RoadVitals

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical 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.
69
Latest Jul 14, 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.
13%
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.
2
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 electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. 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. 69 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 electrical

The 25 most recent of 69, in the owner's own words

ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Jul 14, 2026

I am submitting supplemental evidence regarding my 2021 GMC Sierra (VIN [XXX]) for Recall Query RQ26001, Campaign 25V-274. Despite multiple repair attempts, my vehicle remains unsafe and non-compliant with GM Service Bulletin N252494002. The recall remedy was performed deficiently. [XXX] Northeast Buick GMC installed a remanufactured short block instead of the required complete engine, reused the original seized-engine oil pan (which continues to leak), and failed to address critical electrical damage. Documentation proves they deleted Labor Operation 14BUZ (Engine Electrical) after their technician noted a blown mega fuse. A second dealer, Penske Chevrolet, subsequently deleted Labor Operation 77CVZ01 from my repair order, demonstrating a systemic pattern of ignoring recall-required repairs. Electrical damage has cascaded, resulting in a burnt fuse block and active faults P0615, P0617, P26E4, P26E6, U0623, and U0284. More critically, within 24 miles of my last service, the vehicle developed a new, severe safety failure: the "Service Brake Pad Monitor" system failed, accompanied by a red "Service System" dashboard alert and a noticeably spongy brake pedal. These brakes were recently serviced, yet this failure introduces a new risk of crash not present prior to the recall "remedy." GM Executive Resolution Case XXX has provided no resolution, reimbursement, or safety assurance, ignoring all deadlines since XXX. I possess extensive documentation, including service orders showing deleted labor operations and diagnostic logs. I request this update be integrated into the investigation of RQ26001, as the current remedy is demonstrably ineffective and has exacerbated safety hazards. The manufacturer’s refusal to remediate these issues, despite my compliance, leaves me with an unsafe vehicle and significant financial loss. I am prepared to provide all supporting records to substantiate this complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11750329
Incident
Jun 2, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 7, 2026

I own a 2021 GMC Sierra AT4 3.0L Duramax (VIN [XXX]). The vehicle has codes P1098 (Coolant Control Valve Performance) and P129F which coincides with the first code. My dealer believes this is consistent with an Engine Coolant Control Valve failure. I understand Special Coverage XXX exists for this issue, but I've been told my VIN is not included. My truck has the exact engine, symptoms, and diagnostic codes addressed by Special Coverage N252508341, but my VIN is excluded. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11748812
Incident
Jul 7, 2026
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Jun 26, 2026

When I put the vehicle in park, the dash warning says it is not in park or shift to park. The components continue to work. I have taken it to the dealership and according to the service manger, this is a very common occurrence in these trucks. This seems to me that it would be a very serious safety issue if one assumes their vehicle is in park and it is actually not. The shift to park warning is a safety warning to alert the driver it is not in park so the vehicle doesn’t roll off and hit someone (especially a child playing in the driveway). Assuming that alert is just a malfunction could get someone killed. I did notice that this was considered a safety recall for some models of GMC vehicles but not others. I’m not sure why there hasn’t been a recall on these trucks when the service manager specifically said they are having this issue on a lot of trucks.

NHTSA ID
11746746
Incident
Jun 1, 2026
ElectricalFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 16, 2026

So I made an appointment to have my truck recalled and the Wednesday before I took it, and it cranked no start and I called the dealership. Ask if they had any other those like this and they said that it could be the fuel injector module and so I got it to a mechanic shop to read the codes and it gave me a code p062b and I asked the dealership to look into it and they never figured out what we were not wrong. I just testing the battery. Well, then I got it back after the recall was done and new transmission valve body put in and about 30 miles down the road it started to shake violently and had a flashing engine light so I got it home called the dealership the next morning because they were closed set up another appointment got it to the dealership dealership said it had a couple misfires but since it wasn’t over 100 they weren’t concerned even though I’m pretty sure it is related to the fuel model going out because it has been cranking rapidly whenever I try to start it, but they won’t do anything to figure out what’s wrong?

NHTSA ID
11744628
Incident
Jun 5, 2026
ElectricalPowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Jun 1, 2026

power steering locked up while driving. has been inspected and repaired by manufacturer. recall.

NHTSA ID
11741190
Incident
Mar 29, 2026
ElectricalPowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Jun 1, 2026

power steering locked up while driving. multiple dash lights turned on, on its own after the issue, 4wd, emergency brake, abs, and other ones im not sure what they are. took it to the dealership for a recall and told them the issue that happened.

NHTSA ID
11741189
Incident
Mar 29, 2026
ElectricalFuel systemSteering
Filed May 25, 2026

My truck will not start when I press the push-button ignition. After waiting a few seconds and trying multiple times, it typically starts on the third attempt. Additionally, it will not restart after the auto stop feature activates at stop signs or traffic lights. This is very concerning, especially when pulling into oncoming traffic, as I’m worried the truck could shut off while I’m crossing. I have already had the battery, starter, and alternator checked, and all components tested fine. However, the issue is still occurring. There are also no warning lights or messages displayed on the dashboard.

