The 2021 Silverado 1500 represents GM's T1 platform refresh with improved interior but inherited some troubling powertrain issues, particularly catastrophic engine failures on certain V8s and persistent transmission software glitches that plague early production units.
Symptoms: Metallic ticking or knocking at startup that persists, Check engine light with misfires (P0300-series codes), Loss of power, rough idle, Metal shavings in oil, sudden catastrophic failure in worst cases
Fix: GM's Dynamic Fuel Management lifter failure leads to collapsed lifters, damaged camshaft, rockers, and often cylinder walls. Requires engine teardown at minimum; many end up needing short block or complete rebuild. 20-35 labor hours depending on damage extent. Some failures covered under powertrain warranty extension, but many owners fight GM for coverage.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000
8-Speed Automatic Transmission Harsh Shifting and Shudder
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 10,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard 2-3 or 3-4 upshifts, especially when cold, Shudder or vibration during light acceleration 25-45 mph, Delayed engagement into drive or reverse, Transmission hunting between gears on slight inclines
Fix: Multiple TCM software updates address this, but many trucks need torque converter replacement (8-10 hours) or full valve body replacement if updates don't resolve. GM issued multiple TSBs. Fluid flush with AC Delco fluid sometimes helps temporarily. Most dealers start with reflash, escalate from there.
Estimated cost: $200-3,500
2.7L Turbo (L3B) High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start condition with cranking but no fire, Loss of power under load, stumbling acceleration, P0087 code (fuel rail pressure too low), Loud whining or grinding noise from engine bay
Fix: High-pressure fuel pump on the 2.7T fails prematurely, often contaminating the fuel system with metal debris. Requires pump replacement plus fuel rail and injector inspection/cleaning. If debris circulated, injectors may need replacement. 4-6 hours labor for pump alone, 8-12 if injectors involved.
Estimated cost: $1,800-4,500
3.0L Duramax (LM2) DEF System and Injector Failures
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Reduced engine power message, DEF system fault warnings, countdown to reduced power mode, Hard starting or extended cranking, White smoke from exhaust, strong diesel smell
Fix: DEF injector failures and DEF heater issues plague this diesel. Requires DEF injector replacement (3-5 hours) or DEF tank/heater assembly in severe cases. Fuel injector failures also occur, though less common than DEF system. One injector replacement runs 2-3 hours; full set is 8-10 hours.
Estimated cost: $800-6,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 30,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid drips or puddles under truck, driver's side, Low transmission fluid level on dipstick, Pink or red fluid visible on cooler lines near radiator, Occasional transmission slip if fluid level drops significantly
Fix: Quick-connect fittings and rubber lines to the transmission cooler deteriorate or crack. Simple line replacement takes 1-2 hours. Verify no air entered system during leak; may need fluid flush to ensure clean operation after repair.
Estimated cost: $250-600
Infotainment Screen Freezing and Reboot Cycles
Common · low severity
Symptoms: Black screen on startup, requiring multiple ignition cycles, Touch screen unresponsive or laggy, Backup camera fails to display or shows corrupted image, Bluetooth and CarPlay disconnecting randomly
Fix: Software bug in early production units. GM released multiple software updates via dealership. Most cases resolve with reflash (1 hour). Persistent failures may need radio module replacement under warranty, though rare after updates applied.
Estimated cost: $0-150
Owner tips
If buying a V8, check service records for lifter TSBs or warranty extensions—avoid trucks with AFM/DFM if possible or budget for Range disable device
2.7L turbo owners should use Top Tier fuel exclusively and change oil every 5k miles to extend fuel pump life
Transmission software should be at latest calibration—ask dealer for update history before purchase
3.0 Duramax requires quality DEF from high-turnover stations; old DEF crystallizes and kills injectors
The 2021 can be a solid truck if you avoid early production V8s with lifter issues or get one with the failure already fixed under warranty—stick with the 2.7T if buying used, but factor in potential transmission and fuel system costs.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE · 26V083000
2026-02-12
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
Consequence: Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252516560. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 12, 2026.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL · 25V274000
2025-04-24 · PE25001
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Consequence: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE · 24V797000
2024-10-24
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.
Consequence: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE · 21V985000
2021-12-16
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 GMC Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500 vehicles equipped with certain accessory road tires and a 17" spare tire. The 17" spare tire provided with the vehicle is not compatible for use with the accessory wheels, which can cause the anti-lock brake system (ABS) to not function properly under certain conditions.
Consequence: An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will provide a new 17" spare tire and wheel assembly that is compatible with the accessory wheels, free of charge. Dealers will also apply a new spare tire information label, and provide owners with an owner's manual insert clarifying which spare tire to use with the accessory road tires and with the 17" original tires. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212346510.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · 21V495000
2021-07-01
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vehicles. The front driver's side air bag module may be missing one or more metal tabs that secure the plastic air bag cover to the housing.
Consequence: The missing tabs may prevent the air bag from deploying properly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 16, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212336560.
SEAT BELTS · 20V811000
2020-12-23
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
SEAT BELTS · 20V792000
2020-12-17
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.
TIRES · 20V684000
2020-11-05
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
Consequence: Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace tires that have DOT number and production mold number combinations identified by Continental, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202319030.
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