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 and engine cooling, Sep 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. 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 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.
Engine, Sep 1, 2025
Complete engine failure on July 17, 2025, related to current recall for defective engine parts on 6.2L V8 L87 engine. Towed to dealer same day. Dealer continues to report no ETA available on replacement engine. Dealer has had possession of my unrepaired truck for 46 days now and counting.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 29, 2025
Coolant control valve failure. Instantly reduces power on truck. National back order on parts. No remedy.
Power train, Engine, Aug 28, 2025
Have owned my 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 3.0 Duramax for a year and the check engine light has come on multiple times for a "Coolant Control Valve" issue. The truck runs the fans at 100% and puts the truck into reduced power at least once a day. I have read that GM sometimes will not cover this repair under powertrain warranty even though it's an engine problem. Please fix this issue! To answer the previous questions, the coolant control valve is malfunctioning, and the truck is currently at the dealer being inspected. Yes the dealer has said this issue is common on these trucks (confirmed by National GMC in American Fork, Utah). Yes the check engine light has appeared multiple times. These issues started appearing in June 2025
Engine, Aug 20, 2025
I receivd a recall on my 2021 GMC Denali 1500 , 6.2 engine Recall # N252494000. made an appointment with Carroll GMC, at 1455S. Tamiami Trail, Venice , Fl, on 7/29/25 at 11AM. I showed up for my appointment and they denied checking my truck on the recall stating they did not have the remedy to fix the problem so therefore they were not going to check my truck for the recall...... I have a trip coming up and now I a afraid to go on the highway in case my truck loses power and I get in an accident............ MY truck should have been checked for the recall regardless of the remedy to fix it..So at least I know weather it is safe to drive or not
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced under warranty. The contact stated that the vehicle had been experiencing excessive oil consumption and required three quarts of oil every 30 days. 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 contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle shuddered abnormally and there was an abnormal metallic sound coming from the engine before the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that a service advisor would return the call. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. 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 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.
Power train, Engine, Aug 13, 2025
This vehicle experienced catastrophic engine failure while I was on vacation 400 miles from home. I have researched this failure and there is a class action lawsuit against GMC. My truck has been at the dealer for 25 days and still waiting for authorization from Fidelity Warranty Services. Considering it’s such a common problem I feel GMC should be paying for this. At the very least the warranty company is aware of this problem and purposely delaying the authorization to repair. I just bought a new camper which I cannot use. I am fisherman and cannot use my boat. My beach pass is also on the vehicle. So essentially my summer has been ruined by a company that produced a faulty vehicle and didn’t discord this information to me.
Engine, Aug 10, 2025
⸻ Background: •2021 GMC Sierra Denali – 6.2L V8 •VIN included in GM’s engine defect recall (connecting rod/crankshaft) •Recall status shows “No current remedy available” •Defect acknowledged by GM can cause “engine damage, loss of propulsion, or complete engine failure.” Timeline of Events: •~1 month ago – Truck began running rough with noticeable ticking/knocking noise. •Dealer could not schedule appointment for 3 weeks. •08/08/2025 – Dealer inspection confirmed failed lifters and damaged camshaft. •Repair estimate: $9,300 (see attached dealer estimate). Connection to Recall: •Lifter and camshaft are internal engine components dependent on the same lubrication and oiling system as the crankshaft/connecting rods cited in the recall defect. •The defect’s potential to contaminate oil and cause internal engine damage makes this failure consistent with recall-related damage.
Engine, Aug 5, 2025
This recall has been coming for some time now its out and GM still has no plan or action. This is our only auto and my understanding if this issue happens it could cause loss of life. I am concerned for my wife driving to work every day and what happens if we want to take a trip. We need resolution on this. Apr 24,2025 Manufacturer Recall NumberN252494000 NHTSA Recall Number25V274 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer informed the contact that there was no anticipated date for the recall repair parts availability. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. 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 contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the roadway. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that prior to the engine failure, the transmission was replaced. The dealer was contacted regarding the recall remedy, but the dealer was unable to provide an estimated time of availability. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Jul 29, 2025
Coolant Control Valve is faulty. Part number 24001355 for my GMC Diesel Sierra 1500. The check engine light goes on and sometimes the engine power will be cut in half to protect the engine. It can be inspected when needed. My truck cannot go as fast and the Engine fans sound very loud to cool down the engine. I was 3 hours away from my house when this happened the first time and I wasn’t sure I would make it home. I had to let the engine cool down for about 6 hours after I pulled off of the highway. This has happened two times so far and happens when the AC is on and sometimes when you use the remote start it won’t start the truck remotely and the check engine light goes on. The problem started in July 2025 with 51,000 miles. The engine control module code is P1098. I have asked my GMC dealership to look at the issue and they have told me that the part is backlogged for at least 2 months and they will not look at my truck until the part is available. I haven’t had any other issues with the engine so far and this was the first time a check engine light has gone on.
Engine, Jul 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light started flashing and the vehicle was shaking with a misfire coming from the engine. Additionally, there was black and greyish smoke coming from the tailpipe. The Roadside Assistance request message was displayed on the instrument cluster. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a misfire. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the residence, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the lifter had dropped, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
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.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 25, 2025
I own a 2021 GMC Denali with a 6.2L V8 L87 engine and 45,500 miles. I have confirmed the presence of metal shavings in the oil and oil filter, indicating that the engine is beginning to fail. When I took the vehicle to my local dealership, I was informed that there is currently no fix for this issue and was advised to continue driving the vehicle. This poses a serious safety risk—not just to me and my family but also to others on the road. A sudden loss of power could lead to a dangerous accident, and I do not want to be responsible for something preventable that could harm innocent people. My concern is that GM is aware of this engine issue but has instructed me to keep driving the vehicle, despite the known defect. How can GM be allowed to avoid accountability for such a critical safety matter? If a fatal accident were to occur, would the responsibility fall on GM or the NHTSA for failing to act? It’s also troubling that GM continues to profit by selling new vehicles, including the 2025 models, with similar issues, all while neglecting to provide solutions for affected customers like me. I purchased this $80,000 truck in good faith, but now no dealer wants to trade or buy these trucks without me taking a significant financial loss—something GM should be responsible for. As a taxpayer, I find it unacceptable that we bailed out GM in the mid-2000s, yet they continue to disregard accountability for their actions. I urge the NHTSA to take this issue seriously. A specific deadline should be set for GM to resolve this issue, and they should face daily penalties for every day they fail to provide a fix. If no resolution is possible, full refunds should be mandated. Please address this issue promptly, as it affects real people’s safety and financial well-being every day.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, lost motive power, with smoke came from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact attempted to start the vehicle and noticed a knocking sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had a Salvage Title and would not be repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Jul 24, 2025
P1098 Code - Coolant Control Valve on/off/on/off.
Engine, Jul 24, 2025
The coolant control valve (Part # 24001355) has failed. Apparently this is the case with many vehicles and GM will not/can not get replacement parts. This should be a recall.
Power train, Engine, Jul 21, 2025
The check engine light came on at one point. I took it to figure out why the check engine light was coming on and the scanner indicated that the NOX catalyst was below threshold. I researched it and it is a common issue. The check engine light eventually turned off after a couple of days. About 2 weeks later it came back on. I noticed as i was driving the coolant fans were running at 100% meaning that they were blowing long and hard. So I scanned it and it said that the engine coolant valve was at fault. This is also a common issue with the vehicle, particularly in the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 3.0 Turbo Diesel. It is a faulty part and it costs thousands of dollars to replace. How can these two issues not be on a national recall by GM? They are too common and very expensive to repair. This issue is so common that now the valve is on a national back order. Meaning the parts may not be available for 30-120 days. The vehicle is not safe to drive with a bad engine coolant valve. I have now a rental car for the past 7 days while my truck sits waiting for a valve to arrive and pay thousands in repair just to drive it again.
Engine, Jul 21, 2025
When I started my truck in the morning I noticed the check engine light came on and my engine fan started running really loudly. I shut my truck off and let it sit for 5 minutes and restarted it in hopes the check engine light would not appear. Unfortunately it did come back on and the engine fan began running really loudly again. I drove the truck to the nearest mechanic and you could feel the truck was trying to counter the problem by forcing me to drive it in a lower speed. After taking it to a shop to get it scanned to see what the code was. The mechanic said it was reading code P1006 three times. He said this coolant system and is why my engine fan was triggered to run really loudly. But the engine was not over heating as all other indicators showed that temps were normal. The mechanic believes it could possibly just be a faulty wire. However after talking to GM he said if it is this coolant part that needs to be replaced, it could take up to months to fix as the part is on national backorder. Doing more research, it appears others have had this same problem and GM even knew shortly after this model was released that this would happen.
Power train, Engine, Jul 18, 2025
wn a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 6.2L (VIN: [XXX] ), which is now experiencing a severe misfire, engine ticking, and diagnostic code P318A. I’ve confirmed this issue is related to GM Recall N252494001 for engine connecting rod/crankshaft failure. However, I’ve been told my VIN has not yet been activated for recall repairs, and both the local dealership and GMC support have refused to escalate my case or offer assistance. This is a known safety issue, and I’m now at risk of total engine failure and significant financial loss while waiting for GM to act. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jul 14, 2025
My 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 with L87 engine, covered by recall 25V274. None of my local dealers are inspecting for this recall. This truck is my daily driver and I routinely drive on interstates for my work. GM has been slow to address this major manufacturing defect and has not remedied the problem. My truck is no longer worth what is was previously and is lowering trade in or sale value. I am requesting that GM buy back my vehicle due to ongoing safety risks and loss of value.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. 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 contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle idled intermittently. In addition, an abnormal sound was coming from the left side of the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.