If you own a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and have seen engine warnings, ticking, misfires, or sudden power loss, you are not alone, and the root causes fall into two buckets that now include an official federal safety recall for some trucks. The first bucket is the well-known lifter collapse issue on GM’s V8s with Dynamic Fuel Management, addressed by GM service bulletins and part replacement guidance across a defined 2020–2021 build window. The second is an April 2025 recall focused on the 6.2L L87 V8, where connecting rod or crankshaft defects can lead to engine damage and failure without warning, prompting inspection or engine replacement at no charge.
What Owners Are Reporting
Owners and technicians have flagged V8 lifter failures that trigger misfires, rough running, bent pushrods, and teardown repairs, and GM issued technical guidance to replace lifters and guides, with specific rules based on mileage and the September 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021, build breakpoint. GM also released a valve lifter service update for 2021 full-size trucks and SUVs with 5.3L L84 or 6.2L L87, instructing dealers to replace both banks in affected incoming units before sale to customers. If repeated repairs stall or fail, Lemon My Vehicle can help you organize records and decide on next steps quickly.
Recall and Investigation Updates You Should Know
On April 24, 2025, GM filed NHTSA Campaign 25V-274 covering 597,630 vehicles equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8, including 2021–2024 Silverado 1500, for potential connecting rod and crankshaft defects that can result in engine failure and loss of propulsion. The remedy is dealer inspection and, if needed, repair or full engine replacement; trucks that pass inspection get higher-viscosity oil, a matching new filler cap, an oil filter, and an owner’s manual update, all at no charge. NHTSA separately opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 in January 2025 to assess 6.2L L87 engine failures across 2019–2024 GM trucks and SUVs after bearing-related complaints involving sudden loss of power without prior warnings. If you need help interpreting a recall letter or deciding when to push for escalation, Lemon My Vehicle can translate options into clear steps you can act on today.
Symptoms, Warning Signs, and What to Do Now
Common lifter-related symptoms include a ticking sound, misfire codes like P0300–P0308, rough idle, and, in some cases, pushrod damage, which dealers typically address with lifter and guide replacement per GM bulletins. The 6.2L recall problem can present as sudden engine failure without prior noise or alerts due to bearing or rotating assembly issues, making prompt VIN checks and inspections critical for safety. Start by running your VIN at NHTSA’s recall portal, then confirm with your dealer, and keep every work order so you have a clean paper trail.
Fast Facts Table: Engines, Risks, and Coverage
| Engine in 2021 Silverado 1500 | Key risk reported | What GM/NHTSA says | What to do |
| 5.3L L84 V8 (DFM) | Collapsed lifter, misfire, bent pushrod on certain builds and mileage bands. | GM bulletins PIP5776 outline lifter replacement rules with a 9/1/2020–3/31/2021 breakpoint and bank-specific repair guidance. | Request a diagnostic for P0300–P0308, confirm build date, and ensure the correct parts and repair scope per the bulletin. |
| 6.2L L87 V8 | Risk of engine failure due to connecting rod and/or crankshaft defects in the 2021–2024 population. | NHTSA recall 25V-274 covers 597,630 vehicles for inspection, possible engine replacement, or oil/label updates for passes. | Run VIN for 25V-274 and follow recall instructions; do not ignore sudden power loss or noises. |
| 2.7L L3B Turbo | Owner reports vary; primary focus here is on V8 failures, not widespread 2.7L recall. | No matching 2025 engine-failure recall like L87 in this context; monitor for individual complaints. | Document symptoms and codes; pursue standard warranty diagnosis if issues arise. |
| 3.0L LM2 Duramax | The oil pump drive belt has a long service interval and is located in the rear, which complicates service. | GM updated intervals to 15 years/200,000 miles in related contexts; plan belt service per guidance. | Follow maintenance reminders and use quality oil to protect timing and belt systems. |
How to Check if Your Truck Is in the 6.2L Engine Recall
Enter your VIN into NHTSA’s lookup to see if your 2021 truck with the 6.2L L87 is covered by 25V-274 and get official recall details. The recall cites a safety risk from engine failure, causing loss of propulsion, and sets dealer steps for inspection and engine repair or replacement, with owner letters mailed beginning June 9, 2025. If your VIN is not included, but you experience stalling or loud mechanical noise, ask for a documented inspection and note that NHTSA’s investigation is assessing scope beyond recall coverage.
What the 25V-274 Remedy Looks Like
Dealers will inspect engines for internal damage, then either replace or repair the engine, or if the engine passes, they will add higher-viscosity oil, install a new oil cap, replace the oil filter, and update the manual to reflect the change. Repairs are free of charge under the safety recall, and the dealer will close the recall in NHTSA’s system once work is complete. Keep your paperwork and recheck your VIN after the visit to confirm the recall is shown as closed.
Lifter Failures: What GM Bulletins Tell Dealers to Do
GM’s PIP5776 guidance calls for replacing lifters and guides, with the repair scope tied to mileage and a specific 2020–2021 production breakpoint window. Within that window, lower mileage trucks typically get both banks replaced, while higher mileage trucks get the affected bank, and parts may be requested back for inspection. If your truck was built during that window and shows P0300-series misfires, ask the dealer to reference the bulletin and confirm correct parts and repair scope.
