Used 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Consumer Reviews
Used Sierra 1500 for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Valve lifter problem
Rod, 09/03/2021
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
22 of 22 people found this review helpful
I have a 2021 GMC 5.3L w/10spd transmission. I pull a 21’ cargo trailer w/2 Polaris Trail Rzr’s. Yesterday at 13,800 miles the valve lifter on #5 cylinder went out. We were 80 miles from home in the middle of no-where. We limped home. The truck is beautiful, pulls great and gets good mileage, but GM should let customers know about this kind of potential problem. The dealer told me today that it could take a month to get parts and get it fixed. I need the truck almost every day, but now I walk for a month! NOT HAPPY! I’ve been a GMC customer for 35 years and bought north of 17 new pickups. Never had this problem. When this is fixed I will have to look at other brands.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Bad engine design
Kraig Monroe, 05/12/2021
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
40 of 44 people found this review helpful
My 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 had to have new lifters and push rods put in at 3600 miles then again at 5200 miles had the same problem waiting on dealership and General Motors to get back with me.I think they should buy back this truck in my opinion nobody should have this problem with a brand new truck purchased in January 2021.steelworker96@gmail.com
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Complete shut down on 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 duraMac
Jr, 02/16/2021
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
40 of 45 people found this review helpful
Complete failure needed to be towed in three times less than 500 miles. Power or computer problems and still trying to fix!
Blown engine before first oil change
J, 06/18/2021
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
26 of 29 people found this review helpful
First GMC has not been the best experience. 1500 At4 5.3. Lifter failed at 1800 miles bent pushrod engine got rebuilt. Less than 4000 miles front differential starts making noise GM won't fix it. Sounds like metal on metal, called gm called the dealer still no resolution.... "engineering is working on a solution" it's the same problem the 19 and 20 have but they can get it fixed.... Not enough 21's on the road to trigger the recall...
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
GMC Sierra
Craig West, 10/06/2021
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
19 of 21 people found this review helpful
My 2021 GMC Sierra AT4 engine went out. Assume they will fix as it’s under warranty but I surely don’t want a brand new truck with a repaired or replaced engine. Never again will I buy a GMC product as this isn’t my first issue like this. I waited more than a decade to buy again and shame on me for trusting GMC to build a reliable product. What trash this company truly is. Beyond frustrating as it’s beautiful and sure loved it until engine went…bet the value goes way down after this due to their failure to produce a quality product…it’s brand new.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
5.3 Liter lifter replacement
JCCFP, 05/29/2021
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 8A)
24 of 27 people found this review helpful
I bought the 2021 Sierra in April, 2021 with high hopes. After 3,600 miles, the #4 cylinder lifter went bad requiring the removal of the head and valve lifters. Apparently, this is pretty common with the 5.3 liter engine with AFM. Oh, and the ride and mileage are horrible. As soon as I get the vehicle title from the state, I'm selling it and going back to a Buick Enclave.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
I was a GM guy….
Nick , 07/18/2021
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 8A)
18 of 20 people found this review helpful
Brand new 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali, 5.3 v8. Was in the shop early on because the engine light kept going on and off disabling the remote start in the dead of winter. Turned out to be a software issue and reprogrammed. Then at 9005 km became disabled while I was working. Had it towed and had to argue with GM to tow to home dealership because the local one had no loaner vehicles and I was over an hour from home. Loaner vehicle a canyon even though I said I needed a full size truck. Turns out to be the lifter and pushrod and they can’t source the part. Now making payments on a denali while I’m driving a canyon. To boot, they informed me of 3 recalls nobody bothered to tell me about. Just has to do with the air bags and seat belts, nothing important. Had a 2017 Sierra 1500 prior to this with only minor issues (radio replaced, back axel leak and some recalls but overall great truck) Will be looking to trade this in the near future, likely getting an f150.
