2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Problems
Engine issues account for 351 of 570 total complaints (62%) on the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, the highest share of any model year listed. NHTSA also links a related engine recall (campaign 25V274000) to 6.2L V8 versions of this truck. Median mileage at failure was 56,901 miles.
- Engine complaints
- 351
- 62% of 570
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 5
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 56,901 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden engine fires, including cases where flames appeared from under the hood or the driver-side rear wheel area while driving or shortly after parking.
- Several complaints describe engine knocking, ticking, or unusual noise during acceleration or highway driving, sometimes followed by a loss of power.
- Multiple owners report lifter failures leading to complete engine lockup, in some cases as early as 13,000 miles, with GM allegedly only partially addressing the defect.
- Some drivers experienced stalling with no warning, including one case tied to an oil pan puncture that caused oil to leak out.
- A few complaints mention hard starting or extended cranking time before the engine fires up, sometimes requiring multiple attempts.
- One owner reported a first engine failure from a lifter issue and a second, later failure from a piston rod breaking through the engine block, which caused a fire.
When 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 engine complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 15, 2020, latest Sep 22, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
- NHTSA 25V274000Apr 24, 2025Engine597,571 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
Engine complaints by Sierra 1500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
- NHTSA lists 351 engine-related complaints for the 2021 Sierra 1500, which is 62% of all 570 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there an engine recall for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
- Yes. Recall campaign 25V274000 covers the 6.2L V8 engine in the 2021-2024 Sierra 1500 and related GM trucks and SUVs; dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair or replace the engine.
- At what mileage do 2021 Sierra 1500 engine problems typically occur?
- The median mileage at failure across engine complaints for this model year is 56,901 miles.
- Were there any fires linked to 2021 Sierra 1500 engine complaints?
- NHTSA data shows 5 fires among the engine complaints for the 2021 Sierra 1500, with no reported crashes or injuries.
- How does the 2021 Sierra 1500 compare to other years for engine complaints?
- The 2021 model year's 62% engine complaint share is higher than every other year listed, including 2020 (55%) and 2022 (46%).