2021 GMC Sierra 1500 · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 104owner reports
- 57,000median miles
- $2,500median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 22, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
409 of the 573 complaints on this car are about the engine. 104 of those describe misfire. Only engine failure is reported more often on this car.
Tick what matches of 104 reports
Misfire on other Sierra 1500 years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the injectors (5 reports), the sensor (5 reports), the spark plugs (4 reports) and the ignition coils (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
All 7 recalls on the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Sierra 1500
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Open.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Closed aug 20, 2026.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure. Open.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure. Closed oct 23, 2025, led to recall 25V-274.
Pedestrian alert sounds. Closed aug 7, 2023, led to recall 22V-063.
Non-crash engine compartment fires. Closed sep 8, 2008, led to recall 08V-441.
Non-crash engine compartment fires. Closed jun 12, 2008.
What owners paid
12 of the 104 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,000 to $8,300.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 23,300 and 88,000 miles, from the 51 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 35 service bulletins or notices for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition that could cause the engine coolant control valve to fail an onboard vehicle diagnostic test.
This bulletin advises the tech that the Exhaust Roller Follower may be the issue with the engine Ticking noise, misfire or rough run and what to replace if found the cause.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Evaporative DTCs P0442, P0446, P0455 or P0449, Caused by Dust Intrusion into the Evaporative Canister.
This service bulletin provides repair information for Engine Wire Harness Chafing to correct customer concerns of IPC Gauges Sweep, IPC Warning Message, SES/Check Engine/MIL, No Start/ No Crank, Runs Rough, Stalls, Reduced Engine Power, Various DTCs.
31 more on the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 page.
What owners wrote
“Loss of power, and knocking from the engine while driving. Check brake system, check srs, check parking brake and check engine light flashing came on at the same time. The problem has been reproduced at a mechanics shop and has been determined that cylinder 6 is dead.”
Filed Mar 16, 2026
“Heard a ticking noise then check engine light started blinking along with service esc and parking brake. Took it to the dealer and I had a bad lifter again. I was previously repair for lifters under warranty a little over 2 years ago.”
Filed Dec 4, 2025
“My wife was driving at highway speeds with all are kids when the trucks motor suddenly loss all power all check engine lights illuminated and what I'm assuming had major engine failure causing rod knock.”
Filed Nov 2, 2025
“ESC ERROR PARKING BREAK NOT RELEASING Dashboard lights started flashing Check engine light came on”
Filed Apr 13, 2025
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 104 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 126 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 88 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 53 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 43 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 26 reports
- Engine rattles or ticks 26 reports