Worse than most Sierra 1500 years
Owners filed about 1.3 times as many complaints as a typical Sierra 1500 year. The main thing to watch is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 58,000 miles. Years with fewer complaints: 2012, 2013 and 2018.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Sierra 1500 years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 602 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The most reported problem area is the engine and cooling (372, 62% of complaints), followed by the transmission and drivetrain and the electrical system. That ranks 5th of 13 Sierra 1500 years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 7 recalls.
8 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 before you buy.
Engine and cooling
372 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 58,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
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.Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turnover. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was inspected and it was determined that the engine had seized. The engine was rebuilt and the vehicle was repaired. The…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 142,767 miles
Transmission and drivetrain
146 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 64,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact became aware of an abnormal sound, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 106,554 miles
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced. The contact stated that 20,000 miles later, the vehicle started to experience erratic hard shifting while driving at various speeds, and the vehicle failed to respond upon shifting into reverse(R). The vehicle was towed to the…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 38,000 miles
Electrical system
76 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 31,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH near the residence with the contact's daughter as a passenger, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of motive power when depressing the accelerator pedal. Several unspecified warning lights illuminated. The contact and the passenger…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 89,000 miles
Truck went in service 9/17/2025 because the wheels locked up while driving. Transmission was replaced. Picked up truck and 2 hours later the truck shut off while driving and was started back up and was limp mode. Was told wire chaffing and they taped and rerouted wires. Picked truck back up and next day it did the same thing. Took back…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Fuel system
42 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The vehicle failed to start. It started after 30 minutes and I was able to drive it home. Then it starts and stalls after multiple attempts. Receiving codes P1177 and UI8A2. Was told that a bulletin exists for this issue on GM vehicles, GM Bulletin 24-NA-139, but I found out that it don't cover my VIN number. This can cause the vehicle…Owner complaint, filed 2026
P1098 code indicating stuck/ unresponsive engine coolant control valve. N252508341 exists for this part; however claim is my VIN is not covered under the bulletin or included on any standard warranty coverage. Part should last more than 150k miles, vehicle less than 90k. Less than 2 weeks ago suffered a complete EBPV failure that…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Steering
35 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 34,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle lost proper steering ability, and the steering wheel became loose and spun around in a circle. The air bag message was later displayed on the instrument panel. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the bolt connecting the…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 80,000 miles
The power steering on the truck would quit working at times. I made an appointment with a local dealership to have it checked out. I was told the steering rack was binding and would need to be replaced. I was also told there was a two to four week backorder on the parts. As I am trying to back out of my garage to take it to the dealer…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Brakes and stability control
25 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 22,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
Left rear parking brake actuator malfunction. The truck would brake unexpectedly. The brake would not completely release at times. Took it to the dealer on June 6, 2024 and they replaced the rear rotors and pads. I asked them if the parking brake actuator was faulty and may have caused the premature wear. They laughed and said no, it…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) that bolts on to the rear calipers. The EPB does not release, in order for service, you have to long press the parking brake, then the truck goes into service mode & will release the brakes for service, some newer models may not have this feature. The vehicle has 36,000 miles…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Body, doors and structure
22 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 45,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (8).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the tailgate opened independently. The failure occurred several times and became more persistent recently. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the side marker lights started flashing, and the tailgate…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 66,000 miles
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra LD Crew. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle's bedrail attachment fully detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Driver assist systems
15 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
Parts named most: Assist (5).
