Worst 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 238 | — | 5 | 53,459 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 112 | — | — | 68,132 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 56 | — | 2 | 28,205 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 39 | — | — | 60,798 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 26 | 1 | — | 49,712 mi | |
| Fuel System | 25 | — | 1 | 2,500 mi | |
| Brakes | 21 | 1 | 1 | 19,472 mi | |
| Airbags | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3,400 mi | |
| Latches / Locks | 6 | — | — | 45,000 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | — | — | 37,735 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 6 | — | — | 5,000 mi | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | 5 | — | — | 100 mi | |
| Body Structure | 5 | — | — | 2,710 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Warning | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System: Integrated Trailer Brake Control | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages:Tailgate:Latch | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Instrument Cluster | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Speedometer/Odometer | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Wiring | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wiring & Fuses | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
7 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,694,749 vehicles.
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 GMC Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500 vehicles equipped with certain accessory road tires and a 17" 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.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. 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.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
Other GMC Sierra 1500 Years
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
What are common problems with the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
How safe is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
Does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full GMC Sierra 1500 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
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