general problems of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - part 1

I brought my vehicle to the dealership on March 7, 2026, to address the outstanding safety recall. However, I was informed that the recall repair cannot be completed until I first pay $1,100 to replace the idler pulley. Unfortunately, an unexpected $1,100 expense is not currently in my budget. It is quite concerning to continue driving a vehicle with a known risk of losing propulsion, as the increased risk of a crash is a significant safety worry for me. I would appreciate any assistance or alternative solutions you can provide to ensure this safety recall is resolved. Please find the message from the dealership: additional diagnostic recommendations: we are going to want to get the idler pulley replaced 1st as it can cause unwanted noise and vibration during the testing with the pico scope. After the repair take the vehicle on a good test drive get it good and warm then retest the engine with the pico scope and proceed with those test results. We still want to make sure it is tested correctly if the engine passes just note under special coverage n252494003 this special coverage covers if an engine failure occurs in the vehicle as a result of the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. ".

Warranty issue the p1098 code.

P1098 engine coolant control valve engine light comes on and truck says reduced power. Then went off. Back on again.

The tailgate release switch is randomly operating, allowing the tailgate to drop. This has happened at highway speeds (from 55 to 75) and also while in park. I've had to pull over on multiple occasions to close the tailgate. This could allow items to fall out the back of my truck and possible strike other vehicles and their passengers at speed. The dealership has reported it can also drain the battery, which can jeopardize my safety as I am often in the backcountry in very cold temperatures and could be stranded. (has not happened to me as of yet) this is a known issue that other Chevrolet 1500 trucks have been recalled for (in canada) and other models of the silverado in the us. My dealership (fox negaunee) stated that they have received numerous complaints on this issue but no recall has been issued for my vehicle yet. I have spoken with the dealership over the phone, but I have not brought it in until further information on a recall may become available. There are no warning lights that appear. This started happening about a month ago, and has continued since then.

Noticed when pressing tailgate release button manually it would not open but would if fob used. However tailgate opens continuously on its own.

Rear power window has been replaced multiple times, each time it develops cracks and leaks water causing possible mold in the truck cabin.

Transmission shudders and slipping gears at only 100k miles.

Vehicle: 2021 Chevrolet silverado issue: infotainment system failure after gm?pushed ota update description of problem: on 10/31/2025, my vehicle’s infotainment system attempted an over?the?air software update. The update failed and the screen has been locked ever since, displaying only the message: “update failed – return to dealer. ” as a result: - I cannot access any settings (clock, preferences, system menus). - all warning chimes and signal sounds (turn signal click, seatbelt reminder, back seat reminder, etc. ) are disabled. - the backup camera still functions, but no other infotainment features are usable. - the system is completely unresponsive to reset attempts. I brought the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer, who verified that it was the ota update that caused the failure, they attempted a reflash but was unsuccessful. They now claim the entire infotainment unit must be replaced at my expense, even though the failure was caused by gm’s own update which I neither approved, initiated, or requested. My vehicle is out of warranty, but this was not a wear?and?tear issue — it was introduced by gm’s software. Safety concern: the loss of audible warnings and chimes poses a safety risk. Drivers rely on these alerts for seatbelt reminders, turn signal confirmation, and other critical notifications. A manufacturer?pushed update disabled these among other functions including radio, navigation, and all vehicle settings. Resolution attempts: - dealer attempted reprogramming on 11/6 (charged $295) but failed and state I need a new infotainment system. - gm customer assistance refused to provide goodwill coverage. - vehicle remains stuck in failed update state as pictured. Request: I am submitting this complaint because gm’s ota update disabled core safety features of my vehicle along with other basic features such as radio. I believe this is a manufacturer defect that should be investigated and addressed, regardless of warranty status.

The air conditioning only blows hot air. The vehicle was inspected by my mechanic and states that the compressor and belt have failed and needs to be replaced. I realize that my 2020 silverado is out of warranty, but after looking into this situation, I have found that gm has had known air conditioning issues with certain silverado models, especially 2019-2021. I believe this is a widespread defect and should be covered and repaired through a goodwill program. I am bringing the silverado for repairs to my mechanic on 10/31/25 as I live in south florida and cannot continue driving this vehicle without air conditioning.

The track on the back glass is cracked and leaking water into the interior back cab light.

