2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Transmission & Powertrain Problems
Transmission & Powertrain complaints account for 236 of 825 total complaints (29%) on the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, with a median failure mileage of 64,000. Two related recalls address transmission control module software.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 236
- 29% of 825
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 4
- Median mileage
- 64,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Vehicles stall or hesitate without warning while driving, sometimes with no dashboard warning lights.
- Owners describe bucking, surging, or lurching sensations, particularly on first shift from gear 1 to gear 2 after the truck sits parked for several hours.
- Some report the transfer case locking up unexpectedly, in one case leading to a crash.
- Lifters reportedly fail early, in some cases within the first 10,000 to 12,000 miles, affecting engine performance and connected drivetrain systems like traction control and the auto-locking rear differential.
- Transmission shifts described as slipping between gears, such as from 2nd to 3rd, accompanied by ticking noise and power loss.
- Owners report multiple dealership visits for the same transmission or engine warning codes without resolution.
When 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 15, 2021, latest Sep 23, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- NHTSA 26V083000Feb 12, 2026Transmission & Powertrain1,055 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:valves/valve body
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
Risk: Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252516560. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 12, 2026.
- NHTSA 24V797000Oct 24, 2024Transmission & Powertrain463,295 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:valves/valve body
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 engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Silverado 1500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are transmission and powertrain problems on the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
- NHTSA lists 236 Transmission & Powertrain complaints out of 825 total complaints for the 2021 Silverado 1500, making up 29% of all complaints filed for that year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
- Yes. Recall 26V083000 covers vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under an earlier recall, and recall 24V797000 covers a transmission control module software update. Neither recall requires drivers to stop driving or park outside.
- At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 64,000 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on this model year.
- Have transmission issues caused crashes or injuries on the 2021 Silverado 1500?
- NHTSA records 5 crashes and 4 injuries associated with Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Silverado 1500, with no fires reported.
- How does 2021 compare to other Silverado 1500 model years for this problem area?
- The 29% share of complaints tied to Transmission & Powertrain in 2021 is similar to 2020 (31%) and 2022 (29%), and lower than 2018 (33%).