2021 GMC Sierra 3500 Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500.

20202022
Complaints
27
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Fatalities
Recalls
5

Worst 2021 GMC Sierra 3500 Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#17 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:133,000 mi
#24 complaints

Electrical Faults

#34 complaints

Brakes

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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500.

Transmission / Drivetrain
7
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
133,000
Electrical Faults
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Brakes
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine Problems
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Backup Camera
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tires:Tread/Belt
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2021 GMC Sierra 3500

5 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,661,656 vehicles.

24V797000Power Train:automatic Transmission:fluid/lubricant:valves/valve Body · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module:software
~463,295 affected

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.

24V060000Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch
~570,434 affected

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in park.

21V758000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:electric:control Module
~3,241 affected

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles with electronic brake control modules (EBCM) replaced during vehicle assembly. The bolts that attach the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) assembly may not be properly tightened, which could fail to seal the two sub-assemblies and allow water intrusion.

20V811000Seat Belts:critical Fasteners · Seat Belts
~470 affected

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.

20V792000Seat Belts:critical Fasteners · Seat Belts
~624,216 affected

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.

Other GMC Sierra 3500 Years

2021 GMC Sierra 3500 — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500 reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2021 GMC Sierra 3500 has 27 NHTSA complaints, 0 crash-related, and 5 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Transmission / Drivetrain with 7 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500?
Top reported problems: Transmission / Drivetrain (7 complaints, avg 133,000 mi); Electrical Faults (4 complaints); Brakes (4 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 133,000 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
Does the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500 have any recalls?
Yes — 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 1,661,656 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2021 GMC Sierra 3500?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full GMC Sierra 3500 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 2021 GMC Sierra 3500

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