2021 GMC SIERRA 1500

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    engine internal

    22 stranded, 127 unsafe, 2 broken, 1 annoyance

    152
    incidents

    Mileage not reported in 84% of these reports - too few people reported an actual figure to show a reliable typical mileage.

    • "THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW AND WAS ONLY DRIVEN FOR A WEEK. IT WAS IN MOTION ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED TO SOUND NOISIER THAN USUAL, LIKE THAT OF AN OLDER TRUCK. IT WAS HARD TO NOTICE ON HIGHER SPEEDS ON THE FREEWAY, BUT UPON SLOWING DOWN ON…"~625 mi, complaint #1713552
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine light remained illuminated and the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local de…"~11,000 mi, complaint #1797469
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that on Aug. 14, 2025, the PICO engine test was completed on the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer stated that the engine had passed the test, and…"~44,000 mi, complaint #2187742
    • "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…"~101,148 mi, complaint #2151530
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was placed on a trailer and was…"~133,000 mi, complaint #2030378
  2. #2

    engine cooling

    46 unsafe, 1 broken, 2 annoyance

    49
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle entered LIMP Mode, causing the vehicle to decelerate…"~119,000 mi, complaint #2178874
  3. #3

    transmission automatic

    1 stranded, 44 unsafe

    45
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD WHEN SHIFTING UP AND WHEN DOWNSHIFTING. VEHICLE JERKS WHEN GOING SPEEDS <[REDACTED ADDRESS] AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS >70."~2,000 mi, complaint #1736793
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond and shuddered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the fuel tank was cleaned, and the cont…"~8,000 mi, complaint #2064417
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shuddering, especially while driving uphill. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed and determined to have a failure a…"~38,875 mi, complaint #2232513
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the transmission inadvertently shifted from drive (D) to first gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of…"~103,000 mi, complaint #2196215
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH, the engine revved and the transmission unintendedly downshifted, causing the vehicle to decelerate unexpectedly. The transmission then seized, and the vehicle skidded. No…"~127,000 mi, complaint #2136176
  4. #4

    engine stall or no start

    18 stranded, 25 unsafe

    43
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 19,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "WHILE DRIVING DURING WINTER CONDITIONS WITH TEMPERATURE AT [REDACTED ADDRESS] WITH LIMITED TRAFFIC, THE DIESEL FUEL IN THE FUEL FILTER GELLED UP WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DISPLAY REDUCE POWER MODE AND THEN IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICL…"~2,500 mi, complaint #1727947
    • "THE CONTACT'S FATHER OWNS A 2021 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER FATHER WAS DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE STALLED THREE TIMES ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND WAS TAKEN TO THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS. THE VEHICL…"~3,000 mi, complaint #1747705
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated and the vehicle failed to accelerate above 60 MPH. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the DEF tank had failed and needed…"~4,000 mi, complaint #1798060
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving in inclement weather, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact looked under the vehicle and saw that engine oil was leaking from a puncture in the oil pan. The vehicle was t…"~5,800 mi, complaint #1760007
    • "The contact's husband owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 80 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the "Shift to Neutral and Restart" message blinked. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road where the ve…"~81,000 mi, complaint #2024074
  5. #5

    trunk or liftgate

    18 unsafe, 2 broken

    20
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=13, median 57,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, it was discovered that the electronic multifunction tailgate had erroneously opened. Also, during the failure the tailgate struck a scooter lift that was attached to th…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1845255
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to a local car wash, upon further inspection, the tailgate door had independently unlatched and was open. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact st…"~30,000 mi, complaint #2159521
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the inner tailgate door failed to open while pressing the release button. On several occasions while pressing the release button, the inner door would lower down. The cause of the failure was not…"~45,000 mi, complaint #2001118
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the tailgate opened unintendedly. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the cont…"~57,000 mi, complaint #2051031
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the tailgate opened independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while the vehicle was parked at the residence,…"~90,300 mi, complaint #2121766
  6. #6

    engine oil consumption

    15 unsafe

    15
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehic…"~44,000 mi, complaint #2089270
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Add oil to engine" message was displayed. The vehicle was driven to an AutoZone within two minutes and turned off. Upon inspection of the engine oil l…"~56,802 mi, complaint #2223276
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure…"~67,600 mi, complaint #2093643
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced under warranty. The contact stated that the vehicle had been experiencing excessive oil consumption and required three quarts of oil every 30 days. The contact…"~129,000 mi, complaint #2121470
  7. #7

    other

    7 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    10
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "I bought a loaner 2021 GM Sierra 1500 in Aug. 2021 from Starling Buick GMC, Venice, FL with 1600 miles on it. I used the Sierra to move items from my houses in my trailer from both FL to PA and PA to FL. On each trip The trailer brake controller would go out…"complaint #1879098
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount o…"complaint #2038332
    • "The electronic tailgate switch is malfunctioning and opening on own. We brought in and paid 2 times to have repaired and now the third time has happened. It’s appears this model is recalled in Canada but not US. Why is that when it’s the same parts used and th…"complaint #2039728
    • "Assure Guard ([REDACTED PHONE]) Contract number [XXX] GMC Customer Care Melissa ([REDACTED PHONE] Ext [XXX] ) Case#[XXX] Dealership: Phil Moore GMC ([REDACTED PHONE]) My truck is barely 4 years old. I should not have this problem . Why is it no one guara…"complaint #2060869
    • "Was informed from by GM that my vehicle is involved with a recall an still hasn't been repaired "complaint #2109650
  8. #8

    wiring harness

    1 stranded, 9 unsafe

    10
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to operate as needed. The service parking brake, check engine, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the…"~23,300 mi, complaint #1822744
  9. #9

    steering electric assist

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "STARTED VEHICLE EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL SHIFTED VEHICLE INTO DRIVE PROCEEDED FORWARD. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLES STEERING SEIZED I WAS UNABLE TWO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL. IT WAS ALSO VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. MESSAGES CAME…"~847 mi, complaint #1711772
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was standstill, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact wa…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1800701
  10. #10

    torque converter

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Transmission shifting is at times confused causing the vehicle to jump forward shifting to first gear. It pushes your vehicle 2-5 miles an hr faster when slowing down. The transmission also does the opposite when letting off the accelerator, shifting fast to…"complaint #1916581
    • "The transmission/torque converter is causing (bucking, kicking, jerking, slipping, difficulty when taking off, shuddering during driving, fishbite, and chuggle). Its becoming a safety hazard now because its putting me and others at risk for an accident. The ve…"complaint #2002652
    • "Truck started to lose power or slip on quick acceleration on highway Truck would jolt or shudder. 63000 miles. Dealer diagnosed truck needs Torque converter and a valve body replacement. No warning lights Contacted GM. Have a case number, was told to ta…"complaint #2075422
    • "I've noticed rough or jerky gear shifting when accelerating, rough and reduced propulsion, loss of power. Dealership repaired power torque converter but the truck continue to have the same symptoms. "complaint #2087997
    • "Reached the 100,000 mile mark and the truck started shuddering. Took it to the dealership and they tell me the torque converter is coming apart and I need a new transmission. "complaint #2096439
  11. #11

    brake hydraulics

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the grandson was driving in stop-and-go traffic, the braking system suddenly malfunctioned causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of a second vehicle. The grandson was driving approximately 1…"~21,539 mi, complaint #1853068
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and downshifting, the rear wheels locked up with the parking brake warning light flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle would resume normal operation soon after t…"~75,000 mi, complaint #2049885
  12. #12

    control module

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that when pulling a trailer with electric brakes with their vehicle, a warning light stating to check the trailer would illuminate on their instrument panel. The warning light would also state that th…"~21,000 mi, complaint #1815545
  13. #13

    infotainment head unit

    2 unsafe, 1 broken, 3 annoyance

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The console radio dash has gone completely black while both driving and while using it for the speaker/phone system. The incident resulted in the entire system restarting."complaint #1795153
    • "My son got into the car to drive it and saw a black screen with a message that states “update failed, see dealer” and had multiple languages. Since that date, he has no GPS or backup cam, which he relies on as a new driver. Nothing at all in the info system w…"complaint #1903035
    • "Radio screen will go blank randomly after turning the truck off the I can here the radio but can not see any screen. After turning the radio of an exiting the truck radio still plays all of the sudden the radio will go off and restarting the truck radio is wor…"complaint #2011956
    • "My vehicle was issued an OTA ( over the air update ) automatically, and the update failed, leaving the screen in my vehicle inoperable, with a message displayed stating " Update failed return to dealer" My vehicles radio/information system is now inoperable.…"complaint #2029892
    • "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 reca…"complaint #2154479
  14. #14

