The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab offers a fine balance between utility, convenience, and comfort. It is a sturdy truck with a rugged build, but it encounters a list of problems. The GMC Sierra issues range from engine stalling to driver aid malfunctions. The 2021 GMC Sierra recalls account for four in total, and 94 complaints are registered under its name till now. The GMC Sierra 1500 competes with regular cab pickups like the Ford-150, the Ram 1500 Classic, and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
2021 GMC Sierra Problems and User Complaints
Mechanical Problems
- Engine: The issue of engine stalls persists with the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. Users report the check engine light flashing, followed by vehicle shuddering. The vehicle fails to speed up over a speed of 60 MPH, and the engine stalls. An abrupt loss of power under driving conditions increases the chances of crashing. DEF tank defects and faulty valve lifters are the suspected causes of the issue.
- Transmission: The 2021 GMC Sierra transmission problems include hesitant and jerky gear shifting. While upshifting, the gearbox makes a loud noise, followed by a delayed upshift. Transmission issues are demanding and time-consuming to fix.
Electrical Problems
- Electrical Fires: The GMC Sierra 1500 is prone to electrical fires. Users report cases of white smoke noticed to emerge from under the hood compartment. Within a short period, the vehicle engulfs in flames. This results in a total loss of the vehicle.
- Driver aids: Driver aid malfunctions are common with the Sierra 1500. Electronic stability control and auto start-stop malfunctions are prominent with the truck. ESC malfunction flashes an ESC warning, which is followed by a loss of power steering. This induces heavy vibrations on the steering wheel. The auto start-stop malfunction results in a delayed start from a complete stop. Both of these issues can increase the chances of a crash.
- Power Steering: ESC malfunctions lead to service power steering failure. This results in a complete loss of the steering ability of the car. Loss of steering under driving conditions poses a major threat of crashing.
Steering/Suspension Problems:
- Bouncy Ride and Popping Noise: Some users have reported bouncy rides on bumps and over potholes. Also, one of the users reported popping noise on hard turns and/or going over speed bumps, creaking noise while turning the wheel left or right.
Safety Problems
- Airbags: The truck's instrument cluster flashes the 'airbag' and 'service safety restraint system' lights. This occurs randomly, and the frequency of flashing differs from a few seconds to a few hours. This can distract the driver and increase the chances of a crash.
- Seats: One of the users tried to lift the fallen object between the driver's seat and the front middle seat. However, his hand got struck by a sharp part in that space, leading to bleeding.
Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
December 16, 2021 |
21V985000 |
Spare tire incompatible with accessory wheels |
The ABS that does not function properly increases the risk of a crash. |
Dealers will provide a new 17" spare tire and wheel assembly that is compatible with the accessory wheels, free of charge. Dealers will also apply a new spare tire information label, and provide owners with an owner's manual insert clarifying which spare tire to use with the accessory road tires and with the 17" original tires. |
|
2 |
December 23, 2020 |
20V811000 |
Incorrect bolts were used to attach the seatbelts. |
If a seatbelt assembly is not attached properly to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash. This increases the risk of an injury. |
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began on January 29, 2021. |
|
3 |
December 17, 2020 |
20V792000 |
Front seatbelt may not be secured. |
If a seatbelt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant in the front row center position, increasing the risk of an injury in event of a crash. |
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 26, 2021. |
|
4 |
November 5, 2020 |
20V684000 |
Tires may have been overcurved. |
Overcurved tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could to partial or full tread loss/belt loss. Either condition increases the chances of a crash. |
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace tires that have DOT number and production mold number combinations identified by Continental, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2020. |
Should you buy the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
The full-size pickup truck lives up to any task with the utility and convenience it offers. The regular cab also provides a composed drive with its comfortable cabin setup. Though the GMC Sierra 1500 comes across a list of issues, the problems with the GMC Sierra range range from engine stalling to driver aid malfunctions. The 2021 GMC Sierra scored an overall 86/100 in the J.D. Power Consumer Rating.
With a reliability score of 84/100, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500's reliability is decent. In addition to the above-mentioned recalls, there is also one investigation related to the airbag malfunction, which can be a safety hazard. The 2021 GMC Sierra received an overall four-star safety rating from the NHTSA. So, overall, the 2021 GMC Sierra can be a good buying option after a proper investigation of the above-mentioned issues.
So, which GMC Sierra years are best to avoid?
Considering the 2011–2023 model years along with their consumer ratings, user feedback, and NHTSA recall history, it is best to avoid the 2014, 2015, and 2016 model years for overall peace of mind.
