2021 Chevrolet Silverado Engine Problems

As of august 19, 2026 my engine suffered a catastrophic failure with code P0016 which is cranckshaft camshaft lifter failure. Engine will be replaced. Currently at the dealership for replacement. Had the truck for 2 months and I’m requesting that GM fully replace my truck with a different one because I’m sick of hearing all the failures going on with the 6.2 engines. Such as my truck.

Currently had my engine go into "limp mode" after checked engine light came on with code p1010. The coolant control valve is what is the problem, and GM/Chevy has issued a special coverage on this known part for my year make and model (Bulletin N252508341). However, according to the dealership, my VIN does not qualify for this known issue, regardless of my faulty part matching the special coverage for the year make and model of my vehicle. Now I'm stuck paying for the empty promise from Chevy.

While driving at ~50mph, the truck immediately went into reduced power mode, temperatures spiked to 260 from 210. Engine code P1006 showed indicating coolant control valve failure. After experiencing, I discovered that GM issued Special Coverage for Coolant Control Valve (N252508341). However, the local Chevy dealership indicated my truck would not be covered even though it is within the timeframe/mileage, and falls in the year/make/model categories. According to them, the coverage is VIN specific and my VIN is not listed. They directed me to Chevrolet Customer Care. Customer Care did not acknowledge the Special Coverage until I directed them to the correct bulletin. They further indicated because my VIN was not covered, they would not be able to do anything. This issue is HIGHLY known by GM, but they have failed to remedy appropriately. It is also a safety hazard, especially in my case, where the failure occurred on the highway, at speed with cars behind me, and resulted in the truck immediately ceasing normal operation causing the potential for property damage and/or injury.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle came to a complete stop without warning. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice. During the first failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer and a lifter inside the engine was replaced. The contact stated that after the second failure, the contact allowed the vehicle to sit for a while before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that a lifter and the camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with an internal engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

I have a 2021 Silverado with the 6.2L engine. I had received the recall notice, but it took several months before I could get the truck checked. By the time I was able to get it inspected, the truck had over 100,00 miles, with the symptoms associated with the 6.2L engine failure. It was said to have passed inspection, but I had my doubts. Low and behold, my engine failed not once but twice. The first time I was told it was not due to the recall and paid out of pocket. The most recent failure, (same exact failure as before, and nearly caused an accident) happened last week. I towed it to a different dealership than where it was inspected and where the last repair occurred, and was told it needed a new engine. I called and was told by the dealership that a new engine was ordered, and they were waiting to hear back from GM on if they would cover it or not. I was also told they were very confident GM would cover it, and that is why they ordered a new engine. A few days later, I get a call and find out GM is in fact not covering it and the repair is around $12,000. I am beyond frustrated at GM for not taking accountability, and the dealership for giving me false hope that this would be covered.

The Coolant Control Valve (DTC Code P1098) is failing and only certain trucks are covered under GMs special coverage, being as this is a common issues why aren't all the trucks covered

An engine lifter broke in my 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 (6.2 liter) and it bent a push rod. The truck was towed to the dealership where it was purchased. They replace all the lifters on the failed side and the bent push rod. The reason I am reporting this is because it happened at a very unfortunate time and could have resulted in a major accident if the engine would have seized. I was turning a corner, crossing oncoming highway traffic, and pulling our camper/travel trailer. I see that it has been a relatively common problem with the GM 6.2L and even some 5.3L motors and appears to be related to GM's active fuel management (AFM).

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the engine occasionally overheated. The check engine warning light was illuminated for a day, and there were six diagnostic trouble codes displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the coolant flow control valve was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the repair was not covered under warranty or recall. The contact became aware of GMC Special Programs: N252508340 and N25250834, which were associated with the failure; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

I just got this car from a used car dealership, it has 170K miles and the engine just stopped on me today. It’s very disappointing for the car to just stop like this. While I had my family in the car with a new born. Very disappointing

Truck blew up driving down the road and the the Chevy app gave me a code and it was the same code it is recalled for but I was told it wasn’t under recall

On June 22, 2026, my Chevy Silverado was inoperable and had to be towed to the Chevy dealership. After a period of examination by the service staff, it was deemed to have experienced CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. My truck has the 6.2L engine, but was NOT included in the original recall. It had just been serviced on 6/19/2026 and was only driven approx. 20 miles to my home. I have a video of what it was doing when I went to leave for work two days later on 6/22 when it wouldn't run without major issues and a burning smell.

Catastrophic engine failure. Confirmed by GM dealer. No symptoms prior.

