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2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 591 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, most often about the engine (62% of complaints, typically around 58,500 miles). It is 5th of 27 Sierra 1500 model years by number of complaints and has 7 recalls.
Most common 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 problems
Engine
364 complaints · 62%Half of these problems showed up before 58,500 miles. Parts named most often: cooling system, engine.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started making a knocking sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact picked up his son from school and drove the vehicle to the dealer. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the…
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check…
Transmission
142 complaints · 24%Half of these problems showed up before 64,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to turn off the vehicle; however, the vehicle remained running. A message was displayed to shift to park(p). The contact stated that the lights, radio, and other functions remained operational. On another…
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle continued to move forward. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact stated…
Electrical
76 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 31,000 miles. Parts named most often: integrated trailer brake control, wiring, instrument cluster/panel, instrument panel.
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…
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that there was an abnormal change with the RPM. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The…
Other or unspecified
44 complaints · 7%Fuel system
41 complaints · 7%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…
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after driving on a trip, the contact noticed that the vehicle had lost 10 mpg after a software update was performed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to richardson chevrolet (3825 s huron rd, standish, mi 48658), who…
Steering
34 complaints · 6%The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was standstill, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact was instructed by the dealer, to remove the ground cable from…
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds and accelerating out of the neighborhood, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power, with the check engine and eps warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The vehicle…
Brakes
25 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 21,500 miles.
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 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…
Body and structure
13 complaints · 2%Half of these problems showed up before 18,000 miles. Parts named most often: body.
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…
The contact owned a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking erratically, and the vehicle lost motive power. In addition, the contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls
Transmission: software
Risk: Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: valves/valve body
Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Wheels and tires: temporary/emergency spare tire
Risk: An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Seat belts: critical fasteners
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Seat belts: critical fasteners
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Wheels and tires: tires
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
Summary
On january 16, 2026, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened recall query rq26001.â this investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of recall 25v-274. Odi has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General motors (gm) issued recall 25v-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the l87 engines produced between march 1, 2021 and may 31, 2024. Gm cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. Gmâs recall remedy for recall 25v-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
Summary
On january 16, 2026, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened recall query rq26001.â this investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of recall 25v-274. Odi has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General motors (gm) issued recall 25v-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the l87 engines produced between march 1, 2021 and may 31, 2024. Gm cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. Gmâs recall remedy for recall 25v-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the l87 6.2l engine produced by general motors (gm). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25v-274. These engines are installed in model years (my) 2019â2024 chevrolet silverado 1500 and gmc sierra 1500, and 2021-2024my chevrolet suburban and tahoe, gmc yukon/yukon xl, and cadillac escalade/escalade esv vehicles. The subject engine failures were investigated as part of a preliminary evaluation (pe25001).â gm determined that these engine failures were due to multiple supplier manufacturing and quality issues. Gm issued recall 25v-274 to address the suppl
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Summary
On january 16, 2025, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation pe25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in my2019-2024 gmâs full-size truck and SUV t1xx platform equipped with the l87 6.2l v8 engine. These complainants alleged engine bearing failures resulting in knocking and growling noises from the engineâs bottom end and in some cases more severe consequences such as broken connecting rods leading to engine damage, or engine failure. If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. On april 24, 2025, gm issued recall 25v-274 to address the concern with l8
Air bag malfunction
Summary
On april 9, 2021, the office of defects investigations (odi) opened pe21-010 to investigate instances of air bag malfunction indicator light (mil) illumination and potential for frontal air bag non-deployment in several vehicles manufactured by general motors (gm). The vehicles included model year (my) 2020 through 2021 ct4 and ct5 passenger cars, sierra and silverado trucks (1500/2500/3500 models), xt4 and my 2021 escalade, suburban, tahoe, yukon suvs.technical service bulletin (tsb) 21-na-005, issued in march 2021, addresses air bag mil illumination with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) b0001-1b or b0012-0d. It cites rust particles in the connection terminal interface of the driver air bag
Questions about the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (364 complaints, typically around 58,500 miles); transmission (142 complaints, typically around 64,500 miles); electrical (76 complaints, typically around 31,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
- 7 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from February 12, 2026 (transmission). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2021 a bad year for the GMC Sierra 1500?
- It is 5th of 27 Sierra 1500 model years by number of complaints, with 591 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.