NHTSA ID
11739883
Incident
May 24, 2026
ElectricalSteering
Filed May 22, 2026

Shift to park dings continuously and vehicle won’t turn off draining battery leaving doors unlocked. Don’t want to force into park and break anything more.

NHTSA ID
11739515
Incident
Dec 31, 1969
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed May 19, 2026

Coolant Control Valve

NHTSA ID
11738863
Incident
May 19, 2026
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed May 19, 2026

2021 GMC Sierra AT4, VIN [XXX] , NHTSA Campaign 25V-274, GM Case XXX. Brake pad monitor failed at 128,923 miles -- 24 miles after leaving Penske Chevrolet (released at 128,899, RO XXX, 04/17/2026). Brakes became spongy immediately following service. Monitor disabled entirely to stop recurring red Service System alert. Root cause is a burnt fuse block ground fault confirmed in writing by two GM-authorized dealers. Ray Skillman (RO XXX, 06/05/2025) documented the fault then deleted Labor Operation 14BUZ ENGINE ELECTRICAL from the recall repair work order. Penske documented verbatim: "all of these other faults share this same ground circuit." The recall repair at Ray Skillman used a remanufactured short block instead of a complete engine per N252494002. The original seized-engine oil pan has never been replaced across three dealerships and 128,000 miles. GM's own Part 573 filing states this defect "increases the risk of a crash." I drove 300 miles on an interstate on 04/22/2026 with active brake warning and no loaner because GM Executive Resolution refused to authorize one. Three GM dealers have inspected this vehicle. GM Executive Resolution Team [XXX] ) has not returned calls or emails and has not confirmed in writing this vehicle is safe to operate. OnStar issued a Critical Alert for P0617 on 04/15/2026. Zero brake faults existed in the 13 months prior to the Penske visit. This is a direct continuation of unresolved electrical damage from a botched federal safety recall repair at 384 days and counting. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11738685
Incident
Apr 22, 2026
ElectricalSteering
Filed Apr 24, 2026

Driving down road and had total loss of power steering and yes it is available for inspection. Almost drove it off the road due to loss of steering Yes, it happened to be a failed main grounding strap that created the issue. The dealership made the repair. No, it was inspected and repaired by the dealership Yes, started with loss of power steering, then truck died and these codes popped up: Low fuel code, but tank was full; trailer brake system code; side detection code and esc traction control code.

NHTSA ID
11733610
Incident
Apr 19, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-65 MPH on an incline, the contact believed that the transmission was slipping or there was a misfire coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart automatically after the engine AUTO Start/Stop system was engaged after a complete stop. Additionally, the contact stated that after driving for a while, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The check engine warning light and other warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact related the failure to GM Campaign Number: N252515590 (Corroded Ground Strap); however, the dealer had informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered because the VIN was not included and there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID
11726627
Incident
Dec 24, 2025
Mileage
75,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 10, 2026

Following the remedy of the engine recall in 2025, the truck started having intermittent electrical issues (i.e. warning lights on dash turn on/off: service 4WD, Loss traction Control, etc) come one while the truck is being driven. If the truck is turned off while the dash warning lights are on, it will NOT Start for about 24 hours. If the warning lights are ignored, eventually they will go off on their own. Additionally, the truck is having "no-start" problems (randomly the truck does not start, then after a few days it starts). A New development, when backing up there is a scraping/squealing sound (possibly universal joint). Truck has been back to the dealership that replaced the engine block for the recall and they have failed to identify any issues as these problems are intermittent. Engine Recall Replacement Invoice (Attached)

NHTSA ID
11723255
Incident
Oct 27, 2025
Electrical
Filed Mar 7, 2026

Rear tailgate on my 2021 Sierra opens or drops when wet. This seems to only happen in a heavy rain or after a truck wash. This problem has been recognized by the manufacturer and the dealer. There is no warning other than the constant clicking of the electric switch allowing the tailgate to drop. This problem has been recalled on the 3/4 & 1 ton trucks but not the 1/2 ton. The tailgate and switches are the same on all 3. Because my vin# does not show for this recall I had to pay for the replacement

NHTSA ID
11722653
Incident
Feb 27, 2026
Electrical
Filed Jan 15, 2026

Truck went in service 9/17/2025 because the wheels locked up while driving. Transmission was replaced. Picked up truck and 2 hours later the truck shut off while driving and was started back up and was limp mode. Was told wire chaffing and they taped and rerouted wires. Picked truck back up and next day it did the same thing. Took back to the dealer and they said wires again. They taped wires back up and we picked up the truck. We had it 7 days and while driving down the expressway the whole truck shut off and would not start up again. Clearly that is a safety issue. After sitting on the side of the expressway for 10 minutes it started up again and was in limp mode and taken to the dealer again. I don’t know what has been done to it yet as they are not great at communication but they have had our truck for 4 months minus the 7 days we had it before it had to go back to the dealer.

NHTSA ID
11711286
Incident
Sep 17, 2025
Electrical
Filed Jan 7, 2026

Muti pro tailgate has electric issues due to moisture. Tailgate will open up driving down the road.

