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: steering
33 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 9, 2026
XXX 2021 GMC Seria 108,339 miles driving home from [XXX] in town and out of nowhere the lights on the dash light up I saw it say adaptive steering and something breaking. There was a lot going on as the steering was rapidly shaking limited breaking while trying to avoid a collision. The engine started a loud knocking sound and sudden smoking out tail pipes. I was able to get the truck stopped turned it off and sat there for a while trying to collect myself. Restarted the truck and slowly drove it to my home 2 miles away. It was flatbed to local GM dealer that quickly diagnosed it saying heavy smoke knocking needs New Engine! They won't confirm exactly what the internal engine failure is. Other than its Failed. The engine build date is 2020 day 350 My VIN is not currently in the current GM engine recall However it's certain this failure is totally related to GM's engineering design and Manufacturing issues. Look deeper into the recall date ranges this failure is clearly a victim. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Jul 24, 2026
Vehicle: 2021 GMC Sierra SLT | VIN: [XXX] Dealership: Carl Black GMC Roswell, GA (11225 Alpharetta Hwy, 30076) | Invoice #[XXX] | Service Date: [XXX] Paragraph 1 – Suspension Hazard: Dealership diagnosed a worn left upper ball joint (popping sound on left turns) and installed Rough Country aftermarket upper control arms on my stock-height Sierra SLT. These arms are designed for lifted suspension and alter factory caster/camber geometry, placing extreme stress on ball joints. This can cause sudden ball joint separation, wheel collapse, and total loss of steering control at speed. The dealership admitted on the invoice they "could not find branding" on original parts and chose non-OEM lift components without my consent or any safety disclosure. Paragraph 2 – Brake Failure & No Safety Warning: The same service included a full front/rear brake job (pads + resurfaced rotors) using their certified technicians and parts. After pickup, the brakes failed to operate properly. When I returned, the service manager refused to correct their own workmanship and instead quoted $1,900 to repair the very brakes they just serviced. Most critically, at vehicle pickup they issued no written or verbal safety warning—no "do not drive" instruction—despite the brakes being knowingly compromised, endangering me and the public. Paragraph 3 – Requested Action: The service manager was unprofessional, condescending, and refused accountability. I request an immediate NHTSA investigation into Carl Black GMC's unauthorized use of lift-kit suspension parts on stock vehicles, failure to warranty their own brake service, and reckless omission of safety warnings at delivery. This dealership pattern poses an imminent public risk. Please escalate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jun 1, 2026
power steering locked up while driving. has been inspected and repaired by manufacturer. recall.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jun 1, 2026
power steering locked up while driving. multiple dash lights turned on, on its own after the issue, 4wd, emergency brake, abs, and other ones im not sure what they are. took it to the dealership for a recall and told them the issue that happened.
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.
Steering, Electrical system, May 22, 2026
Shift to park dings continuously and vehicle won’t turn off draining battery leaving doors unlocked. Don’t want to force into park and break anything more.
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 24, 2026
Driving down road and had total loss of power steering and yes it is available for inspection. Almost drove it off the road due to loss of steering Yes, it happened to be a failed main grounding strap that created the issue. The dealership made the repair. No, it was inspected and repaired by the dealership Yes, started with loss of power steering, then truck died and these codes popped up: Low fuel code, but tank was full; trailer brake system code; side detection code and esc traction control code.
Steering, Mar 28, 2026
Loss of steering, erratic steering control. Steering locks up
Steering, Jan 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle lost proper steering ability, and the steering wheel became loose and spun around in a circle. The air bag message was later displayed on the instrument panel. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the bolt connecting the steering shaft was missing. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer, where the cause of the failure was confirmed. The contact was then informed that there were no recalls or warranties on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified several times about the failure and agreed that the part should never fail. However, the manufacturer then stated that the owner of the vehicle was responsible for the repair. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Steering, Dec 19, 2025
The power steering on the truck would quit working at times. I made an appointment with a local dealership to have it checked out. I was told the steering rack was binding and would need to be replaced. I was also told there was a two to four week backorder on the parts. As I am trying to back out of my garage to take it to the dealer the steering totally locked up. I called a wrecker to take the truck to the dealer the next day. When the wrecker operator started to load the truck, at first the steering wheel wouldn't turn . Then it broke lose and worked fine. Imagine if I were driving when this on again off again power steering would quit working!! I should also say this truck only has fifty-seven thousand miles on it. Since there is a backorder on these parts it tells me that I'm not the only one that is having this problem. In my opinion this is a very dangerous safety problem and should be a national recall. Thank you
Steering, Sep 11, 2025
My power steering completely failed. This is a safety issue and could have caused bodily harm. I have looked on line and I am not the only one with this issue, and as I investigated it shows that this issue was recall situation on earlier models. My truck is currently in the shop and looks like it will cost $5,000 to do the full repair.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 1, 2025
While traveling on the interstate the vehicle lost all propulsion and started to rapidly decelerate. Shortly after propulsion was lost the engine turned off completely affecting the steering and braking of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the GMC dealership that we purchased it from. repairs have not begun so I assume it would be available for inspection. We were traveling on a three lane interstate up a grade at 80 MPH. Had I not been able to safely get the vehicle stopped and out of traffic or had we lost control going down a grade we would not have been able to stop the vehicle and there would've potentially been a catastrophic accident most likely resulting in injury or death. No the dealership has not diagnosed the failure physically. The service writer did suggest that it sounds like the failure reported from the recall not being addressed. I did contact the dealer about the recall on Saturday May6th. At which time I was informed there was not a solution for the vehicle for my vehicle at that time. There were no warning prior to the incident. After the engine stopped operating there was a warning produced on the instrument panel that read "Engine Oil Hot" and the instrument panel no longer registered any oil pressure.
