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    GMC Sierra 1500

    EPA MPG: 17 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2021 Sierra 1500 is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has been recalled 6 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other exhaust system problem

    ""Check Engine light came on 4 times in 3 months for P2002 Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) low efficiency. Experienced mediocre dealer service, was in shop 3 times (under warranty) for 4 weeks in total. 2 different dealers told me GM is reluctant to replace DPF (10 hours labor, Part $1000). Last time, the truck was at dealer for 3 weeks to replace the DPF. Check engine light (CEL) came back on before I got home after the last service for P2002 code. CEL went off the next day - all codes gone. Only driven that one day since the last service. So hoping it's fixed.""

    Anonymous, KY (2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 3.0-L 6 Cyl diesel)
    Other/unsure

    "Poor back-up lighting"

    Anonymous, PA (2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)

    "Windshield wiper swirch"

    Anonymous, VT (2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation 2.7-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Water pump.idler failed.cam shaft destroyed the engune"

    Anonymous A., TX (2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 6.2-L V8)

    "Trunk latch Wong open"

    Anonymous A., (2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 3.0-L 6 Cyl diesel)

    ""Presently under recall for valves/lifter problem, which appears to be the same problem that led to an $8500 service bill of my 2017 GMC pickup which precipitated the trade for this vehicle.""

    Anonymous, TN (2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 6.2-L V8)

    "Engine light come on it would reset itself many times, but in the end it continuously this was resolved. Engine coolant flow control valve needed to be replaced along with the engine coolant temp sensor $794 I also had a oil leak which ended up being gasket's which was $362"

    Anonymous A., IA (2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation 3.0-L 6 Cyl diesel)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Cylinder head

    "The lifters needed replacement."

    Anonymous, NY (2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 6.2-L V8)
    Other major engine problem

    "Engine mis-fire and low power at low speeds"

    Anonymous A., MO (2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)

    "Engine light illuminated and GMC dealer informed me that the left side lifters for the engine failed. They replaced the lifters under warranty"

    Anonymous, PA (2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)

    "The lifters went out on one side of the engine. The truck was in the shop for two weeks waiting for parts. Everything has been fine since the repairs were made."

    Anonymous, (2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 6.2-L V8)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Fuel pump

    "High pressure diesel pump failure. Just quit one day."

    Anonymous, TX (2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 3.0-L 6 Cyl diesel)
    Other emissions/fuel system problem

    "Rodent damage in vapor recovery system"

    Anonymous A., VA (2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 5.3-L V8)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

    "I have an ipod that the vehicle insists on playing in "shuffle" mode."

    Anonymous, CT (2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 5.3-L V8)
    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    "Off and on there will be an error displayed saying that the SD card has been removed. A restart of the truck usually clears this up."

    Anonymous, KS (2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Premature brake wear

    "Rear brake pads and rotors replaced at 40K and 90K. 90% of driving is highway driving."

    Anonymous, ON (2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation 5.3-L V8)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

    "Shifter was broken. It was covered under an extended warrantee 100%"

    Anonymous A., MA (2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 3.0-L 6 Cyl diesel)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    2021 Pickup Trucks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    GMC vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    Engine Major
    Engine Minor
    Engine Cooling
    Engine Electrical
    Transmission Major
    Transmission Minor
    Drive System
    Fuel System/Emissions
    Exhaust
    Suspension/Steering
    Brakes
    Climate System
    Build Quality
    Electrical Accessories
    Body Hardware
    Paint/Trim
    Noises/Leaks
    In-car Electronics
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Apr 24, 2025
    Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V274000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 597571
    POWER TRAIN
    Oct 24, 2024
    Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V797000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 463295
    TIRES
    Dec 16, 2021
    An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V985000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 626
    SEAT BELTS
    Dec 23, 2020
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V811000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 470
    SEAT BELTS
    Dec 17, 2020
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V792000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 624216
    TIRES
    Nov 05, 2020
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V684000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 7516
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