RoadVitals

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Body & structure Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the body or structure system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Body & structure reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
11
Latest Jun 28, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
2%
of 533 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 11 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming body or structure

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Body & structure
Filed Jun 28, 2026

There is a water leak in the rear passenger compartment of my vehicle. Unsure where water is coming from. Continued leaking poses a risk to my safety as I may be exposed to black mold as well as anyone else who is riding in my vehicle. The problem hasn’t been addressed by the dealer yet but this is a known issue. At this point I have spoken with a representative from the service department at the dealership but cannot get an appointment for several weeks. I was also advised that the problem would need to be diagnosed before being addressed at my cost due to being outside of the warranty period. There were no warning lights or any other signs that this is occurring and was only discovered because I was putting something in the back seat on 6/26/26.

NHTSA ID
11747007
Incident
Jun 26, 2026
Body & structure
Filed May 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra LD Crew. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle's bedrail attachment fully detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

NHTSA ID
11735481
Incident
May 3, 2026
Body & structure
Filed Aug 26, 2024

The contact owned a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking erratically, and the vehicle lost motive power. In addition, the contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured front-end frame. The contact was informed that the front-end frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA ID
11610894
Incident
May 31, 2024
Mileage
30,000 mi
Body & structureInterior & seats
Filed Jun 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the inner tailgate door failed to open while pressing the release button. On several occasions while pressing the release button, the inner door would lower down. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 45,000.

NHTSA ID
11595515
Incident
Apr 20, 2024
Mileage
45,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Apr 3, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that there was water leaking through the rear sliding window. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that a fee would be charged for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

NHTSA ID
11580979
Incident
Apr 1, 2024
Mileage
51,000 mi
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Apr 3, 2024

Tailgate drops without warning, lower button on tailgate doesn't work.

NHTSA ID
11580844
Incident
Jul 25, 2023
Body & structure
Filed Mar 25, 2024

I have a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 with a power 6-point tailgate. The inner tailgate has been spontaneously opening for some reason. It seems the electric lock mechanism trips. This could case the contents of my truck bed to fall out. This issue is a known issue for GMC Sierras and a recall has been issued for the 2500's and 3500's but for some reason not the 1500's even though the tailgate is the exact same. I have an appointment to have the issue serviced at dealership, but since there is no current recall they will not cover the expense.

NHTSA ID
11579253
Incident
Mar 23, 2024
Body & structure
Filed Mar 15, 2024

GMC1500 Sierra pick up truck. Rear tailgate dropped today, 3.15.2024. Weather was rainy, tailgate was up at the start of the trip. Contacted GM Corp and was told this model 1500 was not part of the recall??

NHTSA ID
11577587
Incident
Mar 15, 2024
Body & structure
Filed Oct 3, 2022

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, it was discovered that the electronic multifunction tailgate had erroneously opened. Also, during the failure the tailgate struck a scooter lift that was attached to the vehicle. Both the tailgate and the scooter lift were damaged. The contact indicated that the failure had occurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The contact was concerned that if a heavy load was being carried at the time of the failure it might have fallen onto a busy freeway. The failure mileage was 6,000.

NHTSA ID
11487673
Incident
Jun 15, 2021
Mileage
6,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jul 2, 2021

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 20-30 mph, she heard abnormal noises coming from the trunk of the vehicle, with no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the dash line had detached from its holder and was rubbing against the frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the drive axle, band, and rear pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 420.

NHTSA ID
11423289
Incident
Jun 18, 2021
Mileage
420 mi
Body & structureVisibility
Filed May 4, 2021

SUN GLARE REFLECTS OFF CENTER CONSOLE CUP HOLDER WITH SUCH INTENSITY IT'S HARD TO FOCUS ON THE ROAD EVEN WITH SUNGLASSES ON.

NHTSA ID
11415136
Incident
May 4, 2021
Mileage
5,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .