2021 GMC Sierra 1500: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500: 7 recalls, 582 owner complaints.
Recalls
7 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Tires Vehicle recall #20V684000 · 2020 · 7,516 vehicles
What's wrong: The vehicles May have been manufactured with continental tires that were overcured.
Why it matters: Overcured tires May experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace tires that have dot number and production mold number combinations identified by continental, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2020.
Seat belts, Seat belts Vehicle recall #20V792000 · 2020 · 624,216 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat belt brackets May not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
Why it matters: If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt May not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021.
Seat belts, Seat belts Vehicle recall #20V811000 · 2020 · 470 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt May not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021.
Tires Vehicle recall #21V985000 · 2021 · 626 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide a new 17" spare tire and wheel assembly that is compatible with the accessory wheels, free of charge. Dealers will also apply a new spare tire information label, and provide owners with an owner's manual insert clarifying which spare tire to use with the accessory road tires…
Transmission & drivetrain, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #24V797000 · 2024 · 463,295 vehicles
What's wrong: The transmission control valve May fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Why it matters: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. Gm will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #25V274000 · 2025 · 597,571 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification…
Transmission & drivetrain, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #26V083000 · 2026 · 1,055 vehicles
What's wrong: The transmission control valve May fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
Why it matters: Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (311): the most common themes are warning light on (94), noise or vibration (73), stalls / loses power (65).
- Transmission & drivetrain (141): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (53), warning light on (39), noise or vibration (26).
- Electrical (75): the most common themes are electrical failure (25), warning light on (15).
- Engine & cooling (49): the most common themes are warning light on (28), stalls / loses power (8), noise or vibration (6).
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has 582 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 33 Sierra 1500 model years for complaints (2.1× the average Sierra 1500 year). Complaints peaked in 2025 (254 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 50,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (475 complaints, 12 recalls), 2022 (592 complaints, 6 recalls).
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recalls for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 problems?
Owners have filed 582 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (311), transmission & drivetrain (141), electrical (75).
Where can I get a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.