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Executive Vehicle Verdict

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is associated with 539 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 7 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database.

The most frequently reported component area is Engine, accounting for 177 reports (33% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 30 certified vehicle configurations spanning 3l 6-cyl, 2.7l 4-cyl, 5.3l 8-cyl, 6.2l 8-cyl, and 4.3l 6-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 16 to 26 MPG combined.

Official Federal Record Profile
  • • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 539 consumer reports filed
  • • Safety Recall Campaigns: 7 official campaigns
  • • Primary Defect Domain: Engine (177 / 33%)
  • • Field Incident Signals: 5 crash / 6 fire / 2 injury reports
  • • NCAP Crash Safety: 4 / 5 Stars Overall Laboratory Score
  • • EPA Certified Range: 16–26 MPG across 30 powertrain trims
Directly compiled from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA NCAP, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.

What is the fuel economy and range of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?

Official EPA laboratory test ratings, electric driving range, and annual energy cost estimates by certified vehicle variant

Variant Engine Drivetrain Transmission City Highway Combined EV Range Est. Annual Fuel Cost
Sierra 2WD Diesel 3L 6-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd 23 MPG 30 MPG 26 MPG — $3,050 / yr
Sierra 4WD Diesel 3L 6-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd 22 MPG 26 MPG 24 MPG — $3,300 / yr
Sierra 4WD AT4 Diesel 3L 6-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd 22 MPG 26 MPG 24 MPG — $3,300 / yr
Sierra 2WD 2.7L 4-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 8-spd 20 MPG 23 MPG 21 MPG — $2,950 / yr
Sierra 2WD 2.7L 4-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 8-spd 20 MPG 23 MPG 21 MPG — $2,950 / yr
Sierra 2WD 5.3L 8-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 8-spd 17 MPG 23 MPG 19 MPG — $3,250 / yr
Sierra 4WD 5.3L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd 16 MPG 22 MPG 19 MPG — $3,250 / yr
Sierra 4WD 2.7L 4-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 8-spd 18 MPG 21 MPG 19 MPG — $3,250 / yr
Sierra 4WD 2.7L 4-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 8-spd 18 MPG 20 MPG 19 MPG — $3,250 / yr
Sierra 4WD AT4 5.3L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd 16 MPG 21 MPG 18 MPG — $3,400 / yr
Sierra 4WD 5.3L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 8-spd 16 MPG 21 MPG 18 MPG — $3,400 / yr
Sierra 4WD AT4 5.3L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 8-spd 16 MPG 21 MPG 18 MPG — $3,400 / yr
Sierra 4WD 5.3L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd 15 MPG 21 MPG 18 MPG — $3,400 / yr
Sierra 2WD 5.3L 8-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd 15 MPG 21 MPG 17 MPG — $3,600 / yr
Sierra 4WD 6.2L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd 16 MPG 20 MPG 17 MPG — $4,450 / yr
Sierra 4WD AT4 6.2L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd 15 MPG 19 MPG 17 MPG — $4,450 / yr
Sierra 4WD 5.3L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd 15 MPG 20 MPG 17 MPG — $3,600 / yr
Sierra 4WD 4.3L 6-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd 15 MPG 20 MPG 17 MPG — $3,600 / yr
Sierra 2WD 4.3L 6-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd 16 MPG 21 MPG 17 MPG — $3,600 / yr
Sierra 2WD 5.3L 8-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 8-spd 15 MPG 22 MPG 17 MPG — $3,600 / yr
Sierra 4WD AT4 5.3L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd 15 MPG 21 MPG 17 MPG — $3,600 / yr
Sierra 2WD 5.3L 8-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd 15 MPG 19 MPG 16 MPG — $3,850 / yr
Sierra 4WD 5.3L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd 14 MPG 18 MPG 16 MPG — $3,850 / yr
Sierra 4WD AT4 5.3L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd 14 MPG 18 MPG 16 MPG — $3,850 / yr
Sierra 2WD 5.3L 8-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd 14 MPG 21 MPG 16 MPG — $3,850 / yr
Sierra 4WD 5.3L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd 14 MPG 20 MPG 16 MPG — $3,850 / yr
Sierra 4WD 5.3L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 8-spd 14 MPG 20 MPG 16 MPG — $3,850 / yr
Sierra 4WD AT4 5.3L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 8-spd 14 MPG 20 MPG 16 MPG — $3,850 / yr
Sierra 4WD 6.2L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd 15 MPG 20 MPG 16 MPG — $4,750 / yr
Sierra 4WD AT4 6.2L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd 14 MPG 19 MPG 16 MPG — $4,750 / yr
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.

