2021 GMC Sierra 3500
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 20
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2021
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2021: 20 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 10 |
| 1998 | 12 |
| 1999 | 19 |
| 2000 | 26 |
| 2001 | 36 |
| 2002 | 20 |
| 2003 | 7 |
| 2004 | 24 |
| 2005 | 24 |
| 2006 | 11 |
| 2007 | 16 |
| 2008 | 25 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 20 |
| 2012 | 9 |
| 2013 | 14 |
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2015 | 30 |
| 2016 | 19 |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2020 | 51 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 32 |
| 2023 | 28 |
| 2024 | 49 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Only 20 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
7 of 20 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving 55mph on a 2 lane road, pulling a 5th wheel camper, the truck transmission downshifted by itself to a low gear. This caused a scary and immediate deceleration from 55 to 25mph.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-10-01
Service brakes
5 of 20 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
When starting the vehicle, I got a message to service the parking brake (this is the second time Iâve had this warning appear in the 21,000 miles Iâve owned it, first was approximately 5,000 miles ago).
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-19
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-10-26
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-06-10
Also filed under Electrical system
Electrical system
4 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system.
Engine
3 of 20 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Multiple instances of diesel engine emissions system parts and software failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-11-01
Fuel/propulsion system
2 of 20 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2021-01-26Seat belts20V792000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles.
Remedy: 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 January 26, 2021.
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2021-01-29Seat belts20V811000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021.
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2021-04-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 2023-08-24 Air Bag Malfunction
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2021-10-20Service brakes, hydraulic21V758000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles with electronic brake control modules (EBCM) replaced during vehicle assembly.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will replace the BPMV assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 20, 2021.
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2024-05-17Latches/locks/linkages24V060000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates.
Remedy: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024.
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2024-12-12Power train24V797000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel...
Remedy: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 GMC Sierra 3500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 20V792000 · Seat belts
- Recall 20V811000 · Seat belts
- Recall 21V758000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 24V060000 · Latches/locks/linkages
- Recall 24V797000 · Power train
FAQ
- Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500 have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.