2021 GMC Sierra 1500 problems and complaints
Owners have filed 603 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The most-reported areas: Engine (325), Power Train (147), Electrical System (76).
Key takeaways
- 603 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 | 325 | 54% |
| Power Train | 147 | 24% |
| Electrical System | 76 | 13% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 50 | 8% |
| Unknown Or Other | 47 | 8% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 41 | 7% |
| Steering | 35 | 6% |
| Service Brakes | 25 | 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%.
Parts for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
GarageDex's verified specs for this car. Each Buy button searches Amazon for that exact part.
- Battery
- Engine oil
- Wiper blades
- Headlight bulb
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| 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.
Power Train,unknown Or Other - filed 2026-11-04
GM has a known issue with coolant control valves that can cause vehicles to go into reduced power mode creating drive-ability and safety concerns in busy traffic situations. They have issued a TSB (N252508341) for certain VIN numbers but have ignored similar issues in other VINs.
Steering,power Train,engine - filed 2026-10-30
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle started hesitating, and there was a loss of power that became worse over time. Additionally, the “Service Engine” and “Power Train” warning lights were illumi...
Engine And Engine Cooling - filed 2026-10-30
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turnover. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was inspected and it was determined that the engine had seized. The engine was rebuilt and the vehicle was re...
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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.