MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // SAFETY RECORD

2021 GMC Sierra 3500

Recall and complaint safety record from NHTSA. This configuration has not been crash-tested.

5Recalls
20Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE GMC SIERRA 3500

The GMC Sierra 3500 is a heavy-duty full-size pickup truck aimed at buyers who need serious towing and hauling capability. Slotting above the light-duty Sierra 1500, it targets contractors, fleet operators, and truck enthusiasts who demand maximum work capacity. It competes directly with the Ford F-350 and Ram 3500 in one of the most demanding and popular segments in the American market.

VERDICT

NHTSA has not crash-tested the 2021 GMC Sierra 3500, but it carries a park-outside or do-not-drive recall, which is the most serious class of safety campaign. Treat the recall status below as urgent and confirm your VIN with NHTSA.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Sierra 3500 as a well-executed heavy-duty hauler with a composed, refined ride for its class and a cabin that offers notably upscale materials in higher trims. Driving dynamics are considered competitive, and the truck earns praise for its towing composure and overall polish. Some reviewers note that interior value and feature content compare favorably against segment rivals.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

Park outside / do not drive This vehicle has a recall advising owners to park away from structures or stop driving until repaired. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov.
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

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH24V060000

Risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232426400.

Reported 2024-02-01

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE21V758000

Risk: Water in the BPMV may cause an electrical short circuit and increase the risk of fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will replace the BPMV assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 20, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212349181.

Reported 2021-09-29

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

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

20 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsPower Train 7Service Brakes 5Electrical System 4Unknown Or Other 3Engine 3Fuel/Propulsion System 2

Other Sierra 3500 years

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings, recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for GMC Sierra 3500 2021. Methodology · Disclosure