2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 MPG
The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 gets 13–23 mpg in the city and 16–33 on the highway (14–27 combined), across the 36 versions the EPA rated.
The most efficient pairs the 3.0-liter turbo 6-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, at 27 mpg combined. At the other end, the 5.3-liter 8-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission and four-wheel drive manages 14 mpg combined, 13 mpg less. That matches the best gasoline version of the 2020 model.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silverado 2WD | 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 27 | Diesel · 383 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 4WD | 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 22 | 26 | 24 | Diesel · 430 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 2WD | 2.7 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | Regular · 423 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 2WD | 2.7 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | Regular · 421 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 4WD | 2.7 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 22 | 20 | Regular · 442 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 4WD | 2.7 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 22 | 20 | Regular · 443 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 2WD | 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Regular · 460 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 4WD | 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 19 | Regular · 481 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 4WD | 6.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Premium · 493 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 4WD | 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular · 482 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 4WD TrailBoss | 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Regular · 494 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 4WD | 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 18 | Regular · 506 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 2WD | 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Regular · 523 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 4WD | 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular · 530 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado Cab Chassis 2WD | 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 17 | Regular · 523 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 2WD | 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 17 | Regular · 523 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 4WD TrailBoss | 6.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 17 | Premium · 522 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 4WD TrailBoss | 6.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 17 | Premium · 533 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 4WD | 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular · 533 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 2WD | 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | Regular · 513 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 4WD | 6.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Premium · 522 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 4WD TrailBoss | 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Regular · 523 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 2WD | 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | Gasoline or E85 · 547 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 4WD TrailBoss | 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | Regular · 560 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 4WD | 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | Gasoline or E85 · 563 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 4WD TrailBoss | 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | Regular · 560 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 2WD | 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 21 | 16 | Regular · 541 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 4WD | 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 21 | 16 | Regular · 545 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 4WD | 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular · 560 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 4WD TrailBoss | 6.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Premium · 555 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado Cab Chassis 4WD | 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular · 593 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado Cab Chassis 4WD | 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 16 | 15 | Regular · 592 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado Cab Chassis 2WD | 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular · 590 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado 4WD TrailBoss | 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular · 593 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado Cab Chassis 4WD | 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular · 635 g CO₂/mi |
| Silverado Cab Chassis 2WD | 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 14 | Regular · 634 g CO₂/mi |
2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 fuel cost per year
Driving 15,000 miles a year on regular gasoline at the September 2026 U.S. average of $4.36 a gallon, the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 costs about $3,110 a year to fuel in its most efficient form (21 mpg combined), or roughly 21 cents a mile.
The thirstiest priced version (14 mpg combined) comes to about $4,670 a year, $1,560 more.
This is an estimate from EPA combined mpg and the EIA national average price; your cost depends on how and where you drive and on local prices.
2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 specs
The EPA lists 5 engine choices for the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500: 5.3 L 8-cyl, 4.3 L 6-cyl, 6.2 L 8-cyl, 2.7 L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo. It came with an automatic transmission, in four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive versions. For fuel-economy purposes it sits in the EPA's "Standard Pickup Trucks" class.
| Engine size (L) | Cylinders | Transmissions | Drive | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3 L | 8 | Automatic 8-spd; Automatic 10-spd; Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive; 4-Wheel Drive | 20 |
| 4.3 L | 6 | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive; Rear-Wheel Drive | 5 |
| 6.2 L | 8 | Automatic 10-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 5 |
| 2.7 L turbo | 4 | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive; 4-Wheel Drive | 4 |
| 3.0 L turbo | 6 | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive; 4-Wheel Drive | 2 |
2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 problems
As of October 2026, NHTSA (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) holds 848 owner complaints about the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500.
Engine is the most-reported area (34% of component mentions), followed by power train (21%) and electrical system (10%).
Spread over its time on sale, that is 140 complaints a year: more than the 2020 (106 a year) and about as many as the 2022 (128 a year).
No other Chevy Silverado 1500 model year from 2008 to 2024 has more complaints per year on sale.
