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
572 reports, newest first.
Engine, Aug 28, 2026
Driving on the highway lost proportion/acceleration, loud knocking coming from the engine
Power train, Aug 28, 2026
Rear wheel lock up. Very unsafe. I am on my 3rd valve body for my transmission. GM doesn’t want to replace transmission but will warranty for 150k miles. I bumped a semi during one of my lock ups.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle began to shake uncontrollably. A knocking sound was heard from the engine, and the vehicle entered limp mode. No warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall, and the contact was advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 81,000.
Engine, Aug 28, 2026
I had the L87 recall completed, and the vehicle passed inspection. The dealership completed the required protocol and replaced the engine oil with 0W-40. Approximately 6,000 miles later, while traveling at about 75 mph and six hours from home, I experienced a brief loss of power followed by an immediate return of power. My wife and I noticed it but, with no warning lights or alerts, continued driving while monitoring the vehicle. About 10 miles later, we began hearing a faint squealing noise that progressively became worse. I was able to exit the highway safely, but once I came to a complete stop, the engine shut off and would not restart. I had the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership, where it was determined that I had suffered a catastrophic engine failure. No loaner vehicle was available, leaving my family stranded six hours from home with an inoperable vehicle. It took approximately seven to eight weeks for the repair to be completed. When I received the vehicle back, I immediately noticed something still was not right. At around 40 mph and 1,000 RPM, the truck would shudder or hesitate. My local dealership diagnosed a poor spark plug connection on cylinder #3, which was causing arcing and a misfire. After the connection was repaired, the issue was resolved. My local dealership is currently working with the repairing dealership to address several minor workmanship issues, including wire clips, fittings, and missing bolts. This entire event was unexpected. There were no warning lights, alerts, or unusual noises before the initial loss of power. The only indication of a problem was the sudden power loss followed shortly thereafter by a horrific screeching noise. Thankfully, I was able to safely exit the highway and bring the vehicle to a stop. Considering I was traveling at 75 mph, the situation could have been much worse.
Engine, Aug 28, 2026
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 equipped with 6.2L L87 engine. At approximately 97,000 miles, the engine developed a significant knocking noise. I immediately took the vehicle to an authorized GMC dealership for diagnosis. The dealer determined that the engine required replacement but advised that my VIN was not included in GM Recall 25V-274. The dealer quoted approximately $15,000 for replacement. I subsequently had an independent repair facility replace the failed engine with a genuine GM replacement engine at a cost of approximately $12,400. I am reporting this because the failure appears similar to the L87 engine bearing/crankshaft failures addressed by Recall 25V-274, despite my VIN not being included in that recall.
Engine, Aug 28, 2026
My vehicle is on a recall list. Took it to the dealership for engine vibration test. They changed oil and put on a new cap. My engine blew up a couple weeks later. They replaced my motor. It blew up on the mechanics test drive. I'm now waiting on my 3rd motor. They have had it for over 5 months now.
Electrical system, Aug 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH near the residence with the contact's daughter as a passenger, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of motive power when depressing the accelerator pedal. Several unspecified warning lights illuminated. The contact and the passenger pushed the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the electrical system experienced a severe power loss and the electrical modules were damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The low oil level was observed, and the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was previously serviced at the dealer, where it was discovered that the oil was 3 quarts low at approximately 56,653 miles. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed. After driving 3,000 miles, it was observed that the oil level was 2 quarts low on July 16, 2024. The dealer confirmed there was no recall coverage, and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the dealer and manufacturer confirmed the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 59,075.
Power train, Engine, Aug 25, 2026
For close to one year, there feels like a catch, grind, stall, or slight shake, mostly while the vehicle is shifting gears, made worse or noticed more by higher speeds like driving on the highway vs. slow city streets. It's difficult to explain or assess so not sure if it is the engine or transmission. With the open recall from GMC on some vehicles with the same engine as mine it is concerning that maybe it should have been included.
Engine, Aug 25, 2026
While driving down an isolated 2 lane road in West Texas, the engine in my 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 began making knocking sounds and vibrating badly. The truck's acceleration was extremely sluggish and the vibration worsened at slow speeds. I was able to slowly make my way back towards a dealership, where the diagnostic teardown revealed a bent pushrod and camshaft damage.
Engine, Aug 22, 2026
While driving my son to school we were driving 45 mph and the entire engine shut off and lost all power. Engine would not restart. Took it to the dealer and was told the engine was dead.
