2021 GMC Sierra 1500 · symptom sheet
Engine seized
- 25owner reports
- 70,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 9, 2026 · checked Sep 20, 2026
25 of the 123 reports of engine failure on the 2021 Sierra 1500 describe engine seized.
Part of Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing (123 reports) · also: engine knock
Tick what matches of 25 reports
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.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Sierra 1500
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Open.
NHTSA summary
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Closed aug 20, 2026.
NHTSA summary
Loss of motive power due to engine failure. Open.
NHTSA summary
Loss of motive power due to engine failure. Closed oct 23, 2025, led to recall 25V-274.
NHTSA summary
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
“Engine failure. Engine Locked up and truck shut down in the middle of the Freeway. Barely made it to the side of the road.”
Filed Apr 7, 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.
Other problems on this car
- Check engine light or misfire 103 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 87 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 53 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 41 reports
- Engine rattles or ticks 26 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 25 reports