GMC · Known Issues
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems: 8 Known Issues
2021 model year · 3,286+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2021 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
2021 model year · 3,286+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2021 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 3,286+ owner reports, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has 8 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are AFM/DFM Lifter Collapse and Failure ($4,000-$8,000 repair), 8-Speed/10-Speed Transmission Torque Converter Shudder ($150-$4,500 repair), Electronic Brake Control Module Failure ($150-$1,500 repair) and P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation Fault from Stretched Timing Chain on 5.3L AFM V8 ($150-$1,800 repair). The most commonly reported issue is AFM/DFM Lifter Collapse and Failure with 1,250 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $20 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
TIRES
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Cadillac CT6, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. Due to an Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) software error, the vehicle's Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Antilock Brake System (ABS) may become disabled. Furthermore, if this specific error occurs, the vehicle's diagnostics will not illuminate the instrument cluster ESC and ABS malfunction warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks. The battery positive (B+) cable rings may have been manufactured with excessive glue, potentially causing an intermittent electrical connection between the B+ cable and alternator.
SEAT BELTS
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. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. These vehicles received updated software for the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM). This software has an error, and as a result, the vehicle's electronic brake assist may be disabled. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
+ 17 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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According to Au7o's analysis of 3,286+ owner reports, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: AFM/DFM Lifter Collapse and Failure, 8-Speed/10-Speed Transmission Torque Converter Shudder, Electronic Brake Control Module Failure. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has 8 known issues documented across 3,286+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: AFM/DFM Lifter Collapse and Failure and 8-Speed/10-Speed Transmission Torque Converter Shudder and Electronic Brake Control Module Failure and P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation Fault from Stretched Timing Chain on 5.3L AFM V8. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known GMC Sierra 1500 issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, AFM/DFM Lifter Collapse and Failure, typically costs $4,000-$8,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The Active Fuel Management (AFM) and Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) systems use special hydraulic lifters that collapse to deactivate cylinders for fuel economy. These lifters are prone to premature failure due to poor physical design and inadequate oil flow. Failures can occur as… Repairs typically run $4,000-$8,000. Severity: high.
The 8L90 8-speed and 10L80/10L90 10-speed automatic transmissions experience shuddering during light throttle acceleration, particularly at highway speeds between 35-60 mph. The issue is caused by the torque converter lock-up clutch slipping and chattering. Harsh shifts between g… Repairs typically run $150-$4,500. Severity: high.
The electronic brake control module (EBCM) experiences failures causing ABS, traction control, and stability control systems to malfunction. Issues range from warning lights illuminating to complete system failures. The 2023 models have a specific recall for software that may fai… Repairs typically run $150-$1,500. Severity: high.
P0016 means the crankshaft and Bank 1 intake camshaft are out of sync beyond tolerance. On the 5.3L V8 Sierra 1500 this is a signature failure because of two engine-specific problems: (1) the timing chain stretches over time — accelerated by AFM lifter debris and extended oil-cha… Repairs typically run $150-$1,800. Severity: high.
The infotainment system experiences intermittent complete audio loss affecting stereo, turn signals, and safety warning sounds. The audio system may randomly go to maximum volume and cannot be controlled. OTA software updates have caused additional issues including erratic blinke… Repairs typically run $0-$2,500. Severity: medium.
Direct injection engines do not spray fuel over the intake valves like port injection systems, allowing carbon deposits from oil and blow-by gases via the PCV system to accumulate on intake valve backs and ports. Over time, this buildup restricts airflow causing performance and e… Repairs typically run $400-$800. Severity: medium.
P0011 means the Bank 1 intake camshaft is timed more advanced than the ECM commanded — the phaser is stuck/biased advanced. On the Sierra 1500 5.3L/6.2L, the dominant cause is a VVT (camshaft actuator) solenoid whose internal screen has clogged with oil sludge or AFM debris, jamm… Repairs typically run $40-$450. Severity: medium.
P0455 indicates a large (gross) EVAP leak — the ECM cannot pull or hold vacuum in the evaporative system at all. On the Sierra 1500 the classic causes are a completely missing/unsealed gas cap, a stuck-open or failed EVAP vent solenoid (mounted under the truck near the fuel tank/… Repairs typically run $20-$350. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.