2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine problems

430 of the 1,102 complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 are about the engine — 39% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 62,624 miles.

F

430

Complaints

4

Crashes

3

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Engine 372 86.5%
Engine AND Engine Cooling 50 11.6%
Engine Control Module (Ecu/Ecm) 2 0.5%
Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical 2 0.5%
Radiator Assembly 1 0.2%
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe 1 0.2%
Catalytic Convertor 1 0.2%
Urea Injection System (Def) 1 0.2%

Engine & Cooling across every Chevrolet Silverado 1500 year

1997 38 1.2%
1998 22 0.7%
1999 16 0.5%
2000 21 0.7%
2001 28 0.9%
2002 23 0.8%
2003 35 1.1%
2004 44 1.4%
2005 37 1.2%
2006 21 0.7%
2007 75 2.5%
2008 51 1.7%
2009 41 1.3%
2010 37 1.2%
2011 43 1.4%
2012 25 0.8%
2013 35 1.1%
2014 200 6.6%
2015 142 4.7%
2016 73 2.4%
2017 117 3.8%
2018 110 3.6%
2019 412 13.5%
2020 268 8.8%
2021 430 14.1%
2022 268 8.8%
2023 170 5.6%
2024 166 5.4%
2025 52 1.7%
2026 53 1.7%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Mountain Home, AR

ENGINE

Engine noise, unable to pass or fail pico test due to to much noise in truck. Engine failure.

NHTSA complaint #11764010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Bragg, CA

ENGINE

LM2 engine coolant control valve failure. My vehicle VIN is not listed for the repair i dont know how it is not but they want me to pay outa pocket

NHTSA complaint #11763762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Parrish, FL

ENGINE

Statement for NHTSA Subject: Safety Complaint – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado Unexpected Jerking/Harsh Transmission Engagement I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2.7L Turbo with approximately 128,000 miles. My vehicle has developed a recurring problem involving harsh/jerking transmission engagement, hesitation, shuddering and abnormal shifting. The truck can jerk when engaging or changing gears and has also experienced a hard engagement when shifting from Reverse into Drive. During normal driving, the vehicle can hesitate or feel as though it is repeatedly fluttering/shifting instead of providing smooth and predictable acceleration. The vehicle has produced diagnostic trouble codes including P0700, U0100 and P0420. I am concerned that this condition could create a safety hazard, particularly if the vehicle unexpectedly jerks, hesitates or fails to respond normally when accelerating or changing gears in traffic. I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and review whether there is a pattern or potential safety-related defect involving transmission engagement, shifting or drivetrain control on 2021 Chevrolet Silverado vehicles. GM has published service information concerning delayed and harsh transmission engagement on certain Silverado applications, including 2019–2021 models, which makes me concerned that my vehicle may be experiencing a related issue. I am retaining my repair records, diagnostic information, receipts, videos and mileage/date information documenting when the problem occurs. I am willing to provide this information if requested. Please help me get my truck corrected, I love my Chevy Truck. Thanks Sincerely [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11763481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oxford, MS

ENGINE

Following recall review by the dealership, experienced sudden, catastrophic engine failure nearly stranding me on the road with my son. Awaiting final diagnostics from the dealership, but every indication, errors, and symptoms align with all the other complaints that I have reviewed on line for the make/model of my vehicle. Recall assessment and corrective actions ineffective resolving engine failure.

NHTSA complaint #11762998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lakeland, FL

ENGINE

My 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST with the 6.2L engine experienced an engine seizure. The engine was replaced by a Chevrolet dealership under a GM safety recall. Immediately after picking up the vehicle following the recall engine replacement, the truck stalled while still in the Chevrolet dealership parking lot. There was no warning before this first stall. We continued our trip because we did not realize at the time that the stall could indicate a problem following the engine replacement. During the drive from [XXX] to [XXX], the problem continued. In [XXX], the check engine light illuminated and the truck began malfunctioning. The vehicle subsequently stalled again. The problem continued after returning to [XXX]. A Chevrolet dealership in [XXX] inspected the vehicle and reproduced/confirmed a problem involving the camshaft position sensor wiring/connector. The dealership demonstrated the problem by manipulating the connector/wiring and recorded a video of the diagnostic procedure. The vehicle is currently at the Chevrolet dealership and is available for inspection. The affected component should also be available for inspection because it has not yet been repaired. The [XXX] dealership has characterized the wiring/connector condition as normal wear. However, the first stall occurred immediately after the GM recall engine replacement, while the vehicle was still on the repairing Chevrolet dealership's property. Unexpected engine stalling creates a serious safety risk because the vehicle can lose propulsion without warning while driving, including at highway speeds or in traffic. I am concerned that the camshaft position circuit/wiring/connector problem may be associated with the recall engine replacement procedure or replacement engine. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether other vehicles receiving this GM 6.2L engine recall remedy have experienced similar camshaft position circuit failures or unexpected stalling after engine repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FO

NHTSA complaint #11763216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Quinlan, TX

ENGINE

Loss of power , catastrophic engine failure

NHTSA complaint #11762721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 62,248 miles Macomb, MI

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the exhaust manifold bolts had detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the warranty mileage limitation had been exceeded. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,248.

NHTSA complaint #11762775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Summerville, SC

ENGINE

My engine has been replaced twice already for total failure first time was in November 2023 and the second time was May 2026.

NHTSA complaint #11762429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Howell, MI

ENGINE

Vehicle went into reduced power mode and was taken to the dealership. They had to tear down the motor to diagnose the problem and determined it was the crankshaft and the motor needed to be replaced. It was out of factory warranty however it has an extended warranty and the warranty covered 80% of the repair. We still had to pay over $3k out of pocket. Vehicle is now making engine noises again and will be getting taken back to the dealership to be looked at. Currently not part of the recall however truck was built at the Mexico plant in question. We believe it may have the faulty components as well.

NHTSA complaint #11761259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Spring, TX

ENGINE

Number 2 cylinder lifter failure. Metal found in oil. Need to replace the engine

NHTSA complaint #11760853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Richmond, MN

ENGINE

Lifter and cam shaft failure rendering vehicle unable to run on the side of the road 5 hours from home.

NHTSA complaint #11760983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Everman, TX

ENGINE

The truck had been driving fine, no dash lights or warning messages appeared. It is available for inspection upon request. My family was at risk if this had happened on the freeway as we had been out just hours earlier. We attempted to start the engine like normal and there was a loud pop or bang and a sound like something dropped and it made loud revving sound never started up again. The initial confirmation by a certified mechanic is to be engine failure. They did not do an in depth diagnosis yet to determine if "the top valves dropped or bottom of the engine connecting rods to the crankshaft". THIS ISSUE ALL ALIGNS WITH THE CURRENT RECALL OF ENGINE FAILURE AS WELL AS THE MAKE. MODEL AND YEAR OF OUR TRUCK. But the dealership Bruce Lowrie Chevrolet says our VIN number does not qualify. Again the issue, make/model and year are all associated with the recall. We are in desperate need for our VIN to be added to the recall as it is fits all the details required.

NHTSA complaint #11760997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jonesboro, AR

ENGINE

Catastrophic internal engine failure Metal shavings throughout oil

NHTSA complaint #11761099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lancaster, CA

ENGINE

Took it to the dealer for the L87 recall back at the end of April 2026. GM stated that my truck passed the inspection and “upgraded” my oil to the new 0w-40 oil. Now 8-27-2026, 6500miles after the inspection. Driving to work in the morning, and my engine failed. What I believe happened was a lifter got stuck and the engine shook and all lights on the dash were flashing. Vehicle is currently at the dealership and they are saying the “special” warranty does not cover this failure. Which to me is completely unacceptable. Because for 72,900 miles I never had an issue with the truck. But 6500 miles after they changed the oil to the thicker oil now I have an engine failure.

NHTSA complaint #11761136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Pineville, LA

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine was idling rough and the vehicle vibrated violently. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle hesitate while responding. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA complaint #11761138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Barre, MA

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11760698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Branch, MN

ENGINE

At 12,000 miles a lifter malfunctioned. It was repaired by my local Chevrolet dealership by replacing lifters on one side of the engine. The delearship also changed the viscosity of the oil. At 64,000 miles roughly another lifter malfunctioned and needed replacing. Had I been on the highway at the time of failure it could have posed a risk for the safety of my family and others on the road. Each time the check light was flashing at the time of the incident.

NHTSA complaint #11760543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Waukesha, WI

ENGINE

Truck started violently shaking while driving 70 mph on highway. Check engine light, service electric parking brake warning light, TCS/ESC warning light, started flashing on tachometer. Check engine light remained on when truck was restarted later. Chevy dealer service department reproduced problem and found broken bits of metal in the oil filter. Engine is shot. Likely caused by truck's Dynamic Fuel Management system. Dealer advises only option is to replace engine. Truck was up to date on all service maintenance.

NHTSA complaint #11760442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Worth, TX

ENGINE

I own a 2021 Silverado Trail Boss LT with the 6.2L V8. I purchased the vehicle new at Classic Chevrolet in [XXX]. In XXX, it experienced what I can only describe as engine failure. Severe knocking, loss of power, rough idling. I contacted the dealership as it was under warranty (it had approximately 45k miles at the time). They towed the vehicle in and performed repairs. I do not have service records but the repairs totaled approximately 12-15k dollars and involved several engine part replacements. I received the vehicle back after about 2 weeks. I later learned of the factory recall that was issued by GM affecting my truck and took it in for inspection. This XXX5. It was inspected and passed. They did replace the oil to a higher weight oil as recommended. In XXX it experienced the same issues as before. This time while driving on freeway. Sever engine knocking and loss of power. As I was on the way to work, I drove straight to the dealership to drop it off. After inspecting, they determined it warranted a replacement engine under the original recall. They kept the vehicle about 3 weeks and returned back to me in early XXX. It has been driving fine since then, but I am worried the replacement engine may have the same defects as the original engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11759761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Millington, MI

ENGINE

As of august 19, 2026 my engine suffered a catastrophic failure with code P0016 which is cranckshaft camshaft lifter failure. Engine will be replaced. Currently at the dealership for replacement. Had the truck for 2 months and I’m requesting that GM fully replace my truck with a different one because I’m sick of hearing all the failures going on with the 6.2 engines. Such as my truck.