What are the crash test safety ratings for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?

Official 5-Star Safety Ratings evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant Overall Rating Frontal Crash Side Crash Rollover Rating Rollover Risk
PU/CC 2WD 19.1%
PU/EC 2WD 19.1%
PU/RC 2WD 19.1%
PU/CC 4WD 19.8%
PU/EC 4WD 19.8%
PU/RC 4WD 19.8%
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Optional in official NHTSA records for tested 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 models.
View complete 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 crash test & safety breakdown →

What defect complaints are reported for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?

Summary of 539 verified consumer defect submissions filed with the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)

Total Complaints
539
Crash Reports
5
Fire Reports
6
Complaints w/ Injury
2
Total Injuries
2

Top Reported Problem Categories

Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA

Engine 177 complaints
Powertrain 66 complaints
Engine & Cooling 42 complaints
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 32 complaints
Electrical System 26 complaints

Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.

View all 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 problems & component breakdown (81 categories) →

Are there open safety recalls on the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?

Manufacturer safety recall campaigns monitored and recorded by NHTSA

NHTSA Campaign #26V083000 Active Recall
Affected Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Defect Summary: 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.

Free Manufacturer 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 Campaign #25V274000 Active Recall
Affected Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Defect 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.

Free Manufacturer 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 Campaign #24V797000 Active Recall
Affected Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Defect 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.

Free Manufacturer 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.
View all 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls & campaign history (7 campaigns) →
Search Intelligence

Quick Answers: Key Questions Drivers Ask About the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500

Direct, deterministic answers synthesized from verified United States government databases for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500

How many safety recalls does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 have?

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is associated with 7 official NHTSA safety recall campaigns in AutoUtility's current federal records.

If your individual vehicle is affected by an open safety recall, NHTSA advises owners to contact an authorized franchised dealership for the recall remedy at no charge. Because recall campaigns apply to specific production runs and equipment batches, vehicle owners should verify their 17-digit VIN at NHTSA.gov.

View all 7 recall campaigns & remedy details →
Source: NHTSA Safety Recalls Database (49 U.S.C. 30118)

What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?

NHTSA records list 539 consumer defect complaints for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The most frequently referenced vehicle system is Engine, appearing in 177 filings (33% of submissions).

Consumer complaints represent unverified owner submissions filed under federal reporting guidelines and describe reported component behavior rather than audited failure rates.

Explore full 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 defect complaint breakdown →
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)

What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?

Under the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 earned Overall Safety Ratings ranging from 4 to 5 stars depending on tested variant across 6 tested configuration(s).

Laboratory evaluations include a 35 mph frontal barrier crash, side barrier and pole impact tests, and static rollover resistance assessments.

View detailed crash test laboratory breakdown →
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)

What fuel economy (MPG) does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 get?

Official EPA laboratory estimates for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 range from 16 to 26 MPG combined (55% city / 45% highway weighted) depending on engine, transmission, and drivetrain configuration.

Using AutoUtility's standardized operating cost model (15,000 miles/year, $3.50/gal gas, $0.16/kWh electricity), annual energy expenditures range across certified configurations based on official EPA laboratory test baselines.

Compare MPG ratings across all certified trims →
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov Certified Database
Official US Government Data Provenance

The specifications, safety ratings, defect reports, and recall campaigns published on this page are retrieved directly from official United States Government agency databases:

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI): Consumer complaints and defect reports.
  • NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP): Frontal, side, and rollover 5-Star crash safety test ratings.
  • U.S. EPA / FuelEconomy.gov: Standardized multi-cycle dynamometer fuel economy, MPGe, and electric driving range ratings.

Local Production Store Compiled: August 2026 • Deterministic Audited Dataset • Zero Dynamic External API Runtime Latency.