2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 572 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 26 Sierra 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 5 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 2 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, automatic transmission, control module, softwareFeb 12, 2026
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252516560. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 12, 2026.
Campaign 26V083000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, hard parts internal/mechanicalApr 24, 2025
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
Campaign 25V274000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, control module, softwareOct 24, 2024
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
Campaign 24V797000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, temporary/emergency spare tireDec 16, 2021
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 GMC Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500 vehicles equipped with certain accessory road tires and a 17" spare tire. The 17" spare tire provided with the vehicle is not compatible for use with the accessory wheels, which can cause the anti-lock brake system (ABS) to not function properly under certain conditions.
An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will provide a new 17" spare tire and wheel assembly that is compatible with the accessory wheels, free of charge. Dealers will also apply a new spare tire information label, and provide owners with an owner's manual insert clarifying which spare tire to use with the accessory road tires and with the 17" original tires. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212346510.
Campaign 21V985000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsDec 23, 2020
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. 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.
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.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Campaign 20V811000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsDec 17, 2020
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.
Campaign 20V792000 on NHTSA.gov
TiresNov 5, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace tires that have DOT number and production mold number combinations identified by Continental, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202319030.
Campaign 20V684000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
73 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 15, 2026
Dashboard keeps returning to aljarir type writing. We bought it with American English but won't stay in English. Monday will be 30 day and I believe the dealer is ghosting me. Y'all have any ideas how to reset the dashboard without replacing the radio??? Closest answer I was given.
Electrical system, Aug 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH near the residence with the contact's daughter as a passenger, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of motive power when depressing the accelerator pedal. Several unspecified warning lights illuminated. The contact and the passenger pushed the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the electrical system experienced a severe power loss and the electrical modules were damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 14, 2026
I am submitting supplemental evidence regarding my 2021 GMC Sierra (VIN [XXX]) for Recall Query RQ26001, Campaign 25V-274. Despite multiple repair attempts, my vehicle remains unsafe and non-compliant with GM Service Bulletin N252494002. The recall remedy was performed deficiently. [XXX] Northeast Buick GMC installed a remanufactured short block instead of the required complete engine, reused the original seized-engine oil pan (which continues to leak), and failed to address critical electrical damage. Documentation proves they deleted Labor Operation 14BUZ (Engine Electrical) after their technician noted a blown mega fuse. A second dealer, Penske Chevrolet, subsequently deleted Labor Operation 77CVZ01 from my repair order, demonstrating a systemic pattern of ignoring recall-required repairs. Electrical damage has cascaded, resulting in a burnt fuse block and active faults P0615, P0617, P26E4, P26E6, U0623, and U0284. More critically, within 24 miles of my last service, the vehicle developed a new, severe safety failure: the "Service Brake Pad Monitor" system failed, accompanied by a red "Service System" dashboard alert and a noticeably spongy brake pedal. These brakes were recently serviced, yet this failure introduces a new risk of crash not present prior to the recall "remedy." GM Executive Resolution Case XXX has provided no resolution, reimbursement, or safety assurance, ignoring all deadlines since XXX. I possess extensive documentation, including service orders showing deleted labor operations and diagnostic logs. I request this update be integrated into the investigation of RQ26001, as the current remedy is demonstrably ineffective and has exacerbated safety hazards. The manufacturer’s refusal to remediate these issues, despite my compliance, leaves me with an unsafe vehicle and significant financial loss. I am prepared to provide all supporting records to substantiate this complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 7, 2026
I own a 2021 GMC Sierra AT4 3.0L Duramax (VIN [XXX]). The vehicle has codes P1098 (Coolant Control Valve Performance) and P129F which coincides with the first code. My dealer believes this is consistent with an Engine Coolant Control Valve failure. I understand Special Coverage XXX exists for this issue, but I've been told my VIN is not included. My truck has the exact engine, symptoms, and diagnostic codes addressed by Special Coverage N252508341, but my VIN is excluded. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Jun 26, 2026
When I put the vehicle in park, the dash warning says it is not in park or shift to park. The components continue to work. I have taken it to the dealership and according to the service manger, this is a very common occurrence in these trucks. This seems to me that it would be a very serious safety issue if one assumes their vehicle is in park and it is actually not. The shift to park warning is a safety warning to alert the driver it is not in park so the vehicle doesn’t roll off and hit someone (especially a child playing in the driveway). Assuming that alert is just a malfunction could get someone killed. I did notice that this was considered a safety recall for some models of GMC vehicles but not others. I’m not sure why there hasn’t been a recall on these trucks when the service manager specifically said they are having this issue on a lot of trucks.
