2021 GMC Sierra problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 570 owner complaints on file for the 2021 GMC Sierra, filed between 2020-12-07 and 2026-09-24. The most common problem areas are the engine (302, 53%), power train (136, 24%) and electrical system (73, 13%). Owners reported 5 crashes, 6 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2021 GMC Sierra complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 302 | 53% | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Power train | 136 | 24% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 73 | 13% | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 49 | 9% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 42 | 7% | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 35 | 6% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 33 | 6% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 23 | 4% | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 12 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 10 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 9 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 8 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 7 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 7 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 6 | 1% | 2 | 1 | 1 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 302 complaints
- 302 complaints of 570 (53%) name the engine.
- 56 of them also name the power train; owners reported 5 fires in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 GMC Sierra; the recall, campaign 25V274000, says: “The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.”
Power train: 136 complaints
- 136 complaints of 570 (24%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 56 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 GMC Sierra; the latest, campaign 26V083000, says: “The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.”
Electrical system: 73 complaints
- 73 complaints of 570 (13%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 23 of them also name the engine; owners reported 3 fires in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 GMC Sierra covers this system.
Engine and engine cooling: 49 complaints
- 49 complaints of 570 (9%) name the engine and engine cooling — the engine and its cooling system.
- 3 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 GMC Sierra; the recall, campaign 25V274000, says: “The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.”
Fuel/propulsion system: 35 complaints
- 35 complaints of 570 (6%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 23 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 GMC Sierra covers this system.
Steering: 33 complaints
- 33 complaints of 570 (6%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 9 of them also name the service brakes; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 GMC Sierra covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 32 |
| 2022 | 33 |
| 2023 | 27 |
| 2024 | 50 |
| 2025 | 254 |
| 2026 | 171 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names SIERRA, SIERRA 1500, model year 2021. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2021 GMC Sierra recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 GMC Sierra?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2021 GMC Sierra's most common problem areas are the engine (302 of 570 complaints), power train (136 of 570 complaints) and electrical system (73 of 570 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2021 GMC Sierra have?
NHTSA has 570 owner complaints on file for the 2021 GMC Sierra, including 5 reported crashes and 6 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2021 GMC Sierra's problems?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2021 GMC Sierra; 3 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.