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2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD: common problems and reliability
One of the better Sierra 3500HD years.
20 owner complaints, most about power train. 5 recalls.
Should I buy one?The 2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD has 20 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and service brakes. Owners most often flag transmission failures (10-speed automatic): valve body and control module failures, parts on national backorder, affects newer models (2020+).
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Sierra 3500HD years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Sierra 3500HD?
Across the 18 Sierra 3500HD model years we track, complaint volume runs from 13 (2019) to 471 (2008). With 20 complaints, the 2021 Sierra 3500HD sits below the model's median of 45.
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 3500HD
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.
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.
Show 1 more recall
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 and powertrain.
- RecurrentTransmission failures (10-speed automatic)
Valve body and control module failures, parts on national backorder, affects newer models (2020+).
Owner insights cover all generations of the Sierra 3500HD. See the full Sierra 3500HD owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Sierra 3500HD listings typically run $31,518–$55,636 across 2012 to 2024 model years.
Other Sierra 3500HD model years
Compare every Sierra 3500HD year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Sierra 3500HD against its rivals
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