2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Common Problems
Ranked from 196 federal NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
18 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
33complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine stalls at idle when the stop-start system malfunctions.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 2
Transmission Issues Leading to Hard Shifts and Shudders
33complaintsMedium severityTransmissionTransmission problems result in hard shifts and shudders, especially in the 35-45 mph range, affecting vehicle performance and safety.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 24V797000, 26V083000
- 3
Engine Coolant Control Valve Failure
30complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine coolant control valve fails, leading to overheating, stalling, and check engine light illumination.
Related recall: 25V274000
- 4
Engine Seizure Due to Mechanical Failure
29complaintsSafety riskEngineThe engine has seized, leading to complete loss of power and requiring replacement.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 5
Tailgate Opens Spontaneously Due to Electric Lock Mechanism Failure
28complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe tailgate opens spontaneously due to a failure in the electric lock mechanism, posing a risk to cargo security.
- 6
Engine Knocking and Unusual Sounds
25complaintsHigh severityEngineUnusual knocking sounds occur while idling or driving, indicating potential engine damage or failure.
Related recall: 25V274000
- 7
Engine Lifter Failures
22complaintsHigh severityEngineMultiple instances of lifters failing, causing engine misfires and requiring engine replacement.
Related recall: 25V274000
- 8
Engine Power Loss and Check Engine Light
16complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine experiences sudden loss of power and check engine light illumination, often leading to limp mode or inability to restart.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 9
Engine Misfire and Sputtering
13complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine misfires and sputters, causing a rough idle and potential loss of power during acceleration.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 10
Engine Overheating and Reduced Power Mode
9complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine overheats, triggering reduced power mode and check engine light, potentially leading to engine damage or failure.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 11
Engine Oil Consumption and Burning
8complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine consumes excessive oil, leading to potential engine failure and increased maintenance costs.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 12
Engine Check Light Issues
7complaintsHigh severityEngineCheck engine light illuminating due to various engine failures.
Related recall: 25V274000
- 13
Check Engine Light and Diagnostic Trouble Codes
5complaintsLow severityElectricalThe check engine light illuminates, accompanied by various diagnostic trouble codes, indicating potential issues with the engine or electrical systems.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Engine Lifter Failure
5complaintsHigh severityEngineMultiple lifters have failed, causing damage to the camshaft and engine seizure.
Related recall: 25V274000
- 15
Transmission Shuddering and Erratic Gear Changes
4complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe 10-speed automatic transmission shudders, jumps between gears, and experiences erratic shifts, causing the vehicle to vibrate and make unusual noises.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 24V797000, 26V083000
- 16
Coolant Control Valve Backorder
3complaintsMedium severityEngineThe coolant control valve is on a national backorder, causing the vehicle to sit in the shop for extended periods.
Related recall: 25V274000
- 17
Engine Power Loss and Limp Mode
3complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine experiences sudden power loss, entering limp mode, and potentially leading to a loss of propulsion.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 18
Steering Lock-Up and Electrical Issues
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe power steering locks up, causing the vehicle to lose steering control, and electrical systems fail to shut down properly, posing safety risks.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.