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, Jan 15, 2023
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 6.2L engine, Little over 39000 miles, Purchesed May 2021. This is the second time the vehicle has had this issue. The first time was aprox 15000 miles. I reported the issue to NHTSA-ODI on 6 Dec 2021 tracking # 11442943. I was driving down the interstate I heard a rattling coming from the engine (same as I had heard with the first issue). The check engine came on I ask On Star to do a digonsotic report (see attached report). The report indicated a Fuel Management System issue detected advised to reduce vehicle speed and pay load as possible. I was told by GM certified mechanics that this issue could cause the engine to lock up and come to a complete stop on the roadway. I fill that these vehicle are unsafe to operate under these conditions and may cause serious accidents. GM has known about these issues with these vehicles for several years and has failed to correct the problem.
Electrical system, Jan 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds with the ONSTAR/GPS, turn-by-turn driving directions activated, there was an unknown notification flashing on the instrument panel and radio. The speedometer was obstructed and failed to work as needed. The screen sporadically went blank. While depressing the dismiss button on the steering wheel, the button failed to correct the failure. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the system was rebooted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer and the contact was informed to turn off the vehicle, open the door, and then restart the vehicle to reboot the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Bill Cramer Chevrolet Buick GMC (2251 W 23rd St, Panama City, FL 32405) but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 10,450.
Exterior lighting, Jan 2, 2023
During winter/snow driving snow accumulates on the headlights and causes a partial to total loss of visibility. This has happened multiple times during winter months. Cleaning the headlights requires exiting the vehicle in a potentially dangerous situation. This may occur after every few miles or less depending on the conditions.
Electrical system, Jan 2, 2023
My truck’s battery is dead after sitting for a few days. There is a manufacturing deficit causing parasitic draw. This is a safety issue because it leaves us stranded after parking the vehicle for a few days. The General Motors dealership refuses to do it anything about it. They claim it’s normal.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 16, 2022
15000 MILES LIFTER FAILURE IN TRAFFIC HIGHWAY AT SPEED 70 MPH LOST POWER ENGINE FAILED MULTILANE HIGHWAY RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC NO WARNING FAILURE
Other or unspecified, Dec 15, 2022
I have a 2021 GC Sierra 1500, The guidance lines in the display when in reverse go from non-existent to barely visible and are not usable especially in sunlight. The service man at Miller Chevrolet in Marianna Fla says GMC is aware of the problem, that it was caused by the last update download and will be fixed by another download to correct the problem. He also says the same issue is nationwide and all trucks have the issue which I find hard to believe. 1.If that were true it would be a simple matter of a few lines of code to correct the problem. 2. I have been chasing this problem since October and have now made four trips to the dealership. 3. I cannot believe all trucks have this issue and also I suspect the same backup system is in all GMC vehicles regardless of type. 4. I cannot believe GMC would allow such a problem to exist since the last update download which was months ago. 5. I contacted GMC Customer Care in October after the dealership told me they had no idea what was causing the issue. I have had a case number [XXX] since that time. I was told on the first call that if necessary a Tech would be sent to fix the problem. Today I called asking for a tech to be sent only to be told I had to take it to another dealership and try them before a Tech could be sent! I have two questions, can you help with this and does this qualify as a "lemon law" case? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Service brakes, Dec 13, 2022
All 4 brake rotors are warped according to my local GMC dealership. They also told me all of the inside brake pads are worn twice as much as the outer pads, which in my opinion indicates a manufacturing and/or computer controller issue. Safety is an issue when the inside brake pad wears down to metal while the outers are still over 75% of new thickness. GMC dealer told me they're seeing this on countless Sierra trucks made in the past few years but there is no recall and GMC will not cover it under warranty. First symptom was slight pulsing while braking downhill. 2-3 weeks later my brake pad wear indicator read 82% front, 88% rear. The following day it gave me an error message saying "service brake monitor" so I took it to my GMC dealer which is when they told me my brake pads and rotors all need to be replaced but the truck only had 22800 miles on it at that time. They said it could still be driven and pass inspection. Since then I have contacted GMC about them covering it and I have not made any progress. GMC has had numerous brake issues resulting in recalls in the past 3-6 years but unfortunately this particular issue has not yet reached recall status. I hope this gets resolved before I am forced to pay for brake replacements out of pocket, which nobody should have to do on a vehicle with so little miles on it. The work order invoice I uploaded indicates ""pads at wear limit, both front and rear" but it does not specify what the technician and service advisor told me regarding only the inside pads are worn. However I do have a recording of the service advisor telling me that if needed. You'll also notice that I uploaded a copy of the state inspection done by them that same day which indicates my brake system passed the requirements. Please help.
