Photo: Kevauto / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Sierra 2500HD years.
51 owner complaints, most about power train. 6 recalls.
Should I buy one?The 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD has 51 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and exterior lighting.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Sierra 2500HD years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Sierra 2500HD?
Across the 18 Sierra 2500HD model years we track, complaint volume runs from 32 (2023) to 471 (2008). With 51 complaints, the 2021 Sierra 2500HD sits below the model's median of 76.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 Sierra 2500HD
tires:temporary/emergency spare tire
Campaign 21V578000General 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.
service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:electric:control module
Campaign 21V758000General 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.
seat belts
Campaign 20V792000General 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.
seat belts
Campaign 20V811000General 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.
Show 2 more recalls
latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch
Campaign 24V060000General 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.
power train:automatic transmission:control module:software
Campaign 24V797000General 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year, powertrain choice, and intended use. Positive feedback centers on the truck's capability, towing comfort, and the refined ride quality of the independent front suspension, particularly in newer models.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Sierra 2500HD. See the full Sierra 2500HD owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Sierra 2500HD listings typically run $20,994–$45,465 across 2002 to 2024 model years.
Other Sierra 2500HD model years
Compare every Sierra 2500HD year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Sierra 2500HD against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy