Is the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

● Typical for this model

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:56:56.554Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 89
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2021: 89 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1994	3
1995	3
1996	2
1997	64
1998	73
1999	81
2000	132
2001	300
2002	351
2003	449
2004	368
2005	269
2006	177
2007	204
2008	191
2009	61
2010	21
2011	104
2012	53
2013	51
2014	40
2015	177
2016	122
2017	54
2018	53
2019	74
2020	105
2021	89
2022	96
2023	47
2024	142
2025	29
2026	12

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

34% · 30 reports

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Pulling out from a stop sign, a loud bang came from the transmission, and rear wheels momentarily locked up then truck acted like it was in neutral. Truck was able to drift to side of road.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-23

My 10L1000 transmission had a catastrophic failure internally which caused it to rough shift, sudden down shifting, not want to shift into gear at all, and high engine rpm prior to roughly shifting.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-22

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving uphill at an undisclosed speed with a trailer hitched to the vehicle, the vehicle downshifted inadvertently, which caused the trailer to fishtail.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-11

Also filed under Trailer hitches

Electrical system

19% · 17 reports

Service brakes

13% · 12 reports

CRASH

Latches/locks/linkages

9% · 8 reports

Engine

9% · 8 reports

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-29

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2021-01-26Seat belts20V792000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-01-29Seat belts20V811000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and...

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-04-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 2023-08-24 Air Bag Malfunction
R

2021-10-18Tires21V578000 General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with a 17" spare tire (RPO ZHQ or ZXT) and either the 20" accessory road tire (RPO REM) or the 18" accessory road tire (RPO Q2V).

Remedy: Dealers will provide the appropriate spare tire and apply a new spare tire information label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 18, 2021.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-10-20Service brakes, hydraulic21V758000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles with electronic brake control modules (EBCM) replaced during vehicle assembly.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will replace the BPMV assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 20, 2021.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2024-05-17Latches/locks/linkages24V060000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates.

Remedy: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2024-12-12Power train24V797000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel...

Remedy: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 30 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 17 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 12 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 20V792000 · Seat belts
Recall 20V811000 · Seat belts
Recall 21V578000 · Tires
Recall 21V758000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 24V060000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Recall 24V797000 · Power train

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 have?: 6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.