2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Other Problems

Your dealership told you they can't complete a safety recall repair until you pay $1,100 to replace the idler pulley first. The dealer says the pulley replacement is needed because it can cause noise and vibration that would interfere with their engine testing. You're concerned about driving with a known safety issue that could cause engine failure and increase crash risk. Replacing the idler pulley is a mechanical repair that involves removing the old pulley and installing a new one.

Your tailgate release switch is operating on its own, causing your tailgate to drop unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds (55-75 mph) and even when parked. You've had to pull over multiple times to close it, and items could fall out and hit other vehicles. The switch may also drain your battery, which could leave you stranded in remote areas.

Your truck is displaying a P1098 diagnostic trouble code, which indicates a problem with your engine's oxygen sensor or fuel system lean condition. This code suggests your engine may not be running at the proper fuel-to-air mixture. Getting the vehicle diagnosed and repaired should restore normal engine performance and fuel efficiency.

P1098 engine coolant control valve Engine light comes on and truck says reduced power. Then went off. Back on again

Noticed when pressing tailgate release button manually it would not open but would if fob used. However tailgate opens continuously on its own.

Vehicle: 2021 Chevrolet Silverado Issue: Infotainment system failure after GM‑pushed OTA update Description of Problem: On 10/31/2025, my vehicle’s infotainment system attempted an over‑the‑air software update. The update failed and the screen has been locked ever since, displaying only the message: “Update Failed – Return to Dealer.” As a result: - I cannot access any settings (clock, preferences, system menus). - All warning chimes and signal sounds (turn signal click, seatbelt reminder, back seat reminder, etc.) are disabled. - The backup camera still functions, but no other infotainment features are usable. - The system is completely unresponsive to reset attempts. I brought the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer, who verified that it was the OTA update that caused the failure, they attempted a reflash but was unsuccessful. They now claim the entire infotainment unit must be replaced at my expense, even though the failure was caused by GM’s own update which I neither approved, initiated, or requested. My vehicle is out of warranty, but this was not a wear‑and‑tear issue — it was introduced by GM’s software. Safety Concern: The loss of audible warnings and chimes poses a safety risk. Drivers rely on these alerts for seatbelt reminders, turn signal confirmation, and other critical notifications. A manufacturer‑pushed update disabled these among other functions including radio, navigation, and all vehicle settings. Resolution Attempts: - Dealer attempted reprogramming on 11/6 (charged $295) but failed and state I need a new infotainment system. - GM Customer Assistance refused to provide goodwill coverage. - Vehicle remains stuck in failed update state as pictured. Request: I am submitting this complaint because GM’s OTA update disabled core safety features of my vehicle along with other basic features such as radio. I believe this is a manufacturer defect that should be investigated and addressed, regardless of warranty status.

Transmission shudders and slipping gears at only 100k miles.

The track on the back glass is cracked and leaking water into the interior back cab light.

The air conditioning only blows HOT air. The vehicle was inspected by my mechanic and states that the compressor and belt have failed and needs to be replaced. I realize that my 2020 Silverado is out of warranty, but after looking into this situation, I have found that GM has had known air conditioning issues with certain Silverado models, especially 2019-2021. I believe this is a widespread defect and should be covered and repaired through a goodwill program. I am bringing the Silverado for repairs to my mechanic on 10/31/25 as I live in South Florida and cannot continue driving this vehicle without air conditioning.

I am filing a formal complaint regarding a serious safety concern with my 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO, following the completion of recall N252494001 performed by Galleria Chevrolet in Dallas, TX. Prior to this recall work and related inspections, my vehicle operated without any abnormal engine noise. After the recall inspection and a subsequent fuel injector repair performed by the dealer, my vehicle began producing a bottom-end engine noise that had never been present before, and ultimately we have catastrophic engine failure. What is highly concerning is that the dealership staff previously documented the situation in writing as follows: “We performed the recall inspection and the truck passed. After performing an injector repair now there is a bottom-end noise when it's running. Did the failed injector possibly affect the validity of the test? That may be the case. We know that the truck did not experience the noise before the inspection; is it possible that the steps we took affected the truck in a way that got the noise to show itself? That’s what we need to determine.” Despite this acknowledgment, the dealership is now denying any responsibility, classifying the damage as unrelated “wear and tear”. This reversal appears highly suspicious, as it contradicts their own observations and written notes. It suggests that the dealership and GM may be refusing to fulfill their obligations under the recall and repair warranty, leaving me with a vehicle that has a blown engine and a significant safety risk. Given the timing of the noise, occurring directly after recall work and injector repair, and the internal documentation from the dealership itself, I request NHTSA investigate whether: This issue is part of a broader trend affecting other vehicles under the same recall. GM and its dealers are properly honoring their obligations to fully repair vehicles impacted by recalls. Consequential damage resulting from recall work is being systematically denied coverage.

A knocking noise coming from the left side drivers wheel

Around May 20th, 2022, I was driving the pickup when it suddenly the engine turned off on me. I was travelling at approximately 40 mph on city streets and was able to control the vehicle and park the vehicle and restart it. That same week, I took the vehicle to Chevrolet on the city of Orange, where it was inspected. According to the mechanic, no issues were located. Nothing else was done to the vehicle and as a result, I fear the same issue will happen again in the future.

while driving, the emergency brake engages and locks the car up coming to a complete stop mid driving (on highway!). this has happened 3 times now, took it into dealer, they did a computer update and released. It has since happened again, with my child in the car!

I get A shift to park message on my dash behind steering wheel whenever I put the vehicle in park and turn it off. It want let the vehicle completely shutdown.

When I am driving my vehicle and I pull in to park, I put the gear shift into park and shut the vehichle off and a light comes on in the dash and says shift to park. And the vehichle will not shut down for several minutes after this light comes on. It also feels like there is a hesitation in the transmission at times after I start the vehicle and start driving.

Diesel engine continues to overheat, even after the oil temperature sensor failure dealership repair. Truck is very well maintained. However, common and trending issue amongst 1500 Silverado diesel owners is overheating which causes engine to loose power while driving and even get so hot it can catch fire. Warning lights appear only when problem is at engine failure point. Also, we lost power or reduced power on freeway which almost caused an accident and engine was smoking. We had it towed to Epic Chevrolet in Sacramento, CA. Within one week of dealership repair covered under powertrain warranty, dealership said overheating engine is due to a “new” code for coolant pump. In short, fire and driving safety hazard that can cost lives if not addressed by NHTSA.

Paint chipping and cracking not even five years old yet

I had my windshield replaced and the installer said when he removed the old glass, the bottom of the glass didn't have the rubber strip accross the bottom. Our rear sliding window has had a small leak, so we asked him to check it out too. He noticed that the window also does not have the rubber weather seal.

Baton Rouge Louisiana

Baton Rouge Louisiana

The tumbler in keyed switch is locked up solid . Cannot turn key to start or turn on.

Since the purchase of this truck I have been having the same issues consistent with the current recall. It has gotten worse and has almost caused an accident during acceleration due to skipping or locking up of the engine/wheels. Worse when traction control is on. This Happens almost every time the gears shift during acceleration.

I brought in vehicle for check engine light is on for p0300 / p0308 had misfire tech removed engine valve cover and determine no movement in valve train components tech determine valve train failure lifters possible camshaft we would need to remove the cylinder head and replace valve train lifters.

THE TAILGATE HAS FELL DOWN SEVERAL TIMES BY ITS SELF .I REPORTED THE PROBLEM ON THIS TO THE CHEVY DEALER THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE 1500 SERIES. THE TAILGATE EVEN UNLATCHED ITS SELF AT THE DEALERSHIP SO THEY DISCONNECTED THE OUTSIDE TAILGATE SWITCH SO IT WOULDNT UNLATCHED ITS SELF 12/23

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate inadvertently opened on its own. As a result, the contacts tool box fell from the vehicle potentially becoming a dangerous road hazard. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign 24V060000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 17,000.

Unknown system Tailgate lowered by itself. It was up when we got in and left and was down when we got to our destination. Luckily the only thing that came out was a golf towel and not the two sets of golf clubs as well. I believe this is a problem on other GM vehicles Has not been inspected and no warning lamps

Truck caught on fire while driving down I75 interstate in Florida. No component or system failure lights where present. Smoke was smelled by the passengers and within seconds the truck was on fire. The safety of the passengers was at FULL risk, and lucky to be alive! The truck was full engaged as soon as the truck pulled over on the side of the interstate. Investigation by GM & Insurance company took place. The truck is available for further investigation. We are unsure how the fire started. It did come up from both sides of the cab, and very quickly. Nothing has been confirmed by any inspections completed by GM & Progressive. GM & the Service Dealer are not engaging as they should be.

My 2021 Chevrolet Silverado started on fire and blew up in my driveway. I had just returned from the store, parked it and went inside. No more than 3 minutes later, my neighbor came running over to tell me my truck was on fire. There were no issues at all while I was driving the vehicle. The township fire department said this is the 4th 2021 Chevrolet Silverado that has burst into flames in the last 6 weeks. They said they all had the 2.7L Turbo engine, as well. The truck is a complete loss. I have contacted the dealership and Chevrolet about the issue and have not heard back yet. The fire started in the engine compartment and quickly raged out of control. The hood and engine disintegrated from the heat. The vehicle was towed away and the insurance adjuster has yet to go out and look at it. If I would've been stuck in traffic on the way home, I would have been in the vehicle and may not be here typing this report right now. It went up that fast. This is a major safety issue that needs to be thoroughly investigated before somebody loses their life. It nearly caught my house on fire, but thankfully there was only minor damage to some garage trim and the driveway is ruined. Please investigate this issue immediately. This was a pretty traumatic experience, to say the least.

On April 29, 2022 between 4:45 - 5:00 pm Eastern, I was dropping off my son at work when I suddenly experienced a variety of Truck Diagnostic Error messages on the front driver display window. In addition my OnStar advanced diagnostic alert system informed me with the following system issues: Engine and Transmission; StabiliTrak stability control; Antilock Brake; and Emissions. At that moment the truck experience a cut in power and slowed down with a knocking sound coming from what seemed under the truck. I slowly proceeded to drop off my son and drove back home and parked the truck. Truck was towed to local Chevy dealer on Friday of that day. A preliminary diagnosis was done Saturday, April 30 suggesting an Engine Lifter issue. On Monday, May 2, 2022, a final diagnosis determined engine lifter failure on one side of engine bank. Vehicle is still under Warranty with 17,400 miles on it.

Turned on my 2021 Chevy Silverado in my driveway and esc service notification popped up and check engine light popped up as well and then a loud clicking sound came from under the hood which turns out to be a bad lifter.