CarRecallWatchThe 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has 7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 599 complaints with NHTSA, including 6 crashes, 6 fires, 3 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (323 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 5 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls
Rear Wheels Can Lock Up, Raising Crash Risk
Certain pickups from model years 2020 to 2022 may have been repaired incorrectly under an earlier recall (24V797).
Engine may fail unexpectedly, raising crash risk
Certain 2021 full-size Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC SUVs and pickups equipped with the 6.2L V8 gas engine may have a connecting rod or crankshaft with a manufacturing defect.
Rear Wheels Can Lock Up, Raising Crash Risk
Certain 2020-2021 GM full-size pickups and SUVs equipped with diesel engines may have a transmission control valve that can fail.
Wrong spare tire can disable anti-lock brakes
Certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks equipped with accessory road tires and 17-inch wheels may have a spare tire that is not compatible with those accessory wheels.
Seat Belts May Not Be Securely Attached, Raising Crash Injury Risk
Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more points where the seat belts attach to the vehicle.
Front Center Seat Belt May Not Restrain Occupant in Crash
Some full-size Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups from the 2019 to 2020 model years have a problem with the seat belt brackets for the front center seat.
Tires May Fail Suddenly, Raising Crash Risk
Certain GM vehicles from 2020 and 2021, including Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse, and Chevrolet and GMC Silverado and Sierra 1500 models, may have been built with Continental tires that were overcured during manufacturing.
Most common 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 problems
Problem areas named in the 599 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 323 |
| Power Train | 146 |
| Electrical System | 78 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 49 |
| Unknown Or Other | 46 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 41 |
| Steering | 34 |
| Service Brakes | 24 |
| Structure | 13 |
| Lane Departure | 10 |
What owners report
I have repeatedly experienced a noticeable exhaust odor inside the cab while operating the vehicle\. The condition is particularly pronounced during cold weather when the vehicle is idling\. Under these circumstances, the exhaust smell inside the passenger compartment is distinct and concerning\. I have taken the vehicle to two separate General Motors dealerships in an effort to identify and resolve this issue\. On both occasions, I was advised that the vehicle was fine\. Despite these visits, the problem remains unresolved, and I continue to experience exhaust fumes inside the cab under the conditions described above\. My concern is that exhaust gases may be entering the passenger compart
I am experiencing hard gear shifting in the low gears. It is very noticeable and I have a 10-speed transmission.
2021 GMC 3.0 Diesel have coolant control valve issues. GM has a special coverage for them under Special Coverage N252508341. That coverage covers my year make and model. I have an open case with GM under GMC Customer Assistance opened case 116070735. GM is refusing to cover it due to this cited email. "After reviewing the vehicle information, we determined that Special Coverage N252508341 does not apply because it is not associated with the vehicle identification number (VIN) on your vehicle." I had the dealership and GMC customer service confirm this. GMC told me to request goodwill assistance at the dealership which the service provider had never heard of before. I can provide all docume
Engine locked up while driving down the road at highway speeds. Lost all power and had to pull to shoulder of road. Was towed to dealership and confirmed engine locked up and covered under special recall. Was looked at a few months back and passed the recall test on engine. No lights or signs of engine failure before failure.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact became aware of an abnormal sound, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact inspected the vehicle and connected a portable diagnostic tester to the vehicle. The contact retrieved a pressure fault code. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a torque converter shudder. Additionally, the solenoids were clogged with debris. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufact
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★ 4-star | 4 | 5 | 4 (19.8% rollover risk) |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 4 | 5 | 4 (19.8% rollover risk) |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC 4WD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 4 | 5 | 4 (19.8% rollover risk) |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC 2WD | ★★★★ 4-star | 4 | 5 | 4 (19.1% rollover risk) |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC 2WD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 4 | 5 | 4 (19.1% rollover risk) |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC 2WD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 4 | 5 | 4 (19.1% rollover risk) |
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 questions
Does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500: Rear Wheels Can Lock Up, Raising Crash Risk; Engine may fail unexpectedly, raising crash risk; Rear Wheels Can Lock Up, Raising Crash Risk; Wrong spare tire can disable anti-lock brakes; Seat Belts May Not Be Securely Attached, Raising Crash Injury Risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
Based on 599 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (323), Power Train (146), Electrical System (78).
How safe is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 up to 5 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.