general problems of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - part 1

2021 silverado with 5. 3 engine/8spd transmission/38,000 miles just outside of the 5-year powertrain warranty current recalls under this VIN as of 10/07/2026* undiagnosed issues with symptoms similar to transmission or rear end slippage, torque converter or clutch pack problems. No warning lights or messages have appeared 1) vehicle seems to hunt for proper gearing between 30-40 mph (3rd to 4th gear) with light shuddering before shifting gears. Occurred 20+ times 2) sudden jerk when taking off from dead stop. Feels like being lightly bumped from behind then drives normally. Occurred 4 times 3) only noticed when towing appx 6,000lb trailer descending down a hill - a one-time loud clunk when easing off throttle and coasting downhill. The sound is similar to hitting a metal desk with a fist. Occurred 7 times. Spoke with local Chevrolet dealer who informed me the powertrain warranty has recently expired, and no repair cost would be covered. Recommended dealer service would be to replace the transmission fluid and filter with mobil 1, potentially reprogram the transmission, and replace the torque converter. All on a vehicle with only 38,000 miles.

I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trail boss 4wd with the [6. 2l v8 (l87)], VIN [xxx], 101,000 miles. The truck was assembled in mexico in xxx, about six weeks before xxx, just outside the build range of gm recall 25v-274 (n252494000, engine failure). On 10/2/2026, [xxx], [xxx] a certified gm dealership, diagnosed crankshaft and lifter failure, matching the recall condition. Codes: p0300, p050d, p0016. The truck was shaking violently, the esc and emergency braking system failed, reducing engine power. Gm's part 573 filing attributes the defect to out-of-specification crankshafts and identifies a mexico-based crankshaft supplier. I ask gm to confirm my engine's build date and crankshaft source. A six-week gap in build date should not exclude a truck with the same failure. Engine failure can cause sudden loss of power while driving, a safety risk. The dealer quoted repairs of up to $10,292. 00. I request: that gm cover the repair in full as a goodwill adjustment. That gm and NHTSA review expanding the recall population to trucks built near my date. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle previously had a bell housing installed to catch internal metal shavings; however, the housing assembly failed again and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test. The contact associated the failure with the torque converter. The torque converter was previously replaced once. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle felt like it was driving over rumble strips or speed bumps, which the contact felt and heard. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.

Vehicle has a bad valve body which was confirmed by the dealer. Driving down the street and the engine went from 3 to 4 gear and the rear wheels locked up. Also when coming to a stop the truck jerks so bad it snaps your neck. Gm has major problems with these trucks and knows the problems and keeps issuing bulletins however they have a massive backlog of orders for parts to fix these trucks which leaves people's trucks sitting at service centers for months waiting for backordered parts.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping while shifting gears and the transmission was shuddering. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were ordered. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the warranty had expired five months prior. The failure mileage was approximately 53,020.

While driving on the road, the transmission in my truck completly neutralized all the gears (meaning it just started revving and slowing down rapidly in the middle of the road with cars in front of and behind me). And almost got me hit by several cars. I got the vehicle towed to the chevy dealership it was bought from. The mechanics then confirmed the code was for a failed valve body in the trucks transmission. Which they had recalled in all the diesels but not gas engines.

Shuddering at 25 to 50 mph, harsh shifts, hesitation.

My husband was driving his 2021 chevy trailboss when it went into limp mode. It had to be towed to the dealership and it was uncovered that his truck was throwing out codes p0700 p2732 which is a known issue with this truck, resulting in internal valve body hydraulic failure. Since his vehicle is at 70k miles, and over the 60k, the dealer is pushing back and trying to say they don’t have to cover it. Gm states that we should pay and then submit a reimbursement form. This is a $3800 fix. This is not our responsibility and this is unsafe. This should be a safety recall for all vehicles of this make, model, and with this transmission. Additionally, he had to have his engine replaced on this truck (we bought it brand new in 2021) with only 10k miles on it. This truck should not be built anymore and anybody facing these issues should not be held liable for them. This is a manufacturing issue and it is only one company’s fault, general motors!.

Vehicle bucks upon acceleration in the rear end. Dealer recommends replacing the transmission.

2021 silverado engine failure. Yes it was inspected by a dealership and my extended warranty company and serviced by the dealership. Back on August 5th I experienced a misfire cylinder 3 and felt loss of power. On August 7th the dealership diagnosed both camshafts, 1 lifter, 1 valve, and 1 fuel injector was damaged and never received at warning lights or messages on the dashboard. I was without the vehicle for 39 days and within 10 hrs after picking up the truck I got an engine light on and several new codes on it and can not be driven and being towed. I feel these engines need a recall as it is well documented that these engines go between 60 and 80,000 miles and some a lot less than that, mine has 70,800 and went and now being towed with in less than 24 hrs after engine repair. I will be in contact with a lawyer to follow up on this matter.

Around 60k miles my truck started shifting rough and at odd times. Then it went into “limp” mode. I took it to the dealership and they replaced my battery and a solenoid. I asked about the transmission and they told me it was because it was in “limp mode”. I’ve continued to have issues with it then a couple of months ago while driving to work at around 60mph the truck harshly downshifted into a low gear causing the rear tires to break loose on the wet roads and sending me into an extended spin. I had the truck towed home and then to the local dealership. After researching, I have found that this is very common with the same vehicles in this year and that there are multiple recalls to address the issues. Unfortunately my VIN is not included. I believe the needed repairs and the associated costs should be gm’s responsibility under special coverages: n242454441 and n242454440-03.

2021 chevy silverado 5. 3 trail boss lifters has failed on this driver two times while driving on highway engine lost power with my family in the vehicle. Dealer warranty fixed lifter the first time lifter went out at 1100 miles. The vehicle has failed again with multiple lifters going out and camshaft needing being replaced also on my extended warranty at 73000 miles. I do not want to take this vehicle back in my possession as it has put me and my family at risk twice being stuck on highway with no power.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 - 60 mph, the transmission failed to shift properly, and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

Transmission needs to be replaced at 77000 miles!! a known problem with this make/model/year and nothing is being done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

About 2 months after bringing the truck in for the engine recall, my oil cooler blew up and I required that to be replaced, along with the radiator and hoses.

I have a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with a 3. 0 duramax diesel engine, have had a check engine light intermittent a couple times. Vehicle went into limp mode. Had the diagnostic code read; p1010. Code p1010 shows an engine coolant flow control valve position sensor exceeded minimum learning limit. General motors has issued a special warranty n252508341covering 2021-2023 Silverado 1500 for this part ( lm2 coolant control valve replacement ) with a 15 year and 150,000 mile limit. I took my vehicle to the Chevrolet dealer and they said my VIN number was not covered. It would be a $1900 repair. I have read of numerous other of same vehicles listed under the special warranty, yet gm has excluded these VIN numbers as well. This is a known defect, gm has covered some but not all. Yet many are not covered yet having the same problem. I am not able to reach anyone at gm to talk about this issue. It needs to be addressed.

This vehicle's engine failed on a high-volume roadway in [xxx] which resulted in a significant safety issue. The vehicle was taken to a certified Chevrolet dealership in scottsdale (van Chevrolet) whereby the engine in this 5. 3l v8 was replaced due to catastrophic engine failure with the lifters being the suspected cause of the failure. Aside from the $10,400 cost of the remanufactured engine replacement, I have had considerable discussions (live and written) with gm arizona and corporate representatives outlining the issue(s) and filing formal complaints. These have gone relatively unheeded. . . Unfortunately, this is the second 5. 3l v8 engine failure in one of our gm vehicles as I will be filing yet another formal complaint under separate cover for a 2021 tahoe 5. 3l v8 which had an engine failure requiring new lifters. I am not done yet as I have an appointment tomorrow for what appears to be, a third Chevrolet vehicle with a 5. 3l v8 engine lifter failure. Depending on the outcome of this service appointment, I may be filing a third safety complaint regarding the gm 5. 3l v8 engine. In my opinion, the NHTSA should absolutely open an investigation into this engine in the same manner that you have a formal investigation/recall in effect for the 6. 2l gm engine as based on two personal experiences, the safety of the driver and passengers in these vehicles is compromised due to what appears to be significant engineering and/or manufacturing issues on the part of general motors. Thank you for your consideration and I am free to discuss in further detail at [xxx] or [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

