2021 GMC Sierra 3500 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 25%of 20 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 140,606miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the brakes of the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500, 25% of the 20 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 140,606 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“The vehicle recently had a recall repaired at the dealership. I subsequently took delivery on it as a BRAND NEW UNIT, and the brakes are extremely soft; to the point where I must depress the pedal to the floor to get it stopped even at slow speeds. I hoped it was just an air bubble from the repair; but the fluid levels are full and the dealer had no ideas on what could be wrong at this point. I have a great relationship with this dealer, and we’ll continue working on it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11438295, filed 2021-10“When starting the vehicle, I got a message to service the parking brake (this is the second time I’ve had this warning appear in the 21,000 miles I’ve owned it, first was approximately 5,000 miles ago). When this warning is active the parking brake does not engage, and can’t be used to stop the vehicle when the brakes fail as they did today. With 42,774 miles on the vehicle, and the onboard monitor for brake wear showing remaining brake life at 94% front and 96% rear, brake fluid reservoir between Max and Min the brake pedal went soft and the vehicle would not stop. …”
NHTSA complaint #11584171, filed 2024-04“The contact filed the complaint on behalf of the owner of a 2021 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while the vehicle owner was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver noticed that the rear wheels were attempting to lockup. The contact stated that the failure was noticeable while driving forward and while reversing. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with detached rear brake pads and detached rear emergency brake shoes. In addition, the rear brake caliber had seized. …”
NHTSA complaint #11743698, filed 2026-06, 140,606 miles“Trailer brake wiring connection continually disconnectsthen reconnects some time later. Some periods of up to 10 minutes without having trailer braking power. Major safety issue when toeing fifth wheel trailer. We lost brakes going down steep grades. GMC is aware of issue, but has not provided a solution. Vehicle has been yo service shop with no resolution. Case has been opened with GMC.”
NHTSA complaint #11420443, filed 2021-06“The throttle body gets stuck wide open after the eninge gets up to operating temperature, it will give some warning with the throttle like on off throttle use and no codes show up at all. The risk of everyones is in extrem DANGER. The break are to soft and well not stop unless you put both feet on the break pedal down to the floor. Tranismission can NOT figure out what gear it needs to be in way too many gears and horrible fuel mpg for the 6.6L Duramax L5P. None of the GM dealership will look at the truck unless there is a code or it is happening right there when they look up the trucks VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #11455361, filed 2022-03Related recalls
- 21V758000Sep 29, 2021General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles with electronic…Covers: GMC Sierra 3500 2021–2022, Chevrolet Silverado 3500 2021–2022, Silverado 2500 2021–2022 +1 more
Related 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.
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11013242Jan 17, 2025This informational bulletin advises the technician to check for faults that may be caused by the trailer otherwise found by a possible faulty trailer connector.
- 11012938Jan 9, 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about customers that may request the factory Integrated Trailer Brake Controller Regular…
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011018Oct 22, 2024This informational bulletin provides an optional repair using a different set of brakes that may correct the customers concern of Early Brake Wear in Harsh Environments.
- 11009463Sep 25, 2024This service bulletin provides repair information to correct customer concerns of Rear Wheel Lock Up, ABS Event, Loud Bang and a Flashing “D” on Driver Information Center (DIC)…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 20% |
| 2025 | 5 | 29% |
| 2024 | 11 | 22% |
| 2023 | 2 | 7% |
| 2022 | 4 | 13% |
| 2021 | 5 | 25% |
| 2020 | 7 | 14% |
| 2019 | 4 | 31% |
| 2018 | 6 | 43% |
| 2017 | 5 | 38% |
| 2016 | 6 | 32% |
| 2015 | 4 | 13% |
| 2014 | 1 | 14% |
| 2013 | 1 | 7% |
| 2012 | 1 | 11% |
| 2008 | 1 | 4% |
| 2007 | 3 | 19% |
| 2006 | 2 | 18% |
| 2005 | 10 | 42% |
| 2004 | 14 | 58% |
| 2003 | 3 | 43% |
| 2002 | 9 | 45% |
| 2001 | 16 | 44% |
| 2000 | 12 | 46% |
| 1999 | 9 | 47% |
| 1998 | 4 | 33% |
| 1997 | 4 | 40% |
Other parts of the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500
7 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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