2021 GMC Sierra 1500 - Electric Vehicle Guide
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 belongs to a GMC Sierra 1500 lineup that Know Your Ride tracks across 15 model years, from 2000 to 2026. It is an all-electric vehicle, so it skips the oil changes, spark plugs and exhaust-system service of a combustion Sierra 1500 entirely. It is configured as 4-wheel drive with an automatic 10-spd. The 2021 sits mid-run, with both earlier (2000) and later (2026) Sierra 1500 model years also documented.
The high-voltage battery is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, separate from the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Routine upkeep centers on tire rotation, DOT 3 brake fluid, Dex-Cool battery/cabin coolant, cabin air filters and brake service rather than engine oil. Know Your Ride lists 14 scheduled maintenance items for this vehicle, the earliest interval falling at 7,500 miles. Documented torque values include lug nut 120 ft-lb.
NHTSA complaints for this vehicle cluster around engine (154), power train (58), engine and engine cooling (37). A representative report reads: "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..." There are 7 safety recalls on record; one covers: ...calling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500....
Estimated annual charging cost runs near $3,400.
Quick Specs
| Battery warranty | 8 yr / 100,000 mi |
| Est. annual charging | $3,400 |
| Tire size | 265/70R17 |
| Coolant | Dex-Cool |
| NHTSA overall | 4 / 5 stars |
| Open recalls on record | 7 |
| Technical service bulletins | 200 |
Common Trouble Codes
- P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
- P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
- P0171 - System too Lean (Bank 1)
- P0128 - Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Stable Operation
- P0442 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)
- P0455 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)
- P0700 - Transmission Control System Malfunction
- P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
- U0100 - Lost Communication With ECM/PCM A
Related Vehicles
Part of the free Know Your Ride vehicle maintenance reference. Figures are sourced from EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer data and are for general reference - always confirm with your owner's manual.