2021 GMC Sierra 1500

What owners report most often

1. Engine303
2. Power train137
3. Electrical system73
4. Engine and engine cooling49
5. Other or unspecified42
6. Fuel/propulsion system35
7. Steering33
8. Service brakes24

Recalls and investigations

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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: fuel/propulsion system

35 reports, newest first. Show all

1. Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 22, 2026

   On [XXX], my vehicle suffered a complete loss of propulsion on the highway, displaying fault codes P0324 and P0016. The vehicle was taken to Boyd's Tar Heel Chevrolet in Roxboro, NC, where the engine block was replaced under the official GM 6.2L engine safety recall.The truck was delivered back to me, and on the very first day I drove it—only 28 miles from my house—it suffered a secondary catastrophic loss of propulsion on the highway on [XXX]. The check engine light began flashing violently, indicating an immediate catalyst-damaging safety hazard, and the vehicle displayed fault code P0307 (Cylinder 7 Misfire).The dealership explicitly instructed me to stop driving the vehicle immediately, authorized the recovery, and told me to bill the tow directly to them. After towing the vehicle back to their facility, Boyd's Tar Heel Chevrolet reversed their position. They are now attempting to hold me financially responsible for the towing fees, along with spark plugs, wiring, and fuel injector services, claiming the failure is due to routine maintenance.This represents a severe highway safety hazard, a direct failure of the manufacturer's official recall remedy, and potential dealer misconduct to avoid liability under the active NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA26005 for post-recall 6.2L engine failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2. Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 1, 2026

   Transmission stopped at 29,000 miles, engine died and was replaced at 32,000 miles

3. Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 29, 2026

   CORRODED GROUNDING STRAP FAILED CYLINDER 5 GLOW PLUG CIRCUIT CRACKED AND SEPARATED EXHAUST BACKPRESSURE VALVE

4. Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 16, 2026

   P1098 code indicating stuck/ unresponsive engine coolant control valve. N252508341 exists for this part; however claim is my VIN is not covered under the bulletin or included on any standard warranty coverage. Part should last more than 150k miles, vehicle less than 90k. Less than 2 weeks ago suffered a complete EBPV failure that destroyed coolant and DEF lines, also not covered. No explanation for why my specific VIN (a 3.0L diesel in the supposedly covered MY) is excluded. Have been unable to find evidence of any applicable vehicles that were 'covered' under this bulletin. Fault forces an unexpected derate which can engage while accelerating, including while merging into freeway traffic. This is an obvious safety hazard. Engine check light illuminates approximately 30 to 60 seconds before derate limits top speed and throttle response. No messages to operator. Dealer has confirmed issue.

5. Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 14, 2026

   I am submitting supplemental evidence regarding my 2021 GMC Sierra (VIN [XXX]) for Recall Query RQ26001, Campaign 25V-274. Despite multiple repair attempts, my vehicle remains unsafe and non-compliant with GM Service Bulletin N252494002. The recall remedy was performed deficiently. [XXX] Northeast Buick GMC installed a remanufactured short block instead of the required complete engine, reused the original seized-engine oil pan (which continues to leak), and failed to address critical electrical damage. Documentation proves they deleted Labor Operation 14BUZ (Engine Electrical) after their technician noted a blown mega fuse. A second dealer, Penske Chevrolet, subsequently deleted Labor Operation 77CVZ01 from my repair order, demonstrating a systemic pattern of ignoring recall-required repairs. Electrical damage has cascaded, resulting in a burnt fuse block and active faults P0615, P0617, P26E4, P26E6, U0623, and U0284. More critically, within 24 miles of my last service, the vehicle developed a new, severe safety failure: the "Service Brake Pad Monitor" system failed, accompanied by a red "Service System" dashboard alert and a noticeably spongy brake pedal. These brakes were recently serviced, yet this failure introduces a new risk of crash not present prior to the recall "remedy." GM Executive Resolution Case XXX has provided no resolution, reimbursement, or safety assurance, ignoring all deadlines since XXX. I possess extensive documentation, including service orders showing deleted labor operations and diagnostic logs. I request this update be integrated into the investigation of RQ26001, as the current remedy is demonstrably ineffective and has exacerbated safety hazards. The manufacturer’s refusal to remediate these issues, despite my compliance, leaves me with an unsafe vehicle and significant financial loss. I am prepared to provide all supporting records to substantiate this complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

6. Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 6, 2026

   Dashboard lit up with engine light and stated that there's no compulsion

7. Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 17, 2026

   While driving my vehicle, the engine and transmission lost power and the check engine light came on. The vehicle went into limp mode and engine propulsion was limited. Had I been traveling at a faster speed, this would have been very unsafe. After coming to a stop, placing the transmission in reverse did not move the vehicle and there was a grinding noise. I was able to savely move forward in limp mode, but the shifting was harsh. I was able to find an empty parking lot to safely park. The truck was towed to Jim Winter dealership in Jackson MI for inspection.

8. Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 16, 2026

   So I made an appointment to have my truck recalled and the Wednesday before I took it, and it cranked no start and I called the dealership. Ask if they had any other those like this and they said that it could be the fuel injector module and so I got it to a mechanic shop to read the codes and it gave me a code p062b and I asked the dealership to look into it and they never figured out what we were not wrong. I just testing the battery. Well, then I got it back after the recall was done and new transmission valve body put in and about 30 miles down the road it started to shake violently and had a flashing engine light so I got it home called the dealership the next morning because they were closed set up another appointment got it to the dealership dealership said it had a couple misfires but since it wasn’t over 100 they weren’t concerned even though I’m pretty sure it is related to the fuel model going out because it has been cranking rapidly whenever I try to start it, but they won’t do anything to figure out what’s wrong?

9. Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, May 25, 2026

   My truck will not start when I press the push-button ignition. After waiting a few seconds and trying multiple times, it typically starts on the third attempt. Additionally, it will not restart after the auto stop feature activates at stop signs or traffic lights. This is very concerning, especially when pulling into oncoming traffic, as I’m worried the truck could shut off while I’m crossing. I have already had the battery, starter, and alternator checked, and all components tested fine. However, the issue is still occurring. There are also no warning lights or messages displayed on the dashboard.

10. Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 19, 2026

    Coolant Control Valve

11. Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 16, 2026

    While driving into work, I noticed a knocking sound from the outside of the vehicle. Once parked, upon further inspection I narrowed down the area of the noise to the bottom rear of the engine/front of transmission. Fortunately, I was able to park in front of my office building and wasn’t stranded on the side of the road but under different circumstances it could've been the side of a busy highway or hours from home. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership I originally purchased from, the dealership was able to duplicate the issue with me present. Later that afternoon I was informed that the engine had failed and a replacement would be ordered. There was no prior indication of a problem or warning/CEL’s. The engine failed after the dealership had completed the engine recall ( pico test and 0-40W oil change ) related to the vehicle. I am reporting this in hopes that it helps with the investigation. This has been very disappointing for me as I have supported the brand of vehicle for many years. Only to have many issues under 80,000 miles and to lose confidence in the vehicle I purchased and the company.

12. Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 3, 2026

    Began with a misfire on cylinder 5 code P0305. Replaced spark plugs, wires, and coil pack. Misfire still existed. Fuel injector on cylinder 5 was stuck open and had to be replaced. Misfire still existed. No spark from new coil pack on cylinder 5, replaced coil pack connector. Misfire still existed, but lifter tick became present. Removed cylinder head and found exhaust lifter on cylinder 5 was bad and needed replaced. Currently awaiting parts delivery (only available through GM dealer). Have been without vehicle for 7 weeks now. Was told this was most likely related to Active Fuel Management.

13. Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 20, 2026

    The DEF tank in my truck is defective and its the second time in the last 14 months it has broke. The part is now back ordered and according to the dealership this is a nationwide issue regarding these specific trucks. I have contacted around 10 dealers in my area and all tell me the same thing that they have multiple trucks waiting on the same issue. I have not had my truck for over 2 months and have no idea when i will be getting it back due to dealership having no idea when the part will be released due to the back order. This seems to a huge issue with these trucks and GM is doing nothing to help resolve it. I've reached out to GM directly and get no assistance and now have made 2 payments on my truck and the dealership refuses to give me a loaner vehicle. i am looking for some help or relief on what to do to go about my issue

14. Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 6, 2026

    Engine developed a low knock type noise just above idle while beginning to move in the parking lot. It was also noted pulling away from an intersection at low rpm under light acceleration. Oil pressure was normal, 30 psi and approximately 50-60 at cruising speed. Low level knock began earlier in the day but no other symptoms. Oil level was checked and found to be at proper level. At mile 2 into my trip a chirping/ squeak type noise was heard under light throttle and light load at approximately 1500 rpm. The noise stopped when accelerator was released. Rough running sensation followed the noise under the load. Noise returned when the accelerator was pressed and then the engine stopped running while traveling 45-50 mph. Placed the shifter to neutral and attempted to restart, engine rolled slowly for a brief moment and then locked up entirely. Starter only clicks when attempted after that. Vehicle left me stranded with no heat on the shoulder of the highway in the dark in Northern Michigan on March 5, ambient temp was 28 degrees. Vehicle towed to closest dealership which is also where it was purchased for inspection on 3/6/2026. General motors customer care contacted and case opened. No assistance with repair at time of callback.

15. Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 22, 2026

    On the afternoon of 01/20/26, I was merging onto the highway in my 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 when a loud bang was heard from the engine compartment at approximately 60 mph. Immediately after the ban was heard, several indicator lights on the dashboard were illuminated, including the ESC, check engine light, and parking brake light. A power loss was felt when attempting to accelerate and the banging noise worsened anytime the accelerator was depressed. I was able to drive the vehicle to the nearest GM dealership that coincidentally was at the closest exit off of the highway I was traveling on. The dealership performed diagnostic and determined that the damage was caused due to the ongoing GM recall associated with Safety Recall N252494000. My vehicle had previously been inspected as part of the recall and was found to have passed. Vehicle had been driven approximately 4,000 miles after recall was performed.

16. Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 22, 2025

    Transmission valvebody failure, causing rapid, repeated rear wheel lock ups. Videos can be provided. These happen almost daily at highway speeds. This will cause a very bad accident

17. Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 13, 2025

    I am an active U.S. Air Force member. My 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 failed GM Recall N252494003 on Sept 29, 2025 (L87 engine loss of propulsion). GM states this defect can cause sudden engine failure and loss of propulsion, increasing crash risk. Despite the confirmed failure, Ocean Cadillac (Miami, FL) told me to keep driving the unsafe vehicle and refused all Courtesy Transportation. The Service Manager admitted in writing that the engine failed, the defect can cause loss of propulsion, and the replacement engine is delayed under GM National Control for up to 3 months — yet they still denied me a loaner or rental. His statements contradict the GM documents he attached: • GM Bulletin DCS7222 says Courtesy Transportation CAN be provided during L87 recall downtime and dealers MUST consider loaners/rentals. • GM FAQ N252494002 says Courtesy Transportation IS available for this recall. • GM FAQ lists recall symptoms (check engine light, hesitation, high RPM, reduced power) — NOT battery drain. • GM states: “If the engine fails, the vehicle WILL lose propulsion.” Ocean Cadillac ignored these rules and put me back on the road in a known unsafe vehicle. As an American manufacturer, GM has a responsibility to protect American drivers. Their failure to follow recall procedures placed me, my family, and other motorists at risk. I request NHTSA investigate whether GM/Ocean Cadillac are complying with recall safety requirements and whether customers are being told to drive unsafe vehicles after confirmed failures.

18. Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 10, 2025

    I was driving on the freeway and my gmc Sierra at4 received a notification that I could could no longer accelerate. I pulled off to the side as safely as I could in a slanted hill in a major freeway with no shoulder. I sat on the side of the road for 45 min and then ran out of diesel gas waiting for the tow truck. We took into gmc and they said nothing was wrong, we were out of gas. But I ran out of gas waiting for the tow truck. The truck never shut off and ac still going, I just couldn’t accelerate. We’ve had the truck in the shop every single month for the past year for sensor issues and replacements and have all the documentation of the last few years of similar issues. No extensions of warranty’s nothing. Well we started to smell something burning this week and now we were told today we have a faulty fuel pump that will cost us $1,000 to fix and is not covered under our warranty. The truck is still under warranty, so why is something in relation to the power train not covered? There is a current t recall on other gmc models of this year for this fuel pump issue and the safety recall is EXACTLY what happened to us on the freeway and the issue we have now. Why has this not been extended to other GMCs????? My entire family could have died on the side of the freeway!!

19. Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 30, 2025

    Fuel tank leaking.

20. 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.

21. 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

22. 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

23. Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 4, 2025

    - #5 injector failure, no. - Once the injector failed, the vehicle would violently shake when trying to accelerate. - Yes, was not covered under factory warranty but replaced by third-party extended warranty. -Yes, replaced by the dealership. -No warnings prior, once the injector failed warning for brake system check and vehicle mileage limits set in warning.

24. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, May 11, 2025

    The engine coolant flow control valve position sensor is faulty. I brought mt truck in to my dealership and I have been waiting for over a month to get the issue fixed because “the part is on backorder”. This issue makes my truck sound like a jet engine because it makes the truck think overheating and causes the fan to come on at full blast. After drivinf for awhile it goes into “ reduced engine power mode” which is totally unsafe because it reduces the horse power to that of a lawn mower. It takes about 30 seconds to get from 0-60, so merging onto freeways or in conditions where you need extra speed its completely useless and increases the scenario of being rear ended, immensely.

25. 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.