 4–5 | 19 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 108 | 7,000 | 0 | 5 | 19 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 319 | 10,709 | 2 | 5 | 18 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 391 | 34,000 | 3 | 5 | 19 | 44 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 654 | 36,750 | 6 | 4–5 | 18 | 60 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 852 | 56,000 | 8 | 4–5 | 17 | 70 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 750 | 27,177 | 12 | 4–5 | 19 | 77 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 1,097 | 15,727 | 10 | 4–5 | 19 | 90 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 523 | 37,500 | 7 | 5 | 19 | 37 · Typical | Stable |
| 2017 | 714 | 44,500 | 7 | 5 | 19 | 55 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 797 | 47,000 | 12 | 5 | 19 | 66 · More | Stable |
| 2015 | 1,111 | 54,792 | 11 | 5 | 19 | 57 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 1,437 | 63,000 | 6 | 5 | 20 | 67 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 301 | 60,000 | 2 | 4 | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2012 | 216 | 75,000 | 2 | 4 | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 565 | 70,000 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 5 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 363 | 67,000 | 3 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 445 | 70,000 | 3 | — | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 914 | 70,000 | 3 | — | 17 | 15 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 849 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 359 | 60,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 525 | 62,220 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 797 | 68,541 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 805 | 80,317 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 509 | 87,990 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 468 | 90,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 614 | 100,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 587 | 110,896 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1998 | 361 | 73,576 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 555 | 89,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1996 | 7 | 110,250 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1994 | 10 | 150,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 report mostly engine and transmission problems, and the engine reports are often severe: stalling, loss of power, knocking, and in many cases a seized engine that a dealer says needs replacement. The issues reported most often: Engine seizure or internal engine failure; Harsh, shuddering or slipping transmission; Excessive oil use and low oil pressure.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?
NHTSA recorded 852 consumer complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 393 complaints (46% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 242.
Has the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4–5 out of 5 stars overall, across 6 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (Silverado 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 16 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reported?
Among the 180 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 56,000 miles and the middle half falls between 23,000 and 91,733 miles; 46% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.