2021 GMC Sierra 1500 body & structure problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
22 owners have reported body & structure problems with the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, 4% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 45,000 mi.
- Body & Structure complaints
- 22
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Related recalls
- 0
- Median mileage
- 45,000 mi
Specific components reported
Body & Structure covers: Frame, body panels, doors, latches, locks, hood and trailer hitches.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Structure:body | 8 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 6 |
| Structure | 3 |
| Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch | 3 |
| Latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch | 1 |
| Structure:body:door | 1 |
| Structure:body:tailgate | 1 |
Body & Structure complaints across GMC Sierra 1500 years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
No recalls on file.
What owners say
- Filed Oct 3, 2026OHCrashBody & StructureSteeringSuspension
Vehicle Safety Hazard Summary: This complaint concerns an incomplete, non-compliant post-collision structural repair on a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 (VIN: [XXX]). It has resulted in immediate vehicle tracking failure, dangerous steering drift, and a compromised cabin safety cage following a passenger-side side-impact collision. 1. Severe Suspension and Tracking Misalignment • Electronic Alignment Failure: The post-repair electronic wheel alignment documents a Rear Thrust Angle of…
NHTSA complaint #11768724 · source - Filed Sep 16, 202666,000 miMNBody & Structure
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the tailgate opened independently. The failure occurred several times and became more persistent recently. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the side marker lights started flashing, and the tailgate opened. Additionally, upon exiting a store, the contact discovered that the tailgate had opened while the vehicle was parked. The dealer and the…
NHTSA complaint #11764674 · source - Filed Jun 28, 2026MABody & StructureOther / Unknown
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…
NHTSA complaint #11747007 · source - Filed May 4, 2026CTBody & Structure
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 complaint #11735481 · source - Filed Dec 22, 202530,000 miWIBody & Structure
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to a local car wash, upon further inspection, the tailgate door had independently unlatched and was open. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the local Police Department called about luggage found on the side of the road. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the tailgate had independently unlatched…
NHTSA complaint #11706467 · source - Filed Aug 18, 202590,300 miUTBody & Structure
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the tailgate opened independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the contact approached the vehicle and the tailgate attempted to open independently. The contact moved the vehicle and turned off the engine. The tailgate attempted to open independently again. The contact moved the…
NHTSA complaint #11681463 · source - Filed May 19, 202520,000 miFLBody & Structure
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the rear tailgate panel buttons had deteriorated causing water intrusion into the panel, and the buttons became inoperable when pressed, and the rear tailgate would not open. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the rear tailgate panel, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 20,000.
NHTSA complaint #11661925 · source - Filed Apr 4, 202563,315 miCABody & StructureElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to turn off the vehicle; however, the vehicle remained running. A message was displayed to shift to park(P). The contact stated that the lights, radio, and other functions remained operational. On another occasion, the vehicle jerked, and the steering was difficult to turn. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle had not been taken to be diagnosed or…
NHTSA complaint #11652869 · source - Filed Feb 28, 202576,000 miINBody & Structure
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the tailgate opened unintendedly while driving, and while the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to GM Campaign Number: N232426400. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was…
NHTSA complaint #11645484 · source - Filed Dec 27, 202457,000 miOHBody & StructureElectrical System
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the tailgate opened unintendedly. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in GM Campaign Number: N232426401. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
NHTSA complaint #11632607 · source - Filed Dec 18, 202441,000 miINBody & Structure
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the message that the tailgate was opened was displayed, and the contact became aware that the tailgate had opened. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road to close the tailgate. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES).…
NHTSA complaint #11631416 · source - Filed Aug 26, 202430,000 miTXTowedBody & Structure
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…
NHTSA complaint #11610894 · source
Other 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 problem areas
- Engine (357)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (141)
- Electrical System (75)
- Other / Unknown (42)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (38)
- Steering (34)
- Brakes (24)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (15)
- Suspension (10)
- Wheels & Tires (9)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (7)
- Visibility & Wipers (7)
- Airbags (6)
- Seats & Seat Belts (4)
- Lighting (2)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology