2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 42about this part
- Share
- 7%of 596 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,750miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 42 complaints about the fuel system of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, 7% of the 596 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,750 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving during winter conditions with temperature at 3 degrees on a residential street with limited traffic, the diesel fuel in the fuel filter gelled up which caused the vehicle to display reduce power mode and then immediately shut off and would not start. The vehicle coasted to a stop in the middle of the street while in traffic. The owners manual lists utilizing top tier diesel which I did. While additives are not normally needed in most states to fuel for freezing conditions evidently they are needed in oklahoma. …”
NHTSA complaint #11396897, filed 2021-02, 2,500 miles“Motor seized up while going around 65mph. Truck lost all power and would not start brought to dealer and they said that it was the crankshaft bearings and something with the connecting rods, the deal told me that they don’t know what to do and is waiting on GM. There is a recall for these issues but no fix. I’m just waiting for the dealer to tell me what’s next but they don’t even know.”
NHTSA complaint #11657309, filed 2025-04“Engine experiences missing when accelerating in lower speeds ...also now, and since driving for a few thousand miles, f umes are entering cabin frequently and causing nausea, 'headaches and burning of mouth, lips and eyes .....all the time. My youngest granddaughter got sick and so did my oldest son just this past weekend! As far as I know , police or dealership never inspected , nor did they acknowledge it! No warning lamps appeared”
NHTSA complaint #11668912, filed 2025-06“The vehicle failed to start. It started after 30 minutes and I was able to drive it home. Then it starts and stalls after multiple attempts. Receiving codes P1177 and UI8A2. Was told that a bulletin exists for this issue on GM vehicles, GM Bulletin 24-NA-139, but I found out that it don't cover my VIN number. This can cause the vehicle to stall or shut off while driving. GM should make this bulletin for all vehicles of certain years who carry this modules.”
NHTSA complaint #11771969, filed 2026-10“I have had my gmc sierra 1500 for 2 weeks and it has less then 200 miles on it the first week I lost power the check engine light, air bag and traction control light started flashing and since then my engine light has be solid with code P0300 and it will intermittently loss power and start flashing. The dealer has it now but cannot figure out the issue. Total unacceptable for a brand new vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11431645, filed 2021-09Related service bulletins
- 11017173Mar 21, 2025This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
- 11014161Jan 28, 2025This engineering information (EI) is requesting information from technicians to perform the check list provided and contact the engineer listed in regard to the vehicle having…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 7% |
| 2025 | 7 | 6% |
| 2024 | 21 | 6% |
| 2023 | 36 | 7% |
| 2022 | 31 | 5% |
| 2021 | 42 | 7% |
| 2020 | 27 | 6% |
| 2019 | 27 | 4% |
| 2018 | 11 | 4% |
| 2017 | 7 | 2% |
| 2016 | 9 | 3% |
| 2015 | 13 | 2% |
| 2014 | 15 | 2% |
| 2012 | 3 | 3% |
| 2011 | 12 | 4% |
| 2010 | 6 | 4% |
| 2009 | 11 | 5% |
| 2008 | 5 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 8 | 6% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 9 | 4% |
| 2003 | 7 | 4% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 17 | 12% |
| 2000 | 14 | 8% |
| 1999 | 7 | 4% |
| 1998 | 4 | 7% |
| 1997 | 9 | 11% |
| 1996 | 1 | 20% |
| 1994 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
322 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
144 complaintsElectrical system
76 complaintsEngine cooling
49 complaintsOther or unknown
44 complaintsSteering
34 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
10 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsLane departure
8 complaintsVehicle 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