2021 GMC Sierra 2500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 has a complaint index of 80 and ranks 5th worst out of 21 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 51 complaints, 6 recalls, and a median failure mileage of 54,000 miles, with electrical and transmission issues topping the list.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 80/100
- #5 of 21 Sierra 2500 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 51
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Electrical System
Top 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System13 (25%)
- Transmission & Powertrain12 (24%)
- Structure & Body9 (18%)
- Engine8 (16%)
- Brakes7 (14%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (6%)
- Other3 (6%)
- Airbags2 (4%)
- Fuel System2 (4%)
- Lane Departure1 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Backup camera reportedly shuts off unexpectedly while reversing, in one case leading to a collision.
- Transmission has been reported to downshift on its own at highway speed while towing, causing loss of control.
- Owners describe transmission losing power and RPMs spiking to 6,000 at 70 mph, with dealers citing a needed transmission replacement.
- Brake pads squeal repeatedly and get replaced multiple times without resolving the noise.
- Parking brake warning light stays on and the brake reportedly won't disengage until the vehicle is shifted into reverse, accompanied by a banging noise from the rear.
- Headlights reportedly fill with moisture, shorting the HID module and eventually causing total headlight failure.
2021 GMC Sierra 2500 recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V797000Oct 24, 2024Transmission & Powertrain463,295 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:valves/valve body
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.
Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
- NHTSA 24V060000Feb 1, 2024Structure & Body570,434 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in park.
Risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232426400.
- NHTSA 21V758000Sep 29, 2021Brakes3,241 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:electric:control module
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles with electronic brake control modules (EBCM) replaced during vehicle assembly. The bolts that attach the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) assembly may not be properly tightened, which could fail to seal the two sub-assemblies and allow water intrusion.
Risk: Water in the BPMV may cause an electrical short circuit and increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will replace the BPMV assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 20, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212349181.
2021 compared with other Sierra 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows a complaint index of 80, ranking it 5th worst among 21 model years of the Sierra 2500, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500?
- Electrical System complaints lead at 25% of the total, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 24% and Structure & Body at 18%, based on 51 NHTSA complaints.
- Does the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2021 Sierra 2500, covering transmission control module software, tailgate release switches, electronic brake control modules, spare tires, and seat belt bolts.
- At what mileage do problems typically show up on the 2021 Sierra 2500?
- The median mileage at failure across complaints is 54,000 miles overall, though Transmission & Powertrain issues show a median of 64,000 miles and Brakes issues show 26,024 miles.
- How does the 2021 Sierra 2500 compare to other years?
- Its complaint index of 80 is worse than most other years, though the 2024 (100) and 2025 (95) model years score even higher, all rated Avoid.