    airbag system

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Airbag light and "Service Safety Restraint System" keep flashing on and off intermittently. Sometimes every 5 seconds. Sometimes once or twice a day. This is a known issue with 2021 GM trucks and SUVs. Trying to get vehicle in for service but dealer said they…"complaint #1752737
    • "Vehicle purchased new in 2021; has less than 5,600 miles on it. Service Restraint System indicator light began coming on in September. At first intermittently, then every few seconds. Sent vehicle to dealer for repair on 9/27/21. Dealer states not safe to d…"complaint #1771207
    • "I get a "Service Safety Restraint System" warning sporadically when driving. No known cause and the vehicle has never been in an accident. This started happening after my last service at Capital Buick GMC in Smyrna, GA on January 6th, 2023."complaint #1866388
    • "Airbag system did not deploy but smoke in cabin during a crash. Video of front, rear and inside cabin shows the rear end passenger side impact at an estimated 45-50 MPH. I saw smoke in cabin, disturbed with anxiety after crash waiting for bags to deploy acci…"complaint #2074114
    • "• The airbag system failed to deploy during a collision that resulted in the total loss of the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle was operating with a 17” spare tire (undersized compared to the standard 20” wheels), which may have contributed to the accident.…"complaint #2096995
  15. #15

    backup camera

    3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that he had received an unknown Manufacturer recall notification related to the Back Over Prevention camera. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall repair was performed. Upon return of the…"~7,000 mi, complaint #1836306
  16. #16

    battery and charging

    2 stranded, 2 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "RETURNED HOME AFTER SOME SHOPPING. PARKED TRUCK IN DRIVE WAY. APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES AFTER RETURNING HOME MY WIFE SAW TRUCK SMOKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WITHIN ANOTHER MINUTE OR TWO THERE WERE VISIBLE FLAMES COMING FROM THE BACK EDGE OF THE HOOD. WE CALLED 91…"~3,400 mi, complaint #1741866
  17. #17

    engine head gasket

    1 stranded, 3 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "While driving on the highway my truck started to buck and had a loud engine knocking noise. Speed was greatly reduced so much so that I was going under 45 mph in a posted 65. The check engine light did not come on. While sitting on the side of the highway ther…"complaint #1767545
    • "I purchased this vehicle new in 2021. It is an Ultimate Denali trim level with a 6.2 engine. Within the first year, the driver's side head on the engine had a massive failure with only 7,000 miles. I started up the vehicle and was parked idling briefly when se…"complaint #2057307
    • "Unknown There is a recall on the this model but with different motor but when I took mine in they said it was a.manufactured defect but I was out of warranty because I purchased it cash and didn't get extended warranty now im having to replace and pay for a h…"complaint #2094518
    • "Loss of power, had engine repaired, replaced passenger side head and cylinder. Now drivers side is having the same issue. "complaint #2242226
  18. #18

    fuel injector

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Multiple injector and lifter failures. Occurred on 2 separate occasions. Taken to dealer the first time. Told injector failure and lifter failure. Less than a week later experienced multiple lifter failures. Taken to dealer again for repair. They only replace…"complaint #2057452
    • "-While driving the vehicle on the highway, abruptly lost power and RPM. Check engine light, along with multiple other warning lights lit up. When parking the truck soon after, had an associated rough idle with low RPM. The truck was then towed to GMC dealershi…"complaint #2090276
    • "- #5 injector failure, no. - Once the injector failed, the vehicle would violently shake when trying to accelerate. - Yes, was not covered under factory warranty but replaced by third-party extended warranty. -Yes, replaced by the dealership. -No warnings prio…"complaint #2097481
    • "So I made an appointment to have my truck recalled and the Wednesday before I took it, and it cranked no start and I called the dealership. Ask if they had any other those like this and they said that it could be the fuel injector module and so I got it to a m…"complaint #2216828
  19. #19

    power steering hydraulic

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My 2021 gmc Sierra displays (service power steering with care) the truck only has 13184 miles and barely moves."complaint #1889775
    • "My power steering completely failed. This is a safety issue and could have caused bodily harm. I have looked on line and I am not the only one with this issue, and as I investigated it shows that this issue was recall situation on earlier models. My truck i…"complaint #2129294
    • "power steering locked up while driving. multiple dash lights turned on, on its own after the issue, 4wd, emergency brake, abs, and other ones im not sure what they are. took it to the dealership for a recall and told them the issue that happened."complaint #2211637
    • "power steering locked up while driving. has been inspected and repaired by manufacturer. recall."complaint #2211640
  20. #20

    software or update

    2 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. Additionally, the brake pedal was depressed several times but failed to respond. The parking brake, tracti…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1784571
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after driving on a trip, the contact noticed that the vehicle had lost 10 MPG after a software update was performed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Richa…"~57,000 mi, complaint #2163594
  21. #21

    suspension arms and bushings

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear suspension. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who di…"~38,000 mi, complaint #2062635
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while her son was driving 55 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to slow down as intended. The driver attempted to use the parking brake to slow the vehicle, but the vehicle fa…"~77,000 mi, complaint #2199810
  22. #22

    adas collision warning

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "When using adaptive cruise the brakes have engaged aggressively without cause. This has happened several times prior to my discontinuing the use of this option. I have not had it in for service yet (we just returned from vacation)."complaint #1816280
    • "I am writing to complain about that General Motors has issued a retrofit program for 2022 model vehicles that did not come with safety features due to the microchip shortage. I purchased my vehicle new in 2021 and the vehicle did not have the option of having…"complaint #1995475
    • "We have had several times where we are on highway and our truck like slams on the brakes causing us to lose control. It was a recall on it and GMC fixed it and within the same week of them fixing it it happened 3 times back to back. Making my truck to force an…"complaint #2060728
  23. #23

    adas lane keeping

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "BRAND NEW [REDACTED ADDRESS] ASSIST HASN'T WORKED SINCE DAY ONE. LANE DEPARTURE WARNING EITHER. IT'S BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE AND STILL NO SOLUTION. IT WON'T TURN ON"complaint #1720730
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the Lane Departure Assist warning failed to activate when the vehicle drifted out of the driving lane. The failure was intermittent. The cause of the failure was n…"complaint #1750887
    • "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 Escalation…"complaint #2155294
  24. #24

    glass and windshield

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that there was water leaking through the rear sliding window. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that a fee would be charged for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed o…"~51,000 mi, complaint #1980484
  25. #25

    hv system fault reduced power

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My truck has a known recall from GMC which results in total loss of propulsion. It has not failed yet, but this is dangerous to me, my family/kids, and potentially others on the road. I have made multiple attempts to speak with GMC about the issue and also m…"complaint #2096336
    • "When I am in park my engine shuts off the light goes from green to orange which indicates it’s still on electrically. I have to turn on/off my vehicle multiple times for it to turn off fully. It’s an intermittent problem."complaint #2102223
    • "While driving my vehicle, the engine and transmission lost power and the check engine light came on. The vehicle went into limp mode and engine propulsion was limited. Had I been traveling at a faster speed, this would have been very unsafe. After coming to a…"complaint #2216998
  26. #26

    instrument cluster

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while using the GPS, the digital speedometer failed to operate as needed. The contact notified the dealer of the failure and the system was rebooted; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer w…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1808667
    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds with the ONSTAR/GPS, turn-by-turn driving directions activated, there was an unknown notification flashing on the instrument panel and radio. The speedometer was obstr…"~10,450 mi, complaint #1864875
  27. #27

