A week or two before I took my truck into decorah Chevy isr because tailgate was going up and down all by itself while I was driving or parked without me by it. They said it was just the latch button . So they fixed it they said and still my blinker lights would just come on and then I hit a deer and my seatbelt did not latch and my airbags didn't deploy even though my app says they did. I'm…
2021 Chevrolet Silverado electrical problems
severe 69 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
69
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
2crashes
4fires
What stands out
Owners have filed 69 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report widespread electrical failures across multiple systems. Rearview display blanks without warning when shifting to reverse, cutting off camera feed—a potential FMVSS 111 violation. The infotainment system randomly shuts down for minutes at a time, disabling backup camera, GPS, hands-free calling, and emergency phone access; volume controls lock up while audio keeps playing. Replacement quotes run $1,600–$2,000 with no guarantee.
The power tailgate opens spontaneously while driving or parked, spilling cargo onto roadways and creating hazards for other drivers. GM has recalled similar models for this defect (2020–2024 Silverado 2500/3500), but many 1500 models show the identical problem yet aren't included.
Engine power loss occurs abruptly on highways—vehicle enters limp mode at 10 mph with check engine lights. Three separate fire incidents reported with no prior warning lights: flames engulf the cabin and fuel tank area within seconds, totaling the vehicle.
Complete electrical shutdown leaves trucks dead in traffic with no warning hazards or power. Key removal fails, trapping ignition keys in the switch for 45+ minutes. Battery drains overnight despite all lights being off. Software updates and dealership resets consistently fail to resolve these issues. Owners cite missing or ignored manufacturer service bulletins, diagnosis charges reaching $1,000, and costs exceeding warranty limits.
Same Chevrolet Silverado electrical reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2020 · 2022 · 2023 · 2024
Failure modes owners describe
Rearview Display Blanking
Center display/infotainment screen goes blank when transmission is shifted to Reverse, cutting off rearview camera feed. Audio continues to function. Screen remains blank even after shifting back to Drive until ignition is cycled. Occurs intermittently.
When: Onset varies; complaint #1 at low mileage on loaner vehicle; complaint #14 at 371 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Center display goes blank when shifting into Reverse; Rearview image not visible; Audio system continues to function; Screen remains blank after shifting out of Reverse; Infotainment system unresponsive or slow to recover
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives; software-related malfunction suspected
Infotainment System Dropout and Unresponsiveness
Infotainment/stereo system randomly shuts off for 1–10 minutes, cuts off hands-free calling, silences GPS/navigation, disables emergency cell phone use, and stops responding to volume controls while still playing audio. Complete replacement quoted at $1,600–$2,000+ without guaranteed fix. Affects backup camera display, radio, climate control display.
When: Recurring throughout ownership; complaint #8 ongoing; complaint #14 at 371 miles; complaint #27 since vehicle delivery (Nov 2020)
Symptoms owners cite: Stereo shuts off for 1–10 minutes then returns; Hands-free calling disabled when system is off; GPS/navigation unavailable during dropout; Backup camera display goes blank or dark; Volume controls become unresponsive while audio is still playing; Cannot turn radio on/off or adjust volume while driving; XM radio volume drops on its own or becomes inaudible; Infotainment screen displays blank
Repairs/costs cited: Infotainment module replacement attempted ($1,600–$2,000+); resets performed without success; no warranty coverage after ~3 years
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM customer service informed owner: NO RECALL, NO RECOURSE
Tailgate Unintended Opening
Electric tailgate opens and closes spontaneously while vehicle is driving or parked, with or without button press. Occurs randomly in all conditions—locked, unlocked, on, off. No warning lights. Causes cargo loss and safety hazard to other drivers. Body Control Module code U0140 reported in one case. Some owners report tailgate then refuses to open (latch failure). Water intrusion into electronic switch suspected in some cases.
When: Complaint #7: August 2024 onset, recurring; complaint #22: January 2024 onset; complaint #31: during rain; most complaints 2024–2025
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate opens spontaneously while driving or parked; Tailgate opens without button press or user action; Tailgate closes and opens repeatedly, cycling; Tailgate latch continues to click after opening; Contents fall from truck bed onto roadway; Tailgate will not open after unintended opening; latch stuck; No manual override available when electronic latch fails; Water intrusion into electronic switch causes corrosion
Codes mentioned: U0140 (Body Control Module malfunction)
Repairs/costs cited: Tailgate switch replacement ($1,000+ in some cases); harness replacement; corrosion cleaning; no fix guarantee; some dealers request ~$1,000 for diagnosis only. Owner fuses removed as workaround in complaint #31.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM recall issued for 2020–2024 Silverado/Sierra 2500/3500 models with electronic tailgate switches; most 1500 models reported here excluded from recall despite identical symptoms. Dealer confirms issue matches recalled models but VIN not covered.
Engine Power Loss / Limp Mode
Check Engine light illuminates and vehicle enters safety/limp mode, reducing engine power to 10 mph on highways without warning. May occur on initial event and recur after repair attempts. GM Service Bulletin 21-NA-149 addresses issue but dealers initially ignore guidance. Root cause: sensor or actuator malfunction; one case involved fuel pump on national backorder plus valve spring replacement.
When: Complaint #4: 5,000 miles (Feb incident); complaint #5: recurring after repairs; complaint #14: 371 miles; complaint #21: 40k miles+
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light comes on; Vehicle enters limp mode; engine power reduced; Vehicle slows to 10 mph on highway; Engine stalls or loses power while driving; Message displays: 'Engine Power Reduced'; Service ESC warning; Service Trailer Brake System warning; All gauges/warning lights flatten (no fuel warning despite fuel present)
Codes mentioned: P0300 (generic engine misfire), GM Service Bulletin 21-NA-149 (fuel pump, valve spring)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement (on national backorder in complaint #4); valve spring replacement; sensor/actuator replacement; multiple dealer visits required. Complaint #5 owner paid for repairs; issue recurred, necessitating step-by-step bulletin review.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Service Bulletin 21-NA-149 exists; dealers initially ignored it; manufacturer acknowledged bulletin as root cause after third incident in complaint #5
Vehicle Fire / Underhood Flames
Engine compartment or fuel tank area catches fire with no warning lights or indication before ignition. Fire engulfs vehicle rapidly, destroying interior cabin and tailgate area. Some fires localized to rear cabin near fuel tank with fuel spilling/embers visible. 2021 Tahoe and Yukon have recalls for incorrect fuel tank seal causing similar fires; Silverado fires not yet recalled. Total loss in all cases.
When: Complaint #3: 19k miles (Dec 19); complaint #6: specific date not given; complaint #15: 90k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Burning rubber odor and smoke inside cabin; Flames visible under hood (passenger-side firewall); Smoke billows from under hood; Large explosion near fuel tank area; Small embers/flames from truck bed before ignition; Fire engulfs cabin within seconds; Entire vehicle destroyed; No warning lights before fire
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles total loss; no repair. Salvage retained for inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM closed claims, stating not liable for personal property lost in fire. Manufacturer cites no identified defect. Insurance paid for vehicle; carrier declined to contact GM about manufacturing defect. 2021 Tahoe and Yukon recalls for fuel tank seal exist; Silverado not yet recalled despite similar symptom pattern.
Complete Electrical Shutdown / Battery Drain
Vehicle experiences total electrical failure with no power to any system (lights, starter, hazards, warnings). One case occurred at 500 miles with no prior warnings; another at night in traffic with no warning flashers. Battery drains overnight in garage with no interior lights left on; occurs every few weeks on some vehicles. Some cases involve key stuck in ignition, which prevents battery shutdown.
When: Complaint #4: 5,000 miles on snow/slush road; complaint #25: <500 miles; complaint #19: recurring every few weeks during ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of all electrical power; No warning lights before failure; No hazard flashers or emergency lighting available; Vehicle stranded in traffic/on roadway at night; Battery completely drained after parking overnight; Vehicle will not start; Key stuck in ignition (complaint #17, #24, #16); Door locks erroneously lock/unlock while driving (complaint #17)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement needed in complaint #4 (on backorder). Ignition switch replacement in complaint #16 (not completed). In complaint #19, no cause identified; battery is new but still drains.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in complaint #17; no assistance offered. Complaint #24 referred to NHTSA Hotline by manufacturer.
Ignition Switch / Key Removal Failure
Key becomes stuck in ignition and cannot be removed, requiring up to 45 minutes of repeated attempts. In some cases key removal fails entirely until vehicle is cycled or towed. Causes battery drain if key is left in ignition for extended periods. Some owners report key release intermittently fails even after initial incidents.