I am filing a formal complaint regarding a serious safety concern with my 2021 Chevrolet silverado, following the completion of recall n252494001 performed by galleria Chevrolet in dallas, TX. Prior to this recall work and related inspections, my vehicle operated without any abnormal engine noise. After the recall inspection and a subsequent fuel injector repair performed by the dealer, my vehicle began producing a bottom-end engine noise that had never been present before, and ultimately we have catastrophic engine failure. What is highly concerning is that the dealership staff previously documented the situation in writing as follows: “we performed the recall inspection and the truck passed. After performing an injector repair now there is a bottom-end noise when it's running. Did the failed injector possibly affect the validity of the test? that may be the case. We know that the truck did not experience the noise before the inspection; is it possible that the steps we took affected the truck in a way that got the noise to show itself? that’s what we need to determine. ” despite this acknowledgment, the dealership is now denying any responsibility, classifying the damage as unrelated “wear and tear”. This reversal appears highly suspicious, as it contradicts their own observations and written notes. It suggests that the dealership and gm may be refusing to fulfill their obligations under the recall and repair warranty, leaving me with a vehicle that has a blown engine and a significant safety risk. Given the timing of the noise, occurring directly after recall work and injector repair, and the internal documentation from the dealership itself, I request NHTSA investigate whether: this issue is part of a broader trend affecting other vehicles under the same recall. Gm and its dealers are properly honoring their obligations to fully repair vehicles impacted by recalls. Consequential damage resulting from recall work is being systematically denied coverage.

The tailgate randomly opens and closes during driving causing contents to fall out of the tailgate and creating a hazard for other motorists and damaging personal property. The tailgate now will not open and there is no manual override to open the tailgate. Certainly a design flaw and now not allowing access to the tailgate. I've contacted 5 local gm/Chevrolet dealer service departments and they cannot offer any guidance on how to manually or power open the tailgate. I have a tonneau cover on the tailgate which makes it pretty much unable to access. I'm a firefighter and put my gear in the tailgate and need access ASAP. Please advise on how I can get gm/chevy to assist with this issue. A police officer was behind me when the contents fell out of the tailgate on 6/9/25. This has happened several times since and most recently on 1/17/26. This needs addressed ASAP. Thanks!.

A knocking noise coming from the left side drivers wheel.

I purchased this truck 3/20/2025. I have since realized it wasn't me doing something wrong. The truck hesitates and shakes during shifting upon acceleration from a stop and when putting it in park and attempting to turn the truck off it has a message on the display saying "shift to park" and it will not turn off until you repeatedly restart it and play woth the gear shift to get it to register that it's in park. I have made an appointment to take it to the dealership to be looked at. The truck has 75,000 miles on it.

Transmission isssues hard shifting and no shifting at times. I informed the dealership about the recall on this issue and they are saying it doesn’t fall under the recall which isn’t true because my vehicles is showing all of the symptoms under the recall #n242454440.

Rain is coming in through the back window. Dealer is stating that the rain is coming from the sliding window but satellite is stating it’s the brake light on the top of the truck.

While driving, the emergency brake engages and locks the car up coming to a complete stop mid driving (on highway!). This has happened 3 times now, took it into dealer, they did a computer update and released. It has since happened again, with my child in the car!.

Diesel engine continues to overheat, even after the oil temperature sensor failure dealership repair. Truck is very well maintained. However, common and trending issue amongst 1500 silverado diesel owners is overheating which causes engine to loose power while driving and even get so hot it can catch fire. Warning lights appear only when problem is at engine failure point. Also, we lost power or reduced power on freeway which almost caused an accident and engine was smoking. We had it towed to epic Chevrolet in sacramento, CA. Within one week of dealership repair covered under powertrain warranty, dealership said overheating engine is due to a “new” code for coolant pump. In short, fire and driving safety hazard that can cost lives if not addressed by NHTSA.

I had my windshield replaced and the installer said when he removed the old glass, the bottom of the glass didn't have the rubber strip accross the bottom. Our rear sliding window has had a small leak, so we asked him to check it out too. He noticed that the window also does not have the rubber weather seal.

When I am driving my vehicle and I pull in to park, I put the gear shift into park and shut the vehichle off and a light comes on in the dash and says shift to park. And the vehichle will not shut down for several minutes after this light comes on. It also feels like there is a hesitation in the transmission at times after I start the vehicle and start driving.

The tumbler in keyed switch is locked up solid . Cannot turn key to start or turn on.

