Recalls · problems · safety

2021 GMC Sierra 1500: recalls and problems

7 recalls and 571 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

7recalls
571complaints
5crashes reported
6fires reported
2injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine303 · 53%
  • Power Train136 · 24%
  • Electrical System72 · 13%
  • Engine And Engine Cooling49 · 9%
  • Unknown Or Other42 · 7%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System35 · 6%
  • Steering33 · 6%
  • Service Brakes23 · 4%
  • Structure12 · 2%
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages10 · 2%

What owners report

Engine

Excessive oil consumption. i am fearful that my vehicle engine will lock up.

Power Train

I own a 2021 gmc sierra 1500 at4 with the 3.0l duramax diesel. the vehicle developed severe transmission problems, including harsh/jerky shifting and a hard clunk when shifting into reverse. the vehicle was subsequently diagnosed with an internal transmission failure. the repair facility informed me that the transmission gears had failed and caused damage to the transmission and stated that the failure appeared to be

Power Train

Purchased a used 2021gmc sierra in mar. 2025 from w&k gmc sedalia mo. two mths ago ([xxx]) noticed an occasional slipping in transmission, wheels lock up. the truck would slip, lock for 1-4 seconds and then return back to normal driving. has done this while accelorating and while driving down the highway. i took truck to my local repair garage who indicated it was most likely the torque converter and it would need

Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System

On [xxx], my vehicle suffered a complete loss of propulsion on the highway, displaying fault codes p0324 and p0016. the vehicle was taken to boyd's tar heel chevrolet in roxboro, nc, where the engine block was replaced under the official gm 6.2l engine safety recall.the truck was delivered back to me, and on the very first day i drove it—only 28 miles from my house—it suffered a secondary catastrophic loss of propuls

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC 2WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Sierra 1500. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.