Of the 848, 20 mention a crash, 12 a fire and 12 an injury.
| Component | Mentions | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 390 | 34% |
| Power train | 243 | 21% |
| Electrical system | 113 | 10% |
| Unknown or other | 74 | 6% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 59 | 5% |
| Steering | 43 | 4% |
| Service brakes | 40 | 3% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 30 | 3% |
| Structure | 29 | 3% |
| Air bags | 20 | 2% |
| Suspension | 18 | 2% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 15 | 1% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 11 | <1% |
| Vehicle speed control | 10 | <1% |
| Wheels | 8 | <1% |
| Seat belts | 7 | <1% |
| Exterior lighting | 6 | <1% |
| Visibility/wiper | 6 | <1% |
| Hydraulic service brakes | 4 | <1% |
| Back over prevention | 3 | <1% |
| Tires | 3 | <1% |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 2 | <1% |
| Lane departure | 2 | <1% |
| Seats | 2 | <1% |
| Equipment | 1 | <1% |
| Diesel fuel system | 1 | <1% |
| Gasoline fuel system | 1 | <1% |
| Parking brake | 1 | <1% |
| Traction control system | 1 | <1% |
| Visibility | 1 | <1% |
What owners told NHTSA
My 6.2L is experiencing engine knocking. Sounds like ball bearings rolling around at idle and acceleration. Its been seen by GM dealer and they notice "something" isnt right but say its not part of recall at this time. …
2021 Silverado with 5.3 engine/8spd transmission/38,000 miles just outside of the 5-year powertrain warranty *No current recalls under this VIN as of 10/07/2026* Undiagnosed issues with symptoms similar to transmission or rear end slippage, torque converter or clutch pack problems. …
While driving approximately 30–40 mph through an uphill left-hand curve, the steering suddenly became extremely stiff and very difficult to turn. I do not recall seeing any warning before I noticed the steering becoming stiff. …
2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 recalls
The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 has been the subject of 8 recall campaigns.
The most recent, campaign 26V083000 from February 2026, concerns power train.
Power train accounts for 2 of the 8 campaigns, more than any other area.
21V495000 · July 1, 2021 · Air bags
Problem: General Motors, LLC. The front driver's side air bag module may be missing one or more metal tabs that secure the plastic air bag cover to the housing.
Risk: The missing tabs may prevent the air bag from deploying properly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag, and replace it if necessary, free of charge.
20V811000 · December 23, 2020 · Seat belts
Problem: Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
Risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge.
| Campaign | Reported | Component | Silverado 1500 years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26V083000 | February 12, 2026 | Power train | 2020–2022 |
| 25V274000 | April 24, 2025 | Engine and engine cooling | 2021–2024 |
| 24V797000 | October 24, 2024 | Power train | 2020–2022 |
| 21V985000 | December 16, 2021 | Tires | 2019–2021 |
| 20V792000 | December 17, 2020 | Seat belts | 2019–2021 |
| 20V684000 | November 5, 2020 | Tires | 2020–2021 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA crash-tested 6 versions of the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500; the best overall score is 5 out of 5 stars.
Its PU/CC 2WD and PU/CC 4WD versions scored 4 stars overall.
| Version tested | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PU/RC 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| PU/EC 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| PU/CC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| PU/RC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Crash-test photos: NHTSA (public domain). NHTSA can reuse a test for later model years of the same design.
Compared with other years
Complaints per year on sale divide each model year's NHTSA complaints by the years since it went on sale, so older and newer Chevy Silverado 1500s can be compared fairly. Among other 2021 models in the EPA's standard pickup trucks class, the 2021 Ram 1500 (26 mpg) and 2021 Ford F-150 (23 mpg) come closest on combined fuel economy.
| Year | Best mpg | Complaints | Per year on sale | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 20 | 521 | 57 | 7 |
| 2019 | 21 | 1,096 | 136 | 10 |
| 2020 | 27 | 747 | 106 | 12 |
| 2021 | 27 | 848 | 140 | 8 |
| 2022 | 26 | 650 | 128 | 6 |
| 2023 | 26 | 389 | 96 | 3 |
| 2024 | 26 | 317 | 103 | 2 |
Every Chevy Silverado 1500 model year compared →
Similar 2021 models
FAQ
Is the 2021 Silverado 1500 a good car?
We don't rate cars, but the official data gives a picture. The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 has 140 NHTSA complaints per year on sale (the most of its 17 model years), 8 recall campaigns, a best overall crash rating of 5 stars and up to 27 mpg combined from the EPA.
What are common 2021 Silverado 1500 problems?
The components owners report most to NHTSA are engine (390), power train (243) and electrical system (113). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many recalls does the 2021 Silverado 1500 have?
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns. To see whether a recall is still open on a specific car, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Silverado 1500 get?
The EPA rates the versions at 14–27 mpg combined (13–23 city, 16–33 highway).
How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Silverado 1500 per year?
About $3,110 a year for 15,000 miles in its most efficient form, up to about $4,670 for the thirstiest version, using EPA mpg and the September 2026 U.S. average regular gasoline price of $4.36 a gallon (EIA).