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: engine
349 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, May 1, 2025
Coolant Control Valve (ccv) on these vehicles are notorious for breaking down/ becoming non-operative. I have been waiting for a part for months.
Power train, Engine, May 1, 2025
I was coming home after work, before I got home I stopped at the gas station to fill up my tank, after I filled up my tank I start driving home but while on my way home my truck wasn’t speed as I expected and it only goes maximum of 10mph and I was confused, I stop and check my truck see what happens but there is no sign since there was no sign I get on my truck and start driving to home, after I got home I was trying to revers parking and that’s when I realized my truck wouldn’t reverse. I thought of if it happened while I was driving on highway and my truck stopped on the middle of highway I could have lost my life. I called the dealer and the dealer told me it might be because of the engine then next day I took it to the shop and they couldn’t figure until couple days later and it took them around 2-3 weeks to replace my transmission. Luckily I had the power train warranty when I bought the vehicle and it don’t cost anything. If I didn’t have that power train warranty everything will come out of my pocket, the cost was around $6-7k.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 1, 2025
We NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FYI . This vehicle has been serviced consistently.never an issue. Driving on [XXX] very busy! Truck literally stopped in the middle of the freeway in a very bad location. Desert. Noon. Kids with us. Could have died. Preliminary eval: engine seized, piston rod failure. Not sure the rest - we have to tow it home first. Failed while traveling. Please call for more information if needed. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 1, 2025
I've noticed rough or jerky gear shifting when accelerating, rough and reduced propulsion, loss of power. Dealership repaired power torque converter but the truck continue to have the same symptoms.
Steering, Engine, May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds and accelerating out of the neighborhood, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power, with the check engine and EPS warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
Engine, May 1, 2025
Engine failed GM made me pay for a new one. Second engine failed due to mechanics did not change out radiator. I now have a third motor with a recall. This vehicle has cost me a lot of out of pocket expenses, I believe GM owes me for the depreciated value plus lost wages. Maybe a buy back I'm not sure.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 1, 2025
The transmission is constantly whirring, rattling, and screeching.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 30, 2025
While driving my truck with my wife and two young boys, the truck engine completely shut off while operating it. We were stuck in the middle of the road and had to cautiously wait until we could move the vehicle out of the way. The engine locked up. Now they are trying to repair the engine with the same exact engine that is on recall and potentially put me and my family in the same dangerous position.
Engine, Apr 30, 2025
Vehicle has less than 64,000 miles and seems to be having engine issues. ESC message with engine power reduced. Cannot even drive the vehicle any longer. Cannot get it into a shop for a month and will have to have it towed.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the vehicle made a loud banging sound and the vehicle shut off. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact was notified 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Apr 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 65 - 70 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle shut off. There were unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was a solid engine bottom and bearing failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. but the failure recurred, and the vehicle failed to start. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Engine, Apr 29, 2025
I wanted to reach out to see if there is anything in addition to the lemon law. I bought a 2021 GMC Sierra with 38,000 miles on it around March of last year. There was a motor defect which was covered by the warranty. I was driving and it stopped in the middle of the road so I had to safely maneuver out of the main road. The truck was towed to my house with 45,184 miles on it, until the GMC dealership could take it in to inspect. They did take a while to get me a rental because everything was backed up. They said they could rent me out a truck due to not being their brand and that it only covers a certain amount. It got taken in by the dealership on 7/15/2024 and ended up getting the truck back repaired on 8/27. I did get the truck back and have been having it, I am just worried about it breaking down or anything of that nature. I just wanted to know if there is any further process I should do or since they repaired it there should be no issue.
Engine, Apr 29, 2025, fire
First engine blown 31,904 miles, Lifter failure. Replaced with re-manufactured engine. Second engine failure at 68,000 miles, Piston rod failure. Piston blew thru engine block and engine bay caught on fire.
