repaired · 2026 Q3
Control module: software
Risk. Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
2021 GMC Sierra 3500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 21 owner complaints about the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500, most often about the power train. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-060 the manufacturer reports only 73% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 6, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500 has problems
21 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
7Power train
5Service brakes
5Electrical system
3Engine
2Back over prevention
2Fuel/propulsion system
1Tires
1Structure
1Visibility
11 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 7 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 |
| 1 other systems | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2021 GMC Sierra 3500 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 · 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…
Show 1 more recall
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 3500 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 3500 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
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500, and the recalls they led to.
- Air Bag MalfunctionNo recall
In owners' words
What Sierra 3500 owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
During takeoff the transmission acted as if it was in neutral while I was crossing traffic luckily, the semi truck that was coming towards me was able to stop. I had the vehicle towed to a shop. After the vehicle was towed to the shop the transmission acted normal when the mechanic searched the VIN…
The contact's son owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 3500 Commercial Vehicle. The contact stated while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed uphill, the vehicle failed to shift to a gear higher than 5th gear. Additionally, the rear wheels locked up, causing the vehicle to come to a stop. The driver…
Transmission had to be replaced from the dealership. Hard shifting dealership said truck was 23 days out of warranty. I couldn’t get into the dealership that truck was purchased from for 3 weeks. Had to go to the Jeff Gordon dealership, which is Chevrolet. And I had to replace the transmission.
Own a 2021 Sierra 3500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.