YearToAvoid

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Fuel System Problems

NHTSA lists 36 fuel system complaints for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, about 6% of its 570 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 29,750 miles. There are no related recalls tied to this fuel system data.

Fuel System complaints
36
6% of 570
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
29,750 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

  • Diesel-equipped trucks report fuel filter gelling in cold winter temperatures, triggering reduced power mode and a complete engine shutdown while driving.
  • Owners describe intermittent check engine lights paired with engine power loss and flashing malfunction indicators shortly after purchase, sometimes with only a couple hundred miles on the truck.
  • Some owners report the DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) system throwing false low-fluid warnings even when the tank is full, accompanied by check engine light cycling.
  • Drivers describe sudden engine bucking, reduced power, and inability to accelerate that dealers traced to a fuel pump issue.
  • One owner reported an engine fire originating in the engine bay shortly after parking, with large flames and heavy black smoke.

When 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 19, 2021, latest Sep 22, 2026.

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 fuel system complaints: complaints filed per month4Feb 2021Nov 2022Aug 2023May 2025Nov 2025Mar 2026Jun 2026
36 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2021 to Sep 2026; peak Jul 2026 (4).

Fuel System recalls for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Fuel System complaints by Sierra 1500 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20107 (3%)
  2. 201114 (4%)
  3. 20124 (3%)
  4. 20133 (2%)
  5. 201417 (2%)
  6. 201516 (2%)
  7. 20169 (2%)
  8. 20178 (2%)
  9. 201811 (3%)
  10. 201925 (4%)
  11. 202026 (5%)
  12. 202136 (6%)
  13. 202228 (5%)
  14. 202336 (8%)
  15. 202421 (6%)
  16. 20256 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

How many fuel system complaints does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
NHTSA lists 36 fuel system complaints for the 2021 Sierra 1500, which makes up about 6% of all 570 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 fuel system?
No. The JSON data shows no related recalls listed for the fuel system complaints on the 2021 Sierra 1500.
At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure for fuel system complaints on the 2021 Sierra 1500 is 29,750 miles.
Are fuel system complaints common across other Sierra 1500 years?
Fuel system share ranges from 2% in years like 2014-2017 up to 8% in 2023, with 2021 at 6%, so it is on the higher end but not the highest among model years listed.
Did any fuel system complaints involve fires or crashes?
Out of 36 fuel system-related complaints for the 2021 Sierra 1500, NHTSA records one fire and zero crashes or injuries.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.