2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems
What owners have reported about the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the Sierra 1500. Owners have filed 586 complaints with NHTSA, the 5th most of 19 Sierra 1500 model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, transmission and electrical system.
586 complaints 7 recalls 5th worst of 19 Sierra 1500 years
Top 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 problems
Engine problems
361 complaints (62%) name the engine, most often the hoses / lines / piping / fittings and crank / camshaft position sensor.
Transmission problems
142 complaints (24%) name the transmission, most often the output.
Electrical problems
75 complaints (13%) name the electrical system, most often the integrated trailer brake control and wiring.
Fuel system problems
40 complaints (7%) name the fuel system.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (120 of 586). The amber line is the middle value, about 50,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls
Valves / valve body, Software
The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up. 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.
Recall 26V083000 · Feb 2026Hard parts internal / mechanical
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. 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.
Recall 25V274000 · Apr 2025Valves / valve body, Software
The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up. 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.
Recall 24V797000 · Oct 2024Temporary / emergency 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. 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.
Recall 21V985000 · Dec 2021Critical fasteners
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. 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.
Recall 20V811000 · Dec 2020Critical fasteners
The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position. 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.
Recall 20V792000 · Dec 2020Tires
The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured. 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.
Recall 20V684000 · Nov 2020Get an email when your 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 gets a new recall
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Sierra 1500 years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the Sierra 1500. Owners have filed 586 complaints with NHTSA, the 5th most of 19 Sierra 1500 model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, transmission and electrical system.
What are the most common 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 problems?
Owners most often report problems with the engine, transmission, electrical system and fuel system. 361 complaints (62%) name the engine, most often the hoses / lines / piping / fittings and crank / camshaft position sensor.
At what mileage do 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 engine problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 33,000–83,000 miles, with a middle value near 59,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
7. Valves / valve body, Software (26V083000); Hard parts internal / mechanical (25V274000); Valves / valve body, Software (24V797000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2012, 2013 and 2025 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.