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 5 recalls and 38 owner complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2021 Silverado 3500 centers on two systems: the electrical system and the tailgate. Owners frequently report the power tailgate opening and closing on its own, while parked, while driving, and without any input from a button or key fob. Several reports trace this to water intrusion through the tailgate cap's drainage area, which can reach the tailgate switch and cause it to short. The second notable cluster involves the diesel emissions system, where owners describe the check-engine light appearing alongside a service emissions message and a dashboard countdown warning that the truck will enter a speed-limited or reduced-power mode after a set number of miles. Some owners note the warning clears on warmer days, suggesting a temperature-sensitive component, with multiple reports pointing to the DEF heater as the flagged fault.
38
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
By System
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 has 5 recalls, the most serious being a brake system component that can allow water intrusion, cause an electrical short, and raise the risk of fire.
This recall only affects vehicles where the electronic brake control module was replaced during assembly. A second serious issue affects diesel-equipped models: a transmission control valve can fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up without warning, raising the risk of a crash. Two seatbelt recalls cover the front-row center seating position: in one, the seatbelt bracket may not be properly secured to the seat frame, and in the other, incorrect bolts may have been used to attach the seatbelt assembly to the vehicle. Either condition can prevent the belt from properly restraining an occupant in a crash. On the exterior, vehicles with power-unlatching tailgates have a recall for a gate-release switch that can short circuit from water intrusion and unlatch the tailgate while driving, which can spill cargo onto the road.
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
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.