Owners have filed 56 complaints
about the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with NHTSA between 2020 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 14 of 28 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 54
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Silverado 3500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 18
3.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
63% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2021 compares with every other Chevrolet Silverado 3500
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
743.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
16.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
531.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
212.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
16.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2020peak 7Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE21010Opened 9 Apr 2021Closed 24 Aug 2023AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Air Bag Malfunction
On April 9, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE21-010 to investigate instances of air bag malfunction indicator light (MIL) illumination and potential for frontal air bag non-deployment in several vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The vehicles included model year (MY) 2020 through 2021 CT4 and CT5 passenger cars, Sierra and Silverado trucks (1500/2500/3500 models), XT4 and MY 2021 Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon SUVs.Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 21-NA-005, issued in March 2021, addresses air bag MIL illumination with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B0001...
Recalls on the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
24V797000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
24V060000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in park.
Risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
21V758000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles with electronic brake control modules (EBCM) replaced during vehicle assembly. The bolts that attach the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) assembly may not be properly tightened, which could fail to seal the two sub-assemblies and allow water intrusion.
Risk: Water in the BPMV may cause an electrical short circuit and increase the risk of fire.
20V811000
SEAT BELTS
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
Risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
20V792000
SEAT BELTS
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
Risk: If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 15,521 milesChino Hills, CAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, he noticed smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the smoke would become more aggressive as the accelerator or brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle caught on fire however the origin was unknown. The contact and his family exited the vehicle safely and discovered unknown fluid emitting from the rear of the vehicle. The contact used a fire extinguisher to attempt to extinguish the fire however the fire kept returning a total of 4 times. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire. A fire report was not filed. A police report was filed however the police report number was unknown. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was destroyed and burned to the frame. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,521.
NHTSA complaint #11605095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salem, OHCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
The tailgate opened and closes on its own while trailering causing sever binds and damage to the trailer and allowing loads to become unsecured. There is a recall already from GM on this issue, but for some reason our VIN is not included. This is a well documented issue. We have video of this occurrence if necessary. The dealer said it’s water in the tailgate switch.
NHTSA complaint #11593598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Pierce City, MO
STEERING
On XXX the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado was taken to Mayse Automotive Group at [XXX] dealership for the complaint of the key getting stuck in the ignition and unable to remove causing a safety and security risk. Service department found that the transmission control in column needed to be replaced. The park switch control was defective and providing incorrect data. Service department confirmed that many vehicles alike have needed same repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pierce City, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On XXX the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado was taken to Mayse Automotive Group at [XXX] dealership for the complaint of the key getting stuck in the ignition and unable to remove causing a safety and security risk. Service department found that the transmission control in column needed to be replaced. The park switch control was defective and providing incorrect data. Service department confirmed that many vehicles alike have needed same repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hammond, WI
STRUCTURE:BODY
Water entered tailgate through drainage hole in tailgate cap. The water then dripped on the tailgate switch causing it to short out. This short circuit caused my tailgate to open and close randomly without pressing any switches or buttons or key fobs. May tailgate has a small ding it it now from where it kept hitting the wall while parked in the garage. I took the truck to the dealership to get repairs done and was charged 308.88 for the tailgate switch and diagnosis that should have been under a recall for this truck. Safety Recall N232426400 Tailgate May Open Unexpectedly issued May 2024. I called the customer service number [XXX] to try and get reimbursed for the repairs and they told me there is no recall on my truck. I had this problem and it clearly states the year, make and model of my truck in the recall, but because my vin wasn't included I'm out of luck? I will attach all the info i have on this matter. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11734635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hammond, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Water entered tailgate through drainage hole in tailgate cap. The water then dripped on the tailgate switch causing it to short out. This short circuit caused my tailgate to open and close randomly without pressing any switches or buttons or key fobs. May tailgate has a small ding it it now from where it kept hitting the wall while parked in the garage. I took the truck to the dealership to get repairs done and was charged 308.88 for the tailgate switch and diagnosis that should have been under a recall for this truck. Safety Recall N232426400 Tailgate May Open Unexpectedly issued May 2024. I called the customer service number [XXX] to try and get reimbursed for the repairs and they told me there is no recall on my truck. I had this problem and it clearly states the year, make and model of my truck in the recall, but because my vin wasn't included I'm out of luck? I will attach all the info i have on this matter. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11734635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mansfield, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
The tailgate will go up and down when the vehicle is turned off and in park. It will also do this while driving the vehicle. * I notice there has already been a recall for this issue, but my VIN shows NO RECALLS
NHTSA complaint #11721418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Schuylerville, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Service engine light kept coming on the dash, and the code came back to a faulty DEF heater. My truck had a reduced power countdown on the dash indicating the truck was going go to into limp mode after x amount of miles. On warmer days the code would go away and there would be no reduced power. The vehicle was diagnosed at a GM dealership and confirmed the DEF heater was bad, but was notified that there is a bulletin with GM for this issue occurring in many other diesel trucks. My safety was put at risk due to the rapidly changing reduced speed milage, at any point it could drop from 100miles, to 10 miles until reduced speed. This could cause an instant car accident while driving if the truck were to randomly slow down to a speed much slower than the speed limit. IE- driving on the north way (65 speed limit) and having the speed drop to 5mph unexpectedly when you just had over 100 miles to reduced speed.
