2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 17%of 41 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, 17% of the 41 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,500 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“July 20, we were driving the 2021 3500HD to church w/our single axle trailer w/mower on it when we were stopped at a yield sign and proceeded to pull forward, our truck made a loud boom noise and immediately stopped. Warning lights on the dash began coming on, when the gas pedal was pressed it made a loud RPM sound of engine revving, following by barely coasting action. We were able to drift into the turn lane & get out of danger. We had to be towed to Capital Chevrolet bc something isn't functioning properly. …”
NHTSA complaint #11605693, filed 2024-07“When I shift the vehicle to park and turn it off, about 90% of the time the instrument panel will display a message that says “Shift to park”, and the electrical components will not shut down. The vehicle is in park, but the computer won’t detect it. I took it to dealer while under warranty, and dealer simply stated that it wasn’t happening. It continues to happen, and I fear that it it won’t shift into park later. As is, sometimes it takes an hour or more to detect that the vehicle is in park. I fear that it will cause a dead battery and leave me stranded. …”
NHTSA complaint #11543559, filed 2023-09“While towing my 5th wheel rv trailer, the rear wheels locked up numerous times while at highway speeds(60-70mph). Hope our didn't cause any internal/ structural damage to my trailer. Scheduled a service with the dealer(Gamblins Chevrolet, Enumclaw, WA) for them to diagnose. The dealer found no issue or cause. Left the dealer for the same thing to occur the following week. Brought back to the dealer for this issue and others to determine the torque converter had failed, dealer replaced converter, at a later date rear wheels locked up at highway speeds again. Been ongoing with no solution.”
NHTSA complaint #11625523, filed 2024-11“Was driving my 3500 (an 8000# truck capable of towing 20k#) and suddenly the vehicle lost power and steering, forcing me to the shoulder of a curvy mountain road, going downhill. Truck then started blinking lights and telling me to restart. upon restart, the truck would not engage the transmission. Truck was in drive but the motor was just rev'ing. I turned truck off and then back on and it seemed to return to normal. Am not comfortable driving truck at this time. GM has been notified of the issue, and, has not diagnosed an issue, as of this writing.”
NHTSA complaint #11434428, filed 2021-09“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11691701, filed 2025-10, 146,000 milesRelated recalls
- 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 3500 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…
- 11026024Jun 3, 2025This bulletin helps aid the tech in possible 10L100 transmission noise that may be normal or abnormal depending on the concern noted.
- 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…
- 11020259May 8, 2025This technical bulletin provides a procedure to inspect the front pump of the transmission for a possible leak.
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11017255Mar 25, 2025This service bulletin helps diagnose/reduce possible CCND issues on Transfer Cases - Service 4WD on DIC, Intermittent Failures, Noise Concerns, Driveline/Steering…
- 11013150Jan 28, 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…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011880Dec 17, 2024Certain 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…
- 11011826Dec 13, 2024Certain 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…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 25% |
| 2024 | 15 | 29% |
| 2023 | 10 | 63% |
| 2022 | 3 | 11% |
| 2021 | 7 | 17% |
| 2020 | 16 | 38% |
| 2019 | 5 | 23% |
| 2018 | 2 | 11% |
| 2017 | 2 | 15% |
| 2016 | 3 | 6% |
| 2015 | 5 | 10% |
| 2013 | 5 | 19% |
| 2012 | 1 | 4% |
| 2011 | 5 | 17% |
| 2007 | 3 | 8% |
| 2006 | 9 | 17% |
| 2005 | 4 | 9% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 4 | 10% |
| 2002 | 3 | 6% |
| 2001 | 2 | 3% |
| 2000 | 5 | 6% |
| 1999 | 3 | 6% |
| 1998 | 5 | 7% |
| 1997 | 6 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
13 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsFuel system
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