2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 88 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (30), electrical system (17), service brakes (12). 1 recall carries a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2021 ranks #5 of 14 Silverado 2500HD model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (115). It has 6 recalls vs. an average of 4.4 per model year.
Recalls 6
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Power train · automatic transmission · control module · software
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Latches/locks/linkages · tailgate · latch
Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in park.
Risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232426400.
Service brakes, hydraulic · power assist · electric · control module
Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles with electronic brake control modules (EBCM) replaced during vehicle assembly. The bolts that attach the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) assembly may not be properly tightened, which could fail to seal the two sub-assemblies and allow water intrusion.
Risk: Water in the BPMV may cause an electrical short circuit and increase the risk of fire.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will replace the BPMV assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 20, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212349181.
Tires · temporary/emergency spare tire
Problem: 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.
Seat belts
Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
Risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Seat belts
Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
Risk: If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Vehicle braking does not work- since new- dealer said it was funcitioning- sometimes you will get the warning and other times it does not and it never brakes. Transmission- i received a letter to bring truck in to have a software update for modulator valve wear....which was performed...since that time the stator and the torque converter were replaced in September/October of 202…
I opened my passenger front door to load and the tailgate opens and closes by itself but doesn’t and remains open. I physically shut the tailgate and it opened again by itself. I started my truck to see if it would stop. It didn’t stop until I put my truck in reverse to back out of the garage. After I backed out and the tailgate stopped open. I closed it and the tailgate will…
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the engine was blown causing complete engine failure. The engine was replaced under warranty, but the failure reoccurred. The warranty company inspected the…
Safety ratings
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 PU/CC 4WD
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 PU/EC 4WD
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 PU/RC 4WD
Fuel economy
The EPA doesn't publish fuel economy ratings for heavy-duty pickups like the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD.
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, most recently for power train · automatic transmission · control module · software (10/24/2024). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD?
Based on 88 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (30), electrical system (17), service brakes (12).
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD safe?
NHTSA hasn't published an overall 5-star rating for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. It has 1 recall with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2021 a good year for the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD?
The 2021 ranks #5 of 14 Silverado 2500HD model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (115). It has 6 recalls vs. an average of 4.4 per model year.
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Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SILVERADO 2500, Silverado 2500HD.