2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Common Problems
Ranked from 277 federal NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
17 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Transmission Jerking and Hard Shifting
104complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission jerks and hard shifts, especially during acceleration and deceleration.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 24V797000, 26V083000
- 2
Tailgate opens unexpectedly
95complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe tailgate opens on its own while driving or parked, posing a safety hazard.
- 3
Engine Misfire and Cylinder Failure
50complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine misfires and shows cylinder failures, leading to poor performance and potential engine damage.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 4
Engine Lifter Failure
14complaintsHigh severityEngineMultiple lifters have failed, causing engine misfires, rough idles, and engine knockings.
Related recall: 25V274000
- 5
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
10complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls at idle when the stop-start system malfunctions.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 6
Engine Coolant Control Valve Issues
5complaintsMedium severityEngineProblems with engine coolant control valves causing engine performance issues and check engine lights.
Related recall: 25V274000
- 7
Transmission Shuddering and Jerking
4complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission shudders and jerks, especially during initial warm-up and at low speeds, affecting smooth operation.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 24V797000, 26V083000
- 8
Tailgate Malfunction
3complaintsMedium severityOtherTailgate release switch defects causing tailgates to open and close unexpectedly, posing safety risks.
- 9
Transmission Issues
3complaintsMedium severityTransmissionTransmission issues arise, such as unexpected shifts and hesitations, affecting vehicle performance and safety.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 24V797000, 26V083000
- 10
Engine Jerking and Unreliable Sensor Readings
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine is jerky and unreliable sensor readings lead to inconsistent performance and potential accidents.
Related recall: 25V274000
- 11
Engine Knocking and Seizure
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine produces a knocking sound and may seize, leading to complete loss of power and potential engine failure.
Related recall: 25V274000
- 12
Engine Overheating Due to Coolant Control Valve Failure
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine overheats due to a failed coolant control valve, causing the check engine light to illuminate.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 13
Steering Failure (Power Steering Malfunction)
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe power steering system malfunctions, making it difficult to steer, especially at low speeds.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Transmission Failure at Low Speed Acceleration
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission fails to engage properly at low speeds, causing the vehicle to lose power.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 24V797000, 26V083000
- 15
Transmission Jerks and Shudders During Shifting
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission jerks and shudders during shifting, leading to erratic performance.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 24V797000, 26V083000
- 16
Transmission Shutter Malfunction at Low Speed
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission shutter malfunctions at low speeds, causing the transmission to slip and the vehicle to lose power.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 24V797000, 26V083000
- 17
Transmission Temperature Warning Light
2complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe transmission temperature warning light appears, indicating possible transmission failure.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.