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 16, 2026
So I made an appointment to have my truck recalled and the Wednesday before I took it, and it cranked no start and I called the dealership. Ask if they had any other those like this and they said that it could be the fuel injector module and so I got it to a mechanic shop to read the codes and it gave me a code p062b and I asked the dealership to look into it and they never figured out what we were not wrong. I just testing the battery. Well, then I got it back after the recall was done and new transmission valve body put in and about 30 miles down the road it started to shake violently and had a flashing engine light so I got it home called the dealership the next morning because they were closed set up another appointment got it to the dealership dealership said it had a couple misfires but since it wasn’t over 100 they weren’t concerned even though I’m pretty sure it is related to the fuel model going out because it has been cranking rapidly whenever I try to start it, but they won’t do anything to figure out what’s wrong?
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jun 1, 2026
power steering locked up while driving. has been inspected and repaired by manufacturer. recall.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jun 1, 2026
power steering locked up while driving. multiple dash lights turned on, on its own after the issue, 4wd, emergency brake, abs, and other ones im not sure what they are. took it to the dealership for a recall and told them the issue that happened.
Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, May 25, 2026
My truck will not start when I press the push-button ignition. After waiting a few seconds and trying multiple times, it typically starts on the third attempt. Additionally, it will not restart after the auto stop feature activates at stop signs or traffic lights. This is very concerning, especially when pulling into oncoming traffic, as I’m worried the truck could shut off while I’m crossing. I have already had the battery, starter, and alternator checked, and all components tested fine. However, the issue is still occurring. There are also no warning lights or messages displayed on the dashboard.
Steering, Electrical system, May 22, 2026
Shift to park dings continuously and vehicle won’t turn off draining battery leaving doors unlocked. Don’t want to force into park and break anything more.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 19, 2026
Coolant Control Valve
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, May 19, 2026
2021 GMC Sierra AT4, VIN [XXX] , NHTSA Campaign 25V-274, GM Case XXX. Brake pad monitor failed at 128,923 miles -- 24 miles after leaving Penske Chevrolet (released at 128,899, RO XXX, 04/17/2026). Brakes became spongy immediately following service. Monitor disabled entirely to stop recurring red Service System alert. Root cause is a burnt fuse block ground fault confirmed in writing by two GM-authorized dealers. Ray Skillman (RO XXX, 06/05/2025) documented the fault then deleted Labor Operation 14BUZ ENGINE ELECTRICAL from the recall repair work order. Penske documented verbatim: "all of these other faults share this same ground circuit." The recall repair at Ray Skillman used a remanufactured short block instead of a complete engine per N252494002. The original seized-engine oil pan has never been replaced across three dealerships and 128,000 miles. GM's own Part 573 filing states this defect "increases the risk of a crash." I drove 300 miles on an interstate on 04/22/2026 with active brake warning and no loaner because GM Executive Resolution refused to authorize one. Three GM dealers have inspected this vehicle. GM Executive Resolution Team [XXX] ) has not returned calls or emails and has not confirmed in writing this vehicle is safe to operate. OnStar issued a Critical Alert for P0617 on 04/15/2026. Zero brake faults existed in the 13 months prior to the Penske visit. This is a direct continuation of unresolved electrical damage from a botched federal safety recall repair at 384 days and counting. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 24, 2026
Driving down road and had total loss of power steering and yes it is available for inspection. Almost drove it off the road due to loss of steering Yes, it happened to be a failed main grounding strap that created the issue. The dealership made the repair. No, it was inspected and repaired by the dealership Yes, started with loss of power steering, then truck died and these codes popped up: Low fuel code, but tank was full; trailer brake system code; side detection code and esc traction control code.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-65 MPH on an incline, the contact believed that the transmission was slipping or there was a misfire coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart automatically after the engine AUTO Start/Stop system was engaged after a complete stop. Additionally, the contact stated that after driving for a while, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The check engine warning light and other warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact related the failure to GM Campaign Number: N252515590 (Corroded Ground Strap); however, the dealer had informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered because the VIN was not included and there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 10, 2026
Following the remedy of the engine recall in 2025, the truck started having intermittent electrical issues (i.e. warning lights on dash turn on/off: service 4WD, Loss traction Control, etc) come one while the truck is being driven. If the truck is turned off while the dash warning lights are on, it will NOT Start for about 24 hours. If the warning lights are ignored, eventually they will go off on their own. Additionally, the truck is having "no-start" problems (randomly the truck does not start, then after a few days it starts). A New development, when backing up there is a scraping/squealing sound (possibly universal joint). Truck has been back to the dealership that replaced the engine block for the recall and they have failed to identify any issues as these problems are intermittent. Engine Recall Replacement Invoice (Attached)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 7, 2026
Rear tailgate on my 2021 Sierra opens or drops when wet. This seems to only happen in a heavy rain or after a truck wash. This problem has been recognized by the manufacturer and the dealer. There is no warning other than the constant clicking of the electric switch allowing the tailgate to drop. This problem has been recalled on the 3/4 & 1 ton trucks but not the 1/2 ton. The tailgate and switches are the same on all 3. Because my vin# does not show for this recall I had to pay for the replacement
Electrical system, Jan 15, 2026
Truck went in service 9/17/2025 because the wheels locked up while driving. Transmission was replaced. Picked up truck and 2 hours later the truck shut off while driving and was started back up and was limp mode. Was told wire chaffing and they taped and rerouted wires. Picked truck back up and next day it did the same thing. Took back to the dealer and they said wires again. They taped wires back up and we picked up the truck. We had it 7 days and while driving down the expressway the whole truck shut off and would not start up again. Clearly that is a safety issue. After sitting on the side of the expressway for 10 minutes it started up again and was in limp mode and taken to the dealer again. I don’t know what has been done to it yet as they are not great at communication but they have had our truck for 4 months minus the 7 days we had it before it had to go back to the dealer.