Generically Made Chariot
drgonzo570, 02/24/2022
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
The 2021 GMC Sierra Elevation 5.3L that I purchased new is by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned. The first issue I encountered with this lemon was with the back-up camera and radio. The dash display will randomly go blank when using the back-up camera which renders the radio useless. Luckily, it randomly starts working again after restarting the vehicle a few times. Next, at the 8200-mile mark, several lifters failed on one side of the engine, which damaged a rocker arm and bent a push rod. General Motors acknowledges this defect with the 5.3L engine but refuses to issue a recall. Had this engine problem happened with less than 8000 miles on the vehicle, GM would have authorized the dealer to repair both sides of the engine. This is important because at the 14,000-mile mark the same lifter failure took place on the opposite side of the engine, rendering the truck useless once again. In between those engine failures, the alignment of the truck went so far out, the tires wore unevenly to the point that they would not pass state inspection requirements. This truck never towed anything and was never used for off-roading. So, within the first 14,000 miles this truck experienced two major engine failures and ruined a brand-new set of tires. To add insult to injury, all GM would offer in compensation is to extend the warranty on the vehicle. Avoid these vehicles at all costs!! Honestly, do yourself a favor and avoid General Motors at all costs.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Lifters be damned
Never again GMC, 07/14/2022
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3L V8 vehicle that had 6k miles when engine completely failed. Dealer said this was a known issue. I asked why it wasn’t recalled and the response was ‘its happening early and under warranty so you’re covered’. EXCEPT you as the consumer can’t determine when it will fail particularly if you’re traveling. Completely ridiculous approach to doing business. BUYER BEWARE.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Terrible unreliable
Bryan, 01/25/2022
updated 02/28/2022
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Purchased on December 30, 2021. So far the radio had to be replaced, the AC system has a leak, and now the engine has a problem with the lifters causing it to misfire on cylinder #2. DO NOT BUY THIS PIECE OF JUNK 2/26/22: I took delivery of my new 2021 GMC sierra on December 30, 2021. In August 2022, the infotainment system failed and had to be replaced. In December 2022, the A/C system developed a leak which the dealer said must be located within the dashboard because they could not find it within the engine compartment. The dealership placed a UV dye and recharged the AC and told me to return when the AC stops cooling and that they would remove the dashboard to attempt to find the leak. It has been winter time and I have not needed to use the AC, so my plan was to recharge right before going to trade this terrible truck in. In January 2022, the engine lifters failed. I had to wait 3 weeks for the parts to arrive and it took another 2 days for the lifters to be replaced. I picked the truck up on February 21, 2022 and planned on going the following weekend to trade this truck in. However, the lifters failed for the 2nd time on February 23 (2 days later). The truck was returned to the dealer because it is still under warrantee. GM's solution for lifters that have failed twice is to replace the lifters again. I don't understand how replacing defective lifters with new defective lifters will solve the problem. I will need to wait another 2 to 3 weeks for the parts to arrive plus another 2 to 3 days for the repair. I will not make the same mistake again. Immediately after picking the truck up this time, I will be driving directly to any dealer other than GM and trading this piece of junk in. It will be someone else's problem
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Not great
Eli , 03/04/2022
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have a 2020 Sierra 1500 Denali 6.2L. Love the looks, power, and gas mileage. That’s where it ends. The trucks been in the shop to have engine parts replaced, the infotainment system completely replaced, the cameras don’t match up anymore and I’m told there’s nothing that can be done…. And just today the volume completely stopped working. I’ll trade it in for a car and wait for the new Tundra to show up.
Piece of junk…GM should be ashamed
Nadir Attiah, 01/03/2023
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 8A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
At about 10000 miles failed engine, rt valve lifter problem. I asked them to do the left side before it fails, GM refused. At 25000 miles left lifter fails. Of course each one failing while I am in the road. For GM to know about the problem yet let people in safely drive their trucks exposing lives to danger is beyond unbelievable. Can’t wait to trade it in for something reliable. They need to learn from Toyota how to recall and fix issues as they rise. Shame on you GM
- Safety
- Performance
- Reliability
- Value
Engine/transmission issues
Alex, 07/07/2022
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 6.2L V8 brand new end of July 2021. At around 18k miles the truck started skipping/jumping kinda like an old manual transmission jeep when you're first learning to drive it. I took it to local dealer 3 different times between 18k-29k miles with NO help. They kept saying, "it has plenty of warranty left. Just drive it until it gets worse." I traded it in today. I had the 6.2L NOT the 5.3L. It wasn't an option on here when submitting review.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great truck for 900 miles.
