Complaint volume
517 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2021 GMC Sierra Complaints
517 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 GMC Sierra, grouped by component category.
517 Total complaints
5 Crash reports
6 Fire reports
2 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are engine, power train, engine and engine cooling. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 5 crash reports, 6 fire reports, 2 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 109 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 51,910 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to engine, power train, engine and engine cooling?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2021 GMC Sierra?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2021 GMC Sierra
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2021 GMC Sierra complaints?
5 Crash
6 Fire
2 Injury
0 Fatality
30 Towed
3 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 GMC Sierra complaint categories?
ENGINE 167
POWER TRAIN 64
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 40
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 29
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 26
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 16
STEERING 13
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 10
SERVICE BRAKES 9
517 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | STEERING | The power steering on the truck would quit working at times. I made an appointment with a local dealership to have it checked out. I was told the steering rack was binding and would need to be replaced. I was also told there was a two to four week backorder on the parts. As I am trying to back out of my garage to take it to the dealer the steering totally locked up. I called a wrecker to take the truck to the dealer the next day. When the wrecker operator started to load the truck, at first the steering wheel wouldn't turn . Then it broke lose and worked fine. Imagine if I were driving when this on again off again power steering would quit working!! I should also say this truck only has fifty-seven thousand miles on it. Since there is a backorder on these parts it tells me that I'm not the only one that is having this problem. In my opinion this is a very dangerous safety problem and should be a national recall. Thank you | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE | mechanical and electrical issues with my GMC Sierra Elevation Duramax Diesel, purchased in 2021. Despite multiple dealership visits, diagnostic evaluations, repairs, and software updates, these issues persist and have significantly impacted the reliability and safety of the vehicle. In December 2025, my vehicle was taken to the dealership for diagnostics and a third software update intended to resolve recurring engine-related faults. Throughout 2025, the check engine light illuminated on approximately 30 occasions, confirmed by at-home diagnostic scans. The same diagnostic code related to the 1) SCR NOx Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1 Catalyst 2 P2C7A - Engine I 2) Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler Efficiency Below Threshold P14D9 - Engine has appeared repeatedly since the vehicle was first purchased in 2021. Additionally, on approximately 15 occasions in 2025, the vehicle failed to start. When pressing the ignition button, the engine screeched while attempting to turn over for 20 to 45 seconds, after which the vehicle powered off entirely. After waiting approximately 10 minutes, the vehicle would then start normally. Notably, during these no-start events, no check engine light or diagnostic code appeared, and the engine light and starting failure have never occurred simultaneously. hese same concerns were explicitly explained to service technicians during the most recent recall repair in 2025. I was informed that a software update would resolve the issue. However, the problems have continued. A similar frequency of failures occurred throughout 2024. At that time, GMC advised that the issue was likely the vehicle’s battery. Acting on this recommendation, I had the battery replaced at my expense in October 2024 by the dealership. This repair did not resolve the issue. From the time of purchase in 2021 through January 2024, these same symptoms occurred approximately 10 times, demonstrating a long-standing and unresolved defect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE | Had a "Trans Hot Warning" light. Dealership said it was internal valve body failure. They said there is recall on this for other engine types even though this is same issue. I think GMC needs to expand their recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The contact was unaware of a warning light being illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown engine recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. In addition, the contact was informed that the VIN for the vehicle was a Canadian VIN, and the mileage was displayed in kilometers. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 120,000 |
| Dec 2025 | LANE DEPARTURE | Vehicle experiences a failure to the Lane Departure Warning and Intellibeam headlamps functions, primarily at night. Trouble first began on 3/12/2023 and has been to two GM dealerships for 11 repairs and the problem is still unresolved. GM Executive Escalations have been opened and the problem is still unresolved. Their response is that 18 vehicles experienced this problem and the resolution was to clean the front windshield and update the camera software. This truck has had the camera replaced and software updated three times by two different dealerships. GM is now stating they are unwilling to resolve the problem any further and they would no longer send any Field Engineers to investigate the problem. I have numerous photos, videos and repair logs from with the problem and resolutions performed. Nature of problem: At night, the indicator button for selecting the Lane Departure Warning will go out. If the button is depressed, a message in the DIC indicates Lane Departure Warning Unavailable and there is no way to activate the LDW. It also causes the Intellibeam headlamps to not work. Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where an inspection was performed on the engine. The contact was informed that the vehicle had passed the inspection, and the mechanic added a higher viscosity oil, installed an oil fill cap, replaced the oil filter, and updated the Owner's Manual. The contact stated that the remedy failed to address or repair the possible defect with the engine. The contact stated that the remedy resulted in a higher cost for oil changes, and fuel economy had decreased from 21 miles per gallon to 18 miles per gallon. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and the contact was provided a case number. The contact stated that the vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | experience a automatic OTA update to the info system on my 2021 GMC Sierra(I did not iniciate) which burnt out the radio module which controls the info system. I am being charged $1,300+ for repair due to vehicle being out of warranty(52,000 miles) and no recall on this vehicle model for this issue. GMC does have a recall for this exact issue on the 2021 GMC Tahoe models, but not the GMC Sierra. If the GMC utilizes the same componets for both models of vehicle how doe the recall#N202319250 not cover the exact same issue on both models? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE | Heard a ticking noise then check engine light started blinking along with service esc and parking brake. Took it to the dealer and I had a bad lifter again. I was previously repair for lifters under warranty a little over 2 years ago. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | On 10/21/2025 as I was traveling on the highway in Kansas at 60 mph, the vehicle lost power and the engine went into limp mode immediately reducing the speed dramatically. Multiple warning lights flashed on the screen. I was able to get the truck to the side of the highway. The vehicle never started again. I was informed by the dealer that the vehicle would need a new engine. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE | The engine is knocking and running rough. I took it to Christian Brothers Automotive in Newnan Ga and the advised engine replacement. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | I purchased a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali (VIN: [XXX] ) from J.C. Lewis Ford in Pooler, Georgia. The dealership did not disclose an active federal safety recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V-xxx / GM XXX) related to engine connecting rod and crankshaft defects that can result in sudden engine failure and loss of propulsion. The Blue Certified delivery document they had me sign includes a section requiring disclosure of any open recalls, but they left the recall section blank and checked that all recalls were explained to me. No disclosure of any recall occurred during the sale. The vehicle developed engine problems within days and is currently in GMC service. The nondisclosure put me at risk of driving a vehicle with a known safety defect. I am reporting this as a dealer nondisclosure of a federal safety recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE | The contact's grandson owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after the vehicle was purchased from a private seller and driven 258 miles, while his grandson was merging off the exit ramp, the engine seized. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact scanned the vehicle and retrieved DTCs: P0011, P0016, P006DD, and P0521, stored DTCs: P06DD P0011, and permanent DTCs: P0011 and P0016. The engine was replaced by the contact. The local dealer was contacted for parts. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,148. | Crash: No Fire: No | 101,148 |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE | I just surpassed my extended warranty (5 year/100,000 miles) by a couple of thousand miles and my coolant control valve has gone out. The problem is so common that the part is on back order for months at a time. GM says that they issued special coverage for 2020-2022 models, but my dealer is telling me that my VIN is not covered. They want to charge me $2,400 to replace it. This is insane. It’s a very common problem that they know about and it’s going to almost break me. We need help! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | ENGINE BURNING OIL AND BLOWING WHITE SMOKE OUT TAIL PIPES. HAVE TO ADD OIL EVERY 1500 MILES OR SOONER IF TOWING. HAS BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE FIRST OIL CHANGE. VEHICLE IS NOW AT 88057 MILES | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE | While traveling to work at 75mph, a sudden an unexpected malfunction of internal engine components caused a loss of propulsion. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received the recall letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed there was no information from the manufacturer to move forward. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | I was traveling home from work and lost all power to the vehicle while driving. No warning lights, check engine lights came on. I was able to cross traffic and park it in a business place. I had it towed to a chevy dealership for diagnostic. They said that the timing chain came off and i would need a new engine. I had it towed to a auto mechanic shop for a second opinion and they gave the same result. The vehicle is only 4 years old with 92,000 miles on it. When i lost all power to the vehicle, I did not hear any strange noises. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I am an active U.S. Air Force member. My 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 failed GM Recall N252494003 on Sept 29, 2025 (L87 engine loss of propulsion). GM states this defect can cause sudden engine failure and loss of propulsion, increasing crash risk. Despite the confirmed failure, Ocean Cadillac (Miami, FL) told me to keep driving the unsafe vehicle and refused all Courtesy Transportation. The Service Manager admitted in writing that the engine failed, the defect can cause loss of propulsion, and the replacement engine is delayed under GM National Control for up to 3 months — yet they still denied me a loaner or rental. His statements contradict the GM documents he attached: • GM Bulletin DCS7222 says Courtesy Transportation CAN be provided during L87 recall downtime and dealers MUST consider loaners/rentals. • GM FAQ N252494002 says Courtesy Transportation IS available for this recall. • GM FAQ lists recall symptoms (check engine light, hesitation, high RPM, reduced power) — NOT battery drain. • GM states: “If the engine fails, the vehicle WILL lose propulsion.” Ocean Cadillac ignored these rules and put me back on the road in a known unsafe vehicle. As an American manufacturer, GM has a responsibility to protect American drivers. Their failure to follow recall procedures placed me, my family, and other motorists at risk. I request NHTSA investigate whether GM/Ocean Cadillac are complying with recall safety requirements and whether customers are being told to drive unsafe vehicles after confirmed failures. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I was driving on the freeway and my gmc Sierra at4 received a notification that I could could no longer accelerate. I pulled off to the side as safely as I could in a slanted hill in a major freeway with no shoulder. I sat on the side of the road for 45 min and then ran out of diesel gas waiting for the tow truck. We took into gmc and they said nothing was wrong, we were out of gas. But I ran out of gas waiting for the tow truck. The truck never shut off and ac still going, I just couldn’t accelerate. We’ve had the truck in the shop every single month for the past year for sensor issues and replacements and have all the documentation of the last few years of similar issues. No extensions of warranty’s nothing. Well we started to smell something burning this week and now we were told today we have a faulty fuel pump that will cost us $1,000 to fix and is not covered under our warranty. The truck is still under warranty, so why is something in relation to the power train not covered? There is a current t recall on other gmc models of this year for this fuel pump issue and the safety recall is EXACTLY what happened to us on the freeway and the issue we have now. Why has this not been extended to other GMCs????? My entire family could have died on the side of the freeway!! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE | Took the vehicle to the dealer because of an engine noise. It had issues with the valves knocking when it had around 1000 miles. I took it in and now the truck has around 67,000 miles and I’m being told it needs a new engine because of a bent rod in the engine. I was told that I need a new engine. Previously I had a lot of other issues with the front wheel hubs clicking. But, this truck didn’t even make it to 5 years and now it needs an engine. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE | I own this 21 GMC Sierra with a 6.2L. This vin is not part of your current recall. But my truck is at a dealership waiting on a replacement engine. I was told that the engine locked up in the bay. Not sure if any lights came on before the engine failed, the dealer did not go into that much of detail. The truck is sitting outside waiting on the engine, not sure if gm made then do any failure analysis or just said its a 6.2 were sending an engine. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | My wife was driving at highway speeds with all are kids when the trucks motor suddenly loss all power all check engine lights illuminated and what I'm assuming had major engine failure causing rod knock. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | ENGINE | On [XXX], at approximately 15,873 miles and while on the freeway approximately 30 miles from my home, my GMC Sierra 1500 with the L84 engine experienced a failure of the DFM lifter assembly. This required a significant engine disassembly and the replacement of multiple valvetrain components. This repair was performed at Gold Rush Chevrolet in Auburn, CA, as documented in the enclosed service invoice. GM has issued Technical Service Bulletins and product communications addressing similar lifter failures in Gen V small-block V8 engines with DFM/AFM, including Service Update N212353840, PIP5776, #19-NA-219, and related updates. Industry coverage and owner reports and current Class Action Lawsuits indicate that these failures can recur, even after initial repairs, due to the high cycling frequency of the DFM lifters. Given the nature of the defect and GM’s documented acknowledgement of the issue, I am requesting that GM extend the powertrain warranty coverage for the engine and related valvetrain components for a period of 10 years,100,000 miles as a goodwill policy adjustment. A warranty extension would ensure customer confidence and protect against the significant cost of a repeat failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | ENGINE | After having transmission issues which was replaced under warranty, within 300 miles, the engine failed. The vehicle has now been sitting at the dealership since October 7, 2025 waiting for a replacement engine. There is no timeline available for the replacement engine as they are currently backordered. Absolutely ridiculous. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V27400 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle failed an inspection. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was advised that parts were not yet available. The contact was advised that it was unsafe to release the vehicle to the contact with the recall unrepaired. The contact was advised that the repair would take two weeks for completion. The contact stated that the vehicle had been at the dealer for more than two months. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but provided no assistance. The contact stated that he needed the vehicle to use. The contact was advised that the vehicle was number 1,000 on the list for the repair. The failure mileage was 71,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 71,000 |