2019 GMC Sierra 1500
2019 model shown · Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0

Half-ton pickups · T1 generation

2021 GMC Sierra 1500: reliability, problems and cost to own

Think twice Well below average

It scores 12 out of 100 for reliability compared with other half-ton pickups. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $26,242 to own, including $10,903 in repairs.

Reliability

12/100

Well below average

Repairs, 5 years

$10,903

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$9,714

21 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$31,747

$27,938 – $35,557, estimate

Recalls

7

on record

Owner complaints

598

filed with NHTSA

These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.

Where repair money is likely to go

Engine & cooling$5,977
Transmission & drivetrain$3,738
Electrical system$333
Steering$295
Driver-assist & stability$168
Brakes$141

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

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Other years of the GMC Sierra 1500

Of the years we rate, the 2016 scores best (80/100) and the 2024 worst (4/100).

YearReliability
2026Not rated yet
2025Not rated yet
20244/100
20236/100
202210/100
202112/100
202018/100
201916/100
201853/100
201765/100
201680/100
201567/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 a year to avoid?

Yes. It scores 12 out of 100, among the least reliable half-ton pickups of 2015–2024. The 2015, 2016 and 2017 Sierra 1500 scored much better.

Is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?

It scores 12 out of 100 against other half-ton pickups from 2015 to 2024, which is well below average. Based on 598 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $10,903 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 cost to own?

About $26,242 over 5 years: $5,625 in lost value, $10,903 in repairs and $9,714 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $31,747 today.

What are the best years of the GMC Sierra 1500?

Of the years we rate, the 2016 scores best (80/100) and the 2024 worst (4/100).

How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 have?

7 recalls on record with NHTSA.