GMC Sierra Complaints (2021)

671 consumer complaints on file.

#11671673July 7, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The abnormal sound ceased once the vehicle had accelerated; however, the abnormal sound returned while the vehicle was idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ball bearing caused a misfire, and two cam lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact picked up the vehicle and on the way home, the engine failed. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer. The technician test drove the vehicle with the contact as a passenger, and the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact was informed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced along with the fuel body system. The contact was informed that as per GMC, the oil needed to be changed to an oil with a thicker viscosity. The fuel body was replaced, and the oil was changed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered the contact an amended warranty. The contact was informed that GMC had elected to participate in the procedures under the Song Beverly Act. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670922July 2, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle was idling abnormally, prompting the contact to turn off the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the lifter in cylinder #4. The contact stated that the lifter had collapsed into the engine, causing damages to the engine and camshaft. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670640July 1, 2025
POWER TRAIN
My 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Diesel Truck is displaying the Check Engine Light which I was told by the local Mount Vernon GMC Dealership is a failed Temperature Control Valve affecting the transmission. I also get a warning message of "Reduced Engine Power". I am told that it is OK to drive the vehicle but at reduced power. The dealership told me they ordered a replacement part which is covered under warranty on May 7, 2025, but showed on "Back Order". Every time I call to follow up on the status, I'm told it is still on "Back Order", and they cannot do anything to improve the delivery. Why does a customer, owning a "Denali" truck under warranty, can't get the problem resolved? I have a recall notice from GMC dated January 2025 about this very problem and have shown it to GMC dealerships during regular services, and still have the problem. Since I have bought this truck, I have experienced a failed right running board that cost $1,500 to repair a few months ago which is failing again. The driver side mirror now vibrates when I put the truck into drive after being in reverse, and I cannot get any idea on when this transmission valve problem will be fixed which is causing me serious delays in using the truck to pull a trailer. Prior to this problem I had the dealership replace my brakes which required 2 follow-up repairs due to the "GMC original rotors" being warped that required machining to make them not vibrate which to me, now makes them "used". This means I paid full price for "repaired" parts! I thought that by buying a GMC "Denali" 1500 Sierra truck I was buying the "top of the line" in pick-up trucks but now finding out it's a lemon. I love the truck, but not the problems. What do I need to do to get this fixed? [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669912June 28, 2025
ENGINE
It started with a emergency brake light coming on, shortly (2 miles) later it started misfiring on cylinder #1 after replacing coil pack plug wire and plug. It then started smoking bad out of the exhaust. I knew GM was having recalls on the 6.2 engines so I hauled it to the dealer. They told me it was a bad engine and since it had aprox.62,000 miles on it and no recall it wasn't covered. Since then the dealer called the factory service rep. and he agreed to replace the engine at a 50% reduction in the price, but had no idea when they could get me a replacement engine. After a few days of research on my part I called the dealer again to get a price on how much it was going to cost me? The owner of the dealership ask me to give him a few more days to ask the rep. if he would agree to 100%. My problem now is I don't have it to drive, I can't sell it. and no idea how long it will be before it can be repaired. Plus I am still making payments on it. It is available for inspection at the dealer. If I had of continued to drive, it could have locked up causing a catastrophic accident. In my research it looks like these problems started in 2019 not late 2020 when mine was built. NC has lemon law complaints going back to 2019 that have been paid out. I currently own a #1 2007 GMC Yukon Denali 6.2 with aprox.389,000 miles and only replaced the transmission recently. #2 A 2008 GMC Sierra Denali 6.2 with 279,052 miles, new transmission. #3 A 2011 GMC Yukon Denali 6.2 with 234,361 miles and #4 a 2017 Cadillac Escalade 6.2 with aprox. 102,000 miles. All of these are working and driving on a daily bases. I have a lot of faith in these 6.2 engines until now, I will no longer be buying any more of these engines even though 1 out of 5 aint bad. Thank you for your consideration and for what you do. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669496June 26, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that occasionally while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine hesitated to turn over. The contact stated that the failure progressed, and the vehicle no longer started as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that two local dealers were contacted; however, the contact was advised that to diagnose or repair the vehicle, might take several months. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with camshaft sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669296June 25, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that several minutes later the vehicle functioned as designed. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669124June 25, 2025
ENGINE
Safety recall, unsafe
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669185June 25, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668873June 24, 2025
POWER TRAIN
In December of 2024 the engine started not being able to reach full power. This would happen intermittently and there would be a check engine light that would come on when this was happening. In January of 2025 I had the code pulled up by a mechanic at a local shop and this mechanic actually spoke to the service manager of the GMC dealership who said it was covered under the 100,000 mile power train warranty. I took it to the dealership who then told me the diesel mechanic was backed up and I would have to schedule repair for February. I had also received a recall notice in the mail for another issue so asked about taking of both things at the same time. I made the appointment for mid-February so had to deal with reduced engine power for several weeks.The dealership had my truck for several days and a recall was fixed and I thought the reason for the reduced engine power had been fixed also. I had received a phone call from the service representative about an issue that would cost over $1200 that I declined. I did not realize that this was actually for the main issue. I was still thinking the reduced engine power was under warranty. I got my truck back but then the next day the check engine light came on again and the engine power was reduced again. I immediately called the service representative who then told me only the recall had been fixed and that the reason for the reduced engine power was not fixed because I had declined the service. I was totally confused and didn’t understand what happened. This is when I was told that the reason for the reduced engine power was due to a coolant control valve, which was not under the powertrain warranty. I pushed the issue and wanted answers as to why the service manager himself told the mechanic that it was under warranty and was told that the service manager is not a technician and they rely on what the technician says is the problem. And this problem was not covered. I finally gave in and got it fixed and paid $1788.