Makes›GMC›Sierra›2021

2021 GMC Sierra

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
Body styles
1500 Crew Cab M/Box 2WD, 1500 Crew Cab M/Box 4WD, 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD, 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 4WD
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.7L 4-cyl turbo, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
26 combined · 23 city / 30 hwy
Length
231.9–241.3 in
Curb weight
4,619–4,888 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
10 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 31% better than the average 2021 standard pickup truck (19.8 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 GMC Sierra is a standard pickup truck offered with 4 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.7L 4-cyl turbo, 5.3L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 241 inches long and 81 inches wide on a 157-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,694 lb (1500 Crew Cab M/Box 2WD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 30 highway), 31% better than the 2021 standard pickup truck average of 19.8 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 10 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 668 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2021

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Sierra — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Sierra →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
1500 Crew Cab M/Box 2WD241.3 in81.1 in75.6 in156.7 in68.1 / 68.1 in4,694 lb58/42
1500 Crew Cab M/Box 4WD241.3 in81.1 in75.6 in156.7 in68.1 / 68.1 in4,888 lb58/42
1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD231.9 in81.1 in75.6 in147.2 in68.1 / 68.1 in4,623 lb58/42
1500 Crew Cab S/Box 4WD231.9 in81.1 in75.6 in147.2 in68.1 / 68.1 in4,835 lb58/42
1500 Double Cab M/Box 2WD231.9 in81.1 in75.6 in147.2 in68.1 / 68.1 in4,619 lb
1500 Double Cab M/Box 4WD231.9 in81.1 in75.6 in147.2 in68.1 / 68.1 in4,835 lb

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sierra 2WD Diesel3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spdRear-Wheel Drive23 / 30 / 26+31%$3,700392
Sierra 4WD Diesel3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spd4-Wheel Drive22 / 26 / 24+32%$4,000430
Sierra 4WD AT4 Diesel3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 10-spd4-Wheel Drive22 / 26 / 24+32%$4,000430
Sierra 2WD2.7L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive20 / 23 / 21+6%$3,200421
Sierra 2WD2.7L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive20 / 23 / 21+6%$3,200422
Sierra 2WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19-4%$3,550466
Sierra 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 10-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 19+4%$3,550479
Sierra 4WD2.7L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive18 / 21 / 19+4%$3,550464
Sierra 4WD2.7L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive18 / 20 / 19+4%$3,550475
Sierra 4WD AT45.3L 8-cylAutomatic 10-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18-1%$3,700494
Sierra 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18-1%$3,700504
Sierra 4WD AT45.3L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18-1%$3,700484
Sierra 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 10-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 18-1%$3,700504
Sierra 2WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-14%$3,950523
Sierra 4WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 10-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 20 / 17-7%$4,850510
Sierra 4WD AT46.2L 8-cylAutomatic 10-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 19 / 17-7%$4,850522
Sierra 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17-7%$3,950526
Sierra 4WD4.3L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17-7%$3,950530
Sierra 2WD4.3L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 17-14%$3,950523
Sierra Cab Chassis 2WD4.3L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 19 / 17-19%$3,950523
Sierra 2WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 17-14%$3,950515
Sierra 4WD AT45.3L 8-cylAutomatic 10-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-7%$3,950523
Sierra 2WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 19 / 16-19%$4,200547
Sierra 4WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 16-12%$4,200561
Sierra 4WD AT45.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 16-12%$4,200543
Sierra 2WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 21 / 16-19%$4,200541
Sierra 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16-12%$4,200560
Sierra 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16-12%$4,200561
Sierra 4WD AT45.3L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16-12%$4,200551
Sierra 4WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 10-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 16-12%$5,150539
Sierra 4WD AT46.2L 8-cylAutomatic 10-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-12%$5,150555
Sierra Cab Chassis 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 17 / 15-8%$4,450593
Sierra Cab Chassis 4WD4.3L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 16 / 15-8%$4,450592
Sierra Cab Chassis 2WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 15-29%$4,450590
Sierra Cab Chassis 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive13 / 17 / 14-14%$4,800635
Sierra Cab Chassis 2WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 14-33%$4,800634
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.8 MPG2021 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 GMC Sierra.

