110 complaints reported

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Power Train

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
110
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
1

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55-65 MPH, the vehicle shuddered while the RPM was fluctuating. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in GM Campaign Number: N212328090 (8 Speed Reaction Carrier Failure). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Oct 2025
Oct 2025

Vehicle has started shuddering everytime i drive, normal speeds, flat roads, hills, everything. Feels like my rear end disengages and re-engages while driving. Afraid it is going to lock up completely or im going to lose all power. Dont understand why my vehicle isnt included in the recall already out for this issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2025
Oct 2025

Truck shudders when you try to maintain speed. The service engine light is on all the time. RPMs bounce up and down constantly. GMC dealership said it needs a new torque converter. It was $100 just to diagnose it!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Sep 2025
Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission temperature message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with possible transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further inspection, the contact discovered that the transmission thermal valve had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired by the contact. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Oct 2025
Oct 2025

Vehicle started with vibration at speed 45mph and sometimes it gets worse already balance the wheels twice and same issue so I took it to another shop and they found that my vehicle has hesitation and shuddering also really hard down shift

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Oct 2025
Oct 2025

I have a 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 Custom crew cab truck with an 8-speed transmission. I have had transmission issues for a few months. I am experiencing hard shifting from 2nd gear down to 1st gear, slipping while at cruising speed, shuddering between 20mph-50mph, transmission getting too hot. I was told by an automotive shop that they experienced the hard shifting and that they also heard a whining sound while driving. They told me that they a found a Service Bulletin that came out in December of 2024, that there could be a pinched line on top of the transmission that could be causing the overheating. I have read that the transmission control module needs to be reprogrammed, a fluid flush and refill, the Thermal Bypass Valve could be at fault. Basically everything that has been released about the transmissions on 2020- 2024 GM vehicles as being safety problems, I am experiencing. I have checked my VIN on the NHTSA website and also with a dealership, and both show that there is not a recall for my VIN. I do not tow anything, just normal ever day driving. I now have 90,000 miles on the truck and the issue first happened at around 87,000 miles. The issues with this truck are clearly manufacturer defaults and something should be done on their dime, not mine. The first time that I experienced the problems was at the end of November in traffic, which a hard shift into 1st gear, felt like I was hit from behind, but was not. Dash lights came on (traction control light, parking brake light, check engine light) and the truck went into "Limp Mode". I was able to exit the highway and get into a parking lot. I looked in the owners manual and found a quick solution and was able to regain power and all lights went off except for the check engine light. Got the code checked and it came up Transmission Control Module was potentially the issue. Code was cleared and didn't have the problem for a long time.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2024
Oct 2025

The 8-speed automatic transmission (8L90) has been failing. It has put me in my passengers safety at risk because my truck can lurch forward without warning due to delayed downshifting and RPM surge. Yes, the dealership has confirmed this issue multiple times. The component has been inspected by the dealership multiple times. Yes, check engine light came on and yes there was symptoms before the failure such as lurching jerking, surging harsh and erratic shifting. They first appeared at 55,000, MI. It continues to happen to this day. I have an appointment scheduled for today at 9:20 a.m. for the dealership to look at it again but this is a legitimate concern.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2023
Sep 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the transmission shifted independently to a lower gear. The contact stated that the downshift of the transmission caused the rear wheels to lock up. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle, and was able to reset the transmission. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, but whenever the failure occurred, the check engine warning light was illuminated before the vehicle shifted to a lower gear. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts Store, where a handheld scanner was used to clear the transmission fault code. The contact stated that after the code was cleared, the vehicle operated normally, but the failure eventually reoccurred. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not properly diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2024
Sep 2025

Transmission shuddering and vibration

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2025
Sep 2025

See attached document for complaint.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Aug 2025
Sep 2025

Transmission is making rattling or ticking noise when accelerating , I'm getting hard shifting in 1st and 2nd and some random gears , I have been launched forward when coming to a stop , some hard shifting when kicking down to pass

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Sep 2025
Aug 2025

The transmission shudders during light throttle at cruising speeds and low rpms, tachometer show continuous jumps in rpm and vehicle loosing power. No check engine lights. Concerned that transmission behavior can make the vehicle a hazard on highyways. Shuddering and hesitation on acceleration. Transmission fluid was changed at 70k miles and symptoms still persist. Current mileage 71k.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2025
Aug 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, after making a left turn at a traffic signal, the rear wheels locked up. The contact stated that there was an abnormal screeching sound while depressing the brake pedal in a panic stop, and the vehicle jolted violently. The contact stopped the vehicle with the engine still running and observed the "Service Engine Soon" message displayed. The contact attempted to drive forward, and the rear wheels locked up. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an Auto Parts store. The contact stated that a store representative used a handheld scanner and was able to retrieve DTC: P0747 (Transmission Valve Body #1 Open). The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Aug 2025
Aug 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally, and the transmission shifted hard. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2025
Aug 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving on a neighborhood road, after coming to a complete stop and attempting to accelerate, the transmission started slipping. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that while driving and accelerating, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was no cause for the failure found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Aug 2021
Jul 2025

I was driving in a straight line at 45mph when my truck jerked to one side. It felt like the back of the truck was sliding out from behind me and also felt like my truck was being pulled to a stop. A check engine light came on. I drove it back to my house (approximately 3 miles). The light went away but came back, and the transmission started overheating even though I was only going 10-20 mph. The truck randomly did the same jerking action while going home. I had to drive slow to get home. There was no warning when this happened. No lights, sounds, or other warnings. The jerking motion almost made me hit other cars, and almost made me lose control of the vehicle. It is available for inspection if needed. It has not been looked at yet because I found this website when researching the problem online. If you want to inspect it, then you need to inspect within 2-3 weeks because I’m military and I am getting stationed overseas.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2025
Jul 2025

Transmission problems, when the truck would get to operating temperature the transmission would lurch when I would stop the truck. If I pulled up to a stop sign/light the transmission would lurch forward hard enough to make it feel like I got hit. If I didn't have my foot hard on the brake pedal it would move the truck far enough to hit another vehicle or pedestrian. After awhile the transmission started to slip out of gear as I was driving at highway speeds or not engage correctly during acceleration. I have now been without this truck for months while they try to replace the transmission.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2024
Jul 2025

Driving Ashland pass in OR, the transmission over heated with the truck dinging for us to pull over an idle, there is no where to pull over on Ashland pass for 8 miles. After sitting in an unsafe location with the truck idling wasting fuel we where able to get back on road after 30min. Upon arrival to location we where able to see that the exhaust system sits right on the transmission pan heating it up when truck is running. This model does not have a dip stick to check transmission fluid resulting in a $2500.00 drop an drain to which I am told by the mechanic that this needs to be done every 40k. That is alot of cost 2x a year.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Mar 2025
Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, while completing a right turn, there was a loud bang and the vehicle immediately lost motive power. The vehicle was coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission, and determined that there was a rupture in the transmission cooling system. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice in the past and the transmission was rebuilt by the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 59,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2025
Jul 2025

Vehicle is shifting harshly. Looked up recalls. "Certain" 2021 Silverado 1500's have recall for transmission problem that can cause rear wheels to lock up and cause a crash. GM says my truck is not included in the recall. I have filed an official complaint with GM.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Feb 2025
Jul 2025

On January 6 and 7, 2025, the broken transmission valve body was subjected to inspection by a Chevrolet dealership. The vehicle exhibited faulty gear shifts, which resulted in reduced speeds and triggered the activation of "limp mode." This malfunction occurred while driving under severe winter storm conditions, posing a potential risk for serious injury. The issue was methodically diagnosed and documented for parts replacement. Furthermore, the transmission service indicator activated via the associated application, and the check engine light illuminated alongside a blinking "D" mode indicator at the time the warning lights were activated. The initial signs and symptoms of the issue were first observed at 11:00 PM on January 5, 2025.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jun 2025
Jun 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was shifting hard. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at 70 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was purchased for diagnostic testing, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact used a scanner and retrieved DTC: B3205-4B-BCM, and a message that the steering column circuit was locked. Additionally, the scanner displayed a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); which the contact related to the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall and referred the contact to a Chevrolet dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that assistance could not be provided because the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2025
Jun 2025

My vehicle started shuttering approximately after 128,000 miles. I took it to a Edwards Chevrolet dealership near my home to have it serviced. I wa told that the transmission was going out and needed to be replaced.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Aug 2025
Jun 2025

At approximately 67,000 miles I noticed upon starting and putting it in gear the motor would rev/clunk while going into gear. Shifting from one gear to another the truck would shutter. Did not feel safe driving any distance because the truck would lock up when trying to put it in gear. I had the truck looked at after reading numerous complaints about this 8 speed transmission and wanted to make sure it was safe to drive. After test driving it a couple of times during the course of a day it was determined the transmission needed to be replaced/rebuilt. At no time did any warnings appear on the display indicating there was an issue. I had the transmission rebuilt but feel like there are many complaints and no recalls regarding this same issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: May 2025
Jun 2025

Transmission is changing hard and jerking

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Feb 2025

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has 110 Power Train complaints on file. 1 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.