2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 parts and specs

What changed for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

• 2021Last year for the 4.3L V6 (fleet/base); multi-flex tailgate spreads

Known problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

5 of the 6 issues we track for the 2019–2025 generation are documented against the 2021 model year, and 2 carry a recall or service bulletin.

• 6.2L L87 crankshaft/rod-bearing failure, major recall

  majorNHTSA 25V-274 / GM N252494001

  GM recalled roughly 600,000 2021–2024 trucks and SUVs with the 6.2L L87 after 28,000+ field complaints of engine failure: sediment left on connecting rods and crank oil galleries plus out-of-spec crankshafts destroy rod bearings, seize engines, and cut propulsion. Dealers inspect; failed engines are replaced free, passing engines get 0W-40 oil, a new filter and cap. Listen for knocking and don't ignore a check-engine light.

  Typical cost: Free under recall (engine replacement or 0W-40 remedy)

• DFM lifter failure (5.3L and 6.2L)

  major

  Dynamic Fuel Management lifters collapse just like their AFM ancestors: sudden loud tick, flashing check-engine light, misfire on a deactivation cylinder, and possible cam damage. Heaviest complaint volume is 2019–2021; 2021–2023 6.2Ls also had a batch of blocks with oversized lifter bores that GM replaced whole engines for. Out of warranty, a lifter/cam job runs thousands, many buyers check for this before purchase.

  Typical cost: Free under 5-yr/60k powertrain warranty; $2,500–$5,500 (lifters/cam) or $8,000+ (engine) after

• 8-speed/10-speed torque-converter shudder

  moderateTSB 18-NA-355 (8L45/8L90 shudder)

  8L90-equipped trucks carry the same highway shudder issue as the K2XX; the fix is a flush with Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP per TSB 18-NA-355 (converters replaced when it persists). The 10L80 is much less shudder-prone but has its own harsh 1-2 shift complaints addressed by software TSBs.

  Typical cost: $300–$500 fluid exchange; free reflash under warranty

• 3.0L Duramax high-pressure fuel pump failure / long crank

  major

  A minority of LM2 diesels suffer high-pressure fuel pump failures that shed metal through the injection system, a multi-thousand-dollar fuel-system rebuild, and a wider group had long-crank/no-start complaints traced to fuel-system and control-module issues (several TSBs). Buy fuel from busy stations, never run the tank near empty, and fix long-crank symptoms promptly. Distinct from the routine 150k oil-pump-belt service.

  Typical cost: Free under 5-yr/100k diesel powertrain warranty; $8,000–$12,000 fuel-system rebuild out of warranty

• Duramax oil-pump belt service everyone forgets

  moderate

  The 3.0L Duramax drives its oil pump with a wet belt at the back of the engine, and GM schedules replacement at 150,000 miles (LM2), a job that requires removing the transmission, typically $1,500–$3,000. The 2023+ LZ0 stretched the interval to 200,000 miles. Not a defect, but a real ownership cost that surprises high-mileage buyers.

  Typical cost: $1,500–$3,000 at 150k/200k miles

Full detail, costs and sources on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems and years to avoid guide.