NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Safety Ratings
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 scores 74 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 7 recalls, and 506 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 74/100, placing it in the Average band. While its NHTSA crash-test results are largely strong, a defect record score of 7/20 contributes to this positioning. It marks a measurable safety improvement over the immediate preceding model year.
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 received a 4-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 74/100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 ranks 85 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 74 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.8% |
| Recalls on file | 7 |
| Owner complaints | 506 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 85 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 marks a notable safety-index recovery from the prior model year. The 2020 Sierra 1500 carried a Below Average index of 69/100; this 2021 model climbs five points to 74/100 and crosses into the Average band, a meaningful directional improvement. The crash-protection sub-score of 61/70 is the primary driver of that gain and reflects the strong NHTSA star-rating profile, particularly the 5-star side result. Where this year loses ground is in its defect record sub-score of just 7/20, pulled down by seven recall campaigns spanning transmission software, engine internals, spare tires, and seat belts. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 6/10 reflects that forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional rather than standard on this model year, with only electronic stability control coming standard. The combination of solid crash-test numbers and a crowded recall history defines the 2021 Sierra 1500's specific safety profile and distinguishes it from a simple reading of its star ratings alone.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 achieved a 5-star rating in side-impact crash testing, marking a strong performance in this critical category. Its overall federal safety rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars. Both frontal crash protection and rollover prevention were rated at 4 stars. The measured rollover risk for this model year is 20 percent, with the dynamic tip test concluding in a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15364
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 have any recalls?
Seven recall campaigns cover this model year. Components affected include automatic transmission control module software (addressed in multiple separate campaigns), internal engine hard parts, accessory spare tires, and seat belts. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is listed in the available campaign data, but owners should verify current remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE26V083000
Risk: Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252516560. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on Febr
Reported 2026-02-12
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL25V274000
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
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, Chevro
Reported 2025-04-24
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE24V797000
Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-80
Reported 2024-10-24
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE21V985000
Risk: An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will provide a new 17" spare tire and wheel assembly that is compatible with the accessory wheels, free of charge. Dealers will also apply a new spare tire information label, and provide owners with an owner's manual insert clarifying which spare tire to use with the accessory road tires and with the 17" original tires. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may co
Reported 2021-12-16
SEAT BELTS20V811000
Risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Reported 2020-12-23
SEAT BELTS20V792000
Risk: If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.
Reported 2020-12-17
TIRES20V684000
Risk: Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace tires that have DOT number and production mold number combinations identified by Continental, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-4
Reported 2020-11-05
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
NHTSA has received 506 unverified owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Sierra 1500. Alleged problem areas include the engine (261 reports), powertrain (123), and electrical system (69). Consumers have also alleged 5 crashes and 6 fires, though these remain unverified allegations, not established facts.
506 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
For the 2021 Sierra 1500, seven recall campaigns have been issued. Several of these were announced after the initial sale date, making it critical for prospective owners to verify completed recall work. Shoppers should use the VIN to check the vehicle's recall status with NHTSA before purchase.
- The 2021 Safety Index of 74/100 represents a five-point rise from the 2020 model year's 69/100, moving the Sierra 1500 from Below Average to Average for the first time in back-to-back index comparisons.
- Seven recall campaigns are attached to this model year, with transmission control module software recalled across multiple separate campaigns and an engine hard-parts recall covering 2021-2024 model years including this Sierra 1500.
- The side-crash rating of 5 out of 5 stars is the single strongest data point in the 2021 crash-test profile, while frontal and rollover protection each landed at 4 stars and rollover risk was recorded at 20 percent.
- The defect record sub-score of 7/20 is the weakest component of the 2021 Safety Index breakdown and reflects the volume and breadth of recall activity tied specifically to this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 places
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 GMC Sierra 1500 safety questions
Was the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 19.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 7 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 506 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sierra 1500 years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15364), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Sierra 1500 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 85 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.