Your vehicle report
2021 GMC Sierra 1500
The problems owners report. The recalls to check. The evidence behind each.
Your vehicle at a glance
Complaint patterns and official recall records, kept distinct.
- Owner complaints
- 596
- Received Dec 2020 to Oct 2026
Owner reports
Most reported problems
- 1Chevrolet Silverado loses power and hesitates82 complaints · 14% of this vehicle’s complaints
- 2Head gasket leaks coolant into engine40 complaints · 6.7% of this vehicle’s complaints
- 3Engine knocking from rod or main bearings38 complaints · 6.4% of this vehicle’s complaints
Official NHTSA records
Recalls to check
- Recall #26V083000General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
- Recall #25V274000General 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.
BrakeNews signals
Flagged complaint patterns
Unusual complaint patterns with no matched recall yet. A flag does not mean a recall will happen.
- Engine knocking from rod or main bearingsFirst signal: Sep 2021
- Check engine light comes on repeatedlyFirst signal: Sep 2021
- Engine burns excessive oil between changesFirst signal: Feb 2026
Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA, not failure rates or a reliability ranking. Reported in these complaints: 6 crashes, 6 fires, 3 people injured, 0 deaths.
Explore by system
Where do owners report problems?
Choose an area on the car or a system below to explore the reported problems.
Illustrative only; not this vehicle’s exact design. Areas represent complaint categories, not confirmed defective parts.
Showing all 21 listed problems by system.
Engine & powertrain
- Chevrolet Silverado loses power and hesitates
- Head gasket leaks coolant into engine
- Engine knocking from rod or main bearings
8 more problems
- Check engine light comes on repeatedly
- Automatic transmission shifts unexpectedly or slips
- Engine burns excessive oil between changes
- Transmission fails or loses power while driving
- Engine suddenly shuts off while driving
- Transmission shudders during acceleration at low speeds
- Gear shifter fails to register Park
- Vehicle suddenly loses engine power at speed
Brakes
Electrical & lights
Airbags, belts & seats
No problems in this category meet this page’s listing criteria. This does not establish that the system is free of problems.
Steering, suspension & tires
Body, doors & glass
Driver assistance
Other
No problems in this category meet this page’s listing criteria. This does not establish that the system is free of problems.
Complaint history
When NHTSA received these reports. Changes in reporting alone do not establish a change in failure rates.
Show as a table
| Month | Complaints |
|---|---|
| December 2020 | 3 |
| January 2021 | 1 |
| February 2021 | 2 |
| March 2021 | 1 |
| April 2021 | 2 |
| May 2021 | 4 |
| June 2021 | 2 |
| July 2021 | 3 |
| August 2021 | 3 |
| September 2021 | 4 |
| October 2021 | 4 |
| November 2021 | 1 |
| December 2021 | 5 |
| January 2022 | 6 |
| February 2022 | 5 |
| March 2022 | 1 |
| April 2022 | 3 |
| May 2022 | 1 |
| June 2022 | 4 |
| July 2022 | 0 |
| August 2022 | 3 |
| September 2022 | 2 |
| October 2022 | 3 |
| November 2022 | 2 |
| December 2022 | 3 |
| January 2023 | 5 |
| February 2023 | 1 |
| March 2023 | 1 |
| April 2023 | 7 |
| May 2023 | 3 |
| June 2023 | 2 |
| July 2023 | 0 |
| August 2023 | 3 |
| September 2023 | 2 |
| October 2023 | 1 |
| November 2023 | 1 |
| December 2023 | 1 |
| January 2024 | 2 |
| February 2024 | 1 |
| March 2024 | 6 |
| April 2024 | 3 |
| May 2024 | 7 |
| June 2024 | 5 |
| July 2024 | 3 |
| August 2024 | 3 |
| September 2024 | 2 |
| October 2024 | 5 |
| November 2024 | 4 |
| December 2024 | 9 |
| January 2025 | 20 |
| February 2025 | 16 |
| March 2025 | 17 |
| April 2025 | 34 |
| May 2025 | 40 |
| June 2025 | 24 |
| July 2025 | 32 |
| August 2025 | 12 |
| September 2025 | 16 |
| October 2025 | 14 |
| November 2025 | 13 |
| December 2025 | 16 |
| January 2026 | 19 |
| February 2026 | 12 |
| March 2026 | 24 |
| April 2026 | 16 |
| May 2026 | 14 |
| June 2026 | 22 |
| July 2026 | 22 |
| August 2026 | 20 |
| September 2026 | 27 |
| October 2026 | 21 |
| Total | 596 |
Problems owners report
Listed groups have at least 3 complaints. The page includes the 20 largest groups plus any additional flagged groups; some complaints are not assigned to a group.
| Problem | Complaints | Share | Share ratio | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Silverado loses power and hesitates | 82 | 14% | 12.4× | NHTSA recall #25V274000 |
| Head gasket leaks coolant into engine | 40 | 6.7% | 2.7× | |
| Engine knocking from rod or main bearings | 38 | 6.4% | 5× | BrakeNews flag · First signal: Sep 2021 Model estimate of a matched recall within 24 months: 4.3% |
| Check engine light comes on repeatedly | 26 | 4.4% | 2.4× | BrakeNews flag · First signal: Sep 2021 Model estimate of a matched recall within 24 months: 1.9% |
| Automatic transmission shifts unexpectedly or slips | 18 | 3.0% | 1.1× | NHTSA recall #24V797000, #26V083000 |
| Engine burns excessive oil between changes | 15 | 2.5% | 2× | BrakeNews flag · First signal: Feb 2026 Model estimate of a matched recall within 24 months: 1.9% |
| Transmission fails or loses power while driving | 14 | 2.4% | 1.4× | |
| Tailgate or trunk latch fails | 13 | 2.2% | 2.5× | |
| Power steering cuts out while driving | 10 | 1.7% | 0.4× | |
| Steering wheel seizes or locks suddenly | 9 | 1.5% | 0.8× | |
| Brake pedal sinks due to leaking lines | 9 | 1.5% | 1.2× | |
| Rear door latch fails to open or close | 8 | 1.3% | 0.8× | |
| Rearview backup camera fails or goes black | 6 | 1.0% | 0.2× | |
| Engine suddenly shuts off while driving | 6 | 1.0% | 0.4× | |
| Transmission shudders during acceleration at low speeds | 6 | 1.0% | 2.8× | BrakeNews flag · First signal: May 2025 Model estimate of a matched recall within 24 months: 1.1% |
| Gear shifter fails to register Park | 6 | 1.0% | 1.3× | |
| Vehicle suddenly loses engine power at speed | 6 | 1.0% | 1.4× | |
| Tires blow out or tread separates | 5 | 0.8% | – | NHTSA recall #20V684000 |
| Infotainment screen ghost-touches and changes on its own | 5 | 0.8% | – | |
| Vehicle catches fire from wiring | 5 | 0.8% | – | |
| Water leaks into cabin during rain | 4 | 0.7% | 1.3× | BrakeNews flag · First signal: Aug 2026 · Recent surge Model estimate of a matched recall within 24 months: 2.9% |
AI groups complaints by meaning; the groups are approximate. Share ratio compares the problem’s share of this vehicle’s complaints with its share on other vehicles over the last 24 months (shown from 3 recent complaints). A 2× ratio means twice the complaint share, not twice the failure risk. Flags mark unusual shares or recent surges after an AI review of the complaint content. “First signal” does not mean the pattern has persisted continuously.How recall estimates are calculated.
Recalls
NHTSA recall #26V083000February 12, 20261,055 vehicles affected
power train: automatic transmission: control module: software; power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve body
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252516560. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 12, 2026.
NHTSA recall #25V274000April 24, 2025597,571 vehicles affected
engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #24V797000October 24, 2024463,295 vehicles affected
power train: automatic transmission: control module: software; power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve body
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #21V985000December 16, 2021626 vehicles affected
tires: temporary/emergency spare tire
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #20V811000December 23, 2020470 vehicles affected
seat belts; seat belts: critical fasteners
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #20V792000December 17, 2020624,216 vehicles affected
seat belts; seat belts: critical fasteners
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #20V684000November 5, 20207,516 vehicles affected
tires
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.
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.
Other model years
About this data
NHTSA complaints and recalls through October 2026. Complaints are counted once each, however many components they name. Original complaints are on NHTSA's page for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500.
Problem groups are formed by AI and may be approximate. BrakeNews flags unusual complaint patterns; they are not official defect findings. Investigation reports are written and checked by AI, with no human review. Owner reports do not establish that a defect exists.
Read the methodology and track record · Check current recalls by VIN