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2021 GMC Sierra problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2021 GMC Sierra has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 10safety recalls
- 668owner complaints
- 10crash reports
- 7fire reports
- 4injuries reported
668 complaints, against an average of 472 for the other 14 GMC Sierra model years.
Every GMC Sierra model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2021 GMC Sierra?
The components named most often in the 668 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2021 GMC Sierra owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 668 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Has the 2021 GMC Sierra had engine failures?93 owners · 13.9% · Recall 25V274000
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 GMC Sierra?90 owners · 13.5%
- Why does my 2021 GMC Sierra stall, lose power or shut off while driving?76 owners · 11.4%
- Why does my 2021 GMC Sierra idle rough, misfire or hesitate?38 owners · 5.7%
- What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2021 GMC Sierra engine?33 owners · 4.9%
- Why does my 2021 GMC Sierra transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?30 owners · 4.5%
- Why is my 2021 GMC Sierra burning or losing oil?21 owners · 3.1%
Has the 2021 GMC Sierra been recalled?
10 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Control Module: Software 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.
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical 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.
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.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Control Module: Software 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.
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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages: Tailgate: Latch General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in park.
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.
Fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232426400.
Tires: Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire 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.
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Power Assist: Electric: Control ModulePark outside General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles with electronic brake control modules (EBCM) replaced during vehicle assembly. The bolts that attach the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) assembly may not be properly tightened, which could fail to seal the two sub-assemblies and allow water intrusion.
Risk: Water in the BPMV may cause an electrical short circuit and increase the risk of fire.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will replace the BPMV assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 20, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212349181.
Tires: Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with a 17" spare tire (RPO ZHQ or ZXT) and either the 20" accessory road tire (RPO REM) or the 18" accessory road tire (RPO Q2V). Operating the spare tire with other 20" or 18" tires can prevent the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) from engaging.
Risk: An ABS system that cannot control the rear wheels independently increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will provide the appropriate spare tire and apply a new spare tire information label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 18, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212329780.
Seat Belts 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.
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.
Seat Belts 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.
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.
Tires 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.
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.
What do 2021 GMC Sierra owners report?
12 of the 668 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Engine locked up while driving down the road at highway speeds. Lost all power and had to pull to shoulder of road. Was towed to dealership and confirmed engine locked up and covered under special recall. Was looked at a few months back and passed the recall test on engine. No lights or signs of engine failure before failure.
My 2021 GMC 1500 Sierra has the 6.2L motor that has significant known issues with catastrophic engine failure involving the camshaft and lifters. The engine in my truck has suffered the same failure but for some reason my VIN is not included in the recall of nearly 600,000 GMC trucks. I called GMC Customer Service and was told bluntly the recall was VIN specific and I would have to bear the 14,000 dollar repair. This is unacceptable since GMC is under federal investigation for knowingly and negligently manufacturing a flawed motor.
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 contact inspected the vehicle and connected a portable diagnostic tester to the vehicle. The contact retrieved a pressure fault code. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a torque converter shudder. Additionally, the solenoids were…
My vehicle fits Special Coverage N252508341in every way, except the dealership tells me that my VIN is not covered. I drive a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 with approximately 61,000 miles. This weekend a Check Engine Light illuminated with P1010 code. All the symptoms described in Special Coverage N252508341 were exhibited: the vehicle displayed 'Engine Power Reduced', and the electric cooling fans began operating at full output. I have taken the vehicle to Cronin GMC here in Perrysburg and it has been diagnosed with Coolant Control Valve failure that requires replacement. They state that my VIN is not…
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 to stall or shut off while driving. GM should make this bulletin for all vehicles of certain years who carry this modules.
Service light came on because the brake petal would push back when I tried to start it. At times, I had to push down all the way almost to the floor and then it would start. If I eased up slightly or did not push all the way, the truck would hesitate to start. I brought it in to Courtesy GMC of [XXX]. They found metal debris in oil. The car warranty did not want to replace the entire engine as General Motors' bulletin had stated as a corrective solution. They only wanted to replace the camshaft and rocker arms because [XXX] did not tear down the engine to the point of failure. [XXX] stated…
The infotainment system inadvertently shuts down and restarts which creates a unsafe situations while using the navigation system, backing up using the backup camera and while trailering. In a 30 mile drive it might do it 10 times and it might do it 30 times and eventually it doesnt restart until the vehicle is shut off. Each time it does it, it starts with the screen locking up which has resulted in me backing into my boat trailer 3 times while backing up to put the trailer on the hitch and numerous near misses with pedestrians and other vehicles in parking lots. Research on the internet…
Vehicle Safety Hazard Summary: This complaint concerns an incomplete, non-compliant post-collision structural repair on a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 (VIN: [XXX]). It has resulted in immediate vehicle tracking failure, dangerous steering drift, and a compromised cabin safety cage following a passenger-side side-impact collision. 1. Severe Suspension and Tracking Misalignment • Electronic Alignment Failure: The post-repair electronic wheel alignment documents a Rear Thrust Angle of 0.17°. General Motors OEM specifications require a maximum allowable thrust angle of 0.10° or less for this 4WD Crew Cab…
Received Re-Call for Engine Failure! Dealer replaced Engine Oil and Oil Cap @ 85,544 Miles. I read of the Re-call prior to the notice and I waited for it to come. After I received it and the Dealer made the changes, it made me afraid to leave town using my truck for fear of a breakdown on the Freeway. I use a Walker, so if I broke down and I was in the left lane and lost all power it would be very dangerous for me to get to the right side of the road! The truck started using excessive Oil after they changed the oil. I replaced four (4) quarts of oil @ 2526 miles! Speedometer reading 88070…
The contact owns at 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the engine was overheating. The message "Reduce Engine Power" was displayed. The contact shifted to neutral to reach the dealer. The contact associated the failure with Special Coverage: N252508341; however, the VIN was not included. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with coolant control valve failure, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the cost of the repair was not covered under the special coverage program. The failure mileage was approximately…
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle began to shake uncontrollably. A knocking sound was heard from the engine, and the vehicle entered limp mode. No warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and…
rear sliding window has plastic body seam that is broken allowing water to leak into the truck and cause mold and rust
2021 GMC Sierra: questions owners ask
Is the 2021 GMC Sierra reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 668 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 GMC Sierra; the most common categories were engine (333, 49.9%), power train (164, 24.6%), electrical system (86, 12.9%). There are 10 safety recalls. 10 complaints mention a crash, 7 mention a fire, 4 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 GMC Sierra?
Across 668 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (49.9% of complaints), power train (24.6% of complaints), electrical system (12.9% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (7.3% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (6.7% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2021 GMC Sierra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2021 GMC Sierra; the most recent (campaign 26V083000, 2026-02-12) concerns Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Control Module: Software. 1 recall carries a "do not drive" or "park outside" warning from the manufacturer. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has the 2021 GMC Sierra had engine failures?
93 of the 668 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Sierra (13.9%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. A related recall exists: campaign 25V274000 (engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical). The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. One owner wrote: "Engine locked up while driving down the road at highway speeds. Lost all power and had to pull to shoulder of road. Was towed to dealership and confirmed engine locked up and covered under special recall." (NHTSA complaint 11772830, October 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 GMC Sierra?
90 of the 668 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Sierra (13.5%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Engine I believe The truck died while I was doing 78 MPH on the highway Dashboard stated “shift into neutral and press start” I pulled to the side of the road and did what it stated and it would not crank over." (NHTSA complaint 11763073, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2021 GMC Sierra stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
76 of the 668 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Sierra (11.4%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Engine locked up while driving down the road at highway speeds. Lost all power and had to pull to shoulder of road. Was towed to dealership and confirmed engine locked up and covered under special recall." (NHTSA complaint 11772830, October 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2021 GMC Sierra idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
38 of the 668 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Sierra (5.7%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Engine has a terrible shake, and I was informed by a mechanic that it has a misfire and no compression in piston number seven" (NHTSA complaint 11737451, May 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2021 GMC Sierra engine?
33 of the 668 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Sierra (4.9%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "Loud engine knock, made it to dealer. Dealer confirmed engine failure as defined in the applicable recall. No idea when a replacement can be aquired. Unable to drive anywhere due to design and manufacturinf issues I did not cause." (NHTSA complaint 11771806, October 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2021 GMC Sierra transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?
30 of the 668 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Sierra (4.5%) describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. One owner wrote: "transmission shuddering, harsh or delayed shifting, and erratic gear changes. The truck jerks really bad during each shift of the ten speeds. A vibration or shudder typically occurring at speeds between 25-65 mph under light throttle." (NHTSA complaint 11749233, July 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is my 2021 GMC Sierra burning or losing oil?
21 of the 668 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Sierra (3.1%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "Transmission failed, Value Body is listed by dealer as the cause. GMC is saying that my vehicle is not part of the recall, even though it is part of the same model, same years as well as the same problem, the value body on the transmission." (NHTSA complaint 11762717, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Sierra
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2021 only; combines NHTSA's entries for SIERRA 1500, SIERRA 2500 and SIERRA 3500.