The Lemon IndexAll cars · Chevrolet Silverado
2021 Chevrolet Silverado.
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado is better than average by owner complaints: 331 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 62, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 8 recalls, and it gets 16 to 27 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Silverado year is 2012.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 974 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Silverado year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 18K to 91K miles on the car (208 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 13K–90K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 31K–105K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 0K–66K miles
Recalls 8
- transmission & drivetrain 2026
The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
- engine 2025
The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
- transmission & drivetrain 2024
The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Show all 8 recalls
- tires 2021
The 17" spare tire provided with the vehicle is not compatible for use with the accessory wheels, which can cause the anti-lock brake system (ABS) to not function properly under certain conditions.
- airbags 2021
The front driver's side air bag module may be missing one or more metal tabs that secure the plastic air bag cover to the housing.
- seat belts 2020
Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle.
- seat belts 2020
The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
- tires 2020
The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 1665 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This informational bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenLoss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy2026
- OpenLoss of motive power due to engine failure2025
- ClosedLoss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy2026
- ClosedLoss of motive power due to engine failure2025
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/RC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/CC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/EC 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/RC 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3400–5000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.3L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Dealer said lifters failed. Was stuck in middle of interstate for 2 hrs
2021 Chevrolet Silverado owner · NHTSA complaint 11480705
More owner reports
Power hesitation, along with loud knocking sounds coming from the engine. Cause truck to completely shut off while driving 35mph. No warning lights or anything came on until complete failure
NHTSA complaint 11488612
8 speed trans mission jumps, lurges, hard shifts with and without towing. Transmission overheats. Does not engage when cold
NHTSA complaint 11607536
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 62; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Silverado year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2021 Chevrolet Silverado problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (30%), transmission & drivetrain (25%) and electrical (21%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado have?
8 safety recalls (latest: transmission & drivetrain). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado get?
16 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2021 Chevrolet Silverado problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 18,700 and 91,500 miles. The middle report was at 52,300 miles, from 208 complaints.
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 25% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado cost in fuel a year?
About $3400 to $5000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 4.3L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
What Chevrolet Silverado year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2010 and 2011.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works