When: Complaint #16: 69,000 miles; complaint #17: ~60,000 miles; complaint #24: 101,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Key cannot be removed from ignition after turning off vehicle; Multiple attempts needed to finally release key; Key stuck for 45+ minutes in complaint #24; Key permanently stuck in ignition in complaint #16; Battery drain due to key left in ignition
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch replacement identified as needed repair; complaint #16 vehicle not repaired; complaint #24 owner referred to locksmith by manufacturer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in complaints #16, #17, #24; complaint #16 vehicle not repaired; complaint #24 referred to NHTSA
Push-Button Start Failure
Start button malfunctions; vehicle either will not turn off or will not start. In one case, vehicle took 30 minutes to shut down; next day failed to start, leaving driver stranded. Multiple online complaints of similar issue. Button may also stick or become unresponsive.
When: Complaint #36: recent onset; complaint #32: recurring start delays during auto start/stop function
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not turn off; takes 30+ minutes to shut down; Vehicle will not start next morning despite charged battery; Starter turns over constantly without engaging engine (20+ second crank time); Auto start/stop system causes prolonged start/stop delays; Vehicle fails to restart in traffic, creating accident risk
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; complaint #36 driver had to call tow truck
Engine Misfire / Rough Idle / Valve Train Failure
Engine produces persistent misfire codes (P0300 generic), rough idle, engine knocking, and shaking. One case involved catastrophic valve train failure (bent push rod, lifter failure) at low mileage. Another involved shorted wiring harness and fuel injector. Codes appear but then disappear before dealer inspection, making diagnosis difficult.
When: Complaint #26: <50k miles, recurring; complaint #45: 19,368 miles; complaint #43: unspecified speed event
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light illuminates; Engine misfires (P0300 code); Rough idle or engine shaking while driving; Engine knocking sound; Multiple misfire codes; Service Emergency Brake message; Service ESC message; Vehicle slows on highway due to limp mode
Codes mentioned: P0300 (generic misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #45: lifter failure, bent intake valve push rod, PCM failure replaced at 19,368 miles. Complaint #43: shorted wiring harness and fuel injector replaced. Complaint #26: technician unable to diagnose; Chevrolet denies problem exists.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #26: Chevrolet denies problem despite owner documentation
Wiring Harness Damage / Corrosion
Engine wiring harness shorts or corrodes, causing electrical faults, stalling, and multiple warning lights. Water intrusion into connectors causes corrosion of switches (tailgate switch, OnStar button connections) and wiring. One case involved ignition wiring harness failure; another involved engine wiring harness requiring full replacement.
When: Complaint #29: 52,696 miles; complaint #41: unknown mileage; complaint #11: multiple service visits
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls with multiple unknown warning lights; Shorted wiring harness causes electrical faults; Corroded wires in switch/connector locations; Pinched wiring harness causing tailgate malfunction; OnStar buttons only function with ignition on (battery backup fails)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine wiring harness replacement (complaint #29); corroded wire replacement ($1,000+ in complaint #41); tailgate harness replacement (complaint #11, multiple times)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #29: manufacturer notified, referred to NHTSA; complaint #41: dealer stated corrosion 'just happens' with no root cause
OnStar Emergency Button Failure / Battery Backup Malfunction
Emergency OnStar button fails to function when ignition is off. System only operates with ignition on, defeating the purpose of battery backup during emergencies or crashes. Critical safety defect per owner (30-year GM/Ford safety engineer).
When: Complaint #2: October 2025 service date noted; issue ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: OnStar buttons non-functional when ignition is off; System only works with ignition on; Battery backup does not function; Cannot call for help in emergency without engine running
Repairs/costs cited: Software updates (Jan 27 and Oct 2, 2025) and diagnostic test (Oct 2, 2025) failed to resolve issue
Floor Hump Excessive Heat
Front floor hump becomes excessively hot after service visit, melting personal items and creating fire/burn hazard. Potential fuel line or exhaust contact issue.
When: Complaint #2: October 2, 2025 service date
Symptoms owners cite: Front floor hump excessively hot; Personal items melted; Fire hazard and burn risk to occupants
Repairs/costs cited: Occurred following service visit; no repair details provided
Infotainment False/Phantom Warning Messages
Infotainment system displays false and misleading warning messages unrelated to actual vehicle condition, such as 'new brake pads detected' and 'taking your eyes off the road' warnings that do not apply to the vehicle. These phantom messages distract drivers and cause confusion.
When: Complaint #2: ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: False 'new brake pads detected' message; Inapplicable 'taking your eyes off the road' warning; Other phantom/misleading system messages; Distracting warnings during driving
Repairs/costs cited: Software updates attempted but did not resolve
Wi-Fi and GPS Connectivity Failure
Persistent Wi-Fi and GPS system failures with no connection or intermittent dropouts. Multiple resets and manufacturer technical support attempts failed to resolve.
When: Complaint #2: January 27 and October 2, 2025 software updates attempted
Symptoms owners cite: Wi-Fi connection fails; GPS/navigation not available; Frequent connectivity dropouts; System resets do not restore connectivity
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple manufacturer resets attempted; software updates applied without success
Chevrolet Logo Display Glitch / Spontaneous Radio/Climate Changes
Chevrolet symbol appears in red on computer screen at startup. Vehicle spontaneously changes radio station and switches air conditioning from cold to hot without driver input.
When: Complaint #2: ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Chevrolet logo displays in red at startup; Radio station changes on its own; Air conditioning mode changes without user input (cold to hot)
Unusual Decompressing Sound / Rear Underside Noise
Unusual decompressing sound heard from rear underside when door is opened after vehicle has been parked for extended period. Possible fuel tank or brake system vent issue.
When: Complaint #2: ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Decompressing sound from rear underside; Sound occurs when door opened after parking
Airbag and Seatbelt Non-Deployment
During collision (hitting deer), seatbelt did not latch and airbags did not deploy despite vehicle app indicating they did. Possible electrical/sensor failure in restraint system.
When: Complaint #28: recent collision
Symptoms owners cite: Seatbelt did not latch during collision; Airbags did not deploy during impact; App reported airbag deployment but they did not deploy; Possible correlation with tailgate and blinker electrical issues
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle has extensive damage; restraint system not inspected/repaired per narrative
Turn Signal / Blinker Light Malfunction
Blinker lights come on spontaneously without driver activation. Possible correlation with tailgate and other electrical issues.
When: Complaint #28: recent onset, before collision
Symptoms owners cite: Blinker lights activate on their own; No driver input or button press
Engine Wiring Harness Stalling / Multiple Warning Lights
Vehicle stalls with multiple unknown warning lights. Engine wiring harness determined to be root cause. Multiple attempts to diagnose; final diagnosis required harness replacement.
When: Complaint #29: 52,696 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving; Multiple unknown warning lights illuminate; Engine wiring harness failure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine wiring harness replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; referred to NHTSA
Service Dashboard Warning Cluster / Reduced Steering Assist
Multiple service warnings appear simultaneously: Park Assist Off, Steering Assist Reduced, Service 4WD, Service Trailer Brake System. All gauges flatten/go blank. No fuel warning despite fuel present. Issue resolves when vehicle is powered off and restarted.
When: Complaint #21: 40k+ miles; recorded while driving down road
Symptoms owners cite: Park Assist Off warning; Steering Assist Reduced warning with 'Drive with Care' message; Service 4WD warning; Service Trailer Brake System warning; All gauges flatten/no reading; No fuel level warning despite half-tank fuel; Warnings occur while actively driving
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; owner paid $3,000 for prior 'fix' attempt; warnings recur
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet dealer claims no code produced (owner has video evidence of multiple warnings)
Infotainment System Module Failure / Software Update Error
Infotainment system attempts over-the-air (OTA) software update, displays error message stating update failed, and module becomes non-functional. Dealer diagnoses bad infotainment module, quotes $1,600 for replacement/install. Multiple owners report identical pattern. Owners responsible for out-of-pocket repair for manufacturer defect.
When: Complaint #12: recent OTA update attempt; complaint #13 references similar reports
Symptoms owners cite: OTA update initiated; Update fails with error message; Infotainment module becomes unresponsive; No stereo, backup camera, cooling/heating info, or climate display; Entire system non-functional
Repairs/costs cited: Infotainment module replacement quoted at $1,600 (labor and part)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite multiple owners experiencing identical failure pattern
Check Engine Light / Catalytic Converter Misdiagnosis
Check Engine light triggers; dealership incorrectly diagnoses catalytic converter failure. Owner replaces O2 sensors; light recurs. Multiple independent mechanics confirm no converter issue. Owner suspects ECM module malfunction similar to 2019 recall for same model. Vehicle out of warranty due to mileage overage (2,000 miles past limit).
