2021 GMC Sierra 1500 power train problems
129 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 — 24% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“2021 Harley Davidson Sierra 4WD, 6.2L L87. Started the truck in the morning and immediately heard intermittent, very loud banging noise coming from engine. Shut truck down quickly and had it towed to dealer. Diagnosis was bent pushrods & failed lifters which were replaced under warranty. Factory…”
filed Jul 30, 2026
“On June 25, 2026, at approximately 84,000 miles, while traveling approximately 60-65 mph on Highway 121 in a posted 65 mph zone, driving my 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 equipped with the 6.2L L87 engine, multiple warning messages suddenly appeared, including “Check ESC,” “Check Parking Brake,” “Check…”
filed Jul 22, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock upCampaign 26V083000 · Feb 12, 2026
- Transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-upCampaign 24V797000 · Oct 24, 2024
Power Train problems in other Sierra 1500 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Sierra 1500 | 17 | 25% |
| 2025 Sierra 1500 | 20 | 22% |
| 2024 Sierra 1500 | 64 | 20% |
| 2023 Sierra 1500 | 81 | 19% |
| 2022 Sierra 1500 | 100 | 18% |
| 2020 Sierra 1500 | 88 | 20% |
| 2019 Sierra 1500 | 129 | 21% |
| 2018 Sierra 1500 | 125 | 43% |
| 2017 Sierra 1500 | 116 | 33% |
| 2016 Sierra 1500 | 83 | 25% |
| 2015 Sierra 1500 | 95 | 13% |
| 2014 Sierra 1500 | 68 | 9% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.