2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 2%of 596 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 18,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the body and structure of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, 2% of the 596 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 18,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“There is a water leak in the rear passenger compartment of my vehicle. Unsure where water is coming from. Continued leaking poses a risk to my safety as I may be exposed to black mold as well as anyone else who is riding in my vehicle. The problem hasn’t been addressed by the dealer yet but this is a known issue. At this point I have spoken with a representative from the service department at the dealership but cannot get an appointment for several weeks. …”
NHTSA complaint #11747007, filed 2026-06“I have a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 with a power 6-point tailgate. The inner tailgate has been spontaneously opening for some reason. It seems the electric lock mechanism trips. This could case the contents of my truck bed to fall out. This issue is a known issue for GMC Sierras and a recall has been issued for the 2500's and 3500's but for some reason not the 1500's even though the tailgate is the exact same. I have an appointment to have the issue serviced at dealership, but since there is no current recall they will not cover the expense.”
NHTSA complaint #11579253, filed 2024-03“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that there was water leaking through the rear sliding window. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that a fee would be charged for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11580979, filed 2024-04, 51,000 miles“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the inner tailgate door failed to open while pressing the release button. On several occasions while pressing the release button, the inner door would lower down. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 45,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11595515, filed 2024-06, 45,000 miles“The contact owned a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking erratically, and the vehicle lost motive power. In addition, the contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured front-end frame. The contact was informed that the front-end frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11610894, filed 2024-08, 30,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11022868May 8, 2025This informational bulletin provides information on Anti-Chip Coating Appearance.
- 11016944Mar 11, 2025This service bulletin provides frame coating repair information to correct a customer concern of wax coating on frame peeling, metal shows corrosion/rusting (U.S. and Canada Only).
- 11015605Mar 4, 2025This technical bulletin provides a procedure to correct the condition of Suction Cup Marks on Window Glass.
- 11015382Feb 20, 2025This informational bulletin provides a procedure on how to remove the paint stain that may present itself under the shipping film.
- 11014579Feb 19, 2025This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Diagnostic Tips For Park Assist Off Message / Unwanted Or False Park Assist Alerts / No DTCs.
- 11014021Feb 1, 2025This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of vertical misalignment between cab and pickup box on driver side of vehicle.
- 11014019Feb 1, 2025This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of the pickup box being out of alignment.
- 11014171Jan 31, 2025This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
- 11014238Jan 30, 2025This warranty administration service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.
- 11013269Jan 16, 2025This informational bulletin provides a guide on how to diagnose and test for vibrations utilizing the PicoScope.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 1% |
| 2025 | 3 | 2% |
| 2024 | 30 | 8% |
| 2023 | 92 | 19% |
| 2022 | 106 | 18% |
| 2021 | 13 | 2% |
| 2020 | 13 | 3% |
| 2019 | 15 | 2% |
| 2018 | 6 | 2% |
| 2017 | 8 | 2% |
| 2016 | 7 | 2% |
| 2015 | 28 | 4% |
| 2014 | 31 | 4% |
| 2013 | 25 | 22% |
| 2012 | 21 | 20% |
| 2011 | 45 | 16% |
| 2010 | 34 | 20% |
| 2009 | 20 | 9% |
| 2008 | 25 | 7% |
| 2007 | 17 | 6% |
| 2006 | 9 | 6% |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2002 | 8 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
| 2000 | 11 | 6% |
| 1999 | 9 | 6% |
| 1998 | 4 | 7% |
| 1997 | 3 | 4% |
| 1996 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
322 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
144 complaintsElectrical system
76 complaintsEngine cooling
49 complaintsOther or unknown
44 complaintsFuel system
42 complaintsSteering
34 complaintsBrakes
25 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