Steering, Wheels, May 4, 2025, crash
I was driving approximately 25-30 mph coming over an overpass moving into the right hand lane when my truck right front end failed. The steering and brakes locked up for approximately 50’ until I hit the curb for the sidewalk and stopped. I safely exited the vehicle checked the left side of my truck for damage and didn’t find anything. I walked around the back of my truck and came to the passenger side where I found my right front wheel and tire completely broken away from both upper and lower control arms, the ball joint broke and failed as well as the brake line. If I was driving on the highway at 65-75 this catastrophic failure could have resulted in a fatal collision. The night before my [XXX] daughter and I returned from her outdoor Ed trip in Sausalito and we drove an hour home to Napa on [XXX] and [XXX] . I thank god this didn’t happen with her in the car on the highway. I had my truck towed to Jimmy Vasser Chevy in Napa so I can see if the extended warranty will cover the repairs since it was an obvious catastrophic failure of the whole right front end. It’s still sitting there. The extended warranty inspector came Friday to take pictures of the damage INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Engine, May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds and accelerating out of the neighborhood, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power, with the check engine and EPS warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
Steering, Suspension, Dec 2, 2024
Front upper control arm ball joint separated from socket.
Steering, Oct 5, 2024
Getting shift to park safety warning, car is in park, and cannot move at all, Cannot start because vehicle does not believe it is in park. Have been stranded multiple times on this error.
Steering, May 29, 2024
I just purchased a used 2021 GMC Sierra after having for a month the SERVICE POWER STEERING came on, I took it in for service and was told the part is on back order. Not to worried if the dealership and GM sold it to me that way. I am going to drive it and hope and pray that nothing bad happens. And if it does i will be getting a Lawyer.
Steering, Mar 8, 2024
Alignment Cam Guide Pins sheared off while driving on highway. Alignment went all over the place and car was drifting side to side. Also, steering wheel spun a quarter turn while car was not turning but still driving on highway. Almost caused me to crash. GMC does not want to acknowledge the issue or allow me to file a warranty claim. Car could not be driven to GM dealership safely and had to be repaired at closest shop
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 29, 2023
"Service parking brake" "steering assist is reduced drive with care" comments showed up on screen…check engine light on, truck shaking/ vibrating completely as if wanting to turn off this all happened while driving on the road and randomly happened…please help..very Concerned
Steering, May 9, 2023
Steering wheel stopped working
Steering, Apr 22, 2023
My 2021 gmc Sierra displays (service power steering with care) the truck only has 13184 miles and barely moves.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 14, 2023
While driving home from work around 6 am, my car had multiple warning lights and warning messages come up all of a sudden. Immediately after that I lost my power brakes and steering and was not able to control my car at 40 mph. I was lucky the light I passed was green and there was no other traffic. I was able to bring my truck to a stop after more than a quarter mile by putting all my weight on the brake pedal. The truck was towed to the dealer and has been there ever since.
Steering, Apr 12, 2023
I parked my car for about an hour after driving for months with absolutely no issues or warnings. When I started my car and went to pull off the steering wheel locked up and I couldn’t turn it. A message appeared on the screen saying: Service power steering drive with care, and an esc message. A light also appeared. I turned the car off and let it sit for an hour. When I started it again everything worked fine. My dealership won't do anything because the warning codes went away, and the vehicle is not included in any current recalls. When looking up this problem it appears there are multiple recalls for the exact same issue on other 2021 Yukon and Tahoe models but not the Sierra. Though I see many forums and threads complaining about the same problem on the Sierra's. Since it is the same vehicle and systems as the Yukon, shouldn't the same recall apply?
Steering, Service brakes, Sep 19, 2022
I start my car and I went to pull off and the steering wheel locked up and I couldn’t turn it and it was just stuck going to sit power steering EC something. And then came home parked the car few days later try driving it and then the ABS brake light came on warning me not to go over 65 mph and my brakes pad feel really loose now.
Steering, Suspension, Lane departure, Aug 18, 2022
I took my truck to the dealership because of my issues and they said they had many trucks going in with the same issue but there was no fix to it. The issues Popping Noise Heard On Hard Turns and/or Going Over Speed Bumps, Creaking Noise While Turning Wheel Left and/or Right, Clicking Noise Heard On Slow Sharp Turns.Also when you go over a bump the truck makes a spring loud noise to the point that the whole truck bounces. shifter is also very hard when you try to change gears.