2021 GMC Sierra 1500 · symptom sheet
Engine seized
- 25owner reports
- 70,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 9, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
25 of the 126 reports of engine failure on the 2021 Sierra 1500 describe engine seized.
Part of Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing (126 reports) · also: engine knock
Tick what matches of 25 reports
Engine seized 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, 2020, 2025, 2026.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (8 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.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 15,000 and 101,148 miles, from the 11 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Catastrophic engine failure at 77357 miles. I went to the local GM dealer and my VIN is not in the L87 engine recall. Not sure how to repair my truck , but feel like the engine should not have locked up with such low miles, and I done constant engine maintenance , meaning oil changes every 5K miles.”
Filed Sep 9, 2026 · 77,357 miles
“My 6.2 engine locked up and left me stranded. Had it replaced with s new engine on 10/31/2025 and I'm having problems again with it. As well as my 10 speed transmission slipping and hunting for gears”
Filed Jan 25, 2026
“Engine seized while at idle speed and has to be replaced. It was a catastrophic event, but not covered under the current recall for 6.2L L87 engines.”
Filed Jun 2, 2025
“While driving on the highway the engine 6.2 GM seized suddenly at high speed. The truck shut off completely and left rolling without any control. I had work my way accross lanes to the breakdown lane. While doing so I was almost hit by an 18 wheel trailer truck, who luckily was able to change lanes to avoid hitting me. The reason I was almost hit was because of my low speed since I had now power or acceleration.”
Filed Feb 13, 2025
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 25 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 Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Check engine light or misfire 104 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