Car Defect Radar
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated September 22, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.

Recalls

0 total

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

No recalls on record for this model

No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.

Owner complaints by system

51 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Worth reading
16

Most reports here involve transmission slipping. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

transmission slipping 7fluid leaks 3
A recent report: After finishing a long drive south, I shut the engine off and a yellow engine code popped on. I connected my computer to it and revealed a P129F code (fuel pump control module). I have noticed that…
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After finishing a long drive south, I shut the engine off and a yellow engine code popped on. I connected my computer to it and revealed a P129F code (fuel pump control module). I have noticed that other GMC models have been included in a recall concerning this problem. The 2021 GMC 2500 Denali should be also since it is the same problem. This needs to be covered by the manufacturer since it is a constant problem.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11753689 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Worth reading
16

Most reports here involve electrical shorts. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

electrical shorts 9software faults 3
A recent report: XXX Power Assist Step Reversing I have a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD that the local dealership (Ozark MO 65714) is stating has expired and not covered by the warranty. I researched online and as I…
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XXX Power Assist Step Reversing I have a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD that the local dealership (Ozark MO 65714) is stating has expired and not covered by the warranty. I researched online and as I understand this recall falls under SAFTEY recalls and is to be fixed and doesn't expire? It requires no parts but the reprogramming of the K4 Assist Step Control Module. What is my next step or recourse?

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11733017 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
9

Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

loss of braking 2software faults 1
A recent report: The left rear internal "top-hat" parking brake shoes suffered a total manufacturing bonding failure, causing the friction lining to completely delaminate and detach from the metal backing plates…
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The left rear internal "top-hat" parking brake shoes suffered a total manufacturing bonding failure, causing the friction lining to completely delaminate and detach from the metal backing plates inside the rotor hub. This triggered Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C060B (Left Park Brake Actuator Circuit). The failed components were replaced by the servicing facility and are unavailable, but the official dealer diagnostic scan sheet and itemized repair invoice are preserved and available for inspection upon request. Safety was compromised in two ways. First, the mechanical failure completely disabled the electronic parking brake system, forcing a heavy-duty truck to rely exclusively on the transmission's parking pawl to remain stationary. This creates a severe rolling vehicle hazard, especially on inclines or when hauling/towing heavy loads. Second, when these shoes disintegrate, the loose friction debris trapped inside the enclosed drum can shift, wedge, and cause a sudden mechanical wheel lockup or severe brake dragging at highway speeds, threatening vehicle control. The problem was officially confirmed and diagnosed by an authorized General Motors dealership service center. The technician scanned the vehicle, retrieved DTC code C060B, and confirmed upon inspection that the internal parking brake shoes had completely disintegrated. There were absolutely no physical symptoms, abnormal noises, dragging sensations, or brake pedal changes prior to the failure, as the parking brake shoes sit isolated inside the rotor hub. The issue appeared suddenly on May 23, 2026, when the vehicle immediately displayed a parking brake malfunction warning lamp on the instrument cluster dashboard and completely refused to engage the electronic parking brake.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11755097 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Worth reading
2

Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

airbags not deploying 1
A recent report: Hit in the driver side tire, air bags didn’t release. Truck then went up in flames.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11478289 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Minor
1

Most reports here involve electrical shorts.

electrical shorts 1
A recent report: The “Service Safety Restraint” alarm goes off continually on my 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD AT4. The warranty is no longer valid as at the time of occurrence I was at 34,500 miles and when I took it in…
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The “Service Safety Restraint” alarm goes off continually on my 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD AT4. The warranty is no longer valid as at the time of occurrence I was at 34,500 miles and when I took it in the warranty had expired due to exceeding 36,000 miles. Extended warranties were not purchased and this began approximately 8-9 months after purchase. The code given is “b0014 Driver Seat Side Air Bag Deployment Loop” with a description of high resistance in wiring or wiring harness. After much research I have found that many GMC 2021 vehicles and previous models have had this exact same issue. No dealership as of yet has offered to help or understand that this defect was of their own flawed design. The issue that I am having is exactly the same as other models such as the 2021 Yukon, Sierra 1500, Suburban and others. This is a safety issue and only want GMC to account for their flaw. I do not believe I should have to pay for a design flaw or equipment malfunction that is well known amongst GMC vehicles. I am asking the NHTSA to help me in this matter and the many others who are having the same issue and for the manufacturer to be accountable for their own flaw.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11478489 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
5

Most reports here involve other issues.

other issues 5
A recent report: The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that no visible tailgate was attached, and the contact was unaware if the vehicle had been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000…
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The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that no visible tailgate was attached, and the contact was unaware if the vehicle had been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the recall had been marked as completed under the VIN. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where they advised the contact that the recall repair was completed. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Littleton Chevy (851 Meadow St Littleton, NH 03561); for a second opinion and was informed that the recall repairs had not been performed. In addition, the contact stated that the tailgate was replaced with an after-market part due to backorder issues. The contact stated that there was no failure experienced with the original part. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11624010 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Minor
2

Most reports here involve other issues.

other issues 2
A recent report: The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that on several occasions, the automatic power side-out step failed to extend as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
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The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that on several occasions, the automatic power side-out step failed to extend as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,726.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11733416 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 51 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2021 and 2026, roughly 9 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.