NHTSA complaint #11759806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 91,733 miles Murfreesboro, TN Crash

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to crank. The contact originally suspected a battery failure, as the vehicle had recently been involved in an accident that left the passenger-side mirror damaged with exposed wires. While driving at 70 MPH, a semi-truck sideswiped the passenger-side of the vehicle, causing a dent on the front door and a fractured side-view mirror. The semi-truck driver did not stop, and the contact's son drove the vehicle to the nearest exit. No air bags deployed, no warning lights illuminated, and no injuries were reported. A police report was filed. The vehicle was initially towed to a collision center, where it was determined that the battery was not the cause of the starting failure. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with camshaft, timing belt, and actuator failures. Upon removing the camshaft, metal shavings were found inside the engine, and the dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,733.

NHTSA complaint #11758511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Albuquerque, NM

ENGINE

Currently had my engine go into "limp mode" after checked engine light came on with code p1010. The coolant control valve is what is the problem, and GM/Chevy has issued a special coverage on this known part for my year make and model (Bulletin N252508341). However, according to the dealership, my VIN does not qualify for this known issue, regardless of my faulty part matching the special coverage for the year make and model of my vehicle. Now I'm stuck paying for the empty promise from Chevy.

NHTSA complaint #11757924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 95,000 miles Midlothian, IL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and the messages "Engine Power Reduced" and "Speed Limited to 65 MPH" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine coolant flow control valve and related components needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: EA25007 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA complaint #11755936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 95,000 miles Midlothian, IL

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and the messages "Engine Power Reduced" and "Speed Limited to 65 MPH" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine coolant flow control valve and related components needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: EA25007 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA complaint #11755936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oklahoma City, OK

ENGINE

On August 22, 2025 the malfunction indicator lamp (code: P146B Evap. purge pump) illuminated with no noticeable change. Ran codes at auto zone which stated engine failed and emissions not ready. August 25, 2025 drove to certified Chevy dealer dropped off vehicle and showed the service advisor the fix finder test results from auto zone as well as the illuminated indicator lamp (check engine light). August 26, 2025 picked up my vehicle with receipt stating "found dtc's P146b and P1467 stored in ECM (engine control module) for evap purge pump fault. inspected evap canister for any signs of fuel and none were found. replaced evap purge pump per special policy #N232395310. Cleared dtc and road tested vehicle to verify repair". September 9, 2025 my engine indicator light illuminated and my engine entered limp mode, a safety feature which reduces cylinder output/capacity. September 12, 2025 while in limp mode, I returned to the service dealer and informed them of the reduced power (limp mode) and my confusion as the second engine symbol that has been illuminated is in a different area than the first and my truck has ONE engine. (editor note: malfunction indicator lamp is for the emissions). My original transmission (8L90) was replace, because my vehicle was under power train warranty and the service advisor took it upon himself to approve the disassembly of my running, in good condition 8L90 transmission without consulting me or my approval. the 8L90 was "discontinued" for the 2020-2022 years without recall come to find out (sarcasm). I now have a new transmission (8L86-85) with the "special coverage" part (#N232395310) still connected, only now I have NO additional powertrain coverage for a new transmission, but the "special coverage" originally issued in 2023, BY MAIL, for 15 yr/150,000miles has extended two years plus mileage. (15 yr / 152,955) .The "special coverage" part should NOT affect the engine! Engines produce power/HEAT not CO2 . Sarbane - Oxley Act.

NHTSA complaint #11755329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Stow, OH

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11754540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 73,000 miles Stow, OH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle came to a complete stop without warning. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice. During the first failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer and a lifter inside the engine was replaced. The contact stated that after the second failure, the contact allowed the vehicle to sit for a while before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that a lifter and the camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000.

NHTSA complaint #11754554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Harvest, AL

ENGINE

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; GM: 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

NHTSA complaint #11753677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bloomfield, IN

ENGINE

While driving at ~50mph, the truck immediately went into reduced power mode, temperatures spiked to 260 from 210. Engine code P1006 showed indicating coolant control valve failure. After experiencing, I discovered that GM issued Special Coverage for Coolant Control Valve (N252508341). However, the local Chevy dealership indicated my truck would not be covered even though it is within the timeframe/mileage, and falls in the year/make/model categories. According to them, the coverage is VIN specific and my VIN is not listed. They directed me to Chevrolet Customer Care. Customer Care did not acknowledge the Special Coverage until I directed them to the correct bulletin. They further indicated because my VIN was not covered, they would not be able to do anything. This issue is HIGHLY known by GM, but they have failed to remedy appropriately. It is also a safety hazard, especially in my case, where the failure occurred on the highway, at speed with cars behind me, and resulted in the truck immediately ceasing normal operation causing the potential for property damage and/or injury.

NHTSA complaint #11752784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ogdensburg, NY

ENGINE

Catastrophic engine failure. Confirmed by GM dealer. No symptoms prior.

NHTSA complaint #11752540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems

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