On or around xxx a my 2021 silverado started making a rattling sound from the engine. The truck began to stall and the engine shut off three times while driving. I attached scanner the next day and the track showed p00011 and p00016 codes. Those codes are for the camshaft sensor and the crankshaft sensor. I went online and did research about the two codes and discovered there had been a couple recalls for these codes concerning my year model truck: (recall number 25v-274; campain n252494000). Nhtsa engineering analysis ea25007 or rq26001 I spoke with the dealer I purchased vehicle from (lynn layton Chevrolet - decatur, al)and they said they will not begin repairs until they receive payment from gm or myself. I then spoke with tyler at gm corporate customer service. He said my VIN was not included in the gm campaign|recall. I asked why not because it is a 2021 silverado and I’m having the exact same problems as vehicles included in the recall. He said because they checked their system and the parts used on my truck were from a different manufacturer than those included on the recall. I said that shouldn’t matter because my truck is having the same exact problems. I asked him to check and see if gm would be able to provide financial assistance to have motor repaired or replaced. Tyler told me that gm will not do repairs - they will only replace the engine. He said gm would not provide any financial assistance because my truck has 170k plus miles on it. I informed him that I had previously taken my truck to lynn layton Chevrolet about these symptoms and it was diagnosed as transmission/torque converter problem. They changed transmission fluid and charged me ~$700. I then asked if gm would authorize a “goodwill replacement”. He said they would not. I called lynn layton decatur back and asked how much would engine and reps if I have to pay for it. They said 10k -12k a local mechanic said he will fix for $6,000. Please help me get this resolved. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information.

10 speed transmission failed at 70k miles. Metal found in the torque converter. Manufacturer recommended routine maintenance was performed on transmission. There needs to be a recall on 2020 to 2021 vehicles with the 10 speed transmission due to the reporting of safety issues of the vehicles locking up while driving. I was lucky to feel the issue happening and getting off the road before it was able to lock up on me causing serious injuries. This needs to be addressed and taken seriously before someone loses their life. Best regards, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The truck started backfiring and shuddering. Took it to the mechanic and with only 112000 miles I am being told it needs a new engine. It is the 6. 2l motor.

Transmission shutter at low speed acceleration.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet silverado ld crew. The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle, the rear end locked up. Also, when accelerated, the vehicle jerked forward and stalled. When the vehicle is shutdown and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage. 64,900.

My 2021 Chevrolet silverado rst 4x4 5. 3l v8 was a certified pre-owned vehicle purchased through a GMC dealership, strictly maintained by certified GMC service departments, and had its torque converter replaced one year prior in accordance with a manufacturer technical service bulletin (TSB). One week before a scheduled round-trip journey from alabama to north carolina, the truck underwent a comprehensive multi-point inspection, oil change, and tire rotation at an authorized Chevrolet dealership. While driving on the highway, I came to a complete stop due to an accident ahead, but when traffic resumed a forward-moving pace, the drivetrain completely lost the ability to propel the vehicle without any prior warning signs or symptoms of mechanical failure. While immobilized and contacting 911 and towing services, I attempted to cycle through all drive modes—including auto, 4-high, 4-low, and 2wd—but none succeeded in transferring power to the wheels; though the engine would still rev, no power reached the tires. No dashboard warning lights illuminated prior to the drivetrain failure, though a check engine light did appear after the vehicle became immobile when I was switching through drive modes. Because there was no available highway shoulder or exit to seek safety, and due to the sudden nature of the mechanical failure, emergency vehicles and tow trucks could not safely divert traffic or move the vehicle in time, resulting in a severe rear-end collision that caused a total loss. The vehicle has not yet undergone a mechanical inspection, but it is currently under a 60-day hold for examination by insurance adjusters and legal counsel, and it remains available for a formal teardown upon request.

