VehicleVerdict

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 sits mid-pack among Silverado 3500 years: 54 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 42, with 5 recalls and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (11), transmission (7), and body & structure (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

54

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other Silverado 3500 years?

See all Silverado 3500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1120%
Transmission713%
Body & Structure611%
Latches & Locks59%
Brakes59%
Fuel System59%
Other59%
Engine36%
Driver Assistance24%
Airbags24%
Lighting12%
Steering12%
Tires & Wheels12%

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V797000TransmissionOctober 24, 2024 · 463,295 units

Defect

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.

24V060000Latches & LocksFebruary 1, 2024 · 570,434 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232426400.

21V758000BrakesSeptember 29, 2021 · 3,241 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Water in the BPMV may cause an electrical short circuit and increase the risk of fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from other structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will replace the BPMV assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 20, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212349181.

20V811000Seat BeltsDecember 23, 2020 · 470 units

Defect

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.

20V792000Seat BeltsDecember 17, 2020 · 624,216 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 3, 2026

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.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 21, 2025

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 5, 2024 · crash

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · November 19, 2025

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 3, 2026

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 — common questions

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Silverado 3500: 54 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2021 Silverado 3500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (11 complaints), transmission (7 complaints), body & structure (6 complaints).

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Silverado 3500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Silverado 3500 years to avoid are 2000, 1998, 2001, 1997, 2015, 1999, 2016, 2024, 2002, 2011, 2007, 2013, 2008, 2012, 2009, 2014, 2010. The cleanest record among Silverado 3500 years belongs to 1994.

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.