Electrical system, Jan 7, 2026
Muti pro tailgate has electric issues due to moisture. Tailgate will open up driving down the road.
Electrical system, Dec 31, 2025
The Intermediate speed sensor 2 and internal transmission harness failed. The repair was to replace the internal transmission harness and intermediate speed sensor. This vehicle is a 2021 and I was told this was recalled on a 2022 only.
Electrical system, Dec 5, 2025
experience a automatic OTA update to the info system on my 2021 GMC Sierra(I did not iniciate) which burnt out the radio module which controls the info system. I am being charged $1,300+ for repair due to vehicle being out of warranty(52,000 miles) and no recall on this vehicle model for this issue. GMC does have a recall for this exact issue on the 2021 GMC Tahoe models, but not the GMC Sierra. If the GMC utilizes the same componets for both models of vehicle how doe the recall#N202319250 not cover the exact same issue on both models?
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 13, 2025
I am an active U.S. Air Force member. My 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 failed GM Recall N252494003 on Sept 29, 2025 (L87 engine loss of propulsion). GM states this defect can cause sudden engine failure and loss of propulsion, increasing crash risk. Despite the confirmed failure, Ocean Cadillac (Miami, FL) told me to keep driving the unsafe vehicle and refused all Courtesy Transportation. The Service Manager admitted in writing that the engine failed, the defect can cause loss of propulsion, and the replacement engine is delayed under GM National Control for up to 3 months — yet they still denied me a loaner or rental. His statements contradict the GM documents he attached: • GM Bulletin DCS7222 says Courtesy Transportation CAN be provided during L87 recall downtime and dealers MUST consider loaners/rentals. • GM FAQ N252494002 says Courtesy Transportation IS available for this recall. • GM FAQ lists recall symptoms (check engine light, hesitation, high RPM, reduced power) — NOT battery drain. • GM states: “If the engine fails, the vehicle WILL lose propulsion.” Ocean Cadillac ignored these rules and put me back on the road in a known unsafe vehicle. As an American manufacturer, GM has a responsibility to protect American drivers. Their failure to follow recall procedures placed me, my family, and other motorists at risk. I request NHTSA investigate whether GM/Ocean Cadillac are complying with recall safety requirements and whether customers are being told to drive unsafe vehicles after confirmed failures.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 7, 2025
I took my truck through a car wash and then parked at my parents house. While the vehicle was parked, the trunk latch kept releasing. The trunk popped open. I left it open but you could hear the latch continually releasing and the lights blinking. This went on for an hour and I was unable to drive home because my trunk kept unlatching! A recall was released for other Sierras but not mine. Please investigate my vin and others that may be affected.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2025
I am experiencing a recurring issue with my 2021 GMC Sierra where the dashboard displays a “Shift to Park” warning even though the vehicle is already in Park. This typically occurs when I attempt to shut off the vehicle. The doors unlock as expected, confirming the truck is in Park, but the warning prevents me from turning off the ignition immediately. After a few seconds, the warning usually disappears, allowing me to shut off the truck. This issue is more frequent in cold weather, suggesting a temperature-sensitive electrical or mechanical fault. Based on research and community reports, this appears to be a known issue across multiple GM vehicles, often linked to a faulty micro switch or wiring harness in the shifter assembly. I am concerned about the safety implications, especially if the vehicle fails to shut off properly or if the issue worsens over time. GM has not issued a recall for this problem, and I believe it warrants further investigation due to its widespread nature and potential risk.
Electrical system, Seat belts, Lane departure, Aug 5, 2025
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 [XXX] miles 36,500. My childs seatbelt does not work and the lane keep assist does not work INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that there was an abnormal change with the RPM. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer received an email from the manufacturer, but the verbiage was incorrect to move forward with the repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.