2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 243about this part
- Share
- 28%of 855 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 243 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 28% of the 855 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,500 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 2026-04“The engine rods went bad in the engine and damaged the cam shaft. The vehicle only has 71000 miles on it. The resulting repairs cost approximately $8000. We have been told by the Chevy dealer doing the repairs and also the dealer we bought the truck from that this is a known problem and they have had several vehicles with the 5.3L engine that have needed this same repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11659343, filed 2025-05“Vehicle has started shuddering everytime i drive, normal speeds, flat roads, hills, everything. Feels like my rear end disengages and re-engages while driving. Afraid it is going to lock up completely or im going to lose all power. Dont understand why my vehicle isnt included in the recall already out for this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11695342, filed 2025-10“The transmission on my truck failed. My truck now requires a new transmission. A repair costing over $7000. The transmission gave out while pulling into a street with my wife and child in the car. The truck would struggle to go into gear and lurch violently. The dealer was able to replicate these problems.”
NHTSA complaint #11649610, filed 2025-03“I experienced a locking up or no power to the rear wheels. It was raining and the rear wheels would spin. I had no traction. I had to take a few turns and had to be careful or I would have fishtailed into other vehicles. When I stopped at a stop light/or sign then proceeded forward the rear wheels would spin in place. The tires wouldn't grab the pavement. This is the best way I could explain it.”
NHTSA complaint #11696534, filed 2025-10Related recalls
- 26V083000Feb 12, 2026General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra…Covers: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2020–2022, GMC Sierra 1500 2020–2022, Sierra 2500 2020 +3 more
- 24V797000Oct 24, 2024General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade…Covers: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2020–2022, GMC Sierra 2500 2020–2022, Sierra 3500 2020–2022 +9 more
Related service bulletins
- 11024189Oct 9, 2025Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve. The effects can cause…
- 11024334Sep 4, 2025This service bulletin provides a procedure to overhaul the control valve to replace a plate and worn down check ball to correct the customers concern of No Reverse, No Shift Past…
- 11019752Jun 26, 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…
- 11026044Jun 6, 2025This service bulletin provides a procedure to overhaul the control valve to replace a plate and worn down check ball to correct the customers concern of No Reverse, No Shift Past…
- 11023369May 16, 2025This service bulletin advises the technician to check if the transmission cooler lines are twisted to correct customer concerns of Harsh Shift, Shudder, Surge, Stall…
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11017317Mar 27, 2025This service bulletin provides a procedure to overhaul the control valve to replace a plate and worn down check ball to correct the customers concern of No Reverse, No Shift Past…
- 11017255Mar 25, 2025This service bulletin helps diagnose/reduce possible CCND issues on Transfer Cases - Service 4WD on DIC, Intermittent Failures, Noise Concerns, Driveline/Steering…
- 11014622Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014621Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 | 20% |
| 2025 | 21 | 19% |
| 2024 | 96 | 30% |
| 2023 | 108 | 28% |
| 2022 | 190 | 29% |
| 2021 | 243 | 28% |
| 2020 | 235 | 31% |
| 2019 | 330 | 30% |
| 2018 | 171 | 33% |
| 2017 | 191 | 27% |
| 2016 | 194 | 24% |
| 2015 | 138 | 12% |
| 2014 | 154 | 11% |
| 2013 | 13 | 4% |
| 2012 | 10 | 5% |
| 2011 | 18 | 3% |
| 2010 | 24 | 7% |
| 2009 | 12 | 3% |
| 2008 | 25 | 3% |
| 2007 | 35 | 4% |
| 2006 | 28 | 8% |
| 2005 | 36 | 7% |
| 2004 | 27 | 3% |
| 2003 | 26 | 3% |
| 2002 | 26 | 5% |
| 2001 | 19 | 4% |
| 2000 | 16 | 3% |
| 1999 | 26 | 4% |
| 1998 | 26 | 7% |
| 1997 | 57 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
396 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 31, 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