2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 392about this part
- Share
- 46%of 851 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,400miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 392 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 46% of the 851 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,400 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“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“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 2026-09“Engine Temperature fluctuates. Check engine light comes on, prompt on dash will say engine is overheating. Engine fan stays on high. Code on scanner states Coolant Control Valve. GM has issued special coverage on this exact issue. However, they tell me my truck is not covered. I am very upset with GM as they are failing to address a known concern with my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11731099, filed 2026-04“The water pump went bad at 31,000 miles. If I continued driving and the pulley fell off the engine would overheat. I took it to the dealer and they confirmed the pump failure and want me to pay over $1,400 for repair that should be covered under warranty. There was no warning lamps lit, the pump just started making a grinding sound.”
NHTSA complaint #11765602, filed 2026-09Related service bulletins
- 11027714Jan 21, 2026Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to…
- 11025492Nov 6, 2025Under Field Actions N252494000, N252494001, the service procedure includes performing a PICO test on vehicle engines within the identified suspect VIN population. If the engine…
- 11023152Sep 16, 2025Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition that could cause the engine coolant control valve to fail an onboard vehicle diagnostic test. If this condition were to occur…
- 11024332Sep 6, 2025This informational bulletin advises the technician of a part number change for long block engines used in the trucks noted.
- 11024330Sep 6, 2025This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer concerns of engine related shudder.
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11018541May 23, 2025Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to…
- 11024486May 16, 2025This bulletin advises the tech to inspect deeper into what may be to main cause of an engine failure.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11020254May 7, 2025This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 73 | 58% |
| 2025 | 57 | 53% |
| 2024 | 149 | 47% |
| 2023 | 153 | 39% |
| 2022 | 257 | 39% |
| 2021 | 392 | 46% |
| 2020 | 251 | 33% |
| 2019 | 378 | 34% |
| 2018 | 103 | 20% |
| 2017 | 114 | 16% |
| 2016 | 72 | 9% |
| 2015 | 132 | 12% |
| 2014 | 191 | 13% |
| 2013 | 33 | 11% |
| 2012 | 25 | 12% |
| 2011 | 40 | 7% |
| 2010 | 33 | 9% |
| 2009 | 36 | 8% |
| 2008 | 44 | 5% |
| 2007 | 48 | 6% |
| 2006 | 7 | 2% |
| 2005 | 18 | 3% |
| 2004 | 18 | 2% |
| 2003 | 15 | 2% |
| 2002 | 8 | 2% |
| 2001 | 11 | 2% |
| 2000 | 10 | 2% |
| 1999 | 6 | 1% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
242 complaintsElectrical system
113 complaintsOther or unknown
75 complaintsEngine cooling
60 complaintsBrakes
45 complaintsSteering
43 complaintsFuel system
32 complaintsBody and structure
29 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
15 complaintsForward collision avoidance
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology