VehicleVerdict

2021 GMC Sierra 2500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 sits mid-pack among Sierra 2500 years: 63 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 57, with 6 recalls and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (12), lighting (9), and engine (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

63

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

1

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other Sierra 2500 years?

See all Sierra 2500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1219%
Lighting914%
Engine813%
Electrical System610%
Brakes610%
Driver Assistance58%
Body & Structure58%
Latches & Locks46%
Other35%
Airbags23%
Seat Belts12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Fuel System12%

Does the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V797000TransmissionOctober 24, 2024 · 463,295 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

24V060000Latches & LocksFebruary 1, 2024 · 570,434 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

21V758000BrakesSeptember 29, 2021 · 3,241 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

21V578000Tires & WheelsJuly 29, 2021 · 86 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with a 17" spare tire (RPO ZHQ or ZXT) and either the 20" accessory road tire (RPO REM) or the 18" accessory road tire (RPO Q2V). Operating the spare tire with other 20" or 18" tires can prevent the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) from engaging.

Consequence

An ABS system that cannot control the rear wheels independently increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will provide the appropriate spare tire and apply a new spare tire information label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 18, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212329780.

20V811000Seat BeltsDecember 23, 2020 · 470 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.

Consequence

If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.

20V792000Seat BeltsDecember 17, 2020 · 624,216 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.

Consequence

If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the contact was pulling a trailer that he had loaded, and he drove around a curve, the gear shifted down independently, and the trailer pushed the vehicle off the right side, causing him to crash into a post…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 8, 2025 · crash

The driver side headlamp stopped working, Condensate buildup may be a contributing factor. No accident and vehicle is meticulously maintained. No reason for lamp seals to be damaged or wear. Barely three years old and requires a replacement at $1400 for the part and another $1000 in labor. Outside…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 6, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled unexpectedly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 1, 2023

Seems to be a known problem according to a google search but brake fluid leaking from brake pedal onto drivers floor mat. Seems to be a bad brake booster according to google and happening for some at a few weeks to a couple months old in the newer ones. I noticed first on my truck around 58,000…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 9, 2024

When I’m in reverse the up the cameras turn off. On one incident I was backing up and the camera turned off causing me to back up into the wall of my house

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 16, 2025 · crash

2021 GMC Sierra 2500 — common questions

Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sierra 2500: 63 NHTSA complaints, 6 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2021 Sierra 2500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (12 complaints), lighting (9 complaints), engine (8 complaints).

Does the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which GMC Sierra 2500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sierra 2500 years to avoid are 2003, 2004, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2024, 2020, 2015, 2007, 2011, 2008, 2013, 2012, 2014, 2009, 2010. The cleanest record among Sierra 2500 years belongs to 1994.

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.