NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission control valve may fail, causing the rear wheels to lock up unexpectedly.
What the fix does
This page covers 6 recalls and 81 owner complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500.
Powertrain complaints dominate owner reports for the 2021 Silverado 2500, accounting for the largest share of filed issues. Owners frequently describe transmission problems, including hesitation under acceleration, hard jolts at highway speeds, and the transmission dropping into a fail-safe or limp mode locked in a single gear. A smaller number report more severe engine failures, with some describing sudden loss of power accompanied by what technicians identified as catastrophic internal engine damage, including metal debris found in the oil pan. The electrical system draws the second-highest complaint volume, followed closely by the brakes. On the brake side, multiple owners report the electronic parking brake engaging and refusing to release, leaving the vehicle immobilized. A separate thread of complaints mentions rear window leaks allowing water into the cabin, though that pattern sits outside the top three systems by volume.
81
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 has 6 recalls, the most serious being a brake system component that can allow water intrusion, cause an electrical short, and raise the risk of fire, along with a transmission valve on diesel-equipped trucks that can lock the rear wheels and cause a crash.
The seatbelt recalls cover two related issues: in the front-row center seat position, the belt bracket may not be secured to the seat frame, and on other seating positions, incorrect bolts may have been used to attach the belt assembly to the vehicle. In either case, the belt may not hold an occupant in a crash. There is also a tire mismatch concern on trucks equipped with a 17-inch spare alongside 18- or 20-inch road tires, where running the mismatched spare can prevent the anti-lock brakes from controlling the rear wheels independently. Finally, on trucks with power-unlatching tailgates, water can short the release switch and cause the tailgate to open on its own while driving, turning loose cargo into a road hazard.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission control valve may fail, causing the rear wheels to lock up unexpectedly.
What the fix does
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will install updated transmission control module software and repair or replace defective control valves as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can get inside the tailgate's electronic release switch and cause it to short circuit, making the tailgate unlatch on its own while parked.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assembly at no cost to fix the electrical short and prevent unintended unlatching.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Bolts securing the brake pressure modulator valve assembly may not be tight enough, allowing water to enter and potentially causing brake system failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake pressure modulator valve assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The 17-inch spare tire installed on these vehicles may not work properly with the 20-inch or 18-inch road tires, which can prevent the anti-lock braking system from functioning.
What the fix does
Dealers will install the correct spare tire and attach an updated spare tire information label at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Seat belt fastening bolts may be incorrect, causing seat belts to not attach properly to the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the suspect bolts with correct ones at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seat belt brackets in the front-row center seating position may not be properly secured to the seat frame, reducing their ability to restrain occupants.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the seat belt bracket attachments on both sides and reassemble them correctly if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.