Electrical system and engine issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is a heavy-duty truck that continues to be among the top choices. The automaker claims it provides “towing that pulls rank,” but customers couldn’t be any unhappier. Between the faulty electrical system to the defective engine, there’s a lot of issues for current owners.
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With a solid electrical system, driving a truck can be extremely enjoyable. However, the Silverado 2500HD models seem to have a lot of faults.
One NHTSA complaint states, “After two weeks of ownership, the rear camera has stopped working. Instead, I receive an error message. There is no shortage of complaints like this on various model Chevrolet forums. Most 2020/2021 customers indicate there has not been resolution of specific issues identified.”
GM hasn’t been shy about dealing with electrical system problems. Even Service Bulletin #PIT5387J discusses the Instrument Panel display blanking out, connections dropped and volume changes occurring on their own. To resolve these situations, GM advises technicians simply to tell customers that they are working on figuring out what is wrong. However, if history teaches anything, it’s that the automaker doesn’t resolve problems promptly. Just look at the class-action lawsuit that spanned many model years dealing with the “Chevy Shake,” which might not even be fully resolved now. Drivers of this Silverado truck are going to be waiting for help with hopefully nowhere to be anytime soon.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes | |
| Electrical System | |
| Power Train | |
| Engine | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Steering | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:throttlebody/manifold |
When most people purchase a heavy-duty truck, the hope is that the potent engine will provide all the towing and hauling power needed to get big jobs done. With this unreliable engine, that might not be the case.
Here’s a review left on Cars.com. “My 2021 Silverado 2500HD Carhartt Edition is back at the dealership with less than 90 miles on the odometer. Also this is the second time the vehicle is back at the dealership. Apparently the problem was fixed and when I left the dealership, within 8-10 miles the engine light came on and I received and alert via text to have ‘problem’ taken care of. I am truly disappointed with GM as this is the second Silverado I have purchased within the past three years to have issues. Actually the last Silverado was turned back in due to the same recurring issue. I am totally frustrated with this situation.”
Looking at the integrity of the build, it’s no wonder customers are having trouble. This pickup is riddled with recalls and investigations into the safety. For example, NHTSA Campaign Number 20V792000 talks about more than 600,000 vehicles equipped with a seat belt bracket that wasn’t secured properly, leaving occupants at risk of an injury during a collision. Even worse, shortly after that recall, NHTSA Campaign Number 20V811000 was issued stating that the wrong bolts were also used to secure some seat belts. What’s even more alarming is the open investigation into the Silverado trucks. NHTSA Action Number PE21010 is looking into consumer complaints that the air bag systems are malfunctioning. Not only are some air bags not deploying, but the investigation led to rust particles on the terminal interfaces, which is causing some trouble. It seems that Chevy is in hot water, not only with the safety administration but also with customers. Maybe it should be known as the “best-in-class” for complaints.
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Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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