TireKick

Reported years

Engine owner reports: GMC Sierra 1500 years in the records

Owner reports are bound to model year 2021. A year on this list does not mean every car has the problem.

Years we reviewed

What to inspect

  1. 1Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.
Sources and limits
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“I'm not sure if they've pulled it out yet. They said two weeks to get motor. Engine started shaking and then started knocking. Had wrecker take it to GMC dealer they said it needs an engine. It is a 2021 6.2 carbon pro 1500 Sierra AT4 it did not come up on recall list and I don't know why? it obviously the same problem.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“At 115,000 the coolant control valve has gone out. GM acknowledges this issues in 2020 model trucks. My truck is a 21 and displaying the same characteristics. A simple google search will show this is a known issue in 2021 vehicles as well. In 2020 model trucks GM has provided a special 150,000 mile warranty to replace this part. GM needs to step up and provide a proper warranty/recall for the affected 2021 models.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“I was driving and my check engine light came on a mile from my house. I drove home and the next morning, I started my truck. It was loud and pulsating like it wanted to stall out. I had it towed to a repair shop. They plugged into the truck and said it was giving code P0016. I had it towed to another place and that it is where it is sitting now. I also received a email from onstar saying "A critical issue with the engine and transmission system in your 2021 GMC sierra Crew Cab has been detected. P0016 was detected. I searched my VIN # and it says that there are no recalls on my truck. I do see that there was a silent recall on the engine that is in my truck.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while turning the ignition on, the "Service Parking Brake" message was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the engine ran rough. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine lifters needed to be replaced; however, the dealer could not diagnose if there was further engine damage until the lifter repair was completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,530.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Add oil to engine" message was displayed. The vehicle was driven to an AutoZone within two minutes and turned off. Upon inspection of the engine oil level, the contact observed that the dipstick was completely dry. The dealer was notified of the issue, and an appointment was scheduled for an oil consumption test. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been serviced for a routine oil change on April 21, 2026, at 53,590 miles. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ26001(ENGINE). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,802.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Since purchase of my 1500 Sierra 6.2L on 10FEB2021, the vehicle has always appeared to burn an excessive amount of oil which is consistent with GM’s 6.2L engines and has created safety issues leading to sweeping recalls on this engine model from 2021-2024. I have been informed that the engine was consistently down 2+ qts of oil at every recommended oil change (approximately every 5000mi) although GM literature indicated that this level of consumption was usual in their 6.2L engine. In a JAN26 oil change at approximately 35,000mi I was told that my engine was down over 3qts of oil. On 17FEB2026 I took my vehicle into my Chevy/GMC Dealership to request an oil consumption test at ~35, 089mi. On 30JUN2026 I returned to the dealership for my 2000mi check-in, at ~37,800mi, and was informed that my vehicle had failed the consumption test. With over 600,000 vehicles recalled since 2024 in the 6.2L category, my vehicle/VIN has never been associated with a recall. Despite having minimal miles on this engine, I am now financially penalized for repairs because I had just exceeded the initial Powertrain Warranty and my extended warranty would not cover a pre-existing condition. GM’s 6.2L engines have pre-existing issues from the factory and represents a danger to consumers and the driving public because of these failures.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“2021 GMC Sierra after purchase at 4,700 miles had issue with the lifter rods and were replaced at that time. Now the truck has a little over 67,000 miles and once again have the same issue. This appears to be a known issue with this truck and the 5.3L engines. The truck is in repair and since it is slightly over its warranty of 60,000 miles. The dealer will not cover the repair. Seeing that this is an ongoing and known issues with service bulletins it seems that this should be a potential recall. We were lucky that we identified the issue early and were able to get to the dealer to fix. Otherwise we could have broken down in the middle of our daily commute in the expressway.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“My truck went into Reduced Power Mode while driving on the highway (Very Dangerous and life threatening) for a Coolant Control Valve Failure code (P1098), which has been confirmed by a GM dealership. GM already has extended the warranty for Special Coverage N252508341 for selective Vin numbers only and my Vin number is being excluded which isnt safe at all or fair. My truck is a 2021 Sierra Denali 3.0L lm2 duramax and has the same exact problem (coolant control valve failure code), and the same exact faulty part, and the same exact motor (LM2) which directly matches the perimeters for the N252508341 Special Coverage Program but my truck isnt being recalled or covered for repair due to them selectively choosing certain Vin numbers to recall only.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden and momentary loss of power, similar to briefly applying the brakes, after which power resumed. This was followed by a progressively louder squealing noise. I pulled over to investigate, at which point the engine shut off and a low oil pressure warning appeared on the dashboard. The vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was then towed to a dealership, where initial inspection suggested the issue may be related to the L87 recall involving the crankshaft bearing.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The AFM caused piston flapping and other major engine problems such as abnormal wear. The problem with the engine could have caused a catastrophic failure along the side of a highway. The problem has been diagnosed and the engine has been replaced at my expense. The repairs were made at a local mechanic shop. The engine would start make a loud ticking noise at 2000 RPM or above. The mechanic shop referred to this as piston flapping. This was caused by inadequate oil pressure at all cylinders due to the Active Fuel Management.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record