2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 0%of 599 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, 0% of the 599 complaints for this model year.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“During winter/snow driving snow accumulates on the headlights and causes a partial to total loss of visibility. This has happened multiple times during winter months. Cleaning the headlights requires exiting the vehicle in a potentially dangerous situation. This may occur after every few miles or less depending on the conditions.”
NHTSA complaint #11499821, filed 2023-01“While coasting down or under very light acceleration between 12-20 mph the vehicle has a shudder like driving over a highway rumble strip. While cruising on the highway at 65+ mph, the vehicle has a light shudder or vibration. Vehicle has been checked numerous times for wheel and tire inconsistencies. Brake pads and rotors have also been replaced with no change in issue. Headlights daytime running light changes color from bright white to purple during warm weather. The vehicle has been to 3 different GM dealerships and they acknowledge the issues but do not provide a resolve.”
NHTSA complaint #11743882, filed 2026-06Related service bulletins
- 11026022Jun 2, 2025This service bulletin provides technicians with information on available BCM calibrations to restore bulb outage detection on vehicles produced by a second stage manufacturer…
- 11019325Apr 15, 2025This informational bulletin provides information on the turn signal stalk not cancelling and/or mis cancelling.
- 11017243Mar 25, 2025This service bulletin provides technicians with information on available BCM calibrations to restore bulb outage detection on vehicles produced by a second stage manufacturer…
- 11014170Jan 27, 2025This service bulletin provides information on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leak Information and Replacement Guidelines.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 2% |
| 2024 | 15 | 4% |
| 2023 | 11 | 2% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 2 | 0% |
| 2020 | 3 | 1% |
| 2019 | 11 | 2% |
| 2018 | 3 | 1% |
| 2017 | 9 | 3% |
| 2016 | 4 | 1% |
| 2015 | 93 | 13% |
| 2014 | 148 | 20% |
| 2013 | 3 | 3% |
| 2011 | 5 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 5 | 3% |
| 2005 | 4 | 2% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
323 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
145 complaintsElectrical system
76 complaintsEngine cooling
49 complaintsOther or unknown
46 complaintsFuel system
42 complaintsSteering
34 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
10 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsLane departure
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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