The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is one of the most popular full-size pickup trucks. Chevy’s half-ton 2021 Silverado truck offers outstanding powertrain options and strong towing capacities.  Approximately 519,000 Chevrolet 2021 Silverado 1500 trucks were sold in the United States.  Despite Chevy’s claim that its 2021 Silverado is the “most advanced” truck on the road, many consumers have reported engine, transmission  and infotainment problems.

Take a closer look at the 2021 Chevy Silverado Problems and why so many consumers are turning to the lemon law.

See more lemon law problems for the Chevrolet Silverado model years: 2020

Silverado Engine Problems

Currently, Silverado trucks have six engine options that Chevy claims are the best Silverado engines ever. However, Silverado owners are experiencing non-stop engine problems, specifically with defective engine lifters.

Read this complaint to the NHTSA on August 9, 2022 regarding the Silverado Engine Problem:

I was on interstate 85 and the whole truck started shaking and check engine light, service ESC light and service parking brake light came on. Thankfully I was near and exit ramp and got off as I had almost no power. I limped my truck back to the dealership where they diagnosed it as lifter failure and replaced both banks of lifters. This is a known problem with General Motors and is simply a matter of time before a terrible accident occurs.

Consumer Reports rated the 2021 Chevy Silverado as one of the least reliable trucks, due to engine lifter defects.  Moreover, many Silverado owners have turned to online forums to vent about their failing engines.

Check out this report to Edmunds for another “Bad Lifter” Silverado Case and the need for GM to issue a Recall.

Purchased new (Chevy Silverado) in December 2021. Just rolled over 8,000 miles. As many others have stated the problem started with a single “knock”. Issues escalated quickly. After driving just 12 miles after I first heard the “knock” I had a flashing check engine light, solid traction control light, parking break light, “check ESC” messages, horrible low idle vibrations, and loud knocking….Diagnostics lit up like a Christmas tree. Misfires in three cylinders (primarily one – 11,000 misfires). Replacement lifters for one “bank” ordered…. I’ll regret my decision to purchase this lemon.

GM has a problem with the 2021 Silverado engine and the lifters.  Although GM has not issued a recall for lifters, it has implemented a plan to address the defective valve-lifters by issuing a Power Component Coverage Letter.   Moreover, the company issued Service Bulletin #PIP5776C for the Silverado regarding a misfiring condition caused by broken lifters. To fix the problem, the lifters and the lifter guide must all be replaced pursuant to the bulletin.

Problems with the Transmission

Owners of 2021 Silverado are experiencing transmission problems resulting in many online complaints.

Check out this 2021 Silverado transmission complaint to the NHTSA

Upon first start with 6-8 hours of being parked, the first shift from gear 1 to gear 2 has a massive hesitation that cause all passengers to lurch forward. It has not caused in issues for the quiet street we live on but in a high traffic area it would effect safety of entering into traffic. This issue happens every morning.

According to GM Authority the 2021 Silverado Transmission problems are due to the following:

The Silverado Transmission problem: in affected Silverado 1500 the eight-speed automatic transmission (RPO MQE) may have a broken reaction carrier ring.

The hazards: a reaction carrier is part of the transmission rotating assembly and is an important aspect of its operation. A broken reaction carrier could prevent the transmission from operating as intended. This problem does not pose an immediate safety hazard to vehicle occupants.

GM Issues “Customer Satisfaction Program” for Transmission Problems with 2021 Silverado

In response to the high number of complaints, GM announced it would replace the eight-speed transmission as part of its “customer satisfaction program”.    The Customer Satisfaction Program will run until March 31, 2023.

Infotainment Problems and Backup Camera Defects

In order to enjoy all the upscale amenities of the 2021 Chevy Silverado, such as the sophisticated and upscale infotainment system and backup camera, Silverado owners need a reliable electrical system.   The infotainment system and backup camera nevertheless fails to function correctly.

More Infotainment and Backup Camera Complaints on Edmunds:

When I connected the camper to the (2021) Silverado’s electrical cord, the camera read “no image”. I contacted the back-up camera’s manufacturer and was told the 2021 Silverado’s electrical cord is not sufficiently powered to support the back-up camera. To get the back-up camera to work, I need to purchase another electrical cord to boost the power (an $80 item) however, this cord has been on back order for months, is not currently available, and it is unknown when it will be available. I’m extremely disappointed in this tow package because of the small fuel tank & the lack of sufficient power to use a back-up camera on a camper.

Infotainment Upgrade available for 2021 Silverado.  Chevy has announced a repair is now available for owners of 2021 Chevrolet Silverado with buggy infotainment systems.

2021 Chevy Silverado Recalls

There are four important safety recalls listed by the NHTSA for the following:

Seat Belt – Incorrect Bolts Used To Attach Seat Belts – Recall Number: 20V811000. 

General Motors is recalling the 2021 Silverado for defective seat belts. According to the recall incorrect bolts were used to attach the seat belt to the vehicle. “When a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to a vehicle, it may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. The bolts will be replaced free of charge by General Motors’ dealers for owners of these vehicles.”

Front Center Seat Belts may not be Secured – Recall Number: 20V792000. 

Here is another seat belt recall for the 2021 Silverado.  According to the recall “The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.”  The seat belt brackets will be replaced at no cost to Silverado owners.

Spare Tire Incompatible with Accessory Wheels – Recall Number: 21V985000. 

GM is recalling Silverado 1500 trucks equipped with certain accessory road tires and a 17″ spare tire. According to the recall, “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.”  All dealers will provide free 17″ spare tires and wheels that are compatible with accessory wheels

Tires may have been Over cured – Recall Number: 20V684000. 

Some 2021 Silverado trucks were manufactured with Continental tires which may have been over cured.  Over cured tires can develop air leaks which may lead to a car accident.  Pursuant to the recall, Chevy is replacing Continental tires which may be defective at no cost to the owner.  Owners should have their tires inspected by an authorized Chevy dealer.

Silverado Problems

If you are like many Silverado owners who are experiencing engine, transmission, infotainment or other problems, you may be entitled to compensation under the lemon law.  You can turn to us if you bought a lemon. We have helped thousands of Chevy owners get lemon law relief throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Hawaii.

We are the lemon law experts and have recovered more than 500 million dollars for our clients.  Contact us today for free lemon law help.