repaired · 2026 Q3
Control module: software
Risk. Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
2021 GMC Sierra 2500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 53 owner complaints about the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500, most often about the power train. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-578 the manufacturer reports only 55% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 5, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 has problems
53 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
13Power train1 crash/fire/injury
9Exterior lighting
8Engine
6Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
6Service brakes
5Structure1 crash/fire/injury
4Latches/locks/linkages
3Forward collision avoidance
2Fuel/propulsion system
86 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 13 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 9 | 0 |
| Engine | 8 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 6 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 6 | 0 |
| Structure | 5 | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 4 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 3 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| 6 other systems | 8 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2021 GMC Sierra 2500 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 Q1
Tailgate: latch
Risk. An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Electric: control module
Park outsideRisk. Water in the BPMV may cause an electrical short circuit and increase the risk of fire.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire
Risk. An ABS system that cannot control the rear wheels independently increases the risk of a crash.
Show 2 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…
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.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Sierra 2500 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 2500 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 2500 safety ratings
2021 GMC Sierra 2500 PU/CC 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500, and the recalls they led to.
- Air Bag MalfunctionNo recall
In owners' words
What Sierra 2500 owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly shifted out of first gear and the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The failure had occurred twice. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that…
I am reporting repeated failures involving both the transmission and diesel emissions (DEF) system on my 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali equipped with the 6.6L Duramax diesel engine and Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. While under warranty, the truck required replacement of the aftertreatment…
We keep getting an error message that shows we need to service DEF SYSTEM, it also started to limit my MPH and is now locked at 55 MPH. initial check of the DEF SYSTEM shows a malfunctioning module. it has been happening over the last year to 18 months. they would reset it or it would sometimes go…
Own a 2021 Sierra 2500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.