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, Feb 10, 2025
I purchased a new 2021 GMC Sierra Denali with a 6.2L engine on 03/05/2022. On November 10, 2022, I started the truck, and the engine seized up. The truck had 9018 miles on it and 274 engine hours. The main bearings and possibly the connecting rods bearings was the problem. On January 27, 2023, I finally got a new engine installed in my truck. I had to pay for the repairs.
Engine, Feb 9, 2025
Driver side lifters collapsed and push rods failed on freeway without warning at 12900 miles on truck.
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Feb 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear suspension. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the rear suspension. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred 4,000 miles later. The contact stated that while reversing, the contact heard an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear suspension. The contact also stated that there was also a strong antifreeze odor permeating the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 38,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 2, 2025
On the morning of 1/19/25, my 2021 GMC Sierra 6.2L AT4 went into limp mode heading south on HWY 207 in Leavenworth, WA at approximately 60 m.p.h. Fortunately, I was able to avoid a rear end collision. I quickly turned the truck off in the middle of the road and restarted it with a CEL. When I returned home almost 180 miles away, my local mechanic diagnosed a code P0303 and cleared it. Since, the truck has continued to shutter at various speeds without throwing a code. It is currently at Haselwood GMC in Bremerton, WA being scanned, recorded, and findings set to GM waiting for resolve. I have notes, exact dates, times, call records, return voice mail messages, and dealership personnel spoken to, etc. The dealer’s lead technician and I were able to replicate the shutter on a road test together on 1/27/25 at 3 p.m. after having driven just 10 miles. During my visit on the morning of 1/30/25, the lead technician stated he has since been able to replicate the shutter seemingly getting worse. I was strongly encouraged by the service manager, service writer, and lead technician their collective “personal recommendation” was to not take the truck back. Haselwood has had the truck since 1/27/25. Still awaiting a response and resolution.
Engine, Feb 1, 2025
lifters in the left and right side snapped into 3 pieces. Caused engine failure happened 2 different times. All before 50,000 miles. The first time was before 30,000 miles.
Engine, Jan 31, 2025
Engine failure
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 29, 2025
We have had several times where we are on highway and our truck like slams on the brakes causing us to lose control. It was a recall on it and GMC fixed it and within the same week of them fixing it it happened 3 times back to back. Making my truck to force another car to steer out of my way and actually went off the highway. Thank god it was just dirt snd he didn’t get hurt or anything. But I am scared to even drive my vehicle! It starting Happening for about a year now. And it would only do it like every couple months but now it’s has done it 6 times in the last 2 months!
Engine, Jan 28, 2025
I was notified at the dealership that my truck had metal in the oil that is causing the oil sensor pump to send a ln engine code. The fix is a new engine.
Engine, Jan 28, 2025
Engine knocking and metal in oil. Been to the dealership and even though it's under warranty they will not act on it due to no check engine light present. It's making it difficult to trust driving the vehicle anymore because of the thought of the engine shutting down without warning anytime. This complaint is documented and confirmed by a dealership. They made me pay the check out fee and recommended i keep driving the vehicle until the motor locks up.
Wheels, Engine, Jan 24, 2025
Le Moteur Le 13 décembre 2024 le véhicule arrêté subitement je tente de le redémarrer et ne demarre plus à plusieurs reprises je branche un obd2 et cela indique crank sensor j'envoie le véhicule au dealer et me dise qu'il y a quelque chose dans la base et aujourd'hui ils y est encore Les pneus Certains Flan de pneu de ce véhicule sont fissures tous le tour des roues
Engine, Jan 24, 2025
Lifter noises, error codes for misfires, lost power
Engine, Jan 20, 2025
I got off work started my truck heard a few pops. As I was driving the vehicle started jerking like the brakes were being applied. Then I noticed a yellow engine light and a ESC light come on. I pulled over to check vehicle and all the lights went off. Dealer was just a few miles away. So I started back up and drove to dealer. On the way to dealer vehicle started a tapping noise. Then a new message flashed something about my steering will be affected. I got I to dealer safely. Where I left the truck for repairs.
Power train, Engine, Jan 20, 2025
We had to replace the transmission at 70,000 miles even though problems were reported to the dealer at 53,340. This repair costed $2300 on a 1 year old truck. Then we needed to replace a solenoid circuit which was not covered under warranty. We repaired this 2x (the second time covered). Then at 147,000 miles 9/24, there was a cylinder misfire which bent the push rod and collapsed lifter. This engine repair cost $8300.00 dollars. Who has to replace an engine on a truck that's 3 years old. This is a defect. Please help us. We have spent over $10,000 on repairs. We faithfully do our changes and service.
Engine, Jan 20, 2025
Multiple injector and lifter failures. Occurred on 2 separate occasions. Taken to dealer the first time. Told injector failure and lifter failure. Less than a week later experienced multiple lifter failures. Taken to dealer again for repair. They only replaced some of the affected lifters, even though TSB from GM recommends replacement of all of them. Currently awaiting failure of additional components not replaced. There was no warning of either occurrence. Was only driving 45 mph on my way home the first time. The second occasion was on initial start up at Dr office. Opened a claim with GM on my own, as dealership was negligent or unwilling to contact GMC about these failures, even though I provided them with the appropriate TSB directly from GM.
Engine, Jan 19, 2025
Engine failed due to a loss of oil pressure. Rod bearing failed which cause metal to be dispersed throughout the engine causing the engine to seize from a sudden loss of oil pressure from oil pump failure. Engine was replaced in June 2024 failure happened in May 2024. While driving a system message came on DIC that stated pull over immediately to prevent engine damage and no oil pressure. I was driving uphill with cars on my right in the #2 lane. Engine shut off before I could pull over resulting in decreased braking power and a lack of steering. I almost hit 2 vehicles trying to pull over to get my family to safety on the right hand shoulder. I couldn’t pull over to the left hand shoulder as there was a guardrail in the way. When I got my vehicle pulled over the only thing that stopped my vehicle from going over the cliff was a bunch of wood chips on the right hand shoulder. From the time the warning lights came on to the time the engine shut off and seized was maybe 5 seconds. It took 31 days to replace the engine and the dealership did an inspection on the engine. There was absolutely no warning there was any problems until the lights came on. My wife and [XXX] and [XXX] were in the vehicle at the time this happened. It was so dangerous where we broke down California Highway Patrol stayed behind my vehicle with its lights on. It was also a fire hazard with the exhaust sitting on the dry bark. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jan 19, 2025
I purchased this vehicle new in 2021. It is an Ultimate Denali trim level with a 6.2 engine. Within the first year, the driver's side head on the engine had a massive failure with only 7,000 miles. I started up the vehicle and was parked idling briefly when several light came on along with a rough idle and some exhaust smoke. I contacted On Star, who could not diagnose the problem. The vehicle was disabled and ended up being towed to the dealer, where it was being repaired for 10 days. The lifters, valves and push rods were replace. The mechanic admitted there was an internal GM problem with the 6.2 engine. I asked for the same repair be made on the passenger side head. The GM dealer refused, knowing of the faulty factory installed parts. The polished tailpipe tips were not replace and were stained by the black exhaust. They are still stained this day. I purchased this vehicle for my retirement to tow my RV. Now, I have been reluctant to travel because of the other head letting go on me somewhere out west, operating under a work load. I know of two other people who purchased new GM vehicles with the 6.2 engine, who experienced the same failure, with around the same mileage on their vehicles.
Engine, Jan 19, 2025
at 8500 miles the engine had lifter go out while I was driving down the highway cause to truck to vibrate and becoming on unsteady causing me to pull over in the middle of traffic. later at 36500 miles it had another lifter go out this time I was driving home at a slower speed but still cause me to have to pull over vert fast as the vehicle became unsteady and vibrated causing all the alarm to come on. Both times the truck was fixed under warranty nut they replaced it with the same parts that are causing the problems. Soon my truck will be off warranty and this will come out of my pocket.
Power train, Engine, Jan 18, 2025
L87 engine problems. I have had failed lifters, on top of transmission issues and a current oil consumption issue where I have to add two quarts of oil (sometimes more) without any indication of low oil. I took my vehicle into the local dealership and the technician asked if I had gotten any low oil indicator and I stated no. He proceeded to tell me it had little to no oil in it. Imagine this at highway speeds and sudden engine seizure.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 21, 2024
I received a notice of a recall for a known problem with GMC transmissions. it is very well known that these transmissions lock up and cause problems with braking and can cause the vehicle to slide off the road when the tires lock up. it also causes hard shifting, which I have experienced. GMC said they will not fix the transmission, they instead will add a device to monitor the transmission, so when the transmission locks up and causes an accident, it will let me know that it was the transmissions fault!!! How is this legal? they will let me know that their transmission caused the accident after the fact? why not fix it? typical of government to do nothing about safety... and instead make laws that allow big corporations and government to make money off of peoples deaths!
Engine, Dec 4, 2024
The engine blew up at 67,000 mile while driving down the road. Not sure what happened but there was no warning signs at all. The dealership said they couldn’t know for sure what happened but most likely the oil pump went bad. I have spoken with a few people that have had this same problem with the 6.2 liter engine. It needs to be looked into because this could have caused a major accident on the highway.
Engine, Oct 15, 2024
On memorial day weekend 2023 my truck ,2021 GMC Sierra AT4 was making a awful noise. I pulled over and vehicle died. had it towed and the warranty covered new engine replacement at 54678 miles(large deposit of metal in the oil pan). June of 2024 again, traveling out of town and pickup making terrible noise and shaking at 76651 miles. Replaced lifters in vehicle. October 11, 2024 took vehicle in for oil change, drove 25 miles and vehicle making terrible noise. Pulled over and pickup died. Had it towed to dealer and they are saying it needs a new engine. ( 87000 miles) they are saying its out of warranty. There seems to be a serious problem with this engine( 6.2) in all the research I am finding. I now have a pickup that I am still making payments on , that I cannot drive.
Engine, Oct 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was placed on a trailer and was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the lifter and cam shaft needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
Engine, Oct 2, 2024
Per the dealership: Lifter failure, crankshaft failure, metal shavings in the oil. Complete engine failure.
Engine, Sep 11, 2024
The contact's husband owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 80 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the "Shift to Neutral and Restart" message blinked. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the failure was not able to be replicated. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was suspected that the crankshaft bearing had seized, putting pressure on the starter, causing a short. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be taken apart for a proper diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Engine, Aug 13, 2024
The engine locked up on the truck due to bad lifters. It has the 6.2L engine and after talking to several mechanic shops and research online this is a very common issue. GM is having to put lots of new engine in under warranty due to this issue. They need to have a recall to fix a known issue that is costing people thousands of dollars to replace the whole engine in the truck. We was driving down the hey today and with no working at all the truck died and and would not crank back over. We had the truck towed to a repair shop to find out that our truck had the same issue that lots of people are having and now it’s gonna cost us several thousand dollars to have fixed when realistically GM should be paying to fix this problem.