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.
Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2024
The Flex Tailgate has on multiple occasions has malfunctioned in cold temperatures. I have had instances where I can get it open when I have vital supplies in the bed of my truck because of the Tonneau Cover being on (I have a hard cover made for this truck) and the tailgate malfunctioning. I have also had an instance where my tailgate opened (after clicking shut) while driving without the notification coming up on my dash. I could've been held liable if my equipment fell out and caused an accident. Moral of the story this truck as a lot of issues when temps are below freezing even after being warmed up for 15 minutes or longer. I wouldn't recommend this truck based on the function of the Flex Tailgate. I would prefer a classic a handle and less tech now that I have seen it fail so many times.
Service brakes, Jan 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes seized, and the service brakes warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle jerked forward. The vehicle was driven to the residence and parked. The contact stated that the vehicle was turned off; however, the service brakes warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,500.
Electrical system, Dec 3, 2023
My 2021 GMC 1/2 Serria SLT 4x4 Crew Cab short bed, V-8 Gas engine with Automatic Transmission. I bought this pickup used with apprx. 41k miles on it. I had it about 2 months when I went out to start it and the battery was completely discharged, it would not even click or any lights come on. I hooked it up to a battery charger and got it started, took it to a shop and had the battery and alternator check which both were ok. Drove back home and went out the next morning and the battery was completely drained again, got it started and went an put in a new battery. 16 days later it did the same thing this time it smelled like wires burning when I opened the hood. Called the dealer I bought it from and they put it on a diagnostic machine for over 3 hours could not find anything. Then next morning the battery was again completely drained. Got it started and took it to another shop to get it checked out and after almost 3 hours there they found nothing. Came back home an it sat for just over 40 hours and again the battery was completely drained. I could smell what I think is plastic or rubber when I opened the hood again. My main concern is that this may be a fire hazard and could not only burn up my pick up but my house as well. The check engine light has came on but goes off so I am at a complete loss on this and seems as if GM is not concerned either. I have tried contacting GM but so far nothing other than a note from GM Canada that I need to contact the GM USA, and again that is the only thing I have gotten from anyone. Perhaps this is just a odd thing, I don't know but I do know it is not a safe thing.
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Nov 28, 2023
5 days after purchasing and While driving down the interstate at 80 mph, there was a loud clunk at the same time the back wheels locked up for a split second, long enough to burn the tires and throw everyone in the vehicle forward then the vehicle continued on. It happened three more times, we trailered it and brought it to the dealer. They said nothing is wrong with it. However, I was able to locate the previous owners who stated they'd been bringing it to several dealerships to have it taken care of for the past six months and every dealer said that nothing is wrong with it. But the same thing happened to them for six months. One mechanic in Idaho even replaced the motor trying to fix it and it still continued. The dealer I purchased from never mentioned it having a new motor, and I pulled the Carfax report and it shows several times it was in the shop including the motor replacement, but the shop visits aren't detailed it just says maintenance. Several mechanics we've spoken with say it's in the transmission, drivetrain. But the dealer refuses to do anything unless it'll replicate when they test drive it. But they don't test drive it on the highway or for a long enough time. Multiple owners now in multiple states the same problem and no one will help. This could be a catastrophic incident if the roads had been a little wet or someone was close enough behind us when it happened it would have been a serious car accident, if not worse. I am not sure you can help but Im reaching out to everything that I can find.
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
Engine, Sep 19, 2023
Lifters camshaft malfunction. Known issue with 2021 GMC Sierra 20,000 miles
Electrical system, Sep 18, 2023
Tailgate opens when driving and when parked. I thought something must of hit the button on the dash the first time it happened but now it is constantly doing it on its own. It has damaged the hitch.
Service brakes, Aug 25, 2023
WHEN DRIVING HOME AFTER PICKING UP MY 2.5-YEAR-OLD AND 6-MONTH-OLD THE BREAKS FELT VERY ODD AND NOT RIGHT. WHEN I APPLIED THEM, IT FELT ROUGH TO APPLY AND THEN HEARD A NASTY SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OFF TRUCK. I TOOK MY TRUCK IMMEDIATELY TOO THE DEALER AND JUST GOT THE PHONE CALL BACK THAT THE MASTER CYCLINDER FOR MY BRAKE SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE HAS 22,500 MILES ON IT AND IT ALREADY NEEDS SOMETHING FIXED LIKE THIS IS PRETTY SCARY SINCE MY FRIEND JUST HAD IT HAPPEN TO THEM AND THEY GOT IN A MAJOR CAR ACCIDENT. THANK GOD I DIDNT HAVE TO PUT MY FAMILY THROUGH THAT. HAVING A BREAK FAILURE IS SOMETHING NOONE WANTS AND NOT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PRETTY MUCH BRAND NEW STILL. THE DEALER HAS CONFIRMED THAT THIS IS A VERY RARE CODE IN TERMS THEY USED TO BE HAPPENING. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT OR ANYTHING IT JUST HAPPENED THEN AS I WAS TAKING IT UP TO THE DEALER, I GOT THE SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM ALERT ON MY DASH.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 10, 2023
After having simple oil and filter, and engine and cabin filter replaced at Alpine Buick GMC in Colorado Springs, CO, I received my vehicle back and noticed a complete difference in performance. It hesitates when accelerating, stays low in every gear, and bounces, and I mean bounces hard, when shifting gears, especially slowing down. When slowing down, as it shifts to the next lower gear, it almost pushes the truck forward against me pushing the breaks. Then, when feathering to accelerate slowly, it almost bounces back up to speed, hesitating until I let off the accelerator pedal a little, and it immediately shifts to about 1000 rpm in gear. I have to push really hard for it to go up a gear, and when it does, it has lost all power. My vehicle doesn’t run right anymore after my service appt. I have brought it to my hometown dealership and they say it runs fine and nothings wrong. But there is something wrong with it.
Power train, Aug 7, 2023
Transmission shifting is at times confused causing the vehicle to jump forward shifting to first gear. It pushes your vehicle 2-5 miles an hr faster when slowing down. The transmission also does the opposite when letting off the accelerator, shifting fast to a lower gear slowing the vehicle down quickly in a jerking motion at times. I have an 8 speed transmission. GMC dealer is replacing my torque converter, stating this may fix the issue, but it is a safety concern.
Electrical system, Jun 19, 2023
My son got into the car to drive it and saw a black screen with a message that states “update failed, see dealer” and had multiple languages. Since that date, he has no GPS or backup cam, which he relies on as a new driver. Nothing at all in the info system works.
Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2023, crash
I have HD surround vision cameras. I was parallel parking very slowly. The back end of my truck was in so I was watching the camera to see the front right of my truck and the back left of the other vehicle. I could see both vehicles including the road between them. There was space between the vehicles on the camera when I hit the other car. I called Sewell Buick Gmc and explained the camera might need calibrating. They sent a loaner car and picked mine up, When the driver arrived I explained the situation. It surprised his so I said get in my truck and put in reverse to activated the camera and watch me as I walk toward the right front tire. He saw mw as I approached, however, when I got right next to the tire I disappeared from she screen. GM said the vehicle was operating as designed. Operating as designed? They designed a SURROUND camera to show objects until they get next to the vehicle. Imagine if it was a toddler.
Steering, May 9, 2023
Steering wheel stopped working
Other or unspecified, May 8, 2023
I have a GMC Sierra 2021 Denali. The vehicle currently has less than 16,000 mile and is at the dealership service department for lifter replacement. This is an extensive repair considering how new the vehicle with low miles. From extensive online research and collaborating with others, this is a common concern with multiple GMC vehicle that's been on GMC radar starting in 2017. GMC haven't yet issued a recall for these products and the consumers are footing the bills. Please put pressure on GMC to rectify their wrong.
Electrical system, May 2, 2023
While towing a new 2023 Airstream trailer on Interstate route 95 in New Hampshire my GMC Sierra truck driver display flashes a " check Trailer wiring" error message. When this message appears all brake function to trailer is lost makeing driving unsafe. The connection sometimes can intermittently and continuously reconnect momentarily and brakes reengage for seconds until they disengage again with repeated "check Trailer wiring" error message . Sometimes the brakes just disengage end never reconnect until error codes is cleared by GMC dealership. It's extremely unsafe to pull off exit and have trailer brakes reengage because they jam with high gain because vehicle brakes need to be applied very hard to over compensate for "NO" trailer brakes. GMC dealership has identified certain error codes with their computer but NO suggested fix!
Engine, Apr 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The independent mechanic was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the independent mechanic had previously replaced the lifters, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,095.
Steering, Apr 22, 2023
My 2021 gmc Sierra displays (service power steering with care) the truck only has 13184 miles and barely moves.
Tires, Apr 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the tire pressure warning light illuminated and that the TPMS sensor was not indicating the pressure for each tire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that no failure was found; however, the TPMS was reset, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the TPMS was reprogramed, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 5,000.
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?
Engine, Apr 6, 2023
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE ENGINE STARTED SKIPPING AND STARTED BLOWING OUT BLACK SMOKE, AND QUIT RUNNING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. FOUND OUT THE HAD A FACTORY LIFTER DEFECT ON MY MODEL AND A SERVICE UPDATE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE DONE ON THE TRUCK CHANGING OUT THE LIFTERS HOWEVER EVEN THOUGH I HAVE GONE TO DEALERSHIP FOR ALL THE MAINTENANCE THE SERVICE HAD NEVER BEEN DONE OR TOLD TO ME. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS JUST ENGINE FAILURE THE SERVICE BY GMC N212353840
Engine, Apr 4, 2023
I was operating my vehicle in northern Minnesota with a temperature well below freezing. Vehicle warning light came on that said "turn off vehicle" which I did. When I went to start it again it would not turn over. It appeared that a large amount of oil had expelled from the vehicle. It was very dangerous as I was in a very remote area with very poor cell service and extremely cold temperatures. I couldn't even run the vehicle to stay warm. The vehicle was towed to the nearest GMC dealership where they examined the vehicle and stated that the seal of the oil filter had blown off. They further stated that the oil filter which was installed by Valvoline was the wrong size. Valvoline tested the Champion oil filter and came back with findings that the filter was the correct size and noted no damage to the filter. Either there is an unknown problem with the GM engine or the Champion oil filter. Each corporation continues to point fingers at each others product.
Service brakes, Mar 10, 2023
I bought a loaner 2021 GM Sierra 1500 in Aug. 2021 from Starling Buick GMC, Venice, FL with 1600 miles on it. I used the Sierra to move items from my houses in my trailer from both FL to PA and PA to FL. On each trip The trailer brake controller would go out while driving. The first time it occurred was on a trip from FL to PA, during this trip it happened at least four times. Upon arrival in PA I took it to Kelly Buick GMC in Allentown, PA. They looked over the vehicle, saw there were codes in history indicating an issue with the trailer brake system but could not replicate it or pinpoint what part of the system was faulty. The dealer told me that GM will not fix it if it is in history only if it is currently giving a code. On the return trip back to FL from PA, same thing several times it occurred, took it back to the selling dealer Starling, and they gave me the same speech as Kelly , can't fix it without a current code. Next trip from FL to PA, same thing took it to Kelly again, same response. Back to FL from PA, same thing, Starling gave me the same response, they can't and won't do anything. I told Starling service rep I guess I need to die before you do anything, she was completely indifferent to my comment and backed GM without any regard for my safety. It is sporadic and inconsistent and obviously only occurs when there is a trailer attached. They said it was my trailer so I took it to a trailer mechanic, we tested it on its own and on another vehicle with no problem. The brake controller failed while hauling a trailer potentially allowing a serious if not deadly accident with improper braking capabilities. Even though two dealers in two different states acknowledge there is an issue they refuse to correct it because they can not replicate it. The brake controller lights would go out as you're driving indicating the brake controller is not connected to the trailer and providing a supplemental braking system. 2022 and 2023 have this issue.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 23, 2023, fire
Less than 5 minutes after my husband and 2 children parked the car and came inside, a neighbor walking rang our doorbell to let us know there was something on fire in our driveway. We ran to the back to find his truck engulfed in flames coming from the engine. We quickly called 911 and exited the house/property. The truck continued to burn with 20-25 foot flames and very black smoke for about 40 minutes until the fire department was able to control the fire. The fire was hot enough that the entire engine was significantly burnt, the seats and steering wheel were gone, the glass shattered and melted, and the tires exploded and melted. Thankfully, everyone was out of harms way and safe through this incident. However, it has been extremely traumatic on my family and neighbors and has taken a lot of time and energy to try to deal with this. The car sat in our driveway for over 2 weeks with a very potent smell causing headaches until GM and our insurance finally investigated. There is damage to our siding, driveway, landscaping, basketball hoop, trampoline, and neighbors fence. The car was only 2 years old and scares me how quickly it went up in flames and how much worse this could have been either 3 minutes earlier or if it was parked in our garage.
Air bags, Seat belts, Jan 18, 2023
I get a "Service Safety Restraint System" warning sporadically when driving. No known cause and the vehicle has never been in an accident. This started happening after my last service at Capital Buick GMC in Smyrna, GA on January 6th, 2023.