2021 Chevrolet Silverado steering problems
moderate 40 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Owners have filed 40 steering 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
Electric power steering failures dominate complaints: the truck displays "Service Power Steering" and "Service ESC" warnings, then the steering wheel becomes too hard to turn or immovable. These failures strike randomly—at startup, while driving, or in park—and span mileage from 500 to 65,000 miles. Most commonly occur within the first 50,000 miles. Owners report the system sometimes resets after waiting 5–30 minutes or restarting the engine, but this isn't reliable; at least one failure involved total loss of steering and brake function while pulling into traffic. Dealerships frequently cannot diagnose when warning lights aren't active. GM issued Technical Service Bulletin 21-NA-149 in 2021 for wire harness chafing on L3B turbo engines causing cascading failures in steering, transmission, and catalytic converter, but coverage excludes many VINs.
Separate failures reported include upper control arm ball joint breakage (preceded by front-end popping, then complete wheel collapse), engine seizures while driving at highway speeds, and ignition switch sticking. One owner's 6.2L engine seized after being marked "fixed," yet the owner's VIN was excluded from the known recall covering identical failures.
Grounding strap failures have knocked out power steering, brakes, and sensors simultaneously without warning lights. A premature belt tensioner/idler pulley failure and frame cracks (4 months to repair) round out the roster of major mechanical issues reported at relatively low mileage.
Same Chevrolet Silverado steering reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2020 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Electric Power Steering Failure - Service ESC/Power Steering Warnings
Electric power steering system loses function, typically accompanied by 'Service Power Steering' and/or 'Service ESC' dashboard warnings. Steering wheel becomes extremely hard or impossible to turn. Failures occur intermittently and often resolve after vehicle restart or a waiting period of 5-30 minutes.
When: Mileage ranges from 500 to 65,000 miles; most common in first 15,000-50,000 mile range. Failures happen randomly—sometimes at startup, sometimes while driving, sometimes while parked.
Symptoms owners cite: Extremely hard or impossible steering wheel movement; Service Power Steering warning on dashboard; Service ESC (Electronic Stability Control) warning on dashboard; Stability Control light illuminated; Service Brake System warning (in some cases); Loss of power steering assistance; Temporary restoration after engine restart or waiting period
Codes mentioned: U0131, Service Power Steering message, Service ESC message
Repairs/costs cited: Many owners report dealerships unable to diagnose when warning lights are not actively displayed. Some dealers have reset the system or performed computer resets with temporary success. TSB 21-NA-149 cited in multiple complaints related to wire harness chafing on L3B engine models.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued TSB 21-NA-149 (June and September 2021) for wire harness chafing in L3B turbo engine. Recall N212333900 exists but does not include 2021 Silverado models in coverage. No official recall issued for broader 2021 Silverado electric steering failures despite widespread reports.
Wire Harness Chafing - L3B Turbo Engine
Manufacturing defect where wire harness clip was removed during production, leaving harness uncontrolled and contacting sharp edges on ECM/TCM bracket, upper control arm, and shock tower. Chafing causes wire damage, leading to cascading failures in power steering, transmission, and catalytic converter.
When: Defect built into vehicle at factory (2021 model). Manifests typically after warranty expiration; complaint cites failures within five weeks post-warranty.
Symptoms owners cite: Erratic acceleration; Engine throttling to 3,000 RPM without returning to idle; Engine misfires; Sudden loss of engine power; Engine stalling; Multiple simultaneous warning lights; Loss of throttle control at highway speeds; Power steering failure (secondary effect); Transmission failure; Catalytic converter failure
Codes mentioned: U0131
Repairs/costs cited: Wire harness requires replacement; catalytic converter and transmission failures documented as consequential damage. Independent mechanic and authorized GM dealer (Ancira-Winton Chevrolet) confirmed defect and referenced GM Bulletin 21-NA-149.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Technical Service Bulletin 21-NA-149 issued June 2021 and September 17, 2021 before complaint owner's November 2021 purchase. GM created Customer Satisfaction Program N192219370 for this defect, but owner's VIN excluded from coverage despite experiencing identical symptoms. No official safety recall issued.
Control Arm Ball Joint Failure
Front passenger side upper control arm ball joint breaks or fails during normal driving or backing. Wheel angles severely or becomes suspended, held only by brake line and CV boot. Failure typically preceded by intermittent popping/clicking noise from front end, especially during turns.
