2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 12%of 41 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 15,521miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the fuel system of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, 12% of the 41 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 15,521 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11716547, filed 2026-02“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”
NHTSA complaint #11632370, filed 2024-12“Check engine light came on followed almost immediately with an Onstar warning to service the engine and transmission within 7 days. Took truck to dealer. They diagnosed problem was fuel system contamination. Hole was found on the inner mesh liner of the fuel filter which allowed water and a sludge like material to get into the fuel system.”
NHTSA complaint #11472736, filed 2022-07“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11719345, filed 2026-02“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, he noticed smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the smoke would become more aggressive as the accelerator or brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle caught on fire however the origin was unknown. The contact and his family exited the vehicle safely and discovered unknown fluid emitting from the rear of the vehicle. The contact used a fire extinguisher to attempt to extinguish the fire however the fire kept returning a total of 4 times. …”
NHTSA complaint #11605095, filed 2024-07, 15,521 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11017173Mar 21, 2025This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
- 11011443Oct 15, 2024This Preliminary information communicates information on faulty replacement K111 Fuel Pump Driver Control Module.
- 11010874Oct 15, 2024This bulletin provides information on how to look for and test for DEF or water in the fuel system and what the specs should be.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2024 | 4 | 8% |
| 2023 | 1 | 6% |
| 2021 | 5 | 12% |
| 2020 | 5 | 12% |
| 2019 | 4 | 18% |
| 2018 | 5 | 26% |
| 2017 | 2 | 15% |
| 2016 | 11 | 22% |
| 2015 | 15 | 29% |
| 2014 | 3 | 30% |
| 2013 | 4 | 15% |
| 2012 | 6 | 26% |
| 2011 | 6 | 21% |
| 2008 | 2 | 6% |
| 2007 | 5 | 13% |
| 2006 | 3 | 6% |
| 2005 | 8 | 17% |
| 2004 | 7 | 17% |
| 2003 | 7 | 17% |
| 2002 | 8 | 16% |
| 2001 | 7 | 10% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 4 | 9% |
| 1998 | 10 | 15% |
| 1997 | 7 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaintsLane departure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
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