NHTSA complaint #11719345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bainbridge, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2021 chevy 3500hd diesel had the engine light come on and the service emissions system popped up in the info screen. It said in so many miles speed would be limited. I took it to the dealer and they said the def tank would need replaced because the tank wiring connector overheated and would cost me over $2k.
NHTSA complaint #11716547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bainbridge, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2021 chevy 3500hd diesel had the engine light come on and the service emissions system popped up in the info screen. It said in so many miles speed would be limited. I took it to the dealer and they said the def tank would need replaced because the tank wiring connector overheated and would cost me over $2k.
NHTSA complaint #11716547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bainbridge, OH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2021 chevy 3500hd diesel had the engine light come on and the service emissions system popped up in the info screen. It said in so many miles speed would be limited. I took it to the dealer and they said the def tank would need replaced because the tank wiring connector overheated and would cost me over $2k.
NHTSA complaint #11716547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,040 milesMonroe, LA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that the tailgate occasionally opened and closed unintendedly. The failure had occurred several times. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, an appointment was scheduled. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,040.
NHTSA complaint #11700549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chesterfield, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Power unlatching tailgate opens unexpectedly (after big rain storm) The exact problem in this recall: Safety Recall N232426400 Tailgate May Open Unexpectedly However, my truck VIN wasn't part of the recall, even tho it shows it should be in the document above. I had to disconnect the tailgate switch myself to stop the tailgate from randomly opening while pulling a 5th wheel RV..... 3,000 miles from home. Just had it fixed at the dealer for $144, who said it wasn't coved under recall.
NHTSA complaint #11700055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clinton, MD
ENGINE
My 2021 Chevy Silverado 3500 [XXX] Motor began requiring a quart of oil every 3-4 weeks. I took my vehicle to a GM dealer in October 2024 and the stated the couldn't find any issues. Fast forward to December 2024 my motor began reading low compression and saying stop the vehicle. I took the vehicle back and pressured them to find out whats wrong with the truck as I only have 76,000 miles and I have performed all of the necessary maintenance. I even have a Chevrolet Platinum protection plan for warranty coverage. I have gotten the run around for months and I have yet to get my vehicle repaired. After taking my truck to a certified 3rd party the verified that the lifters failed and the motor would likely need to be replaced or rebuilt. The mechanics reported this Information to the Chevrolet warranty company and the stated the refuse to provide and repairs unless I produce oil change receipts or return the vehicle back to a dealership and pay for the dealer to tear the motor down. PLEASE HELP ME!!! Im stuck paying $819 a month for a truck I haven't driven regularly since December 2024. Please please please help me Sincerely [XXX] General Motors [XXX] 2021 3500 hd wt 4x4 Case # 9-XXX [XXX] I have a 2021 chevy 3500 lt (dually) Been having issues with a rough idle so I figured to replace the plugs, coil packs and wires as my truck just hit 70,000 miles. After doing the full tune up nothing changed, so I scheduled an appointment with my local chevy dealership. They kept my truck for about a week and never completed the diagnosis. I picked the truck back up and took it to another chevy dealer and the told me after a week or so that I had lifter issues and the truck would probably need a new motor. The truck seemed a little sketchy from the gate in the first 50k miles it consumed oil like it was a ol 250k mile chevy.... the alternator went out at around 50k miles and the fuel efficiency would be 6-8 mpg at best..... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11698677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,611 milesManassas, VA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the tailgate inadvertently opened and closed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that when the button to open the tailgate was pressed, the tailgate failed to function as intended. Upon further inspection, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). However, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic gate-release switch had short-circuited. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,611.
NHTSA complaint #11696625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cameron, TX
ENGINE
I was driving down the highway at speed limit when the dash lights came on and the truck started jerking went to a mechanic and he stated it was a fuel ejector after getting it replaced the issue still occurs often check engine light comes on and off and this the only transportation I have for work
NHTSA complaint #11694315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cameron, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving down the highway at speed limit when the dash lights came on and the truck started jerking went to a mechanic and he stated it was a fuel ejector after getting it replaced the issue still occurs often check engine light comes on and off and this the only transportation I have for work
NHTSA complaint #11694315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesPowder Springs, GA
POWER TRAIN
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. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train). The dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.
NHTSA complaint #11691701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fruit Heights, UT
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
With 33k miles on the original tires on my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD. Driver's side rear ire self destructed going down the highway at 70mph. Was not towing at the time. LT275/65R20 126/123S E @ 80psi
NHTSA complaint #11687064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hayward, WI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Our tailgate would open on its own intermittingly. We haul our fifth wheel camper and this could cause damage to the RV and our vehicle. There have been recalls on one year older trucks and one year newer but not for the 2021Chevrolet Silverado. A Chevrolet dearlership in Florida looked at it for us. They said cause : checked for codes and bulletins. Found code B153D. Completed circuit check. Also found tailgate hatch out of adjustment. Corrctionj: Rec. replace switch and adjust latch. We were charged $486.05 for this. We feel this should be a recall problem. Please advise.
NHTSA complaint #11658907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
York Haven, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Tailgate opens by itself. This happened 3 times in 2 hours while the vehicle was parked. I tow a 5th-wheel trailer. If this happens when towing it can cause a catastrophe.
NHTSA complaint #11654556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesNew Prague, MN
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park(P), the tailgate independently opened during rainy or inclement weather. No warning light was illuminated. Upon further inspection, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (Latch/Locks/Linkages); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
NHTSA complaint #11641693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesAdkins, TX
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while the doors were unlocked, and the vehicle was idling or in motion; the rear tailgate independently opened and closed with an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact manually closed the tailgate and locked the doors to prevent the failure from reoccurring. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). The contact stated that the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11637603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakeland, MN
POWER TRAIN
This is regarding 24V797. A software update to "monitor" for transmission valve failure is not a resolution to a problem that could pose a sever risk to my safety on a very expensive truck.
NHTSA complaint #11637480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edon, OH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Injector #4 connector harness issue- Known issue on the 6.6L duramax. Driving with my children for Christmas pickup and power reduction occurred while passing another car on the road. Causing us to hit the breaks as the truck wouldn’t allow us to pass timely. Known harness issue by GM and instead of covering I had to pay to have a new connector spliced in. Multiple warning lights. Check engine, Emissions warning, Reduced power, Traction control, parking brake
NHTSA complaint #11632370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenwood, SC
STEERING
Driving home from work 7/1/2024 approx 5:15PM Smelled burning smell, no noise or dash lights, thought it was another car. 1 minute later, heard a thump from under hood and "Charging System Failure" came on dash. Decided to take to Chevy dealer, which was 5 minutes away. Within next 2 minutes steering failed. As I came to next intersection, brakes failed, went thorough red light, luckily not hit by another vehicle. Coasted to stop and called tow service.Engine was still running until I turned it off. Had towed to local Chevy dealer. AC compressor had locked up, broken belt. Steering and brakes failed. Dealer agreed both failed, but would not list the brake failure on the invoice. I was originally invoiced 2900.00 to repair, even though truck had only 29244 miles. That was reduced to 1160.00. Was told it was 2 months past 36 month warranty. Engine was still under warranty, but AC, alternator, power steering and brakes, was not,. I had contacted GM which originally told me they would reimburse me for repairs and would mail me a check, I have the email. When check did not arrive after 2 months, I contacted my case worker again via email and phone. Could not get a response after about 6 attempts. When I called and finally got another person, I was informed they had changed their mind.
NHTSA complaint #11631152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenwood, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Driving home from work 7/1/2024 approx 5:15PM Smelled burning smell, no noise or dash lights, thought it was another car. 1 minute later, heard a thump from under hood and "Charging System Failure" came on dash. Decided to take to Chevy dealer, which was 5 minutes away. Within next 2 minutes steering failed. As I came to next intersection, brakes failed, went thorough red light, luckily not hit by another vehicle. Coasted to stop and called tow service.Engine was still running until I turned it off. Had towed to local Chevy dealer. AC compressor had locked up, broken belt. Steering and brakes failed. Dealer agreed both failed, but would not list the brake failure on the invoice. I was originally invoiced 2900.00 to repair, even though truck had only 29244 miles. That was reduced to 1160.00. Was told it was 2 months past 36 month warranty. Engine was still under warranty, but AC, alternator, power steering and brakes, was not,. I had contacted GM which originally told me they would reimburse me for repairs and would mail me a check, I have the email. When check did not arrive after 2 months, I contacted my case worker again via email and phone. Could not get a response after about 6 attempts. When I called and finally got another person, I was informed they had changed their mind.
NHTSA complaint #11631152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.