VehicleVerdict

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 engine problems

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has 305 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 43% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

305

Engine complaints

43%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Related recalls

25V274000EngineApril 24, 2025 · 597,571 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

What owners report

First engine blown 31,904 miles, Lifter failure. Replaced with re-manufactured engine. Second engine failure at 68,000 miles, Piston rod failure. Piston blew thru engine block and engine bay caught on fire.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 18, 2025 · fire

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 have?

NHTSA has 305 complaints about the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 engine — 43% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 25V274000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.