Engine, Apr 29, 2025
I had purchased a 2021 GMC Sierra equipped with the 6.2 liter motor in October of 2021. Within two weeks, my engine was experiencing problems. There was no service lights on the dash, and my truck suddenly shut off while on a busy road. I was able to coast to the side of the road, however it was a driving lane with no shoulder which made the situation dangerous. I was able to restart the engine after some time, and eventually get the vehicle off of the roadway, thankfully I got out of the driving lane without being struck by another vehicle. The truck had approximatley 1000 miles at this time and was brand new. I ended up needing a complete engine replacement due to failed crank bearings and connecting rods. I was told it was a crankshaft issue. After the complete motor replacement, sometime during the next year I was experiencing oil burning issues. On this second motor, a GM dealer had to completley rebuild the top end of the motor and install new piston rings. This is now a total of two motor failues in under 30,000 miles.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 29, 2025
Tried to accelerate and heard a loud pop and the truck didn’t accelerate. Pretty much went idle in the middle of the road. The check engine light, the traction control light, and the ABS light all came on. I would press on the gas and it would rev but nothing would happen till a few seconds later the RPM’s would shoot up and you could tell it was trying to get going but didn’t very slowly and I would hear a clicking noise every time it was around the second gear. It put my children and myself in danger because traffic was heavy with vehicles going 70+mph merging into one lane. Took it to a dealership and they stated it was the the push rod and camshaft were damaged and all 16 lifters should be replaced and camshaft also. No, the vehicle has not been inspected by any of those except a car dealership and a mechanic. This problem first appeared the day it happened and continued after. Even took it to a mechanic and had all 16 lifters changed and problem still persists. Spent over $6,000 on a brand new truck and it is still undrivable because every time you get in to drive it the cylinder #2 misfires.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 28, 2025
See attached vehicle repair orders/Carfax/vehicle registration. The trucks transmission has been slipping/jerking hard since I pulled off the lot at dealer ship. Its burning oil no leaks has been doing so since the day I drove off the lot at dealership. I have asked to fix or address and problem still exist. They sold vehicle as everything was working The Left head light wasn’t working the day I drove off the lot didn’t notice until I got home I reached back out to dealer to explain and said light had a short in kept truck for almost a week said the were going to replace the head light and never did. The remote start wasn’t working the same day i purchased the truck but sold it as everything is working. I went to try it as I was getting ready to leave dealership and did nothing. Then I discovered the fog lights were missing, and dealer said oh there was never any in the truck but if you read the service paper work there was lights in truck. Took truck back to address the issues the next day or so after purchase I was told to bring truck back the following week. All the conditions still exist and I should not be having any of these issues as the sold vehicle nothing wrong. They even had an October inspection saying everything was SAT but I get in truck no fog lights and left head lamp is not working but they performed an 360 inspection….yeah no way… This truck is doing the same as my 2021 chevy Silverado but there is nothing wrong with vehicle according to dealership. Sold A Lemon if you asked me… ***Highlighted in yellow is a recall that the dealership has not done nor can they find anything on the recall**** *****Power train**** Recall date 2024-10-24 Recall no. 24V797000 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 en
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 28, 2025
Motor seized up while going around 65mph. Truck lost all power and would not start brought to dealer and they said that it was the crankshaft bearings and something with the connecting rods, the deal told me that they don’t know what to do and is waiting on GM. There is a recall for these issues but no fix. I’m just waiting for the dealer to tell me what’s next but they don’t even know.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced a loss of automotive power. During the failure, the message "Shift into Neutral to Restart" was displayed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the piston bearings had seized, causing damage to the engine. The engine was replaced along with the radiator, oil cooler and oil cooler hoses, intake manifold, mega fuse, and starter. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was recently included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 122,691.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle while idling. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was then notified 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 not made aware of the issue. 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 33,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 27, 2025
Engine power reduced, could not accelerate, fuel pump issue and was bucking the engine Went to dealer and complained as gmc not working to help me, dealer fixed issue but said no other complaints out there and car was fixed, gmc called me several times and keeps saying no issues with the vin associated. The car was fixed but I am stuck with a truck that is probably not saleable once these issues continue. This issue happened initially with 30 k on it and dealer could not find the issue and this times at 61500 happened again
Power train, Engine, Apr 24, 2025
was getting on the interstate whenever i hit 70 mph just heard a hard knock in the engine and truck was driving rough. the truck it self dropped to 60mph. before it occurred there was no check engine light on or anything. after i had the dash light up with engine light, brake light, stability light. about a week later took it to the dealer they said it was fuel injectors they replaced it took them about 2weeks but the problem wasn’t resolved but then stated it was the lifters which they said it almost common for this to happened. so i took it somewhere else to get replaced and they said yes it was the lifters and i needed to replace the camshaft because when the lifters go out it will damage the camshaft. all they did to diagnose my problem was hear it was ticking and the knocks also with the codes from the dealer diagnosis. after my repairs it was expensive least to say
Engine, Apr 23, 2025
Engine light came on, went to the dealership where I bought the truck less then two weeks prior. The Chevy dealership ran diagnostic test on it. They said it was the Engine Coolant Control Valve. This is a common problem with the 3.0 Duramax diesel engine. I belong to a group on Facebook with the same truck as mine. they are all having the same issue. We are waiting for a recall. the part is on back order and cost $300 just for the part plus labor. I bought the extended warranty and they said it did not cover this part.
Engine, Apr 18, 2025
Had the car since 2021. Recently started shaking while driving over 45 mph. Took the car in gmc dealership where they told me it’s an engine issue and need a brand new engine. How would I need an engine having the car for 4 years? And there is no recall?
Power train, Engine, Apr 17, 2025
July of 2023, lifters failed on left side of engine. Lifters replaced and cam shaft replaced. January 2025, lifters failed on right side of engine. Replaced. March 2025. Engine seized on interstate. Truck lost all power while driving, no warning signs prior. Dealership has no rental vehicles and we are not old enough to rent from a third party company so family had to drive 9 hours to our location so we wouldn’t be stranded. Three times this truck has failed us. GM is putting in a new motor as it’s still under warranty, but the new motor has no additional warranty. So basically this new motor will be warrantied for less than 7k miles. They cannot say if the new motor has the remanufactured lifters or not. So we could be facing the same exact issues. Can’t ever get ahold of anyone directly though GM.