Similar 2021 standard pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 GMC Sierra (this car)26 MPGNot rated10
2021 Chevrolet Silverado27 MPGNot rated12
2021 Ram 150026 MPG★★★★★15

Recalls (10)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module › Software · Feb 12, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V083000 · 1,055 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
Risk
Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252516560. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 12, 2026.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical · Apr 24, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V274000 · 597,571 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Risk
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Fluid/Lubricant › Valves/Valve Body · Oct 24, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V797000 · 463,295 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Risk
Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch · Feb 1, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V060000 · 570,434 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in park.
Risk
An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232426400.
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire · Dec 16, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V985000 · 626 vehicles

Problem
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 GMC Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500 vehicles equipped with certain accessory road tires and a 17" spare tire. The 17" spare tire provided with the vehicle is not compatible for use with the accessory wheels, which can cause the anti-lock brake system (ABS) to not function properly under certain conditions.
Risk
An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will provide a new 17" spare tire and wheel assembly that is compatible with the accessory wheels, free of charge. Dealers will also apply a new spare tire information label, and provide owners with an owner's manual insert clarifying which spare tire to use with the accessory road tires and with the 17" original tires. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212346510.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Electric › Control Module · Sep 29, 2021 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 21V758000 · 3,241 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles with electronic brake control modules (EBCM) replaced during vehicle assembly. The bolts that attach the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) assembly may not be properly tightened, which could fail to seal the two sub-assemblies and allow water intrusion.
Risk
Water in the BPMV may cause an electrical short circuit and increase the risk of fire.
Fix
Owners are advised to park outside and away from other structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will replace the BPMV assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 20, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212349181.
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire · Jul 29, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V578000 · 86 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with a 17" spare tire (RPO ZHQ or ZXT) and either the 20" accessory road tire (RPO REM) or the 18" accessory road tire (RPO Q2V). Operating the spare tire with other 20" or 18" tires can prevent the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) from engaging.
Risk
An ABS system that cannot control the rear wheels independently increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will provide the appropriate spare tire and apply a new spare tire information label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 18, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212329780.
Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners · Dec 23, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V811000 · 470 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
Risk
If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners · Dec 17, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V792000 · 624,216 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.
Tires · Nov 5, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V684000 · 7,516 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
Risk
Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace tires that have DOT number and production mold number combinations identified by Continental, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202319030.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 GMC Sierra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

668Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
10Involved a crash
7Involved a fire
4Injuries reported
53,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine333
Power Train163
Electrical System82
Unknown Or Other50
Engine And Engine Cooling47
Fuel/Propulsion System45
Service Brakes35
Steering34
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 924/12: 1125/01: 2425/02: 1825/03: 2225/04: 3525/05: 4225/06: 2425/07: 3225/08: 1425/09: 1825/10: 1625/11: 1425/12: 1726/01: 2026/02: 1326/03: 2526/04: 1926/05: 1426/06: 2526/07: 2326/08: 2126/09: 2726/10: 2224/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 42

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 GMC Sierra buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 10 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Engine — 333 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Power Train — 163 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Electrical System — 82 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 53,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 GMC Sierra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Sierra years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Sierra25241.3 inNot rated6169
2025 Sierra26241.3 inNot rated4178
2024 Sierra25233.1 inNot rated8538
2023 Sierra26229.5 inNot rated4558
2022 Sierra26241.3 inNot rated8674
2020 Sierra26241.3 inNot rated16624
2019 Sierra21225.6 inNot rated17729
2018 Sierra20235.4 inNot rated12371
2017 Sierra20235.4 inNot rated11481
2016 Sierra20235.4 inNot rated13457
2015 Sierra20235.4 inNot rated23915
2014 Sierra20235.4 inNot rated22814

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →