VehicleVerdict

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine problems

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has 389 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 38% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

389

Engine complaints

38%

Share of year

3

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Related recalls

25V274000EngineApril 24, 2025 · 597,571 units

Defect

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.

What owners report

The transfer case has locked up several times causing me to wreck once. The engine misfires and does not give the MPG advertised. The life of my family has been put at risk with little to no care from the dealer after several attempts for service.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 16, 2022 · crash

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?

NHTSA has 389 complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine — 38% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 25V274000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.