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Engine coolingPart report

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
49about this part
Share
8%of 596 total for the year
Median mileage
59,075miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 49 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, 8% of the 596 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,075 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“See attached document for complaint. I am writing as the owner of a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 equipped with the 6.2-liter engine that has recently been included in a significant recall. I've been advised that the engine may need to be replaced entirely. As you can imagine, this is extremely concerning given the scale of the defect and the vital role this truck plays i'n my dayto- day responsibilities.”

NHTSA complaint #11685257, filed 2025-09

“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40-45, the engine warning light illuminated. There was an abnormal sound coming from the fan. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the coolant flow valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not included in a special coverage program. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11745703, filed 2026-06, 50,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the engine was making an abnormal sound, and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The engine was popping and making cranking sounds, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to the residence with the issues. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. …”

NHTSA complaint #11751500, filed 2026-07, 50,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that on Aug. 14, 2025, the PICO engine test was completed on the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer stated that the engine had passed the test, and the engine oil was changed to a higher viscosity oil, and the oil cap, oil filter, and the page in the Owner’s Manual were updated. The contact stated that the vehicle was making abnormal sounds while idling, and the fuel consumption had increased. …”

NHTSA complaint #11725266, filed 2026-03, 44,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear suspension. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the rear suspension. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred 4,000 miles later. The contact stated that while reversing, the contact heard an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear suspension. …”

NHTSA complaint #11640645, filed 2025-02, 38,000 miles

Related recalls

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202532%
2024318%
2023235%
2022295%
2021498%
2020214%
2019264%
201862%
201721%
201631%
201510%
201451%
201211%
201121%
201042%
200942%
200810%
200773%
200632%
200585%
200484%
200332%
200221%
200132%
200053%
199964%
199835%
199711%
1996120%

Other parts of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500

Engine
322 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
144 complaints
Electrical system
76 complaints
Other or unknown
44 complaints
Fuel system
42 complaints
Steering
34 complaints
Brakes
25 complaints
Body and structure
13 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
10 complaints
Suspension
10 complaints
Lane departure
8 complaints
Vehicle speed control
7 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology