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2021 GMC Sierra vs 2021 Ram 1500

On the public data alone the Sierra edges it 2–0.

F

2021 GMC Sierra

The 2021 GMC Sierra is sold in the U.S. as a gas and diesel pickup truck with 36 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Sierra 2WD, is EPA-ra…

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2021 Ram 1500

The 2021 Ram 1500 is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid, gas and diesel pickup truck with 15 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the 1500 2WD, is EP…

2021 GMC Sierra2021 Ram 1500
SegmentPickup truckPickup truck
PowertrainsGas, DieselHybrid, Gas, Diesel
Best combined mpg2626
Safety Signal3535
NHTSA recalls1015
Critical recalls11
Owner complaints624675
NHTSA overall stars55

Green cells mark the better value on that row. Complaint counts scale with sales volume; treat them as a pattern signal, not a verdict. Sources: EPA, NHTSA.

Recalls at a glance

Source: NHTSA

Sierra

○minor

Power Train

N252516560
1,055 vehicles
ProblemGeneral Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.RiskRear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.FixDealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252516560. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 12, 2026.
NHTSA campaign 26V083000reported Feb 12, 2026General Motors, LLC
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

N252494000
597,571 vehicles
ProblemGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.RiskEngine failure increases the risk of a crash.FixDealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number
NHTSA campaign 25V274000reported Apr 24, 2025General Motors, LLC
○minor

Power Train

N242454440
463,295 vehicles
ProblemGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.RiskRear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
NHTSA campaign 24V797000reported Oct 24, 2024General Motors, LLC

1500

▲high

Seat Belts

67D
1,271,294 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles. The second-row seat belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."RiskAn improperly installed seat belt buckle anchor may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.FixDealers will inspect and attach the seat belt buckle anchor to the body structure as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 67D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 6, 2026.
NHTSA campaign 26V495000reported Jul 30, 2026Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
▲high

Air Bags

14C
532 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the driver's side air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."RiskA driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.FixDealers will replace the steering column control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 11, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 14C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 13, 2025.
NHTSA campaign 25V765000reported Nov 6, 2025Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
▲high

Electrical System

08C
71 vehicles
ProblemChrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Ram 1500 vehicles. The driver's side air bag may not be connected properly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."RiskA driver's side air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.FixDealers secured the connectors for the air bag, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 08C.
NHTSA campaign 25V298000reported May 8, 2025Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)