2021 GMC Sierra 1500 problems and complaints
Owners have filed 587 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The most-reported areas: Engine (316), Power Train (142), Electrical System (75).
Key takeaways
- 587 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 6 involve a crash, 6 a fire, 3 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 316 | 54% |
| Power Train | 142 | 24% |
| Electrical System | 75 | 13% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 49 | 8% |
| Unknown Or Other | 43 | 7% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 39 | 7% |
| Steering | 34 | 6% |
| Service Brakes | 24 | 4% |
| Structure | 13 | 2% |
| Suspension | 10 | 2% |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 10 | 2% |
| Lane Departure | 8 | 1% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC 4WD | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC 4WD | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC 4WD | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC 2WD | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Engine - filed 2026-10-15
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, a reduced power mode warning message unexpectedly illuminated, and the vehicle unexpectedly entered limp mode. The contact stated that the temperature gauge indicated a high temperature and the vehicle was overheating during the failur...
Unknown Or Other,engine,fuel/Propulsion System - filed 2026-10-14
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The failure involves the NOx emissions control system, specifically NOx Sensor #2 and the associated NOx catalyst/DPF assembly. Diagnostic trouble codes P11D5, P14D4, P22A1, P2832, P2833, and P28AF confirm abnormal NOx...
Power Train,engine,fuel/Propulsion System - filed 2026-10-13
2021 GMC with 6.2L motor. The engine begin to produce a clattering noise in the upper part of the engine. When the clattering happens the vehicle will shudder. I took the vehicle into a certified independent service center who diagnosed a catastrophic engine failure as a result of lifter and camshaft bearing failure. T...
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More for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.