2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems & reliability
40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, alongside 5 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Sep 21, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several components.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System → | 12 | 30% |
| Power Train | 7 | 18% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 6 | 15% |
| Structure | 6 | 15% |
| Service Brakes | 5 | 13% |
| Unknown / Other | 5 | 13% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 4 | 10% |
| Engine | 3 | 8% |
| Air Bags | 2 | 5% |
| Steering | 2 | 5% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 15 reported components →Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked or while driving at undisclosed speeds, the tailgate unintendedly opened or closed. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000…”
Latches/locks/linkages · filed Sep 11, 2026
“On XXX the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado was taken to Mayse Automotive Group at [XXX] dealership for the complaint of the key getting stuck in the ignition and unable to remove causing a safety and security risk. Service department found that the transmission control in column needed to be replaced. The park switch control…”
Steering · filed Aug 19, 2026
“Water entered tailgate through drainage hole in tailgate cap. The water then dripped on the tailgate switch causing it to short out. This short circuit caused my tailgate to open and close randomly without pressing any switches or buttons or key fobs. May tailgate has a small ding it it now from where it kept hitting…”
Electrical System · filed Apr 29, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- Air Bag Malfunction
Preliminary Evaluation PE21010 · opened Apr 9, 2021 · closed Aug 24, 2023
Technical service bulletins
880 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The 10 most recent:
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIP4902W · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 4, 2026
This document assists GM dealer technicians with diagnosing torque converter concerns to ensure torque converter replacement is necessary. The torque converter part number will be placed on order restriction, and the…
PIP6127A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 27, 2026
This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues
PIC6551C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 20, 2026
This Preliminary information communicates an issue where an aftermarket autostop device or rear taillights is causing a dead battery.
PIT6031B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 7, 2026
This PI provides information to repair the door water deflector which is not sealed properly allows water into the door jam/sill area.
PIT5680B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 23, 2026
PI to help diagnose A/C concern
PIT5099J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 21, 2026
This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
PIT5509N · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 21, 2026
This PI was created to help avoid unnecessary front camera module replacements
PIT6473F · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 17, 2026
The purpose of this PI is to inform dealer technicians of a normal cab pressure relief valve noise to avoid unnecessary part replacement
PIT6532 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 6, 2026
This Preliminary information communicates information on a hydraulic rush type noise from the power steering gear. This noise is a characteristic of the new Active Hydraulic Assist System RPO NV8 and no repairs should…
PIT5544J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 24, 2026
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.