2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 Diesel Problems: How Lemon Law Can Help
The Chevrolet Silverado is one of America’s most iconic light-duty trucks, and the latest generation of Silverados are some of the sleekest to date. The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 is particularly versatile, as it’s available in many different trim and engine options, including a 3.0L turbo diesel variant.
While diesel engines are known for their durability, several 2021 Silverado problems have plagued the truck since it hit the roads. The diesel version of the vehicle is not the only one to encounter issues — 2021 Silverado 2.7 problems are also quite common.
The good news is that if you own one of these trucks and experience 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 diesel problems, you’ve got options under lemon laws. Join us as we take a closer look at the most common 2021 Silverado issues and discuss how you can seek justice if your truck goes up in smoke, literally.
Common 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 Diesel Problems
2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 diesel problems are the most common for that model year. But drivers can experience problems with Chevy Silverado 1500s regardless of what engine their truck is equipped with. These problems are documented in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints database.
If you own a 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500, here are the issues you need to be aware of:
Crank Start Issues
2021 Chevy Silverado starting problems can show up without warning. If you are having crank start issues, you’ll know it. The scenario will probably play out something like this:
You walk out to your truck and hop in, just like any other day. But when you turn the key (or press the button), instead of the engine roaring to life, you’re met with silence. In some cases, the truck might even sputter for a while, but it just won’t crank.
Most user complaints indicate that the problem seems to be more common in colder weather. If your truck just won’t start, contact the dealer and get it towed to their shop right away. The issue should fall under your powertrain warranty. If the dealer tries to dodge your warranty claim, that’s where lemon laws come into play.
Oil Pump Belt Replacement
Keeping your engine going strong requires a steady supply of oil. The Silverado engine has a belt-driven oil pump. If the belt goes bad or fails, the oil pump won’t work like it should. Some Chevy Silverado owners have reported premature wear and tear of the oil pump belt, meaning they must replace it sooner than expected.
If the oil pump belt needs to be replaced before your bumper-to-bumper warranty is up, the repairs should be covered. But if you are over the mileage or time threshold, you could end up paying for the new belt yourself. According to some users, their dealership charges upwards of $1,000 for labor and around $200 for parts.
Engine Failure
Silverado engine problems can range from moderately annoying to catastrophic. Unfortunately, many 2021 Silverado engine problems tend to be on the more severe side of the spectrum. These issues include the engine light coming on unexpectedly, the truck failing to start, and, in some cases, a fire.
While it is unclear what specific issue is causing these 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 diesel problems, it could be a manufacturer defect. Another possibility is a design flaw in the fuel system. An oil pump belt failure could also cause your engine to fail.
The best way to guard against engine failure is to know your truck. Pay attention to how your truck sounds, handles, and feels, especially when accelerating. A lack of power, unusually loud noises, and other irregularities must be addressed immediately.
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
Your Silverado’s performance depends on a steady flow of properly oxygenated fuel. However, the 2021 Silverado is equipped with a high-pressure fuel pump that seems to be more prone to failure.
Fuel pump malfunctions can cause inadequate fuel flow to your engine. That can lead to stalling, a loss of power, or the inability to accelerate.
The good news is that the fuel pump is considered to be a part of your powertrain. That means it will be covered under the extended powertrain warranty instead of the bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Fuel pump failure can happen out of nowhere, or it can be more gradual. Keep a close eye on the way your truck performs so you can pick up on fuel pump issues before they leave you stranded.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Failure
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is crucial in reducing the amount of harmful gasses your vehicle emits. EGR systems are complicated, which means there are lots of parts that could go wrong.
An EGR failure can lead to increased emissions. Sometimes, EGR problems will cause your exhaust pipe to emit darker-colored fumes. Problems with your exhaust gas recirculation system will also diminish engine performance, causing your truck to ride rougher than usual.
EGR failure is just one of the several 2021 Chevy Silverado emissions problems you might encounter. Other issues can involve emissions sensor malfunctions, engine knocking, and other unusual behavior. If you think your truck is experiencing an exhaust gas or emissions issue, get it to the dealer as soon as possible.
Accidents Involving 2021 Chevy Silverado Problems
Your factory warranty will typically cover all 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 diesel problems outlined above. Still, getting stranded on the side of the road or having your truck experience a drop in performance can be incredibly frustrating.
But some Chevy Silverado problems can be more than mere inconveniences. Here are some real-world examples of catastrophic 2021 Chevy Silverado problems that have occurred recently. All accounts were obtained from NHTSA’s website, which contains complaints from Silverado owners across the United States.
Some accidents involving the 2021 Chevy Silverado include:
Catching Fire
The NHTSA complaints database includes over 160 user-submitted complaints about the 2021 Chevy Silverado. More than one involves the vehicle spontaneously catching fire.
