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
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Power train13
- Exterior lighting9
- Engine8
- Service brakes6
- Electrical system6
- Structure5
- Latches/locks/linkages4
- Forward collision avoidance3
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Air bags2
- Lane departure1
- Parking brake1
- Seat belts1
- 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
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
2
6
4
15
14
11
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 11 |
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.
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.”
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.”
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…”
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…”
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.”
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.”
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.