2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 145about this part
- Share
- 24%of 599 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,561miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 145 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, 24% of the 599 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,561 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving on the highway the engine died forcing me to change lanes to cross traffic and coast to a stop on the shoulder. It was dangerous and unexpected. It would not restart so I had to have it towed. Inspection revealed the bearings had gone bad in the engine and the engine would have to be replaced. I had to wait 2 and half months for an engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11658982, filed 2025-05“On 10/21/2025 as I was traveling on the highway in Kansas at 60 mph, the vehicle lost power and the engine went into limp mode immediately reducing the speed dramatically. Multiple warning lights flashed on the screen. I was able to get the truck to the side of the highway. The vehicle never started again. I was informed by the dealer that the vehicle would need a new engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11702830, filed 2025-12“Transmission Shuttering which was confirmed from from GMC dealership , but refused to do any repairs after confirmation or diagnostic and test driving. Demanded a 220$ fee be paid before releasing my vehicle back. Also gave GMC Bulliten # 25-NA-148 which states the same issues I'm currently having.”
NHTSA complaint #11722823, filed 2026-03“The engine locked up with no warning I called the dealership and they said it was out of warranty as it has 77000 miles. upon further investigation I found that the front main bearing on the engine had gone bad and caused the engine to lock up. GMC refused to accept any responsibility for the failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11639736, filed 2025-01“The control valve system on my 2021 gmc has malfunctioned and this is the second time, currently sitting at Nelson GM Dealer in Fergus Falls MN. I have to drive back to TN as thats where I live and the mechanic said this issue will happen again. This vehicle hasn't had recalls but I believe it was missed since this is the second time with this same issue. This is a GM wide issue as I have researched.”
NHTSA complaint #11637133, filed 2025-01Related recalls
- 26V083000Feb 12, 2026General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra…Covers: GMC Sierra 1500 2020–2022, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2020–2022, GMC Sierra 2500 2020 +3 more
- 24V797000Oct 24, 2024General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade…Covers: GMC Sierra 1500 2020–2022, Sierra 2500 2020–2022, Sierra 3500 2020–2022 +9 more
Related service bulletins
- 11024189Oct 9, 2025Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve. The effects can cause…
- 11024334Sep 4, 2025This service bulletin provides a procedure to overhaul the control valve to replace a plate and worn down check ball to correct the customers concern of No Reverse, No Shift Past…
- 11019752Jun 26, 2025Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to…
- 11026044Jun 6, 2025This service bulletin provides a procedure to overhaul the control valve to replace a plate and worn down check ball to correct the customers concern of No Reverse, No Shift Past…
- 11023369May 16, 2025This service bulletin advises the technician to check if the transmission cooler lines are twisted to correct customer concerns of Harsh Shift, Shudder, Surge, Stall…
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11017317Mar 27, 2025This service bulletin provides a procedure to overhaul the control valve to replace a plate and worn down check ball to correct the customers concern of No Reverse, No Shift Past…
- 11017255Mar 25, 2025This service bulletin helps diagnose/reduce possible CCND issues on Transfer Cases - Service 4WD on DIC, Intermittent Failures, Noise Concerns, Driveline/Steering…
- 11014622Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014621Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 35 | 24% |
| 2025 | 28 | 22% |
| 2024 | 73 | 19% |
| 2023 | 92 | 18% |
| 2022 | 113 | 19% |
| 2021 | 145 | 24% |
| 2020 | 99 | 20% |
| 2019 | 140 | 21% |
| 2018 | 131 | 43% |
| 2017 | 118 | 33% |
| 2016 | 84 | 24% |
| 2015 | 99 | 14% |
| 2014 | 69 | 9% |
| 2013 | 3 | 3% |
| 2012 | 6 | 6% |
| 2011 | 24 | 8% |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% |
| 2009 | 9 | 4% |
| 2008 | 6 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 2% |
| 2006 | 13 | 9% |
| 2005 | 11 | 6% |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% |
| 2003 | 6 | 3% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 9 | 5% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 7 | 12% |
| 1997 | 8 | 10% |
| 1994 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
323 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 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 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