When: Failure occurred after months of use; noise present intermittently for extended period before catastrophic failure.
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent popping or clicking noise from front passenger area; Noise more frequent during sharp or soft turns; Noise increases at lower speeds; Wheel angles dramatically or goes nearly flat; Loss of steering control (at low speed in reported case); Wheel suspended only by brake line and CV boot
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to diagnose noise despite week-long inspection and attempting to replicate. Ball joint breakage requires control arm and possibly suspension component replacement. One owner experienced failure during low-speed driveway backing after dealership clearance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service manager acknowledged 'this issue in 7-8 other vehicles like mine' but characterized as normal mechanical part failure without flag for recall or service bulletin. No manufacturer intervention documented.
Steering Column Lock Malfunction
Push-to-start ignition system becomes non-functional with 'Service Steering Column Lock' error displayed. Key fob locks/unlocks and remote-starts function normally, but button-to-start fails. Vehicle becomes difficult or impossible to start despite having power.
When: Occurred at approximately 48,000 miles; multiple stranding incidents including winter conditions.
Symptoms owners cite: Service Steering Column Lock error message; Push-to-start button inoperable; Key fob lock/unlock functions work normally; Remote start capability remains functional; Vehicle stranding without warning; Intermittent nature—fails randomly
Codes mentioned: Service Steering Column Lock
Repairs/costs cited: No documented repairs or solutions provided in narrative. Wife stranded twice—January (below-freezing) and May.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletins acknowledge the problem; no official recall issued. GM community reports this as known issue without consistent fix.
Engine Failures - 6.2L Engine Locking/Seizure
Engine locks up, seizes, or experiences catastrophic failure while driving. Owner reports dealer informed them of 'known issue with the engine locking up' in 6.2 engine after attempting trade-in. Engine produces rattling, loses power, then shuts off completely. Oil and antifreeze leaking observed post-failure.
When: One incident occurred after previous repair at Love Chevrolet (8/14/24) that supposedly fixed the problem. Engine seizure happened during normal highway driving at 55-60 mph.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine rattling noise; Temperature gauge rising; Loss of engine power; Engine shutdown (will not turn over); Oil leaking from bottom of engine; Antifreeze leaking from bottom of engine; Loss of oil pressure warning light
Codes mentioned: Loss of oil pressure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine required replacement or major overhaul. Dealer initially denied coverage, stating owner's VIN not part of recall despite same year, model, and engine type in affected vehicles. Owner now unable to drive or trade vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists for same year/model/engine combination, but owner's specific VIN excluded from coverage. No service bulletin or alternative assistance documented.
Grounding Strap Failure
Electrical grounding straps fail, causing loss of power steering, brake system failure, and safety sensor malfunction. Failures occur randomly during driving without warning lights to alert driver.
When: Not specified; two grounding straps failed on 2021 Silverado Trail Boss.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering failure; Brake system failure; Safety traffic sensor failure; Random failure without warning indicators; No warning lights illuminated before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer performed repair under recall N252515590 (model years 2019-2024). However, owner's VIN not associated with recall and owner charged for repair despite identical failure mode.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Recall N252515590 for this exact problem covering 2019-2024 model years, but owner's 2021 VIN excluded from coverage despite failure matching recall criteria.
Serpentine Belt and Belt Tensioner/Idler Pulley Premature Failure
Belt tensioner or idler pulley fails prematurely, causing serpentine belt to fray and making chirping noise during warm-up. Failure occurs well before scheduled 100,000-mile belt replacement interval and may be accompanied by temporary power steering loss.
When: Failure occurred just after warranty expiration.
Symptoms owners cite: Chirping noise during engine warm-up; Serpentine belt fraying on edges; Temporary power steering loss (once, in park, resolved after restart); Service message on dashboard (resolved after restart)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced pulley and serpentine belt. Dealer confirmed pulley failed prematurely and described it as 'premature, but common.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No warranty coverage for premature pulley failure or belt damage. Described as common issue but not subject to recall or service bulletin.
Suspension and Frame Failures
Cracked frame and suspension support components in front suspension requiring extended repair time. Separate incidents of oil pump and lifter failure, followed by catastrophic engine seizure while driving.
When: Cracked frame/suspension support required 4 months to repair. Additional engine failures at 55-60 mph driving speed.
Symptoms owners cite: Cracked frame visible; Cracked front suspension support; Oil pump failure; Lifter failure; Engine seizure while driving; Loss of oil pressure warning light before seizure; Engine shut down immediately
Codes mentioned: Loss of oil pressure
Repairs/costs cited: Frame/suspension repair took 4 months. Oil pump and lifter replaced under warranty. Engine seizure required towing; dealer waited a month for service, then owner had vehicle serviced 60 miles away at different dealership where catastrophic engine failure confirmed. GM dealer wanted owner to pay for engine repair despite warranty claim.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some components replaced under warranty; GM dealer refused to cover catastrophic engine failure despite it appearing to be defect-related rather than owner-caused.
Front-End Noise - PIP5653 Work Instruction (No Repair Available)
Pinging or clinking noise from front end axle that does not change with braking or speed changes but occurs only during motion. Noise frequency remains constant and increases at lower speeds. GM issued PIP5653 work instruction stating no repair or resolution is available. All full-size pickup trucks and SUVs from model years 2019-2021 affected.
When: Noise present; reported October 10, 2021.
Symptoms owners cite: Pinging/clinking noise from front end; Noise constant frequency regardless of speed; Noise louder at lower speeds; Noise absent at idle or vehicle stop; Noise not affected by braking
Codes mentioned: PIP5653 (no repair available)
Repairs/costs cited: GM dealership indicated unable to repair per PIP5653; no resolution or fix available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued work instruction PIP5653 stating no repair is available. GM acknowledges no problem with vehicle despite noise and potential axle issue. Owner notes if front end axle breaks, wheel could lock up causing loss of control/loss of steering.
Ignition Switch Sticking - Key Won't Release from Column
Ignition key fails to fully release from steering column lock. Key returns only to accessory position but will not fully release for removal. Intermediate but frequent problem. Replacement ignition switch did not resolve issue.
When: Occurred at 49,515 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Key won't fully release from ignition; Key stuck in accessory position; Intermediate/frequent problem; No check engine light or warning messages
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced ignition switch; problem recurred same day. Owner often forced to leave key in column and use remote lock/unlock.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented fix or service bulletin mentioned.
Oil Filter and Oil Leak Issues
Oil leaks from vehicle, initially attributed to oil filter installation issue. After dealership correction, oil leak recurs. Owner cites service bulletin on tightening oil filter procedure due to oil leak defect.
When: Two separate leak incidents; second occurred within days of first repair.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking from vehicle; Low oil warning light illumination; Oil mixing with wet road surface causing traction issues; Recurrent leaks after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership initially blamed Walmart oil filter for leak and corrected issue. Leak recurred; service bulletin exists for tightening oil filter procedure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin available for oil filter tightening procedure related to oil leak defect.
Loss of Electrical Power While Driving
Vehicle momentarily loses all electrical power while pulling into traffic, causing engine shutdown. Results in loss of both brakes and steering during moving operation.
When: Not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power while driving; Engine shuts off; Loss of brake function; Loss of steering function
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Body Control Module and Steering Control Malfunction
Body control modules and stability assist (SAS) modules lose communication with vehicle systems. Service ESC and traction control lights illuminate, causing loss of all steering function at any speed. Multiple diagnostic scanners unable to communicate with affected modules.
When: Occurred at 6,050 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Service ESC light illumination; Traction control light illumination; Complete loss of steering; Service Power Steering message: 'Drive with Caution'; Loss of steering at any vehicle speed; Body control module communication failure; Stability assist (SAS) module communication failure; No diagnostic scanners able to access affected systems
Codes mentioned: Service ESC, Power Steering Loss
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple shops unable to diagnose due to scanner communication failure with three vehicle systems.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response.
Hard Steering or Reduced Steering Assist - Intermittent
Steering system provides reduced power assist or locks up intermittently. Vehicle becomes difficult to maneuver. In one case, rear wheels also intermittently inoperable with hard transmission downshifting occurring.
When: One incident around 30,000 miles; another at unspecified mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Hard steering or difficult maneuvering; Reduced steering assist; Steering wheel difficult to turn; Intermittent rear wheel inoperability (in one case); Hard transmission downshifting (in one case); No warning light illuminated (in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner researched and found undisclosed NHTSA Campaign, but VIN not included. Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response or recall inclusion.
Synthesized from 40 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 40 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 40 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 20,166 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.