Service Update on 2021 V8 Valve Lifters
GM also issued a service update in late 2021 for 2021 full-size trucks and SUVs with the 5.3L L84 or 6.2L L87, instructing dealers to replace both banks of lifters on potentially affected incoming units before retail delivery. GM described a broken lifter lock pin spring as the underlying defect, which can trigger check engine lights, misfires, unusual noise, and possible engine damage if not addressed. Owners who experience repeat failures after prior repairs should escalate with the dealer and request a regional review.
NHTSA’s Investigation into 6.2L Failures
NHTSA’s Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 notes bearing failures in L87 6.2L engines that may cause engine seizure or connecting rods to breach the block, often without warning, across 2019–2024 trucks and SUVs. The safety concern is the sudden loss of motive power and crash risk, which is why the agency is assessing scope and severity. This investigation complements the 25V-274 recall and can inform future actions if additional risks are identified.
Timeline Highlights
| Date | Item | What Changed |
| Jan 16, 2025 | NHTSA opens PE25001 | ODI begins probing 6.2L L87 failures for loss of motive power after bearing-related complaints. |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Recall 25V-274 filed | 597,630 vehicles with 6.2L L87 recalled for connecting rod/crankshaft defects; inspections and engine replacements authorized. |
| Jun 9, 2025 | Owner letters planned | GM outlines free repairs and follow-up steps for owners in the recall population. |
Is Your Truck a “Lemon”?
A vehicle is often treated as a lemon when serious defects persist after a reasonable number of repair attempts or the truck sits out of service for extended days early in ownership, though specific thresholds vary by state. Separately, the federal Magnuson‑Moss Warranty Act lets owners pursue breach of written warranty claims when promised repairs do not fix covered defects, including recovery of attorney’s fees in successful actions. If your truck meets these patterns, you may have options for repurchase, replacement, or cash compensation depending on your jurisdiction and facts.
How Many Repair Attempts Are “Reasonable”?
States set their own presumptions, often three to four failed attempts for the same issue or 30 days out of service within the early coverage period, with lower thresholds when a defect poses a serious safety hazard. Texas, for example, presumes a lemon after four tries for the same problem or two for a serious safety hazard within set time and mileage windows, or after 30 days out of service early in ownership. The precise rule where you live will govern your path and timing.
What Lemon and Warranty Laws Can Do
Under Magnuson‑Moss, consumers can sue for breach of written warranty and, if they prevail, recover attorney’s fees, which makes pursuing a claim more accessible. State lemon laws can mandate repurchase or replacement when statutory standards are met, while recall repairs remain free under federal safety law. Documentation is the foundation of any claim, so keep all repair orders, recall letters, and communications.
What to Do Next if You Suspect Engine Trouble
Run your VIN to check for the 6.2L engine recall and schedule the free inspection and remedy if your truck is included. If you have V8 lifter symptoms and your build falls between September 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, ask your dealer to apply the PIP5776 guidance and confirm part numbers and bank coverage. If repairs do not stick, escalate through the manufacturer’s case line and document all dates, work orders, and promised timelines.
Owner Reports and Patterns
Owner complaint aggregators show engine-related submissions for the 2021 Silverado 1500, including lifter failures and stalling, which align with the bulletin and investigation topics. While complaint sites are not official determinations, they help you describe symptoms and timelines to a service advisor. When symptoms occur, capture photos, sounds, and scan-tool codes where safe to do so.
How Recall Repairs Work and What They Cost
Recall repairs are free, and dealers close the campaign after completing the remedy, which you can verify when you re-run your VIN. NHTSA guidance requires a no‑charge safety remedy within time limits, and owner letters explain risks, parts, and steps. For 25V-274, GM’s remedy ranges from full engine replacement to inspection and oil specification updates, depending on findings.
Document Everything
Keep copies of every repair order, including codes, parts replaced, and the technician’s notes. For intermittent problems, maintain a log with dates, mileage, conditions, and outcomes to help technicians reproduce the issue. If you sell the truck later, a complete file helps buyers and protects value.
Case Study: A 2021 6.2L Owner Path
A Silverado 1500 owner with a 6.2L L87 sees a sudden loss of power on the highway with no warning lights and arranges towing to a dealer the same day. The VIN returns open recall 25V-274, and the dealer performs an inspection, then replaces the engine under the recall, closing the campaign. The owner keeps the inspection photos, work order, and new engine details on file for future reference and insurance.
Case Study: A 2021 5.3L Owner Path
A 5.3L L84 owner notices a tick and P0300 misfire at low mileage and learns the build date is within the September 2020 to March 2021 breakpoint window. The dealer follows PIP5776 and replaces lifters and guides per mileage‑based rules, addressing the misfire and noise. If symptoms recur, the owner escalates with documentation and asks for regional technical review.
Where “Lemon My Vehicle” Fits In
If you face repeat engine failures, long parts delays, or unclear dealership responses, Lemon My Vehicle can help translate rights under Magnuson‑Moss and your state’s lemon law into a step‑by‑step plan. The service also helps organize your evidence and prepare for negotiations or formal claims after failed repairs. That clarity matters when trucks are essential for work and safety.
Conclusion
Engine failures on the 2021 Silverado 1500 cluster around two issues: lifter collapses on certain 5.3L/6.2L builds and a major 2025 recall for 6.2L L87 engines over connecting rod and crankshaft defects that can cause sudden loss of power. Start by checking your VIN for recall 25V-274, then match any lifter symptoms to GM’s PIP5776 guidance if your build date falls within the specified breakpoint. If repairs fail or delays stretch out, use your warranty and lemon-law rights, and consider a consultation with Lemon My Vehicle to map the fastest path to a safe, reliable fix.