repaired · 2026 Q3
Control module: software
NewRisk. Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
2021 GMC Sierra 1500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 603 owner complaints about the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, most often about the engine. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-985 the manufacturer reports only 53% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 4, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has problems
603 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
325Engine6 crash/fire/injury
147Power train
76Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
50Engine and engine cooling
41Fuel/propulsion system
35Steering
24Service brakes
13Structure
10Latches/locks/linkages
6615 other systems7 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 325 | 6 |
| Power train | 147 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 76 | 4 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 50 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 41 | 1 |
| Steering | 35 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 24 | 2 |
| Structure | 13 | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 10 | 0 |
| 15 other systems | 66 | 7 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
7 recalls
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
Risk. Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Control module: software
Risk. Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire
Risk. An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Show 3 more recalls
repaired · 2022 Q4
Seat belts
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…
repaired · 2022 Q4
Seat belts
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…
repaired · 2022 Q3
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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
58kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 42 engine complaints. 79% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 21% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
14under 30k miles33under 100k miles9100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Engine
14 owners mentioned a cost$2,739median
Middle half: $2,391 – $9,825
Power train
8 owners mentioned a cost$2,294median
Middle half: $1,325 – $7,100
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Sierra 1500 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sierra 1500 median. How we score
'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 safety ratings
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
- Rollover: 4 stars (19.8% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
5 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of motive power due to engine failureOpen
- Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedyOpen
- Air Bag MalfunctionNo recall
- Loss of motive power due to engine failureLed to recall 25V-274
- Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedyNo recall
In owners' words
What Sierra 1500 owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle started hesitating, and there was a loss of power that became worse over time. Additionally, the “Service Engine” and “Power Train”…
This truck has the 6.2L power train and the engine failed and needed to be replaced at approximately 70,000 miles. After replacement around 80,000 miles I then needed to have the water pump replaced because it failed as well.
I have repeatedly experienced a noticeable exhaust odor inside the cab while operating the vehicle\. The condition is particularly pronounced during cold weather when the vehicle is idling\. Under these circumstances, the exhaust smell inside the passenger compartment is distinct and concerning\. I…
Own a 2021 Sierra 1500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.