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, Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, there was a loud squeaking sound coming from the front driver’s side of the vehicle before the vehicle lost power. Simultaneously, the check engine warning light started blinking. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and the sound became louder, before becoming a knocking sound. The vehicle was restarted, and the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired, but a dealer stated that there was as recall associated with the VIN; however, parts were not yet available to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 13, 2025
Was informed from by GM that my vehicle is involved with a recall an still hasn't been repaired
Power train, Engine, Jul 12, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The valvetrain system failed due to broken rocker arms, which resulted in additional internal engine damage. This failure occurred under normal driving conditions. The affected components have not yet been discarded and are available for inspection upon request.How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure caused sudden engine misfiring and knocking, reducing engine power while I was operating the vehicle. This significantly compromised acceleration and response time, especially during merging and lane changes, which could have led to an accident. Any unexpected loss of power or engine instability at highway speeds poses a serious risk to myself, passengers, and other motorists.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The issue has been diagnosed and confirmed by an independent certified mechanic, who verified the broken rocker arms and resulting engine damage during inspection.Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Only a certified independent mechanic has inspected the failure thus far.Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. The check engine light appeared and the engine began running rough and producing a knocking sound. These symptoms occurred just prior to the confirmed failure and prompted me to stop driving the vehicle immediately and have it inspected. Given the seriousness of this issue and reports from other GMC 5.3L engine owners experiencing similar rocker arm failures, I urge the NHTSA to investigate this potential defect. It poses a real and significant safety risk.
Engine, Jul 12, 2025
On Dec 27 I noticed a skip in my engine when I started the truck. I took the truck to Cronic Buick GMC on Jan 6 for an inspection. They reported to me that the engine failed.Seized up. I reported the incident to my extended warranty company Warranty Solutions. They refused to do the repair because I was late for an oil change in 2022. After 3 weeks and no cooperation I contacted GM customer service. I was assigned an agent that help initiate the engine repair . The repair was completed on April 12 (3 months after the failure). I paid $4600 out of pocket for a portion of the engine repair .
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 11, 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 at approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled to the side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred several times while driving. An unknown local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the recall parts were not available. 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 contacted and a voicemail message was left, but the manufacturer had not returned the contact's call. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Jul 9, 2025
Replacement part needed is COOLANT CONTROL VALVE according to diagnostics at local GM dealer service department after noting check engine light was on. YES, it is available for inspection. Told unsafe to drive as it would very likely overheat or worse. It has been in the shop for a month (as of June 11, 2025) awaiting a backordered part, which we’re told is a national backorder. No loaner vehicle available and told by service department that they have had another truck in for same problem for several months and that this problem is very common. PLEASE HELP us with getting the part needed!
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 9, 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 vehicle was experiencing rough idling, with the RPM fluctuating while driving. The local dealer was contacted. 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 issue. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 8, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Engine, Jul 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The abnormal sound ceased once the vehicle had accelerated; however, the abnormal sound returned while the vehicle was idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ball bearing caused a misfire, and two cam lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact picked up the vehicle and on the way home, the engine failed. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer. The technician test drove the vehicle with the contact as a passenger, and the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact was informed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced along with the fuel body system. The contact was informed that as per GMC, the oil needed to be changed to an oil with a thicker viscosity. The fuel body was replaced, and the oil was changed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered the contact an amended warranty. The contact was informed that GMC had elected to participate in the procedures under the Song Beverly Act. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Engine, Jul 7, 2025
The coolant control valve on my truck is causing issues. From doing research, this is an ongoing issue with the 3.0 duramax. The part is on nationwide backorder and I cannot drive my vehicle in reduced engine power because the only way I can get to work is by taking the interstate. It is madness that GM has not issued a recall or done anything to rectify this issue. Many GMC owners are paying on vehicles that they are unable to drive which is assanine. This part needs to be readily available due to the NUMEROUS complaints that have already been submitted in regards to this part.
Engine, Jul 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle was idling abnormally, prompting the contact to turn off the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the lifter in cylinder #4. The contact stated that the lifter had collapsed into the engine, causing damages to the engine and camshaft. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.