When: Complaint #23: 3 years old, out of warranty at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light comes on; Faulty O2 sensor or catalytic converter codes suspected; Light recurs after O2 sensor replacement; No actual converter defect present
Repairs/costs cited: O2 sensors replaced; issue persists. Owner researched 2019 recall for ECM module causing identical misdiagnosis.
Engine Failure / Broken Valve Spring at Low Mileage
Catastrophic engine failure at only 371 miles caused by broken spring in piston. Vehicle stalled in traffic at red light; then lost power completely on city street at 30 mph. Total loss of control. 5.3L VOTEC GM engine.
When: Complaint #14: 371 miles on brand new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls at traffic light; Complete engine failure; Loss of power while driving; Loss of vehicle control
Repairs/costs cited: Entire engine replaced; vehicle only 371 miles old
Battery Failure / Repeated Battery Replacements
Battery drains and fails to hold charge, requiring multiple replacements within short timeframe. Vehicle fails to start after overnight parking with no interior lights left on. Battery continues to fail even after manufacturer replacement.
When: Complaint #39: 500 miles; complaint #47: recurring when cool outside; complaint #19: every few weeks during ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dies every few weeks; Vehicle fails to start after overnight parking; Battery completely drained with no explanation; New battery installed but still fails; Multiple replacements required
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced multiple times; issue persists (complaint #39, #47, #19)
Windshield Wiper Malfunction
Windshield wipers only function when activated by windshield wash button; do not work in any other setting (low, medium, high, intermittent). Multiple owners report identical issue on Silverado message boards.
When: Complaint #42: ongoing since ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers only work when windshield wash button is pressed; Wipers do not work in any standard wiper setting; Intermittent, low, and high settings non-functional
Auto Start/Stop System Malfunction
Auto start/stop system causes prolonged starter crank times (20+ seconds) and vehicle failure to restart in traffic. Starter turns over constantly without engaging engine. Can cause vehicle to stall in traffic during lane changes or in heavy traffic, creating accident risk.
When: Complaint #32: recurring in traffic/during lane changes
Symptoms owners cite: Auto start/stop system activates; Prolonged starter crank time (20+ seconds); Starter turns over constantly without engine engagement; Vehicle fails to restart in traffic; Vehicle slows/stalls during lane changes; Vehicle jumps forward when it does restart, nearly causing collision
Infotainment System Harness Replacement / Persistent Disconnects
Infotainment system repeatedly disconnects phone calls and rejects software updates. Multiple harness replacements (infotainment, door lock harnesses) performed at dealer over several weeks; system still disconnects. Owner must pull over and restart truck to restore system. System may remain off indefinitely until it spontaneously re-engages. Issue documented with dealership multiple times.
When: Complaint #33: multiple incidents over several months
Symptoms owners cite: Infotainment system disconnects phone calls; Software update requests rejected; System goes offline/unresponsive while driving; System remains off until spontaneous re-engagement; Requires truck restart to restore function; Door lock issues correlated with harness failure
Repairs/costs cited: Door lock harness replacement, infotainment harness replacement; issue persists despite repairs
Synthesized from 69 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH a burning rubber odor and a smoke haze was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. After stopping to investigate under the hood flames were present at the passenger side fire wall of the engine compartment. Moments later the cabin of the vehicle was in flames which quickly spread and the…
This 2021 silverado hand a complete electical faulure leaving the vehicle dead in the in the road at night. We had no power at all, no warning flashers in the dark at 9:00 pm at night. We were almost hit by a car coming around coner as we broke down at the intersection were no street lights were. This truck has less than 500 miles on it and has already had the full engine replaced, problems…
UNKNOWN. PARK Switch module is not working correctly. The vehicle keeps displaying message saying the vehicle needs to be the parking position.
Full enjine failure at 371 miles causing loss of control.vehicle was driveing on city street about 30mph when failure happen. Just prior to that vehicle stalled in traffic at a stop when waiting for a red light. Spring broken in piston causeing failure. Also had problems with info. System blanking out and no radio then when it did work no volume control on the radio. Info. System first failed…
Push-button tailgate electrical failure. Tailgate opens on its own while driving and while truck is off. This is a known issue that has already been recalled by GM but my truck was not included in the recall, even though the problem and repair are exactly the same as the currently recalled vehicles. I had to pay a GM Dealership to make the repair as the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to…
Had electrical trouble with your 2021 Chevrolet Silverado?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a meaningful issue. 69 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 69 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 55,373 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Chevrolet/Silverado.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.