Loud ticking noise and power loss. Transmission shift slips from 2nd to 3rd . Called factory and dealership for check up. Said no problem… told to change oil. Did this, no change.

Lifter failure at 50,100 miles- just out of powertrain warrant by 136 days. Failure occured on freeway. After hearing metallic sound service brake system light, traction control and service engine light came on. This occured 5/3/26.

47,000 miles and the transmission coolant lines are weeping and need to be replaced.

Vehicle: 2021 Chevrolet silverado VIN: [xxx] mileage at time of incident: approximately 68,000 miles date of incident: April 24, 2026 approximate speed: 75 mph weather/road conditions: clear, sunny day was the vehicle towed? no did the engine restart? yes my 2021 Chevrolet silverado experienced a sudden loss of power and stalled while I was driving on the highway at approximately 75 mph. The weather was clear and sunny, and road conditions were normal. This created a serious safety concern because the vehicle lost power while traveling at highway speed in traffic and could have caused a crash. The vehicle did restart after the incident and was not towed, but it had to be taken in for service after the power loss/stalling event. The dealership later advised that the oil was low on the dipstick and stated they would change the oil and complete a recall/service update. However, I have maintained the vehicle with regular oil changes, and at the time of the incident, the vehicle’s oil life monitor still showed approximately 50% oil life remaining. I do not believe this should be dismissed as a simple lack-of-maintenance issue. I am concerned that the sudden loss of power/stalling may be related to an engine, fuel, oil pressure, electrical, ecm, or recall/service campaign issue. I am also concerned that the vehicle was low on oil despite regular oil maintenance and the oil life monitor still showing about 50%. The vehicle is currently at tyrell Chevrolet for inspection/service. I have not yet received a clear explanation of the cause of the power loss, whether diagnostic trouble codes were found, whether oil pressure was affected, whether oil consumption was checked, whether any recall or service campaign caused or corrected the issue, or whether the truck is safe to drive. This sudden loss of power while driving at approximately 75 mph presents a serious safety risk and should be investigated. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

On my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 custom, I began noticing an issue around 79,000 miles where the vehicle did not come to a complete stop as smoothly as expected. Initially, I suspected the brakes, as I purchased the truck new and had not performed any brake maintenance up to that point. I scheduled an appointment with the dealership to have all four brakes replaced; however, upon inspection, I was advised that the brakes were still in good condition, with approximately 90% life remaining. I then completed a test drive with the shop foreman, who was able to replicate the concern to some extent and suggested that the issue may be related to the transmission. At this time, the dealership is in the process of disassembling the transmission to determine whether the issue can be resolved with a repair or if a full replacement is necessary. It is concerning that such a significant issue would arise at approximately 80,000 miles. Based on similar reports I have reviewed, this appears to be a relatively common concern within the 80,000–90,000 mile range. Additionally, this poses a serious safety concern, as the vehicle’s hesitation in coming to a complete stop nearly resulted in a rear-end collision while en route to the dealership. There have been no dash lights on.

Rough shifting in low gears, can be dangerous in intersections due to low acceleration ability. The check engine light is on for replacement of transmission valve body assembly.

The transmission has been having issues for the past couple days. It is the 10 speed model and I have noticed everyday for the last couple days that there is an unusual shifting pattern between 25-60mph. This is sometimes accompanied with a shudder that feels like going over rumble strips without the sound. The feeling is not constant, but I will come to a complete stop and under light acceleration it will return. Under hard acceleration it is not noticeable. However, I am concerned with the unusual shifting. It can happen at a constant speed where it will do a random shift up or down or under light acceleration it will feel like it’s slipping for just a second. The vehicle has 99,900 miles on it and there are no warning signs or lights active. The vehicle is about to be serviced to do an inspection to find the underlying issue. This is a safety concern because the vehicle could potentially cause more damage to the transmission and with the random shifting, could potentially cause an accident.

My 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 3. 0 diesel is experiencing constant high running engine fan, engine power reduced notification on the dash, fluctuating temperature and is showing a p1098 code indicating the coolant control valve needs replaced. Gm has issued a special coverage on this part, which my truck is well withing the parameters for. However, gm tells me the VIN isn't associated with the special coverage. I have spoken with other owners who have the same year / engine vehicle as I do, and gm replaced their part for free under the special coverage. I have not been giving any explanation as to why my vehicle isn't covered even though the bulletin n25250834 clearly states my vehicle and year. I escalated to the gm executive level and have failed to get my coolant control valve replaced. The vehicle reducing engine power is a major safety concern in traffic as well as the obvious over heating issue. Gm is blatantly mishandling the situation.

I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding an electrical system failure on my 2021 Chevrolet silverado with approximately 61,000 miles. I brought the vehicle to taylor grubaugh Chevrolet of waynesville after the check engine light illuminated. The dealership diagnosed a premature wiring harness failure caused by chafing. They also stated that this issue is known to affect multiple gm vehicles and is documented in technical service bulletin 21 na 149. Wiring harness failure presents a significant safety concern. A compromised harness can lead to erratic electrical behavior, reduced engine performance, stalling, or sudden loss of power while driving. With that the concern a possible vehicle malfunction or losing power in traffic came to light. The dealerships service department confirmed the problem, verified the wiring harness failure, & referenced the applicable gm technical bulletin. The vehicle was inspected by the authorized Chevrolet dealership. Gm declined to cover the repair. No police, insurance, or other third party inspections have been conducted. Despite acknowledging that this is a documented & recurring issue across gm models, the gm informed me that the repair would not be covered under warranty or recall. At only 61,000 miles, a wiring harness failure due to chafing is not consistent with normal wear & tear & instead suggests a premature defect. Given that this is a known and documented defect, I believe it should be recalled. After further research, I discovered that this issue is far from isolated. There are more than 1,500 complaints filed with the better business bureau and approximately 800 complaints submitted to NHTSA reporting the same or similar wiring harness failures across gm vehicles. The volume of complaints strongly suggests a widespread defect that may pose ongoing safety risks to consumers.

The rear wheels suddenly locked up while driving. It did it twice then the check engine light came on and then the transmission would not shift into gear until I turned off the truck and turned it back on. This happened 3 days in a row all while driving. Exactly the same. No prior symptoms or warnings before the incidents happened. The vehicle is currently at the dealership being inspected. There is a recall (n242454440) that addresses this issue but I'm being told that my truck is not covered under that recall because my VIN is not part of it.

I was accelerating to 45mph on a main road. My truck was running just fine. At about 45 mph it felt like I hit a wall, and my truck started to rapidly decelerate and seemed to be downshifting very hard. A reduced engine power warning appeared in the message display, and the check engine light illuminated and began to flash. I luckly the car behind me was able to change lanes quickly and missed me and I was able to pull off the main road and turn off the truck. I let it sit for five minutes and restarted the truck. When I did, the truck seemed to drive at 25 mph, and I kept it at that speed and was able to get it to my work down the road. When I got to work, my company's mechanic ran the code. A p2732:00 transmission control solenoid valve 6 stuck off and p0700:00 transmission control module requested mil illumination codes came up. We also noticed my truck no longer went into reverse and the engine would just rev and nothing else happened. I had the truck towed to the chevy dealer who also got a p2732 error code. The truck as been at the dealer for the last two weeks and I have not told them to fix it yet.