2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Electrical system and exterior lighting issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

When the time comes to get a big truck for those tough jobs, many people look toward the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. It’s no wonder that it continues to excel when the manufacturer claims it offers “heavy-duty solutions for any situation.” However, most customers find themselves looking for solutions to all the defects, including those with the electrical system and exterior lighting.

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NHTSA Complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Electrical System
4
Forward Collision Avoidance: Sensing System: Radar
1
Lane Departure: Sensing System: Radar
1
Fuel/propulsion System
1
Engine
1
Power Train
1
Exterior Lighting
1
Service Brakes
1

Problems with the Electrical System

With a solid electrical system, every ride can be enjoyable. However, the opposite can be claimed when there are malfunctions.

Here’s one review left on Edmunds talking about electrical system troubles. “Do not buy. I’ve had mine for 2 1/2 months and it’s been in the shop for a total of 4 weeks. It has major electrical issues. GM unwilling to compensate me at this time to rent another work truck and they don’t even know when the problem will be fixed. At first they didn’t have a fix, now they tell me they are sourcing parts. DON’T BE A SUCKER!”

It looks like GM hasn’t learned anything over the years. It wasn’t that long ago that Chevy Silverado trucks were the subject of class-action lawsuits because of infotainment system issues. In fact, some previous models had a system that would max out without any direction from the driver, causing quite the alarm while driving down the street. Hopefully, no one was trying to meditate in peace and quiet on the way to work.

Problems with the Exterior Lighting

Seeing clearly at night and having others see your vehicle is essential for on-road safety. However, the lighting lacks with 2021 Chevy Silverado 3500 models.

One NHTSA complaint says, “The new GM 2021 trailer lighting module and/or system is defective. It fails a pre-connection test with tester, gives ‘Check Trailer Wiring” warning on dash without a trailer connected and turns off any trailer lighting connected without warning on the road, without blowing a fuse. This problem is much like the TSB Report #20-NA-198 for earlier models. This issue was addressed by the dealer by replacing the module, but the problem has reoccurred while on the road causing a road safety issue (no trailer lighting), sometimes without warning. The dealer doesn’t know what else to do at this point.”

It should come as no surprise that this Chevy truck has so many issues. One look at all of the recalls shows how little care was put into this heavy-duty model. NHTSA Campaign Number 20V792000 states that more than 600,000 vehicles have a bracket on the front seat belts that might not be securely correctly, while NHTSA Campaign Number 20V811000 goes on to describe that some seat belt assemblies contain the wrong bolts, further putting occupants at risk. What’s more is the open investigation happening right now. NHTSA Action Number PE21010 examines various complaints that the air bags are not deploying, causing injury to occupants. If everyone held GM to Hot Wheel-type standards, this Silverado would be a winner. Beyond that, this truck simply disappoints.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Chevrolet pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

Complaint Data

CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Sensing System: Radar, Lane Departure: Sensing System: Radar
DateFeb 28, 2023
StateOH
Description
The contact owns a 2021 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated while driving 65 mph and above, the radar sensors failed to function intermittently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer found no cause for the failure. The contact was informed to replace the sensors. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
CategoryElectrical System
DateFeb 06, 2023
StateOH
Description
Rear sliding window plastic is getting hot and melting
CategoryFuel/propulsion System
DateJul 07, 2022
StateKS
Description
Check engine light came on followed almost immediately with an onstar warning to service the engine and transmission within 7 days. Took truck to dealer. They diagnosed problem was fuel system contamination. Hole was found on the inner mesh liner of the fuel filter which allowed water and a sludge like material to get into the fuel system.
CategoryElectrical System, Engine, Power Train
DateSep 26, 2021
StateNC
Description
Was driving my 3500 (an 8000# truck capable of towing 20k#) and suddenly the vehicle lost power and steering, forcing me to the shoulder of a curvy mountain road, going downhill. Truck then started blinking lights and telling me to restart. Upon restart, the truck would not engage the transmission. Truck was in drive but the motor was just rev'ing. I turned truck off and then back on and it seemed to return to normal. Am not comfortable driving truck at this time. Gm has been notified of the issue, and, has not diagnosed an issue, as of this writing.
CategoryElectrical System, Exterior Lighting
DateMar 23, 2021
StateAL
Description
The new gm 2021 trailer lighting module and/or system is defective. It fails a pre-connection test with tester, gives "check trailer wiring" warning on dash without a trailer connected and turns off any trailer lighting connected without warning on the road, without blowing a fuse. This problem is much like the tsb report #20-na-198 for earlier models. This issue was addressed by the dealer by replacing the module, but the problem has re-occurred while on the road causing a road safety issue (no trailer lighting), some times without warning. The dealer doesn't know what else to do at this point.
CategoryElectrical System, Service Brakes
DateOct 11, 2020
StateIN
Description
I got my truck in may and after two months the battery went completely dead without warning so had dealership tow it to service kept two weeks said it was battery. Now same thing happened again. Called roadside assistance from phone because on star wouldn't even work. They come out and jumped it. The jump started truck but now parking break won't release and I have a service light issue,, still waiting for chevy to open to have it towed again. Is anyone else dealing with problems? I was told by the dealer last time that the rocky ridge additions are.

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Brian Jones

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 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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