For instance, on July 5, 2022, a 2021 Chevy Silverado owner was driving down an interstate when they and their passengers began smelling smoke inside the cabin (NHTSA ID Number: 11482039). The driver immediately pulled over, and everyone evacuated the truck. Within seconds, the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. The driver stated that no system failure lights were illuminated before the incident.
The above account illustrates how suddenly 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 diesel problems can emerge. That’s why owners of this truck must always be diligent.
Blowing Up or Exploding
You are probably thinking that a fire represents the worst of the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 diesel problems. Unfortunately, that is not the case. There have been several reports of these trucks actually exploding or blowing up after catching fire. Here’s another example from the NHTSA database (NHTSA ID Number: 11464504).
On May 12, 2022, an owner of a 2021 Chevy Silverado returned from the store, parked their truck in the driveway, and went inside. Their vehicle was equipped with a 2.7L Turbo engine. About three minutes after they parked the Silverado, the owner’s neighbor ran over and told them that the truck was on fire.
The complainant stated that their truck blew up before the township fire department arrived. According to the owner, one of the firefighters noted this was the fourth 2021 Chevrolet Silverado fire they had responded to in the last six weeks. However, the claims of three other 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 fires could not be verified via the NHTSA database.
Fire Spells Destruction
In both scenarios, the trucks were deemed a total loss. Fortunately, no one was injured in either incident, but the vehicle fires endangered numerous lives.
Fire and explosions represent some of the most dangerous 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 problems. If your truck catches fire, it will likely be ruined entirely.
However, fire is one of many dangerous problems you may encounter. Engine failure, oil pump malfunction, and starting or stalling problems can all increase your risk of an accident.
2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 Malfunctioning Lifter Problems
One of the more technical problems concerns for some Silverado owners is malfunctioning lifters. Lifers sit between the truck’s camshaft and cylinder valves. Lifters are responsible for opening valves in the engine.
When the lifters malfunction or fail, your engine can fail, too. According to one NHTSA complaint (NHTSA ID Number: 11480705), a truck owner’s lifters failed, and they were stranded on the interstate for two hours.
The good news is that your lifters probably won’t fail without warning. Instead, the malfunction can start as a minor issue that causes unusual engine noises and decreased performance.
2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 Complaints
Beyond the severe 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 diesel problems listed above, there have also been a few minor complaints. Some issues to be aware of include:
Stability and Brake Control Problems
Stability and braking are crucial for safety, especially if carrying a heavy load or hauling a trailer. However, some users have reported issues with their brakes and stability control systems. Problems with stability and brake controls can increase the risk of an accident.
Due diligence is critical to detecting and resolving brake or stability issues. Every time you drive your truck, pay attention to how much braking power it has. If it seems like it’s taking longer to stop or you must press down on the brake pedal harder, there might be a problem.
Severe brake, steering, or stability issues need to be addressed immediately. If you feel your truck is unsafe to drive, park it and call a tow truck. The last thing you want is to have your brakes fail while on the road.
Shuddering or Shaking Issues
New vehicles, especially quality trucks like the Chevy Silverado 1500, are supposed to provide a smooth ride. But for some Silverado drivers, their rides have been anything but enjoyable.
Some owners report shuddering or shaking issues, especially when driving at highway speeds. These issues can be due to various problems, like tire imbalances or transmission malfunctions.
If driving your Silverado feels like you are going off-roading, get it to a trusted mechanic or your local dealership fast. Ignoring the shudders and shakes can cause uneven tire wear, serious transmission damage, or severe truck problems.
2021 Chevy Silverado and Lemon Law: Get Help With Timothy Abeel
Unfortunately, some owners of the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 diesel have experienced problems related to engine reliability and emissions systems, leading to concerns among consumers. These issues prompted Chevrolet to issue recalls and provide software updates to address the problems and improve overall performance.
If you have experienced 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 diesel problems, Timothy Abeel may be able to help. Abeel & Associates specializes in lemon law remedies and is committed to making the claim process as simple as possible for our clients. Our experienced team can help answer questions like “How does lemon law work?” and evaluate your claim.
Abeel & Associates handles lemon law claims, dealer fraud, and breach of vehicle warranty in the following states:
- Arizona
- California
- Florida
- New Jersey
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Texas
- West Virginia
Don’t let 2021 Chevy Silverado problems endanger you and your loved ones. Let Abeel & Associates pursue legal remedies under the lemon law. Get your refund, vehicle replacement, or cash, and keep the settlement. Win or lose, you’ll have no out-of-pocket costs with Abeel & Associates.
To get started, contact our team for a free case review.