Fuel/propulsion system, Fuel system, Diesel, Nov 25, 2022
Within 100 miles after purchasing this truck from GMC (used with 74K miles)I got messages both on my phone and later through inspection at GMC service center that the DEF system had a problem. The check engine light came on then off as well.I was getting messages saying I only had so many miles before the DEF system needed more fluid even though the tank was full or near full. The dealer here in Tucson indicated there was a bulletin on this problem and ordered parts for the repair. I was informed it was not a recall and I would have to pay over $800.00 for this repair. To date the dealer has had my truck for 2 weeks. Additionally, another message said insufficient coolant flow so they are installing a new coolant pump to be paid for by an after market warranty which I purchased at the time I bought the truck. This repair is over $1000.00
Service brakes, Nov 10, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the grandson was driving in stop-and-go traffic, the braking system suddenly malfunctioned causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of a second vehicle. The grandson was driving approximately 10 MPH when suddenly while pressing the brake pedal to stop the message "brake failure" displayed before the vehicle crashed into the rear of the second vehicle. During the crash, no injuries were reported and a police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the master cylinder and brake booster and the failure was remedied. The failure mileage was 21,539
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the dashboard gauges, instrument cluster, and infotainment center malfunctioned and became inoperable. Additionally, while starting the vehicle, there was a loud cranking sound coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle would not immediately start. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 100.
Engine, Oct 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went into Limp Mode with the check engine, DEF tank, and emission warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer replaced several unknown sensors; however, the failure recurred. The dealer determined that the computer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Structure, Oct 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, it was discovered that the electronic multifunction tailgate had erroneously opened. Also, during the failure the tailgate struck a scooter lift that was attached to the vehicle. Both the tailgate and the scooter lift were damaged. The contact indicated that the failure had occurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The contact was concerned that if a heavy load was being carried at the time of the failure it might have fallen onto a busy freeway. The failure mileage was 6,000.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Sep 24, 2022
The driver-side mirror on my 2021 GMC sierra is unusable at freeway speed. When traveling at freeway speed the glass moves due to wind and causes the reflection in the mirror to be blurry. The reflection from the mirror is blurry to the point that I'm unable to identify objects in the mirror and it is difficult to gauge size and closing speed of any objects in the mirror. The issue has been with the vehicle since I purchased it new in June of 2021. The issue has been reproduced by two different dealership service centers and the entire driver-side mirror assembly has be replaced twice with the issue persisting. I have videos showing the issue but they are too large of files to upload on this form.
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.
Back over prevention, Aug 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that he had received an unknown Manufacturer recall notification related to the Back Over Prevention camera. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall repair was performed. Upon return of the vehicle, the grid pattern on the camera was very dim and was not visible to the contact while in use. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where he was informed that the recall was performed correctly and that no further repair could be performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was then referred to Bob Clapper Automotive (3601 E Milwaukee St, Janesville, WI 535460) for further assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer offered no further assistance. The dealer provided the same information as the original dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 7,000.
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.
Tires, Aug 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 equipped with General Tires, Tire Line: Grabber HTS60, Tire Size: 275/60 R20, DOT Number: (NA). The contact stated while driving 15 MPH in a parking lot, the rear passenger’s side sustained a blowout. The contact stated that the low tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and replaced the rear passenger’s side tire with the spare. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be serviced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The tire manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,700.
Electrical system, Jun 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to operate as needed. The service parking brake, check engine, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to damaged electrical wiring caused by rodents. The contact was informed by the dealer that the wiring insulation was made from soy-based materials. The vehicle was repaired three times due to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 23,300.
Engine, Jun 7, 2022
Engine lifters failure, caused ESC light to come on and check engine light and other dash lights. Lack of power from engine causing dangerous driving in traffic.
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 3, 2022
When using adaptive cruise the brakes have engaged aggressively without cause. This has happened several times prior to my discontinuing the use of this option. I have not had it in for service yet (we just returned from vacation).
Power train, Engine, Jun 2, 2022
1 June 2022, while driving, started hearing a clicking noise from front end, under hood. Took to local GM dealer, Mechanic drove with me, and he heard the noise, said he would order a part and safe to drive. So, I went home. 2 June 2022 started same vehicle, a very loud banging, clicking, shuttering noise from under hood, I took back to same dealer, Dealer said collapsed valve lifter. GM service notice says for dealer to fix under warranty. Apparently, a known problem with MANY 2021 GMC 5.3 L engines. PLEASE MAKE GM RECALL THIS ISSUE FOR REPAIRDS
Service brakes, Electrical system, May 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that when pulling a trailer with electric brakes with their vehicle, a warning light stating to check the trailer would illuminate on their instrument panel. The warning light would also state that the electric brakes had disconnected and then reconnected shortly after. The failure would occur on a consistent basis. The main control computer system in the center where the radio is located would flash the message that the trailer brake gain not been recalled. The contact contacted the dealer who confirmed that the computer system was known to have an issue due to the interference between the electric brakes and the LAD lights on the vehicle, however, there was no recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 21,000.
Electrical system, Apr 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while using the GPS, the digital speedometer failed to operate as needed. The contact notified the dealer of the failure and the system was rebooted; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 1,000.
Steering, Apr 19, 2022
As I was driving out of the parking lot my power steering suddenly was lost. A message appeared on the screen saying: Service Power Steering Drive with care and an esc message. A light also appeared. I was not able to steer at all and had to turn the truck off. I tried multiple times. After 5 minutes the message cleared as did the light. A day later (today- 4/19)the same thing happened in the parking lot. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. I have an appointment with the dealer. When looking up this problem it appears there are multiple recalls on other 2021 models but not the Sierra though I see many complaints about the same problem on the Sierra's. This is not safe and needs to be looked into further.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 10, 2022
My truck shakes/shutters at random times. while steadily driving at constant speed and/ or shakes/shutters even more when I try to accelerate.