2021 Chevrolet SILVERADO 2500
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2021 Chevrolet SILVERADO 2500 has 103 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 101. The most common issue is transmission problems (26% of all complaints), specifically: def tank heater vehicle goes into a limp mode after a defined mileage. dealer confirmed the tank heater is bad. the part is on backorder with no known production date.. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.
103
Total Complaints
6
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
TRANSMISSION
27 complaints- • DEF Tank Heater Vehicle goes into a limp mode after a defined mileage. Dealer confirmed the tank heater is bad. The part is on backorder with no known production date.
- • JULY 2022 DPF filter was throwing check engine light. Took to dealer to get diagnosed, part was ordered and the DPF was replaced August 19th 2022. Started to get headaches in vehicle while driving it. OCT 9th ended up in hospital after driving vehicle and was diagnosed with CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
- • 2021, Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, Crew-Cab, 6.6L Gas Engine. At @ 25k miles, the "Service 4WD" light came on dash. It later started a grinding noise/sound within the front axle transfer case. Was told they had a problem with moisture intrusion into the transfer case and it would cause corrosion
“DEF Tank Heater Vehicle goes into a limp mode after a defined mileage. Dealer confirmed the tank heater is bad. The part is on backorder with no known production date.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2021 Chevrolet SILVERADO 2500
Based on 21 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 47K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
TRANSMISSION
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (6)
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with a 17" spare tire (RPO ZHQ or ZXT) and either the 20" accessory road tire (RPO REM) or the 18" accessory road tire (RPO Q2V). Operating the spare tire with other 20" or 18" tires can prevent the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) from engaging.
Risk: An ABS system that cannot control the rear wheels independently increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will provide the appropriate spare tire and apply a new spare tire information label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 18, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212329780.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Chevrolet SILVERADO 2500
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Chevrolet SILVERADO 2500 Service Intervals
GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2021 SILVERADO 2500, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 103 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐TRANSMISSION: DEF Tank Heater Vehicle goes into a limp mode after a defined mileage. Dealer confirmed the tank heater is bad. The part is on backorder with no known production date.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: 6.6L GAS TRUCK WOULD NOT START. FORUMS IVE VISITED STATE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE ECM. AFTER APPROX 30MINS IT STARTED. HOWEVER BEFORE THAT IT SPUTTERED OUT EVERY TIME I WOULD TRY TO START IT. IT APPEARS TO BE AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. IT RAN FINE ONCE IT EVENTUALLY DID START. ALSO AUTO START
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: Brakes: the brakes do not stop the vehicle without excessive pressure to the pedal. Especially carrying a trailer with the exhaust brake & trailer brakes in effect. Takes excessive distance for vehicle to stop. Pedal must be pressed 3/4 to the floor for it to start to apply brakes. It is extremely d
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: The contact owned a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the contact noticed flames coming from the cab and the bed of the vehicle. The contact stated that the flames grew bigger and the contact pulled over to the side of the road and exited the vehicle before the
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Chevrolet SILVERADO 2500 — Year Comparison
How does 2021 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 103
- Recalls
- 6
- Fire reports
- 1
- Crash reports
- 3
- Injury reports
- 3
- Segment avg
- 101
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2021 Chevrolet SILVERADO 2500