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, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 1, 2021
The truck has 7500 miles on it and the check engine light keeps coming on then goes back off. It is impossible to schedule service as the light goes off before it gets to dealer. The when driving the truck many times the check engine light will flash for a minute or so and then remain on steady. This is very frustrating and the dealer has found nothing. It has happened probably 10 times since the truck was new and continues now. The truck was just serviced and the dealer found nothing causing this.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 27, 2021
Driving the car it started backfiring and then the ESC light came on and the car engine seemed to become erratic as well as steering and braking error messages and the check engine started blinking. Very scary before I got it pulled over and very thankful I wasn’t on the highway etc. I’m seeing all the issues online sounds like the supposed fixes for the 2019 models having issues aren’t solving the problem. I bought mine in April and 4 months later it’s become unreliable.
Suspension, Aug 26, 2021
On 22 December 2020, I received a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT X31 Truck. The day that I drove it I notice that the Truck was riding as though it had a low Tire issue. It was riding bouncy. I had no low tire light. I checked the Tire Pressure and they all was over inflated. I brought the pressure back to range, but the Truck was riding the same over rough and bumpy roads that the rear end of the Vehicle was shifting from side too side when you hit a bumpy or on rough roads. it felt like the rear end was coming off the ground very frighten. I called GM they assigned a case number and I took the Truck to Three dealership with the same answer that all bolts were tighten to Spec. Ok I get that, but did not address the problem that the truck is doing. I am not comfortable driving this truck especially when you have no I deal when your terrain will change and the back end of y0our Vehicle moves from side to sider on you.
Engine, Aug 23, 2021
Bought GMC Sierra 1500 brand new. At approximately 2300 miles the engine light started blinking. I took it in and they said they couldn't find anything wrong with it. At 3700 miles it started again and I took it in. It has a bent push rod causing engine failure.
Engine, Jul 29, 2021
GM has a lifter problem that causes complete engine failure. When this happens the engine completely locks up rendering the vehicle completely shutdown. This is happening over and over in early stages of 2021 Chevrolet and GMC Vortec V-8s. Mine happened at 13000 miles on a 2021 6.2L GMC Denali, and GM is only fixing the problem partially and as I understand with the same defective product that just failed. Also it is known this failure likely will happen again as it is a design flaw. If this happens in the wrong traffic situation it will be very dangerous. I am very concerned. When my vehicle was towed to dealer they had 7 other 2021 complete engine failures just like mine waiting for repair.
Engine, Jul 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving in inclement weather, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact looked under the vehicle and saw that engine oil was leaking from a puncture in the oil pan. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,800.
Structure, Jul 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 20-30 mph, she heard abnormal noises coming from the trunk of the vehicle, with no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the dash line had detached from its holder and was rubbing against the frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the drive axle, band, and rear pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 420.
Air bags, Seat belts, Jun 17, 2021
Airbag light and "Service Safety Restraint System" keep flashing on and off intermittently. Sometimes every 5 seconds. Sometimes once or twice a day. This is a known issue with 2021 GM trucks and SUVs. Trying to get vehicle in for service but dealer said they are booked 2 weeks out and won't given loaner vehicles at all anymore. The vehicle has less than 2000 miles on it.
Lane departure, Jun 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the Lane Departure Assist warning failed to activate when the vehicle drifted out of the driving lane. The failure was intermittent. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle operated as intended. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100.
Electrical system, Engine, May 29, 2021
This is the second time I stop at the grocery store for about 15 or 20 min, get back in the car push the start, then the truck keep cranking with no start for about 20 seconds. Then I try second time and it fires up.
Power train, May 17, 2021
THE CONTACT'S FATHER OWNS A 2021 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER FATHER WAS DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE STALLED THREE TIMES ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND WAS TAKEN TO THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS. THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST TOWED TO Bill Kay Buick GMC (2300 Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515) AND DIAGNOSED AS BATTERY FAILURE AND REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO Phillips Chevrolet of Lansing (17730 Torrence Ave, Lansing, IL 60438) AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CABLE CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE BACK FROM THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN DRIVEN TO Zeigler Buick GMC of Lincolnwood (6900 McCormick Blvd, Lincolnwood, IL 60712) BUT WAS NOT YET DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEALER WANTED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
Engine, May 16, 2021
5300 miles and when you accelerate it knocks and or ticks, and loss of power all lights on dash came on
Structure, Visibility/wiper, May 4, 2021
SUN GLARE REFLECTS OFF CENTER CONSOLE CUP HOLDER WITH SUCH INTENSITY IT'S HARD TO FOCUS ON THE ROAD EVEN WITH SUNGLASSES ON.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 24, 2021
THE AUTO STOP FEATURE ON MY TRUCK IS DANGEROUS! THERE IS NO WAY TO PERMANENTLY DISABLE IT. WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STOP, THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT DELAY FOR THE CAR TO RESTART AND GET MOVING! I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN SEVERAL ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS. FORGET THE $20 IN GAS THIS JUNK MIGHT SAVE SOMEONE OVER A YEAR! IT IS DANGEROUS
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Apr 18, 2021, fire
RETURNED HOME AFTER SOME SHOPPING. PARKED TRUCK IN DRIVE WAY. APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES AFTER RETURNING HOME MY WIFE SAW TRUCK SMOKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WITHIN ANOTHER MINUTE OR TWO THERE WERE VISIBLE FLAMES COMING FROM THE BACK EDGE OF THE HOOD. WE CALLED 911. WITHIN 5 MINUTES THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND PUT OUT THE FIRE BUT THE ENTIRE FRONT AND CAB OF THE TRUCK WAS DESTROYED. FIRE INVESTIGATORS DETERMINED FIRE STARTED AT BACK OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT NEAR BATTERY. VEHICLE WAS STOPPED PARKED IN OFF CONDITION. IN MY DRIVEWAY. NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WERE NOTICED ON RIDE HOME AND THERE WERE NO PANEL ALERTS FOR PROBLEMS.
Power train, Mar 27, 2021
TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD WHEN SHIFTING UP AND WHEN DOWNSHIFTING. VEHICLE JERKS WHEN GOING SPEEDS <40 AFTER COMING OFF HIGHWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS >70.
Engine, Feb 19, 2021, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. WITHOUT WARNING AN EXPLOSION OCCURRED. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO VEER TO SHOULDER OF THE ROAD GET OUT THE VEHICLE TO CHECK AND SEE WHAT THE NOISE WAS. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES APPEARED BY THE REAR WHEEL ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE CONTACT GRABBED THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER NO REPORT WAS FILED. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED BUT NO REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO QUALITY BUICK GMC, INC (7901 LOMAS BLVD NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87110 (505) 765 1300) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND DETERMINE THE ENGINE WAS FAULTY THAT WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTIES TO REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT FEELS UNSAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE STARTED AND STARTED AN INVESTIGATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,800.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 19, 2021
WHILE DRIVING DURING WINTER CONDITIONS WITH TEMPERATURE AT 3 DEGREES ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET WITH LIMITED TRAFFIC, THE DIESEL FUEL IN THE FUEL FILTER GELLED UP WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DISPLAY REDUCE POWER MODE AND THEN IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THE OWNERS MANUAL LISTS UTILIZING TOP TIER DIESEL WHICH I DID. WHILE ADDITIVES ARE NOT NORMALLY NEEDED IN MOST STATES TO FUEL FOR FREEZING CONDITIONS EVIDENTLY THEY ARE NEEDED IN OKLAHOMA. THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING IS THE ONLY PLACE WHERE THE FUEL GELLED UP, WHICH APPEARS TO BE A THEME IN MOST GMC DIESEL TRUCKS AND DOES NOT EFFECT FUEL IN THE FUEL TANK DUE TO VOLUME. GMC HAS DONE NOTHING TO IMPROVE THE DESIGN OR INCREASE INSULATION TO THE THIN FUEL FILTER HOUSING. IF I HAD BEEN IN FAST TRAFFIC ON THE INTERSTATE IT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF LIFE.
Steering, Lane departure, Jan 18, 2021
BRAND NEW 2021 SIERRA AT4. KEEP LANE ASSIST HASN'T WORKED SINCE DAY ONE. LANE DEPARTURE WARNING EITHER. IT'S BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE AND STILL NO SOLUTION. IT WON'T TURN ON
Engine, Dec 15, 2020
THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW AND WAS ONLY DRIVEN FOR A WEEK. IT WAS IN MOTION ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED TO SOUND NOISIER THAN USUAL, LIKE THAT OF AN OLDER TRUCK. IT WAS HARD TO NOTICE ON HIGHER SPEEDS ON THE FREEWAY, BUT UPON SLOWING DOWN ON CURVES, IT GOT MORE OBVIOUS THAT SOMETHING WAS REALLY WRONG BECAUSE THE NOISE SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WAS LOOSE INSIDE THE ENGINE. THERE WAS NO 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT OR ANY OTHER WARNING LIGHTS. UPON EXITING THE FREEWAY, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY WHILE IN MOTION. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL IN A PARKING LOT AND PARK IT SAFELY. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START SAFELY AFTER THAT, AND 'CHECK ENGINE' ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING DIAGNOSED AT A DEALERSHIP. LAST UPDATE WAS THAT THE ENGINE WAS BEING TAKEN APART COMPLETELY BECAUSE THEY SAID IT'S DEFINITELY INSIDE IT.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 7, 2020
STARTED VEHICLE EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL SHIFTED VEHICLE INTO DRIVE PROCEEDED FORWARD. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLES STEERING SEIZED I WAS UNABLE TWO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL. IT WAS ALSO VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. MESSAGES CAME UP ON TO DISPLAY READING SERVICE POWER STEERING AND BRIEFLY IMESSAGE ABOUT THE BRAKES FLASHED QUICKLY ON THE MESSAGE BOARD. AT THAT POINT TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AFTER I GOT IT STOPPED TURN IT BACK ON SAME MESSAGE STILL UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL REPEATED THIS SEVERAL TIMES APPROXIMATELY FOR FOURTH TIME THE MESSAGE CLEARED AND THE VEHICLE WAS BACK TO NORMAL. THIS OCCURRED ON A CITY STREET.
Seats, Dec 7, 2020
REACHED FOR A FALLEN OBJECT BETWEEN THE DRIVER AND MIDDLE FRONT SEAT AND THERE IS A RAZOR SHARP PIECE THAT TOOK A LARGE CHUNK OUT OF THE HAND WHICH CAUSED HEAVY BLEEDING AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND JUST TRIED TO RETRIEVE FALLEN OBJECT BETWEEN THE SEATS. THE INCREDIBLY SHARP PARTS NEED TO BE CUT OR REMOVED FROM THIS AND OTHER SIMILAR VEHICLES OR COVERED WITH SOMETHING. IT WAS BARE METAL EXPOSED OUT WITH SHARP EDGES THAT CUT THE RIGHT HAND SO BADLY.