2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a popular full-size pickup truck known for its comfortable ride, spacious cabin, and strong towing capabilities. Engine options include a 2.7L Turbo I4 (310 hp, 348 lb-ft of torque), a 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 (285 hp, 305 lb-ft of torque), a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft of torque), a 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft of torque), and a 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6 (277 hp, 460 lb-ft of torque). Transmission options are primarily a 6-speed automatic, an 8-speed automatic, and a 10-speed automatic, depending on the engine. Common dislikes include some perceived cheap interior materials and occasional electronic glitches, while owners generally praise the truck’s ride quality, towing capacity, and engine performance.

Engine

2.7L Turbo I4

• Piston Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Piston failure can occur due to excessive pre-ignition or detonation. Symptoms can include a knocking noise from the engine, reduced power, misfires, and potentially catastrophic engine damage. Affected pistons are often cracked or have holes burned through them.
  • Solution: Replacement of the damaged pistons and potentially the entire engine, depending on the extent of the damage. Some cases have been resolved with a software update to address the root cause.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.3L EcoTec3 V8

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The AFM system, designed to improve fuel economy by deactivating cylinders, can lead to lifter failure. Symptoms include a ticking or knocking noise, misfires, and a rough idle.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty lifters, which often requires removing the cylinder head. Some owners opt to delete the AFM system altogether to prevent future issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than normal oil consumption.
  • Solution: Replacement of valve cover, piston rings, valve seals, or PCV valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found

6.2L EcoTec3 V8

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 5.3L, the AFM system can lead to lifter failure. Symptoms include a ticking or knocking noise, misfires, and a rough idle.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty lifters, which often requires removing the cylinder head. Some owners opt to delete the AFM system altogether to prevent future issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6

• High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Catastrophic failure of the CP4 high-pressure fuel pump can occur. Symptoms include fuel starvation, loss of power, and potential engine damage due to metal debris circulating in the fuel system.
  • Solution: Replacing the HPFP, fuel injectors, fuel lines, and fuel tank, as metal debris can contaminate the entire fuel system. Some owners are opting for CP3 pump conversions for increased reliability.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $8,000 - $12,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

10-Speed Automatic (paired with 5.3L, 6.2L, and 3.0L Duramax)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report harsh or erratic shifting, particularly between lower gears. Hesitation during acceleration is also a common complaint.
  • Solution: Software recalibration or replacement of valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience freezing, black screens, and connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
  • Solution: Software updates are typically released to address these issues. In some cases, the head unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,000+ (head unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Backup Camera Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the backup camera.
  • Solution: Replacement of the camera module or wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Seat Frame Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Broken or cracked seat frames. Often occurs with power seats.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of seat frame.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Center Console Lid Latch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The latch mechanism on the center console lid can break, preventing the lid from closing properly.
  • Solution: Replacement of the latch mechanism or the entire center console lid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has several reported issues, some of which can be quite severe and expensive to repair. Engine-related problems, particularly AFM lifter failure in the V8 engines and HPFP failure in the Duramax diesel, represent significant concerns. Transmission issues, while less catastrophic, can affect the driving experience. Electrical glitches in the infotainment system and backup camera are also commonly reported. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and thoroughly inspect any used Silverado 1500 before purchase, especially regarding engine noises and transmission performance. The cost of repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor issues to several thousand dollars for major engine or transmission work.