Engine, Aug 22, 2026
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine oil consumption system/engine is experiencing excessive oil consumption. My 2021 GMC Sierra is equipped with the 6.2L engine, and the engine is consuming oil at a rate that I believe is abnormally high. The vehicle and engine are available for inspection upon request. I am also concerned that my vehicle may be affected by an engine-related recall or safety campaign associated with this engine. When attempting to verify the recall status, the system appears to have an error and is not identifying my vehicle. I am requesting that the vehicle’s VIN and engine configuration be manually verified against all applicable recalls and safety campaigns. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The excessive oil consumption creates a potential safety concern because I am concerned that the engine could become critically low on oil while I am driving, potentially resulting in engine damage, loss of power, or complete engine failure. This could occur while traveling at highway speeds or in an area where it may be difficult or unsafe to stop. I regularly travel with my family, which increases my concern about the possibility of an unexpected engine failure and the potential risk to my passengers and other motorists. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. I previously addressed this issue with Newton Chevrolet in [XXX], and later took the vehicle to Malcolm Chevrolet in [XXX], after continuing to experience concerns about excessive oil consumption. Malcolm Chevrolet tested the vehicle and confirmed that it is consuming oil at an excessive rate. The prior visit to Newton Chevrolet and the subsequent confirmation by Malcolm Chevrolet demonstrate that this concern has been reported and evaluated by more than one dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Aug 21, 2026
I purchased this truck from a used car dealer. It had received the fix in January this year. They sold it to me I put 15,000.00 down and financed 15,000.00. I had the truck two weeks and was driving down the road to pick up some tools from a friends. I pulled from a drive way I heard a pop likei hit something In The road nothing was in the drive or road I could have hit. I made it two stop signs to make the turn too go pick up the tools and as I am slowing down to stop the stuck shuts off at like 45 miles an hour and leaves me comming to a stop with a truck crank crank crank no start. Cause it said shift I to neutral to restart. I did and the engine went to cranking over and o er really fast. And I was Abel to get control and get stopped at stop sign blocking the stop sign and a guy with a boat behind me. My friend came with his truck and pulled me from intersection up into His yard. And I had car lot I bought it from come get it they tried to finance me a motor thru there prefers dealer. I went to them they explained that the cams and timing chain was staying still as they turned the engine Over by hand. The timing chain stayed staionary. I researched the truck online figured out there is a l87 recall and had it taken to dealer they are offering good will payment on labor because it is 6, 000 miles past the 150000 dead line Wich I only placed just over a thousand of the 156000 miles on this truck. I have been without this truck for 31 days as of today. And I feel they should replace entire engine. I Am so frustrated with this cause I already payed 15000 and don’t have the money to fix this truck.
Structure, Aug 13, 2026
rear sliding window has plastic body seam that is broken allowing water to leak into the truck and cause mold and rust
Power train, Aug 12, 2026
Transmission Valve Body failure. - Caused wheels to lockup momentarily and killed the engine with sudden loss of propulsion. Link to video of incident: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle speed control, Aug 12, 2026
Push on accelerator truck barely would go, shifted hard, codes check engine lights flashing, engine sounded bad
Engine, Aug 12, 2026
2021 6.2L GMC Sierra Denali. Has the L87 engine that is recalled but yet my truck doesn’t fall under the recall although the recall is for 2021-2024 engines. Everything that the engine recall states is the issue with my truck, I have service report from dealership stating that there is wear/breakage of cam shaft/crank shaft amongst other things including cylinder 3 and 5 misfiring , bearings broken , filings in the oil , banging in the engine and safety lights on. My local GMC dealership recommended that the only acceptable action was to replace the engine at my cost of course. This is unacceptable of a supposed reputable large corporation not caring about the “little guy”. The truck only has 136000 kms on it and I was only going 60 km/hr when this happened. Please help as I feel GM knows this engine is faulty but somehow has managed to escape a recall on my vin number
Visibility/wiper, Aug 11, 2026
A small drip started approximately 18 months ago from top middle of left side window in rear slider. It was first mistaken as blow by from car wash. Leaking slowly progressed to dripping down middle of both side windows in rear sliders. Leaking progressed to drops coming from under headliner then dropping on side portions of rear slider. It then would drip onto seat or behind seats. Leakage was consistent with TSB 18-NA-383 as well as 20-NA-142 and 24-NA-103. In discussing with dealership, they recommended likely microfractures and sealant process called for in bulletins would likely resolve matter. As due diligence, spoke with independent glass shop to confirm. Glass shop indicated would not know until physically checked cracks/source of leak and looked for damage but based upon photos it appeared to be several frame fractures consistent with bulletins. I arranged rear slider replacement through independent shop. Upon pulling OEM slider, numerous stress cracks and fractures were noted. These included stain marks from water intrusion. Photos included showing original leaking as well as sample of cracks in original OEM plastic frame portion.
Power train, Aug 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shuddering, especially while driving uphill. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed and determined to have a failure associated with a GM TSB for the incorrect transmission fluid inside the transmission reservoir. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,875.
Engine, Jul 31, 2026
Engine temp rises way above mid-level and will stay there for several minutes before cooling back down to normal temps. 2 different mechanic shops have told me it's the coolant control valve, but want $2500 to fix it. This service bulletin is for the same year, make, model, and motor as my truck, but the dealership said it wasn't covered.
Engine, Jul 31, 2026
P1010 and P2B86 engine code, constant cooling fan on engine. Confirmed by dealership, quoted for coolant control valve. VIN not included in special coverage N252508341 for this known issue. Limited engine power alert, unable to maintain speed on highway. Dangerous condition traveling under speed limit.
Power train, Engine, Jul 30, 2026
2021 Harley Davidson Sierra 4WD, 6.2L L87. Started the truck in the morning and immediately heard intermittent, very loud banging noise coming from engine. Shut truck down quickly and had it towed to dealer. Diagnosis was bent pushrods & failed lifters which were replaced under warranty. Factory warranty expired only 4 months after this failure, and the recall does not include my VIN so I did not get an extended warranty or any other protection. GM has yet to even reimburse the tow bill. Completely unacceptable for a truck that was well over $100k when new.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 29, 2026
CORRODED GROUNDING STRAP FAILED CYLINDER 5 GLOW PLUG CIRCUIT CRACKED AND SEPARATED EXHAUST BACKPRESSURE VALVE
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power, decelerated, and failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. After exiting the freeway, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then later towed to the dealer for assistance. The contact was informed that there were metal shavings inside the engine oil. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 149,000.
Engine, Jul 27, 2026
The vehicle has about 38000. The warrantee expired about 6 months ago. About three weeks ago I started the engine, it sounded like a cement mixer filled with rocks. I had it taken to my dealer. They investigated the problem and determined that it has bad lifters and bent push rods. The dealer told me that it is a known problem but it is not covered by the current 6.2l engine recall