2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 body & structure problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 23, 2026VTBody & Structure

   According to 2 mechanics- including a body shop - the frame has prematurely rusted due to: TSB 19-NA-255 - Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting There's so much damage to a 2021 truck, that it may not survive this winter. The frame welds are breaking due to the lack of frame protection. I asked my dealership, Lamoille Valley Chevrolet 868 VT RT 15E HYDE PARK, VT 05655, on two separate occasions to check for damage. One time they made no report, the…

   NHTSA complaint #11766547 · source
2. Filed Sep 10, 2026FLBody & StructureEngine

   Statement for NHTSA Subject: Safety Complaint – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado Unexpected Jerking/Harsh Transmission Engagement I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2.7L Turbo with approximately 128,000 miles. My vehicle has developed a recurring problem involving harsh/jerking transmission engagement, hesitation, shuddering and abnormal shifting. The truck can jerk when engaging or changing gears and has also experienced a hard engagement when…

   NHTSA complaint #11763481 · source
3. Filed Sep 1, 2026MIBody & Structure

   Rear tailgate does not open and sometimes will show a warning on the dash that the tailgate is open when it is not. The tailgate for the heavy duty 2500/3500 trucks were recalled for the same reason but not the 1500 trucks. This is a common issue on the truck forums and is an unsafe condition.

   NHTSA complaint #11761408 · source
4. Filed Aug 19, 2026NCBody & Structure

   The paint is coming off of the roof of my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado pick up truck. This is a common problem with the white color vehicles from Chevrolet. This is a safety issue due to paint chips and paint pieces falling down on the windshield.

   NHTSA complaint #11757899 · source
5. Filed Apr 30, 202622,000 miPABody & Structure

   The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, it was later discovered that the rear tailgate door had erroneously opened. The contact indicated that the failure had occurred on multiple occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 22,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11734904 · source
6. Filed Mar 25, 2026MNBody & Structure

   The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the tailgate inadvertently opened. The tailgate was closed, but the tailgate reopened unexpectedly within several seconds. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the tailgate opened unexpectedly. After closing the tailgate, the tailgate reopened within several seconds. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was…

   NHTSA complaint #11726940 · source
7. Filed Mar 10, 202652,000 miILBody & Structure

   The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, a message that the rear tailgate was open was displayed. The vehicle was stopped and inspected, and discovered that the tailgate had erroneously opened while driving. After closing the tailgate and driving away, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure occurred several times while the vehicle was parked. The cause of the failure was not yet…

   NHTSA complaint #11723356 · source
8. Filed Jan 9, 202665,000 miNYBody & Structure

   The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate became inoperable and unexpectedly unlatched and lowered. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11709900 · source
9. Filed Dec 31, 2025NY1 injuredBody & Structure

   Apparatus used to hold hood upright, (2 struts), fail without warning. Struts have been replaced four (4) times in past two (2) months with two ( 2) oem parts and one (1) after market part. Last occurance, 12/26/2025, caused a minor hand injury. If not prepared for sudden closing of hood, possible serious injury could result. The vehicle at present has 19,775 miles and has been examined by three (3) service technicians from dealerships and can not explain why it is occuring…

   NHTSA complaint #11708060 · source
10. Filed Dec 9, 202584,000 miNYBody & Structure

    The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after activating the 4WD in the driveway and going onto the road, while in 4WD and driving 35 MPH, the transfer case began making a blender-type sound with a pinging sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the tailgate unexpectedly opened while driving on a side road without warning. The contact had to manually operate the tailgate; however, the button was nonfunctional. There were no…

    NHTSA complaint #11703938 · source
11. Filed Nov 12, 2025IDBody & StructureOther / Unknown

    Rear power window has been replaced multiple times, each time it develops cracks and leaks water causing possible mold in the truck cabin.

    NHTSA complaint #11698924 · source
12. Filed Sep 22, 2025500 miMIBody & StructureElectrical System

    The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired on two occasions, but the failure persisted. While attempting to open the trunk, the trunk failed to open. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 500.

    NHTSA complaint #11688972 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology