2021 GMC Sierra 1500 VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 420 owner complaints on file for the 2021 GMC Sierra-1500. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints and 6 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (142), Power Train (95), Electrical System (45).
Sierra 1500 reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the GMC Sierra 1500 before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Engine142
- Power Train95
- Electrical System45
- Engine And Engine Cooling36
- Steering25
- Unknown Or Other22
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Inspect engine for lifter noise or knocking sounds
- Check for transmission shudder or harsh shifting
- Verify coolant control valve functionality and check for related error codes
- Test infotainment system for freezing or unresponsive behavior
- Ensure electronic parking brake releases properly
- Check for excessive oil consumption or oil leaks
- Inspect for any engine warning lights or error codes
2021 Sierra 1500 recalls (6)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Sierra 1500. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNHTSA 25V274000Apr 24, 2025
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.
Consequence: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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 letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
- POWER TRAINNHTSA 24V797000Oct 24, 2024
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.
Consequence: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
- TIRESNHTSA 21V985000Dec 16, 2021
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.
Consequence: An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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 and with the 17" original tires. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212346510.
- SEAT BELTSNHTSA 20V811000Dec 23, 2020
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
- SEAT BELTSNHTSA 20V792000Dec 17, 2020
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
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. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.
- TIRESNHTSA 20V684000Nov 5, 2020
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
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. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202319030.
Used-market value
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 on the road
199,138 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
With a 70/100 reliability score against a 74/100 segment average, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 lands slightly below class norms. That points to a mixed reliability picture rather than a clear strength, and it raises buyer risk modestly compared with typical full-size pickups in this segment.
Complaints are not evenly spread. They cluster most heavily around the engine and powertrain, with secondary concentration in electrical and cooling-related areas. Steering appears less prominent by comparison, suggesting the main reliability exposure is centered on core drivetrain systems rather than a broad set of unrelated problems. As a third-year model in its current generation, this pattern reflects established ownership feedback rather than first-year noise. Recall activity is elevated.
Overall risk level: moderate, leaning higher than the segment average.
What you get in a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 report
Check a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 now
Confirm exact options, recall completion, accident history, and odometer accuracy in minutes.
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
With a 70/100 reliability score against a 74/100 segment average, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 lands slightly below class norms. That points to a mixed reliability picture rather than a clear strength, and it raises buyer risk modestly compared with typical full-size pickups in this segment.
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
6 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 problems?
The most-reported 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 problem areas are: Engine (142), Power Train (95), Electrical System (45).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.