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2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Engine Problems

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

How common are engine problems on the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

438 owners have reported engine problems on the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 52% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 28,000–92,000 miles. 1 recall covers this area.

438 complaints 52% of all 2021 complaints 62,000 miles typical

Which parts fail

The specific part named in each complaint.

Hard parts internal / mechanical 2
Engine control module (ECU / ECM) 2
Catalytic convertor 1
Radiator assembly 1
Urea injection system (DEF) 1

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (99 of 438). The amber line is the middle value.

When problems were reported

Engine complaints by the year the problem happened.

Engine complaints by Silverado 1500 year

2008 Silverado 1500 51
2009 Silverado 1500 41
2010 Silverado 1500 38
2011 Silverado 1500 43
2012 Silverado 1500 25
2013 Silverado 1500 34
2016 Silverado 1500 73
2021 Silverado 1500 438
2025 Silverado 1500 56
2026 Silverado 1500 67

Related recalls

Hard parts internal / mechanical

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. Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 25V274000 · Apr 2025
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Other 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems

Common questions

What are common 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine problems?

Complaints most often name the hard parts internal / mechanical, engine control module (ECU / ECM) and catalytic convertor.

At what mileage do 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine problems happen?

Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 28,000–92,000 miles. The middle value is about 62,000 miles.

Is there a recall for 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine problems?

Yes: 25V274000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Which Silverado 1500 year has the most engine complaints?

The 2021 Silverado 1500, with 438 complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.