Engine, Jun 28, 2025
It started with a emergency brake light coming on, shortly (2 miles) later it started misfiring on cylinder #1 after replacing coil pack plug wire and plug. It then started smoking bad out of the exhaust. I knew GM was having recalls on the 6.2 engines so I hauled it to the dealer. They told me it was a bad engine and since it had aprox.62,000 miles on it and no recall it wasn't covered. Since then the dealer called the factory service rep. and he agreed to replace the engine at a 50% reduction in the price, but had no idea when they could get me a replacement engine. After a few days of research on my part I called the dealer again to get a price on how much it was going to cost me? The owner of the dealership ask me to give him a few more days to ask the rep. if he would agree to 100%. My problem now is I don't have it to drive, I can't sell it. and no idea how long it will be before it can be repaired. Plus I am still making payments on it. It is available for inspection at the dealer. If I had of continued to drive, it could have locked up causing a catastrophic accident. In my research it looks like these problems started in 2019 not late 2020 when mine was built. NC has lemon law complaints going back to 2019 that have been paid out. I currently own a #1 2007 GMC Yukon Denali 6.2 with aprox.389,000 miles and only replaced the transmission recently. #2 A 2008 GMC Sierra Denali 6.2 with 279,052 miles, new transmission. #3 A 2011 GMC Yukon Denali 6.2 with 234,361 miles and #4 a 2017 Cadillac Escalade 6.2 with aprox. 102,000 miles. All of these are working and driving on a daily bases. I have a lot of faith in these 6.2 engines until now, I will no longer be buying any more of these engines even though 1 out of 5 aint bad. Thank you for your consideration and for what you do. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Jun 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that occasionally while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine hesitated to turn over. The contact stated that the failure progressed, and the vehicle no longer started as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that two local dealers were contacted; however, the contact was advised that to diagnose or repair the vehicle, might take several months. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with camshaft sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 25, 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 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that several minutes later the vehicle functioned as designed. The local dealer was contacted; however, 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 issue. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 25, 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 unavailable. 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, Jun 25, 2025
Safety recall, unsafe
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 24, 2025
Engine experiences missing when accelerating in lower speeds ...also now, and since driving for a few thousand miles, f umes are entering cabin frequently and causing nausea, 'headaches and burning of mouth, lips and eyes .....all the time. My youngest granddaughter got sick and so did my oldest son just this past weekend! As far as I know , police or dealership never inspected , nor did they acknowledge it! No warning lamps appeared
Engine, Jun 18, 2025
I heard a ticking in the engine and noticed multiple warning lights in the dashboard. I called the GMC dealer and was told the next opening was several weeks away. I was also told that it would be OK to drive the vehicle which I did (~10 miles) and parked the truck in my driveway until I could get the truck in for a diagnostic evaluation. The service department at the GMC dealer where the vehicle was purchased identified a defective camshaft/lifter as the source of the noise and lights. The service manager recommended either an engine rebuild at their shop or purchase a replacement motor from the GMC inventory network. The serial # of the old motor is: 126852545. The serial # of the new motor is: 40208378. The cost of the new motor, replacement of required fluids and parts and labor was $12,360. 100% of the repair was paid by myself. The .pdf of the service record (RO #: 9189240) exceeds the 10 MB limit and cannot be uploaded. I have a hard copy if needed. The dealership where the vehicle was purchased and serviced is: TULLEY Buick - GMC - BMW - Mazda P.O. Box T 147 Daniel Webster Highway South Nashua, New Hampshire 03060 (603) 888-0550 www.tulley.com
Engine, Jun 17, 2025
I had an engine warning warning light on my dash around May 5th. A notice of reduced speed also lit up my dash while I was on the freeway. I scheduled a service for May 15th and was told the engine coolant flow control valve needed to be replaced. I was also told there was a backlog of other vehicles waiting for the same part. It has been over a month and I am still unable to drive my truck which I use for work.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine fan activated and operated at a very high velocity. Additionally, the message "Engine Power Failure" message was displayed, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine coolant control valve was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the parts were on backorder and no repairs were performed. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 45,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine fan activated and operated at a very high velocity. Additionally, the message "Engine Power Failure" message was displayed, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine coolant control valve was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the parts were on backorder and no repairs were performed. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 48,000.
Engine, Jun 11, 2025
My Truck has been consuming oil since new, latest documented consumption test was 1.25 quarts in 1967 miles. GM dealership said that is normal and no further diagnosis is required. GM says acceptable consumption is 1 quart per 2,000 miles. This truck has a 6.2L engine that is not under the current recall ( N252494000 ). The engine problems affect more vehicles that the current recall and should be investigated.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 6, 2025
Dealer keeps ignoring engine knock noise states its normal , mpg is down dramatically . Shift to park , vehicle only has 34k miles and dealer does not want to repair under warranty due to vehicle being a 2021 Battery keeps draining for no reason , new battery added still does the same thing
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 3, 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 unavailable. The dealer was not contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Jun 2, 2025
Engine seized while at idle speed and has to be replaced. It was a catastrophic event, but not covered under the current recall for 6.2L L87 engines.