Average Reliability

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

5th Generation (T1XX) · 2.7L Turbo I4 310hp / 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 285hp / 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 355hp / 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 420hp / 3.0L Duramax I6 Diesel 277hp · $34,000 - $56,000

Known Issues — 2021 GMC Sierra 1500

CRITICAL

2.7L Turbo I4 timing chain rattle cold start

CRITICAL

AFM/DFM lifter failure on 5.3L and 6.2L V8

MODERATE

8/10-speed transmission rough shifts

MODERATE

Carbon buildup on 2.7T DI engine

MODERATE

3.0L Diesel turbo vane actuator sticking

MINOR

Rear camera image quality degradation

What to Inspect

  • On 2.7T — listen for cold-start timing chain rattle
  • On 5.3/6.2 V8 — check for AFM lifter tick
  • Test transmission shift quality
  • On Diesel — check turbo vane for fault codes
  • Test MultiPro tailgate all positions
  • Verify rear camera image quality

Expected Maintenance Costs

ServiceIntervalCost
Oil change (synthetic)every 7,500 miles$80-$120
Transmission fluid serviceevery 45,000 miles$200-$350
Spark plugs (V8)every 60,000 miles$200-$350
Rear differential fluidevery 45,000 miles$100-$150
Transfer case fluidevery 45,000 miles$80-$130
Intake valve cleaning (2.7T)every 60,000 miles$250-$400

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