I am requesting immediate review and resolution regarding a major engine failure in my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 6.2L V8 engine. My vehicle has suffered a complete engine failure and is displaying code P0016 (crankshaft/camshaft correlation). This is a known and widely documented defect affecting GM 6.2L engines and is the basis of an existing recall and engine replacement program for similarly equipped vehicles. Despite my vehicle exhibiting the exact same failure, I have been informed that my VIN is excluded from the recall. This is unacceptable, as it reflects inconsistent application of a known defect remedy. Under consumer protection principles, including the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, manufacturers are obligated to address known defects and ensure consistent warranty and post-warranty remedies where systemic issues exist. Denying coverage for an identical failure based solely on VIN exclusion raises serious concerns. I am formally requesting a full goodwill engine replacement. This failure is clearly tied to a known defect pattern, and I expect GM to provide the same remedy afforded to other affected customers. Please escalate this case for immediate review and confirm next steps. I am prepared to provide all supporting documentation.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to crank. The contact originally suspected a battery failure, as the vehicle had recently been involved in an accident that left the passenger-side mirror damaged with exposed wires. While driving at 70 MPH, a semi-truck sideswiped the passenger-side of the vehicle, causing a dent on the front door and a fractured side-view mirror. The semi-truck driver did not stop, and the contact's son drove the vehicle to the nearest exit. No air bags deployed, no warning lights illuminated, and no injuries were reported. A police report was filed. The vehicle was initially towed to a collision center, where it was determined that the battery was not the cause of the starting failure. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with camshaft, timing belt, and actuator failures. Upon removing the camshaft, metal shavings were found inside the engine, and the dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,733.

Verified customers cpncern of cylinder 3 misfire and low compression. Inspected cylinder 3 sing a borescope and found excessive oil on top of the piston and on the cylinder walls. There are marks from loose carbon debris damaged the cylinder wall. Upon further inspection the oil looks to be coming from the valve seals. Recommend replacement of the long block assembly to correct these conditions. --Cody Glasscock, Ford Lincoln of Morgantown

Was on way to trade truck in onb6/6/26 and got a cylinder #7 misfire. Replaced spark plug and wire and moved coil packs around to trace and stayed on #7. Just had recall completed on 9/25/25 and stated that I've heard a rattling noise in engine area. They performed recall and changed to new oil suggested by GM. Dealership said noise was transmission. I told them that was replaced already within last 50k miles under warranty. Drive it for a few days and rattling noise still there. Took back to dealer on 9/30/25 at cost of $200 diagnositc and stated there is a grinding noise under light acceleration like it's metal on metal. Dealer stated that it was the rear seat rattling. There were NO noises in the cab, only coming from outside at driverside motor area. Called GM 10/1/25 to let them know the denial of motor replacement and we wanted 2nd opinion but we would have to pay out of pocket again. On 6/4/26 had to have truck towed to new dealer. New dealer won't make deal on new truck because of this and we have 2 trips already booked and paid for and 1 at end of June. New dealer is putting in service on 6/8/26 to verify cause. I have called GM after making repairs and they said it was between me and the dealer, there is nothing they can do. This is unacceptable! Im fine if they would offset cost and buy a new Chevy truck and we are going to fight to get it made right. This does make us want to change brands even though we've bought 5 Chevys in the last 10 years.

Lights on the panel reads service parking break, engine, transmission, abs, traffic control and esc service. All these lights are on. Idling rough, white smoke with rich smell. Had a diagnostic read cam/crank and lifters bad… estimated cost 15,000. Total new engine install.

On June 3, 2026, my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss, which has a 6.2L L87 V8 engine, stalled and shut off unexpectedly while I was stopped at a traffic light on a public highway. The engine died without warning, leaving me stranded in traffic and creating a serious safety risk for me and other drivers because of the chance of a collision. I had to call the police to come and sit behind me to keep myself safe from a collision while I waited for a tow truck. A dealer diagnosed the vehicle with DTC P0016, indicating a crankshaft/camshaft position correlation fault. This points to either an engine timing problem or an internal engine failure. The dealer confirmed the issue and gave me a repair estimate of about $11,000. Both the vehicle and repair records can be inspected if needed. Before the failure, the vehicle showed signs of an engine timing or internal issue and eventually triggered the check engine light with code P0016. After researching, I discovered many reports from other owners with the same 6.2L L87 engine who faced similar problems, including P0016 faults, engine stalling, internal engine damage, and complete engine replacement. While some vehicles with this engine have been part of recalls or special coverage programs, my vehicle is not included, even though it shows the same failure pattern. At the time of the failure, the vehicle has about 140,336 miles. I believe my vehicle has the same defect affecting other 6.2L L87 engines. I ask that NHTSA look into whether more vehicles should be added to any current or future recalls or defect investigations. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

I have 112,000 miles on my truck and my 6.2l motor is going out or knocking. I am very unhappy that my truck is not covered under the recall and I would like to understand why it is not since this is the issue of the recall. I would like to clarification on this and what options I have since it is going to cost me 14k to replace the motor. Case #101943027