Truckless, 11/23/2021
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased a new 2021 GMC Sierra AT4 with the 6.2 ltr V8. The valve spring in #3 shot into the the cylinder, and destroyed it and the piston... at 948 miles. They are replacing the engine while they let me drive a mini Oldsmobuick. I've owned a Chevy pickup and a Tahoe, but I'm switching to Ford. GM has been using this technology for over a century; how long will it take them to make it reliable?
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Garbage truck
Bootsy, 10/23/2023
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I had to replace all the Brakes at 30K. The inside brake pad was 90% all the way around. The outside pad was only worn 10%. GMC considers this normal wear and will not consider seized calipers. I regret buying my Sierra AT4 every time i get in it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2021 GMC Sierra 1500
tah1958, 03/11/2021
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 8A)
6 of 10 people found this review helpful
The GMC Sierra 1500 is a smooth riding vehicle. A 200 mile interstate trip earned this vehicle approximately 22 mpg.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Absolutely love this truck
Adam J, 05/12/2021
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
4 of 8 people found this review helpful
Traded in a 2020 Ram Longhorn for this truck. I have zero regrets. 3k miles in and I love the style inside and out. Rides great, looks amazing and the camping trips have never been better. People talk about interior being dated because it doesn’t have a 65 inch 4K HD screen in the dash. Sorry, I don’t buy a truck for the screen size. This truck feels very luxurious and hauls and does all the truck things I need it to do! Cooled seats in AZ for the win!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
AT4 6.2L CarbonPro
D H, 08/05/2021
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Good truck. Came from F-150 Raptor. Not as much acceleration or sporty handling but this truck rides great. Plenty of space in bed and backseat. Multipro Tailgate is awesome, love the built-in speaker.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
issues with transmission
A Nunez , 05/11/2022
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
14k mike’s having transmission issues when cold dealership suggested to let it warm before driving
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best Truck Ever
JEEPserviceSucks, 05/19/2021
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
3 of 8 people found this review helpful
I got a new Denali with the diesel 4x4. Took it on a very long road trip totaling over 5K miles. I averaged over 27 mpg on the freeway including some mountain and off road driving along with city driving. The truck is very comfortable and loved the tent accessory for the truck bed. Very capable off road, and so comfortable on road with loads of features. I have had several GMC trucks and never a problem and great service from Sewell GMC. I get loaners, they wash the truck, and go above and beyond. I had an issue with a previous GMC truck and GMC was great to deal with. I will never get a Chrysler product again after the poor quality of my Grand Cherokee and horrible service from its dealers and Jeep Corp. I am GMC for good.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love my AT4!
T Williams, 12/29/2022
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased my AT4 used with 17,000 miles from CarMax in July 2022 and I have had no problems whatsoever with this truck! It is awesome and fun to drive. I just took it in for its first service of my ownership and it is in perfect condition. Only needed a simple oil change. My kudos to GMC and General Motors.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
GMC SIERRA ELEVATION
Mike, 09/03/2021
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 8A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great truck, this is my second time getting the same model. First was 2016 and the 2021 10 speed is by far a beast. All my passengers enjoy and compliment my truck. Strangers do as well. Performance and comfort is flawless.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love it
Jim, 09/22/2021
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
Love it
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best truck ever
Virgil Stephens, 08/27/2023
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nothing love it
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
GM should cover these lifter problems
Glenn, 01/08/2024
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
63500 number 6 lifters failed on the right bank lucky I had an extended warranty. The bill would have been $3600.00. 2 weeks later the Left bank lifters have failed. Hope my extended warranty cover this. GM has known about these issues forever. 1week later the right bank lifter went out. After waiting a week to get my truck the first time it's in the shop again, been there a week already. I guess GM figures if the engines don't fail until after the warranty runs out the owner is stuck with the repair. There is a service bulletin but not a recall.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
GMC has the best made vehicles
GMC Queen, 04/29/2024
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been a long term GMC owner. From the Envoy, to my Sierra 1500 Denali (God, I miss that truck so much!) and now I have a GMC Canyon. GMC has the best designs, keeps you safe in an accident (a lady hit my GMC Envoy and myself and my kids were safe because my GMC took the brunt of everything!) GMC offers excellence from top to bottom.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great look,
Salman, 10/09/2021
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 8A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love my 2021 GMC Sierra Elevation 5.3 blacked out, looks sharp and drives great. very happy with my truck
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value