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the rear of the vehicle was shuddering and sh…"~61,000 mi, complaint #2039843
  28. #28

    alignment and pull

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I noticed a sway in the vehicle while driving down the highway, bad enough to pull over and check the tires and suspension. Took truck to dealer where upon inspection I was told that the cause was the tires' sidewalls are not stiff enough and the tires try to…"complaint #1771784
    • "Alignment Cam Guide Pins sheared off while driving on highway. Alignment went all over the place and car was drifting side to side. Also, steering wheel spun a quarter turn while car was not turning but still driving on highway. Almost caused me to crash. GM…"complaint #1973614
  29. #29

    differential

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I was driving at highway speeds probably doing 55 and another vehicle pulled out in front of me forcing me to slow down rapidly. That’s when my wheels locked up and my vehicles wheels locked up in the middle of the highway. Screeching tires, almost like the ve…"complaint #2141177
    • "This was the first time I had ever experienced the rear differential locking up at highway speeds in my truck. It was probably the day after I bought the truck. I was going down route one southbound going probably around 60 miles an hour and the wheels locked…"complaint #2141182
  30. #30

    driveshaft axle cv

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 20-30 mph, she heard abnormal noises coming from the trunk of the vehicle, with no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the dash l…"complaint #1755364
    • "5 days after purchasing and While driving down the interstate at 80 mph, there was a loud clunk at the same time the back wheels locked up for a split second, long enough to burn the tires and throw everyone in the vehicle forward then the vehicle continued on…"complaint #1946065
  31. #31

    fluid leak unspecified

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Within 100 miles after purchasing this truck from GMC (used with 74K miles)I got messages both on my phone and later through inspection at GMC service center that the DEF system had a problem. The check engine light came on then off as well.I was getting mess…"complaint #1855632
    • "There is a water leak in the rear passenger compartment of my vehicle. Unsure where water is coming from. Continued leaking poses a risk to my safety as I may be exposed to black mold as well as anyone else who is riding in my vehicle. The problem hasn’t been…"complaint #2220474
  32. #32

    fuel pump

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The truck ever since of bought it has been nothing but issues. Starting with the fuel pump issues then electrical issues and most recently the coolant flow control valve. This is my work truck and now I’m out of a truck with no loaner and the dealership has no…"complaint #2095949
    • "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 an…"complaint #2147469
  33. #33

    interior trim

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "REACHED FOR A FALLEN OBJECT BETWEEN THE DRIVER AND MIDDLE FRONT SEAT AND THERE IS A RAZOR SHARP PIECE THAT TOOK A LARGE CHUNK OUT OF THE HAND WHICH CAUSED HEAVY BLEEDING AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND JUST TRIED TO RETRIEVE FALLEN O…"~700 mi, complaint #1711553
    • "SUN GLARE REFLECTS OFF CENTER CONSOLE CUP HOLDER WITH SUCH INTENSITY IT'S HARD TO FOCUS ON THE ROAD EVEN WITH SUNGLASSES ON."~5,000 mi, complaint #1745273
  34. #34

    power windows and locks

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Rear tailgate on my 2021 Sierra opens or drops when wet. This seems to only happen in a heavy rain or after a truck wash. This problem has been recognized by the manufacturer and the dealer. There is no warning other than the constant clicking of the electric…"complaint #2183842
    • "Shift to park dings continuously and vehicle won’t turn off draining battery leaving doors unlocked. Don’t want to force into park and break anything more. "complaint #2209080
  35. #35

    stability and traction control

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I started my truck this morning, drove it 3 miles, and all of a sudden got an ESC warning, Parking break warning, and a degraded power steering warning all at one time. My steering wheel started vibrating vigorously, a clanking sound started under the hood som…"complaint #1772380
    • "ESC ERROR PARKING BREAK NOT RELEASING Dashboard lights started flashing Check engine light came on"complaint #2082502
  36. #36

    steering rack mechanical

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • " 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…"complaint #2158947
    • "Loss of steering, erratic steering control. Steering locks up"complaint #2191432
  37. #37

    suspension struts shocks

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "On 22 December 2020, I received a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT X31 Truck. The day that I drove it I notice that the Truck was riding as though it had a low Tire issue. It was riding bouncy. I had no low tire light. I checked the Tire Pressure and they all was…"complaint #1765114
    • "I took my truck to the dealership because of my issues and they said they had many trucks going in with the same issue but there was no fix to it. The issues Popping Noise Heard On Hard Turns and/or Going Over Speed Bumps, Creaking Noise While Turning Wheel L…"complaint #1834289
  38. #38

    timing belt or chain

    2 stranded

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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…"complaint #2148422
    • "I purchased this truck from a used car dealer. It had received the fix in January this year. They sold it to me I put 15,000.00 down and financed 15,000.00. I had the truck two weeks and was driving down the road to pick up some tools from a friends. I pulled…"complaint #2238015
  39. #39

    tire failure

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 equipped with General Tires, Tire Line: Grabber HTS60, Tire Size: 275/60 R20, DOT Number: (NA). The contact stated while driving 15 MPH in a parking lot, the rear passenger’s side sustained a blowout. The contact stated…"~18,700 mi, complaint #1830890
  40. #40

    wheel or rim

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the front driver's side wheel separated and fell underneath the front end of the vehicle, causing the vehicle to veer towards oncoming traffic. The contact was able to pull to th…"~37,470 mi, complaint #1994055
  41. #41

    wiper and washer

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The wiper blade motor is defective. While driving during a storm the wiper blade motor stopped working on the delayed and low settings. This was a safety issue while driving. I took my vehicle to get looked at a GM Dealer to look at the vehicle. My vehicle is…"complaint #1995004
    • "My rear electric window is leaking into my back seat area and the ceiling of the truck has water stains. It is coming from the roof and is leaking in 3 different areas. I am afraid I will now have mold in my car and I can’t have my grandchildren in the car to…"complaint #2114590
  42. #42

    brake pads and rotors

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "All 4 brake rotors are warped according to my local GMC dealership. They also told me all of the inside brake pads are worn twice as much as the outer pads, which in my opinion indicates a manufacturing and/or computer controller issue. Safety is an issue wh…"complaint #1859173
  43. #43

    door latch and hinge

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The retractable running board on the driver side retracted well my 3-year-old daughter was climbing into the back of the truck. She then fell off and to the ground. On more than one occasion, I was standing on the retractable running board on the driver side.…"complaint #2139490
  44. #44

    emissions aftertreatment

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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…"complaint #2157829
  45. #45

    engine mounts

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "When shifting into drive after reversing, truck will occasionally do a small thud and hesitate to move forward. This is from a stopped position after reversing, then braking, putting the truck into drive, then it happens when starting to move forward at very l…"complaint #1788342
  46. #46

    fuel tank and lines

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The DEF tank in my truck is defective and its the second time in the last 14 months it has broke. The part is now back ordered and according to the dealership this is a nationwide issue regarding these specific trucks. I have contacted around 10 dealers in my…"complaint #2188506
  47. #47

    heater core and blower

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The only way to get the heater to work on your feet is to turn off defrost, turn on only feet, turn on AC and sync both sides. I live in North Idaho and when you do this your windshield fogs up and freezes. I have taken this to the dealership and was state "…"complaint #1788716
  48. #48

    lighting exterior

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "During winter/snow driving snow accumulates on the headlights and causes a partial to total loss of visibility. This has happened multiple times during winter months. Cleaning the headlights requires exiting the vehicle in a potentially dangerous situation. Th…"complaint #1862763
  49. #49

    mirror

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The driver-side mirror on my 2021 GMC sierra is unusable at freeway speed. When traveling at freeway speed the glass moves due to wind and causes the reflection in the mirror to be blurry. The reflection from the mirror is blurry to the point that I'm unable t…"complaint #1843234
  50. #50

    noise or vibration unspecified

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "While coasting down or under very light acceleration between 12-20 mph the vehicle has a shudder like driving over a highway rumble strip. While cruising on the highway at 65+ mph, the vehicle has a light shudder or vibration. Vehicle has been checked numero…"complaint #2215686
  51. #51

    parking brake

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Left rear parking brake actuator malfunction. The truck would brake unexpectedly. The brake would not completely release at times. Took it to the dealer on June 6, 2024 and they replaced the rear rotors and pads. I asked them if the parking brake actuator was…"complaint #2165104
  52. #52

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "2021 GMC Sierra 1500 [XXX] miles 36,500. My childs seatbelt does not work and the lane keep assist does not work INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)"complaint #2117377
  53. #53

    tpms

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the tire pressure warning light illuminated and that the TPMS sensor was not indicating the pressure for each tire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that no failure was f…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1888648
  54. #54

    unknown

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "See attached document for complaint. This law firm represents [XXX] . [XXX] owns a GMC truck with VIN: xxxxxx which is subject to the above referenced recall. Please accept this letter as Mr. [XXX] 's written complaint due to his dealer's failure to remedy t…"complaint #2126906

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for GMC SIERRA 1500 directly.