I get a shift to park message on my dash behind steering wheel whenever I put the vehicle in park and turn it off. It want let the vehicle completely shutdown.

The car while I’m driving, when I start driving it has a kick could be transmission.

Paint chipping and cracking not even five years old yet.

Since the purchase of this truck I have been having the same issues consistent with the current recall. It has gotten worse and has almost caused an accident during acceleration due to skipping or locking up of the engine/wheels. Worse when traction control is on. This happens almost every time the gears shift during acceleration.

I have just been made aware that there is a lot going on right now with the l87 6. 2 motor. I purchased my truck last September so I e had it almost a year 1/2. I recently started having what seems like a misfire issue as of 1/20/2025. I have it scheduled to be checked out Friday 1/24/2025. I’m just reporting this to cover my back if any recall or anything comes about. In addition I’ve had regular oil changes and maintenance on the truck. It’s currently inspected and insured.

1. The automatic tailgate opens by itself randomly. It appears to be malfunctioning. I am unable to open it from the tailgate now. When it’s open it continues to attempt to unlatch making the noise. It’s opened while driving. 2. So far I lost a cooler on the highway due to this problem which would cause a road hazard to other drivers. 3. I brought it to the dealer they said it’s not there problem due to my VIN not matching the recall even though there’s a recall for this problem with same year trucks. 4. It has not been inspected due it not being an official recall. 5. No warning lights regarding this issue.

There is a water leak from the rear roof leaking causing water to come inside by the rear window down the rear pillar by the airbag. May cause problems with the rear side airbag and mold. Dealer charged me a $273 diagnostics charge and will not repair under warranty or extended warranty even though there is a TSB on this affecting numerous other trucks.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate inadvertently opened on its own. As a result, the contacts tool box fell from the vehicle potentially becoming a dangerous road hazard. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign 24v060000 (latches/locks/linkages), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 17,000.

We were driving 40 mph when all the sudden the rear tires locked up without warning. We almost got in an accident and thankfully were able to get off the road. Then, the check engine light came on and the truck went into limp mode and would not shift gears automatically and it was difficult to make it home. We had a mechanic come to our house to run a diagnostic and they informed us of the recall and confirmed it is what the truck was experiencing. We took it to the dealership and they confirmed the recall and that there was no available fix and nothing they could do for us. Meanwhile, ours is not safe to drive.

Vehicle attempted to do an 'over the air' update to the infotainment system. This prompted an error message, stating the update failed and return to the dealership. Took vehicle to gm dealer, diagnostics were run, and dealer stated that an update was not available, and the module for the infotainment system was bad. Quoted me $1600 for replacement and install. Have read multiple reports with owners' having the same issue. Infotainment system attempts to do an update, and it fails. The owners are left paying out of pocket for something that was not their fault. This needs to be a recall. Not only are you paying a hefty amount for a repair that is not your fault, but the entire infotainment system doesn't not work (stereo, cooling/heating info, back up camera etc).

There is a current recall out there for the tailgates releasing on 20-24 chevy silverado 2500 and 3500. I own a 1500 and am having the same issue. Water is getting into the rear electronic switch and releasing the tailgate unbeknownst to me. I have lost items that were in the bed on the pickup on the road while traveling. Can the recall include the 1500 models also?.

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When putting vehicle in park and releasing the foot brake it rolls back an excessive amount of space sometimes it rolls back so much we begin to get scared thinking we are still in drive and jump back in vehicle just to learn we are in park. We have had this issue since the day of getting truck in August of 2024 and how much it rolls back is never consistent on the length of the roll back. Sometimes it feels like it make even slip out of gear and just keeping rolling. It’s very scary and we have almost knocked ourselves out when it happens trying to jump back in to stop it.

Heard and felt a loud clunk from underneath truck while driving 70 mph on interstate. Pulled off and next available exit with a hotel and parked truck. Cranked truck to move and it would not move forward or backward except for about a foot. Loud grinding noise. Had to call tow truck to tow us to nearest Chevrolet dealer. Dealer service department says transfer case has seized up and must be replaced. Transfer case is currently on backorder and not available from gm. Was given rental car to drive home, which is 10 hours away. Truck has been in shop for 7 days as for this writing and I still do not have an answer about when a transfer case will be available and they can repair my truck. I located transfer case at my local dealer but repair dealer says they have to wait on gm.