2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 driver assist problems
16 of the
1,068 complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 are about the
driver-assist systems — 1% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
4,005 miles.
A
16
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Automatic Emergency Braking
743.8%
Warnings
318.8%
Warnings
212.5%
Adaptive Cruise Control
212.5%
Assist
16.3%
Warning
16.3%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance across every Chevrolet Silverado 1500 year
I was on the highway doing 70 MPH with my family driving down I-40 through western NC (mountainous terrain) when my brakes went out and the vehicle went into limp mode. I was able to safely pull over thank God and then had my vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer just informed me that a software update is needed, and not covered under warranty. There are multiple safety bulletins coming out for related years and issues related to the braking system of this make/model and I would like this documented as well as Chevy to cover the cost of repairing this defect.
NHTSA complaint #11747665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Once I disengaged the auto stop on my vehicle, I would accelerate from a stop and I would loose my brakes. This happened several times. I took it to the shop and was told it was fine. Finally, one day I was descending on an overpass, disengaged my auto stop and my brakes were complete failure, even my emergency brakes, my check engine light engaged (the code read emissions issue). Was able to stop in a field, get it back to the dealership to find out I lost the master break cylinder but no indication on prior visits. The truck, check engine light will spontaneously start blinking but hold no codes. I have had it routinely serviced and it will overheat and oil will run hot but mechanics find no issues
NHTSA complaint #11737957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
right bank collapsed lifter. this is the 3rd time in 5 years this has happened same side same lifter. loss of power engine shakes the whole truck. Also electronic emergency brake won't release automatically and engages when driving. This has happened when I first bought the truck in Mar 2021, again in nov 2024 and currently at antelope valley Chevrolet on Mar 20 2026 for the same thing.
NHTSA complaint #11732691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The brake stopped working. I just bought the car two months ago.
NHTSA complaint #11705001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fontana, CA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
While driving, engine stop and dash had message to put in neutral and hit start button to restart, but dash would gest go dark and did not restart. Vehicle towed to Wilson and Bell Automotive. After get engine reset I was told engine has loud knocking sound and needs to be replaced. I been going to this shop for over 30 years and trust there description. New engine was ordered. Then found out several days later that GM is going to recall my vehicle 2021 Silverado 1500 6.2 engine due to engine failure.
NHTSA complaint #11658903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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!
NHTSA complaint #11655155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving down a major, extremely dangerous highway [XXX] in Pasco County, FL) my truck randomly shut off (with zero warning, no check engine lights, nothing) Thankfully, i was already in the right hand lane and managed to coast into a gas station. At 60, 375 miles on my 2021 truck I was 352 miles outside of the powertrain warranty, so I had my truck towed to the closest chevy dealership to see if they would good-will the warranty. They (Chevy) reported to me that there was a rod-knock with an estimate of $17,203.52 to rebuild the motor. I would also have to pay approximately $2000 (10 hrs of labor) for tear down of motor to even see if GM would POSSIBLY pay out anything on warranty. I am the only owner of this truck since day 1. I have every oil change record that was done as specified by the manufacturer. I have no means of transportation at this time. My truck is available for inspection. I am also unable to take out any other vehicle loans while I am forced to pay for a truck that now, has no motor. Also, I went in for a recall of a software update for the forward collision system. Previous to the dealerships update, the system was working fine. After the update, the collision system no longer works. This is greatly affecting my ability to work, and function as a member of society. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11636690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Holiday, FL
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
While driving down a major, extremely dangerous highway [XXX] in Pasco County, FL) my truck randomly shut off (with zero warning, no check engine lights, nothing) Thankfully, i was already in the right hand lane and managed to coast into a gas station. At 60, 375 miles on my 2021 truck I was 352 miles outside of the powertrain warranty, so I had my truck towed to the closest chevy dealership to see if they would good-will the warranty. They (Chevy) reported to me that there was a rod-knock with an estimate of $17,203.52 to rebuild the motor. I would also have to pay approximately $2000 (10 hrs of labor) for tear down of motor to even see if GM would POSSIBLY pay out anything on warranty. I am the only owner of this truck since day 1. I have every oil change record that was done as specified by the manufacturer. I have no means of transportation at this time. My truck is available for inspection. I am also unable to take out any other vehicle loans while I am forced to pay for a truck that now, has no motor. Also, I went in for a recall of a software update for the forward collision system. Previous to the dealerships update, the system was working fine. After the update, the collision system no longer works. This is greatly affecting my ability to work, and function as a member of society. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11636690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dudley, MA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11636290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When I am driving over 40mph and accelerate my breaks lock up. It's almost like I hit something really hard. It has done this at 70 mph and almost cause an accident behind me. My truck doesn't have automatic emergency braking on it. I have read a form a lot of people are having this same issue with this year and make.
NHTSA complaint #11590938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Olympia, WA
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Cel flashing , traction control warning, stabilitrac warning, engine running rough, acceleration increased over normal driving. Happened multi times. After multiple restarts the cel light is on solid. Truck towed to dealer today. Have not heard back.
NHTSA complaint #11515215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Olympia, WA
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Cel flashing , traction control warning, stabilitrac warning, engine running rough, acceleration increased over normal driving. Happened multi times. After multiple restarts the cel light is on solid. Truck towed to dealer today. Have not heard back.
NHTSA complaint #11515215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Upon returning home after a short drive I pulled into my garage and almost drove through the wall… I purchased parking assistance and it was not provided. The feature apparently failed and turned off at some point without clearly notifying the driver. I don’t know if it provided a silent notice that automatically dismissed but it certainly did not notify me when I really needed it… low speed. The park assist light is indeed off now when the vehicle starts. Clicking the button reports “Park Assist Off” even though it already appears off and is certainly not providing the intended safety feature. Clicking the button again does not turn the light back on but if clicked again it will again report it was disabled. This is strange and confusing for the driver. Using the infotainment screen one can toggle “Park Assist” off and the drivers info screen by the speedometer will finally say “park assist off”. Turning the feature back on in the infotainment screen actually turns the park assist button back on for about 5 seconds then it silently turns off and the driver is NOT warned that the system is not working. The driver is not properly warned of feature failure even though it appears the software knows it is not working. The little button goes out but the driver message screen does not warn the driver. This failure and poor awareness is a safety risk. Yes, we are unlikely to be parking super close to someone but we might indeed park near a GAS hot water heater or similar hazard in work trucks. The driver must know if safety features failure during driving. Otherwise they are potentially more hazardous than vehicles without them. Drivers will by design rely on these features and MUST be warned if the vehicle knows they have failed. I don’t love that the vehicle has already had a failure with only 1695 miles but this dangerous software concerns me more.
NHTSA complaint #11424249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 510 milesOceanside, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
BOUGHT THE TRUCK 2 WEEKS AGO AND PUT 500 MILES ON IT. UPON ENTERING I GOT AN ALERT ON THE DASH SAYING ESC POWER STEERING FAILURE, PARKING SENSOR FAILURE AND ABS FAILURE DRIVE WITH CAUTION. ALL THESE ALERTS HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND BARELY TURNED ON. SURE ENOUGH I TRY TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE POWER STEERING WAS OUT AND THE PARKING SENSORS WERE OUT. I DIDN'T TRY THE BRAKES SINCE I WAS NOT MOVING AND PARKED.
NHTSA complaint #11415357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,500 milesMidland, TX
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS), BRAKES, AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM (ESC) MIGHT NOT ILLUMINATE. THIS COULD CAUSE THE DRIVER TO NOT KNOW IF ANY OF THESE SYSTEMS ARE INOPERABLE.*DT
NHTSA complaint #11390737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.