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
The front camera stopped working, causing the safety systems to shut off. Codes U026A & U0078 "no communication failure". The camera was ordered and replaced.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Vehicle experiences a failure to the Lane Departure Warning and Intellibeam headlamps functions, primarily at night. Trouble first began on 3/12/2023 and has been to two GM dealerships for 11 repairs and the problem is still unresolved. GM Executive Escalations have been opened and the problem is still unresolved. Their response is that…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Suspension
10 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the front driver's side wheel separated and fell underneath the front end of the vehicle, causing the vehicle to veer towards oncoming traffic. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road, where the vehicle was awaiting to be towed. The contact…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 37,470 miles
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…Owner complaint, filed 2021
Lights, wipers and visibility
9 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
A small drip started approximately 18 months ago from top middle of left side window in rear slider. It was first mistaken as blow by from car wash. Leaking slowly progressed to dripping down middle of both side windows in rear sliders. Leaking progressed to drops coming from under headliner then dropping on side portions of rear slider.…Owner complaint, filed 2026
My rear electric window is leaking into my back seat area and the ceiling of the truck has water stains. It is coming from the roof and is leaking in 3 different areas. I am afraid I will now have mold in my car and I can’t have my grandchildren in the car to be safe for them. I had it checked at a local GMC dealer and I had to pay for a…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Wheels and tires
9 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
Tires are LT275/65R20. While driving on interstate at approximately the speed limit and low 80 degree temperatures in South Carolina with proper placard pressure tire inflation checked two days prior, the truck developed a faint vibration which got worse over three or four miles. I slowed my speed and pulled over at next offramp and…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the tire pressure warning light illuminated and that the TPMS sensor was not indicating the pressure for each tire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that no failure was found; however, the TPMS was reset, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 5,000 miles
Cruise control and acceleration
7 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
Dashboard keeps returning to aljarir type writing. We bought it with American English but won't stay in English. Monday will be 30 day and I believe the dealer is ghosting me. Y'all have any ideas how to reset the dashboard without replacing the radio??? Closest answer I was given.Owner complaint, filed 2026
I just took my 2021 GMC Sierra 1503.0 Duramax diesel into Faulkner Nissan, today 10/18/2025 m, to have that recall fixed. I picked it up from the dealership and drove about 10 miles before it went into limp mode and reduced power mode while I was driving and started to shift very roughly and I’ve never had any issue like this before they…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Air bags
6 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
Airbag system did not deploy but smoke in cabin during a crash. Video of front, rear and inside cabin shows the rear end passenger side impact at an estimated 45-50 MPH. I saw smoke in cabin, disturbed with anxiety after crash waiting for bags to deploy accidentally. The airbag deployed red light illuminated notifying an airbag…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Vehicle purchased new in 2021; has less than 5,600 miles on it. Service Restraint System indicator light began coming on in September. At first intermittently, then every few seconds. Sent vehicle to dealer for repair on 9/27/21. Dealer states not safe to drive because airbag may not deploy in case of accident.Owner complaint, filed 2021
Seats and seat belts
4 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 700 miles
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 [XXX] miles 36,500. My childs seatbelt does not work and the lane keep assist does not work INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)Owner complaint, filed 2025
GMC Sierra 1500 complaints by year
Compare the 2021 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2021 full-size trucks
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 | Worse than most years | 7 |
| 2021 Ford F-150 | One of the better years | 29 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | About average | 8 |
| 2021 Ram 1500 | One of the better years | 15 |
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls
Transmission and drivetrain Control module
- 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.
Full recall 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 and cooling 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.
Full recall 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 and drivetrain Control module
- Risk
- Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge.
Full recall 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.
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.
Full recall 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
- 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.
Full recall 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
- 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.
Full recall 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.
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.
- 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.
Full recall 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.
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
The most reported problem areas on the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 are the engine and cooling (372 complaints), the transmission and drivetrain (146 complaints) and the electrical system (76 complaints).
Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 a good year to buy?
Worse than most Sierra 1500 years. Owners filed about 1.3 times as many complaints as a typical Sierra 1500 year. The main thing to watch is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 58,000 miles. Years with fewer complaints: 2012, 2013 and 2018. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Sierra 1500 years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The most recent, from Feb 2026, covers the control module. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 58,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the transmission and drivetrain gave a mileage of about 64,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which GMC Sierra 1500 years should I avoid?
The Sierra 1500 years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2014. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2012, 2013 and 2018. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
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