NHTSA ID
11709304
Incident
Nov 14, 2025
Electrical
Filed Dec 31, 2025

The Intermediate speed sensor 2 and internal transmission harness failed. The repair was to replace the internal transmission harness and intermediate speed sensor. This vehicle is a 2021 and I was told this was recalled on a 2022 only.

NHTSA ID
11708004
Incident
Dec 15, 2025
Electrical
Filed Dec 5, 2025

experience a automatic OTA update to the info system on my 2021 GMC Sierra(I did not iniciate) which burnt out the radio module which controls the info system. I am being charged $1,300+ for repair due to vehicle being out of warranty(52,000 miles) and no recall on this vehicle model for this issue. GMC does have a recall for this exact issue on the 2021 GMC Tahoe models, but not the GMC Sierra. If the GMC utilizes the same componets for both models of vehicle how doe the recall#N202319250 not cover the exact same issue on both models?

NHTSA ID
11703214
Incident
Nov 21, 2025
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Nov 13, 2025

I am an active U.S. Air Force member. My 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 failed GM Recall N252494003 on Sept 29, 2025 (L87 engine loss of propulsion). GM states this defect can cause sudden engine failure and loss of propulsion, increasing crash risk. Despite the confirmed failure, Ocean Cadillac (Miami, FL) told me to keep driving the unsafe vehicle and refused all Courtesy Transportation. The Service Manager admitted in writing that the engine failed, the defect can cause loss of propulsion, and the replacement engine is delayed under GM National Control for up to 3 months — yet they still denied me a loaner or rental. His statements contradict the GM documents he attached: • GM Bulletin DCS7222 says Courtesy Transportation CAN be provided during L87 recall downtime and dealers MUST consider loaners/rentals. • GM FAQ N252494002 says Courtesy Transportation IS available for this recall. • GM FAQ lists recall symptoms (check engine light, hesitation, high RPM, reduced power) — NOT battery drain. • GM states: “If the engine fails, the vehicle WILL lose propulsion.” Ocean Cadillac ignored these rules and put me back on the road in a known unsafe vehicle. As an American manufacturer, GM has a responsibility to protect American drivers. Their failure to follow recall procedures placed me, my family, and other motorists at risk. I request NHTSA investigate whether GM/Ocean Cadillac are complying with recall safety requirements and whether customers are being told to drive unsafe vehicles after confirmed failures.

NHTSA ID
11699295
Incident
Sep 29, 2025
Electrical
Filed Oct 7, 2025

I took my truck through a car wash and then parked at my parents house. While the vehicle was parked, the trunk latch kept releasing. The trunk popped open. I left it open but you could hear the latch continually releasing and the lights blinking. This went on for an hour and I was unable to drive home because my trunk kept unlatching! A recall was released for other Sierras but not mine. Please investigate my vin and others that may be affected.

NHTSA ID
11691862
Incident
Sep 1, 2025
Electrical
Filed Sep 10, 2025

I am experiencing a recurring issue with my 2021 GMC Sierra where the dashboard displays a “Shift to Park” warning even though the vehicle is already in Park. This typically occurs when I attempt to shut off the vehicle. The doors unlock as expected, confirming the truck is in Park, but the warning prevents me from turning off the ignition immediately. After a few seconds, the warning usually disappears, allowing me to shut off the truck. This issue is more frequent in cold weather, suggesting a temperature-sensitive electrical or mechanical fault. Based on research and community reports, this appears to be a known issue across multiple GM vehicles, often linked to a faulty micro switch or wiring harness in the shifter assembly. I am concerned about the safety implications, especially if the vehicle fails to shut off properly or if the issue worsens over time. GM has not issued a recall for this problem, and I believe it warrants further investigation due to its widespread nature and potential risk.

NHTSA ID
11686255
Incident
Sep 10, 2025
Driver assistanceElectricalSeat belts
Filed Aug 5, 2025

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 [XXX] miles 36,500. My childs seatbelt does not work and the lane keep assist does not work INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11678503
Incident
Aug 5, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that there was an abnormal change with the RPM. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer received an email from the manufacturer, but the verbiage was incorrect to move forward with the repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11676253
Incident
Jul 18, 2025
Mileage
39,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 15, 2025

GM has has a known issue with a switch/sensor placed at the base of the shifter that causes the “shift to park” error message that prevents the electrical system from shutting down when the vehicle is physically in park and the engine is turned off, In fact, GM has issued a recall for several different models in which a “shift to park” error message is displayed because of the poor design; however, they continue to see the same issue occur but claim it is not a warranty issue (unless it occurs within 3 year/36,000 mile time frame. This is not an issue that can be caused by owner misuse, and I believe that GM should be held liable for repairs given that the issue is, and has been, known for several years now.

NHTSA ID
11661210
Incident
May 1, 2025
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 30, 2025

While driving my truck with my wife and two young boys, the truck engine completely shut off while operating it. We were stuck in the middle of the road and had to cautiously wait until we could move the vehicle out of the way. The engine locked up. Now they are trying to repair the engine with the same exact engine that is on recall and potentially put me and my family in the same dangerous position.

NHTSA ID
11658027
Incident
Apr 25, 2025

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.

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