Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 GMC Sierra 2500 problems

Owners filed 52 complaints about the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 with NHTSA between Feb 2021 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (13).

Complaints
52
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Power train13
  2. Exterior lighting9
  3. Engine8
  4. Service brakes6
  5. Electrical system6
  6. Structure5
  7. Latches/locks/linkages4
  8. Forward collision avoidance3
  9. Fuel/propulsion system2
  10. Air bags2
  11. Lane departure1
  12. Parking brake1
  13. Seat belts1
  14. Tires1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 31, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20212
20226
20234
202415
202514
202611

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Power train

13 reports1 crash1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly shifted out of first gear and the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The failure had occurred twice. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the valve body needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 2, 2026Power trainODI 11768450

Exterior lighting

9 reports
“My right headlamp/ turn signal assembly began flashing at random intervals. The high beam would come on and off randomly. The entire assembly would randomly flash along with the turn signal. The headlamp would go on and off randomly. This included switching between setting. High beam, low beam, daytime running light, and completely off with no warning. This causes blinding conditions for oncoming drivers, loss of visibility for driver, and loss of visibility during inclement weather due to high beam coming on and off, then entire unit turning off. As of right now, the vehicle is undrivable due to incorrect lighting, and flashing lights.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 6, 2026Exterior lightingODI 11709159

Engine

8 reports
“I am reporting repeated failures involving both the transmission and diesel emissions (DEF) system on my 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali equipped with the 6.6L Duramax diesel engine and Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. While under warranty, the truck required replacement of the aftertreatment fuel injector and later the Reductant Control Module due to DEF/emissions system failures. General Motors also completed recall-related transmission software updates on the vehicle. At approximately 154,833 miles, the transmission began shifting improperly, set transmission fault codes, and required complete replacement at my expense. Less than 5,000 miles later, the vehicle again experienced a "Service DEF System" warning with multiple diagnostic trouble codes. Repairs required replacement of the DEF tank, DEF heater assembly, and NOx sensor. These repeated failures involve major drivetrain and emissions components on a heavy-duty truck. DEF system failures can place the vehicle into reduced-power (derate) mode, limiting vehicle performance and creating potential safety concerns while driving or towing. I am submitting this complaint so these failures can be…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 26, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11746749

Service brakes

6 reports
“The left rear internal "top-hat" parking brake shoes suffered a total manufacturing bonding failure, causing the friction lining to completely delaminate and detach from the metal backing plates inside the rotor hub. This triggered Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C060B (Left Park Brake Actuator Circuit). The failed components were replaced by the servicing facility and are unavailable, but the official dealer diagnostic scan sheet and itemized repair invoice are preserved and available for inspection upon request. Safety was compromised in two ways. First, the mechanical failure completely disabled the electronic parking brake system, forcing a heavy-duty truck to rely exclusively on the transmission's parking pawl to remain stationary. This creates a severe rolling vehicle hazard, especially on inclines or when hauling/towing heavy loads. Second, when these shoes disintegrate, the loose friction debris trapped inside the enclosed drum can shift, wedge, and cause a sudden mechanical wheel lockup or severe brake dragging at highway speeds, threatening vehicle control. The problem was officially confirmed and diagnosed by an authorized General Motors dealership…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 5, 2026Service brakesODI 11755097

Electrical system

6 reports1 crash
“Headlights and turn signals failed. Flickering of various lights (Daytime running lamp, low beam, high beam, turn signals) followed by total failure. 3700 dollar repair at dealer to replace both headlamp assemblies. Barely over miles of warranty, but still in the 3 year warranty time period. Not having forward lighting is of course a major safety issue. Vehicle should be recalled. Many others are having the issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 3, 2025Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11633825

Structure

5 reports1 crash1 fire
“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that on several occasions, the automatic power side-out step failed to extend as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,726.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 23, 2026StructureODI 11733416
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 31, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.