2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 61 |
| 1998 | 67 |
| 1999 | 47 |
| 2000 | 80 |
| 2001 | 72 |
| 2002 | 50 |
| 2003 | 42 |
| 2004 | 41 |
| 2005 | 46 |
| 2006 | 51 |
| 2007 | 39 |
| 2008 | 30 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 29 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2013 | 26 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2015 | 50 |
| 2016 | 50 |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2018 | 18 |
| 2019 | 21 |
| 2020 | 40 |
| 2021 | 38 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2023 | 14 |
| 2024 | 47 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
29% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THE NEW GM 2021 TRAILER LIGHTING MODULE AND/OR SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210323
I GOT MY TRUCK IN MAY AND AFTER TWO MONTHS THE BATTERY WENT COMPLETELY DEAD WITHOUT WARNING SO HAD DEALERSHIP TOW IT TO SERVICE KEPT TWO WEEKS SAID IT WAS BATTERY. NOW SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201011
18% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
When I shift the vehicle to park and turn it off, about 90% of the time the instrument panel will display a message that says âShift to parkâ, and the electrical components will not shut down.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230909
16% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The tailgate opened and closes on its own while trailering causing sever binds and damage to the trailer and allowing loads to become unsecured. There is a recall already from GM on this issue, but for some reason our VIN is not included.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240611
13% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I GOT MY TRUCK IN MAY AND AFTER TWO MONTHS THE BATTERY WENT COMPLETELY DEAD WITHOUT WARNING SO HAD DEALERSHIP TOW IT TO SERVICE KEPT TWO WEEKS SAID IT WAS BATTERY. NOW SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201011
13% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 20V792000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V811000 — check if this car was fixed
Air Bag Malfunction
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.
Campaign 21V758000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 24V060000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 24V797000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V792000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V811000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V758000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V060000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V797000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
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WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.