CarModelProblems.com

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 4.8× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
513Complaints
7Recalls
5Crashes
6Fires
2Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (51.7% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Engine complaints here are 4.8× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine265 · 51.7%RecalledRecall 25V274000
Power Train126 · 24.6%RecalledRecall 24V797000 · Recall 26V083000
Electrical System66 · 12.9%not available
Engine And Engine Cooling42 · 8.2%RecalledRecall 25V274000
Steering31 · 6%not available
Fuel/propulsion System30 · 5.8%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE265 · 51.7%
POWER TRAIN126 · 24.6%
Unspecified / other40 · 7.8%
STEERING31 · 6%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM30 · 5.8%
SERVICE BRAKES21 · 4.1%
SUSPENSION7 · 1.4%
AIR BAGS6 · 1.2%

Percentages are the share of the 513 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 7 campaigns

Seat Belts

NHTSA campaign 20V792000 · 2020 · reported 12/17/2020

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seat Belts

NHTSA campaign 20V811000 · 2020 · reported 12/23/2020

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Tires

NHTSA campaign 20V684000 · 2020 · reported 11/05/2020

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Tires:temporary/emergency Spare Tire

NHTSA campaign 21V985000 · 2021 · reported 12/16/2021

An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module:software

NHTSA campaign 24V797000 · 2024 · reported 10/24/2024

Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical

NHTSA campaign 25V274000 · 2025 · reported 04/24/2025

Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module:software

NHTSA campaign 26V083000 · 2026 · reported 02/12/2026

Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“I purchased this vehicle used with approx 16k miles on it. Not long after getting it - as I was driving it started dinging and…”NHTSA complaint 11574295 — filed 02/27/2024 · ENGINE
“"Service parking brake" "steering assist is reduced drive with care" comments showed up on screen…check engine light on, truck shaking/ vibrating completely as if wanting…”NHTSA complaint 11552483 — filed 10/29/2023 · ENGINE
“Lifters camshaft malfunction. Known issue with 2021 GMC Sierra 20,000 miles”NHTSA complaint 11545524 — filed 09/19/2023 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

5202048202152202238202362202434220251662026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 265 of 513 NHTSA complaints (51.7%), followed by power train (126), electrical system (66), engine and engine cooling (42). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 have?

513 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 5 involved a crash, 6 involved a fire, and 2 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 have any recalls?

Yes — 7 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 20V792000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.