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668912June 24, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Engine experiences missing when accelerating in lower speeds ...also now, and since driving for a few thousand miles, f umes are entering cabin frequently and causing nausea, 'headaches and burning of mouth, lips and eyes .....all the time. My youngest granddaughter got sick and so did my oldest son just this past weekend! As far as I know , police or dealership never inspected , nor did they acknowledge it! No warning lamps appeared
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669035June 24, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
On March 10, 2025, I was driving down a residential street, about 40 mph, when the "Brake System Failure, 42 miles top speed," indicator light came on. Seconds later, I was approaching a stop sign and pressed down on the brake pedal. The brakes failed and the brake pedal went directly down to the floor. Luckily there were no other vehicles around and i was able to coast through the stop sign. I continued to coast until the truck stopped on its own and I was able to shift the gear into park. I've checked for recalls on my truck for this issue and did not find any. There is a similar issue with the GMC 2500 and 3500 series. Perhaps the issue is broader than expected.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668047June 20, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When I am in park my engine shuts off the light goes from green to orange which indicates it’s still on electrically. I have to turn on/off my vehicle multiple times for it to turn off fully. It’s an intermittent problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667767June 18, 2025
ENGINE
I heard a ticking in the engine and noticed multiple warning lights in the dashboard. I called the GMC dealer and was told the next opening was several weeks away. I was also told that it would be OK to drive the vehicle which I did (~10 miles) and parked the truck in my driveway until I could get the truck in for a diagnostic evaluation. The service department at the GMC dealer where the vehicle was purchased identified a defective camshaft/lifter as the source of the noise and lights. The service manager recommended either an engine rebuild at their shop or purchase a replacement motor from the GMC inventory network. The serial # of the old motor is: 126852545. The serial # of the new motor is: 40208378. The cost of the new motor, replacement of required fluids and parts and labor was $12,360. 100% of the repair was paid by myself. The .pdf of the service record (RO #: 9189240) exceeds the 10 MB limit and cannot be uploaded. I have a hard copy if needed. The dealership where the vehicle was purchased and serviced is: TULLEY Buick - GMC - BMW - Mazda P.O. Box T 147 Daniel Webster Highway South Nashua, New Hampshire 03060 (603) 888-0550 www.tulley.com
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667847June 18, 2025
POWER TRAIN
coolant control valve failure activating check engine light, reduced power mode and fan running continuously. Truck has been in the shop for 3 weeks already with no part available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667338June 17, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine fan activated and operated at a very high velocity. Additionally, the message "Engine Power Failure" message was displayed, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine coolant control valve was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the parts were on backorder and no repairs were performed. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 48,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667367June 17, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle and shifting to drive(D) in the morning, the transmission hesitated to shift to second gear and then shifted harshly. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was test-driven, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure occurred once a day on first start-up of the vehicle and upon shifting to drive(D). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer over the weekend, and the dealer was able to duplicate the failure on first start-up of the vehicle and upon shift to drive(D). The dealer related the failure to TSB Number: 16-NA-361; and informed the contact the manufacturer had not made a repair available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667437June 17, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine fan activated and operated at a very high velocity. Additionally, the message "Engine Power Failure" message was displayed, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine coolant control valve was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the parts were on backorder and no repairs were performed. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 45,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667550June 17, 2025
ENGINE
I had an engine warning warning light on my dash around May 5th. A notice of reduced speed also lit up my dash while I was on the freeway. I scheduled a service for May 15th and was told the engine coolant flow control valve needed to be replaced. I was also told there was a backlog of other vehicles waiting for the same part. It has been over a month and I am still unable to drive my truck which I use for work.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666349June 11, 2025
ENGINE
My Truck has been consuming oil since new, latest documented consumption test was 1.25 quarts in 1967 miles. GM dealership said that is normal and no further diagnosis is required. GM says acceptable consumption is 1 quart per 2,000 miles. This truck has a 6.2L engine that is not under the current recall ( N252494000 ). The engine problems affect more vehicles that the current recall and should be investigated.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665275June 6, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dealer keeps ignoring engine knock noise states its normal , mpg is down dramatically . Shift to park , vehicle only has 34k miles and dealer does not want to repair under warranty due to vehicle being a 2021 Battery keeps draining for no reason , new battery added still does the same thing
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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