2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Change

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 oil capacity and oil type by engine

US quarts by engine, quoted from the GMC owner's manual with the page for each figure. Coverage is limited to the named configurations.

EngineOil capacityOil gradeWithout filter changeSource
5.3L V8 (VIN F or D)5.3L V8 6-speed automatic RWD, 5.3L V8 8-speed automatic RWD, 5.3L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD, 5.3L V8 10-speed automatic 4WD, 5.3L V8 8-speed automatic 4WD8 US qtwith filterSAE 0W-20Not stated2021 GMC Sierra Owner Manual — Engine oil with filter: capacity table, PDF p. 4282021 GMC Sierra Owner Manual — Engine oil viscosity, PDF p. 334
Source note

Oil with filter from the Capacities table, PDF p. 428. Both 5.3L V8 engines (L82, L84) are 8.0 qt. Coolant is null because the EPA row does not identify L82 or L84. Check the dipstick after filling.

Checked 2026-10-10. Market: U.S. and Canada.
Estimate oil-change cost
6.2L V8 (VIN L)6.2L V8 10-speed automatic 4WD8 US qtwith filterSAE 0W-20Not stated2021 GMC Sierra Owner Manual — Engine oil with filter: capacity table, PDF p. 4282021 GMC Sierra Owner Manual — Engine oil viscosity, PDF p. 334
Source note

Oil with filter from the Capacities table, PDF p. 428. Check the dipstick after filling.

Checked 2026-10-10. Market: U.S. and Canada.
Estimate oil-change cost
4.3L V6 (VIN H)4.3L V6 6-speed automatic 4WD, 4.3L V6 6-speed automatic RWD6 US qtwith filterSAE 5W-30Not stated2021 GMC Sierra Owner Manual — Engine oil with filter: capacity table, PDF p. 4282021 GMC Sierra Owner Manual — Engine oil viscosity, PDF p. 334
Source note

Oil with filter from the Capacities table, PDF p. 428. Check the dipstick after filling.

Checked 2026-10-10. Market: U.S. and Canada.
Estimate oil-change cost
2.7L I4 turbo (VIN K)2.7L I4 turbo 8-speed automatic RWD, 2.7L I4 turbo 8-speed automatic 4WD6 US qtwith filterSAE 5W-30Not stated2021 GMC Sierra Owner Manual — Engine oil with filter: capacity table, PDF p. 4282021 GMC Sierra Owner Manual — Engine oil viscosity, PDF p. 334
Source note

Oil with filter from the Capacities table, PDF p. 428. Check the dipstick after filling.

Checked 2026-10-10. Market: U.S. and Canada.
Estimate oil-change cost

At a glance

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 reference

Use the summary to orient yourself, then open the exact engine, drivetrain and source record below.

Combined MPG14-26EPA range
EPA configurations36Engine and drivetrain records
Model campaigns7NHTSA records
NHTSA safety5/5Highest overall rating

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Oil Capacity and Oil Type

Oil filter

Not published

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Wheel Torque Specs

Lug nut size

Not published

Transmission capacity

Not published

Coolant capacity

Not published

Brake fluid

Not published

Power steering fluid

Not published

Differential fluid

Not published

5.3L V8 6-speed automatic RWD manufacturer references

2021 GMC Sierra Owner Manual — Capacities and Specifications, PDF p. 427 Accessed 2026-10-102021 GMC Sierra Owner Manual — Engine oil with filter, PDF p. 428 Accessed 2026-10-102021 GMC Sierra Owner Manual — Wheel nut torque, PDF p. 429 Accessed 2026-10-102021 GMC Sierra Owner Manual — Engine specifications, PDF p. 429 Accessed 2026-10-102021 GMC Sierra Owner Manual — Recommended fluids and lubricants, PDF p. 421 Accessed 2026-10-102021 GMC Sierra Owner Manual — Selecting the right engine oil, PDF p. 334 Accessed 2026-10-10

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 MPG by engine and drivetrain

EPA combined ratings run from 14 to 26 mpg across 36 configurations. Match the engine, transmission and drivetrain in the table before comparing fuel costs.

EPA fuel economy, annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂
Configuration / engineCityHighwayCombinedAnnual fuelCO₂
Sierra 2WD5.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record15 mpg21 mpg17 mpg$3,600523 g/mi
Sierra 2WD5.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record15 mpg19 mpg16 mpg$3,850547 g/mi
Sierra 2WD5.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 8-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record17 mpg23 mpg19 mpg$3,250466 g/mi
Sierra 2WD3.0L 6-cylinder turbo · Automatic 10-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · DieselEPA configuration record23 mpg30 mpg26 mpg$3,050392 g/mi
Sierra 4WD6.2L 8-cylinder · Automatic 10-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Premium GasolineEPA configuration record16 mpg20 mpg17 mpg$4,450510 g/mi
Sierra 4WD AT46.2L 8-cylinder · Automatic 10-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Premium GasolineEPA configuration record15 mpg19 mpg17 mpg$4,450522 g/mi
Sierra 4WD5.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record15 mpg20 mpg17 mpg$3,600526 g/mi
Sierra 4WD5.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record14 mpg18 mpg16 mpg$3,850561 g/mi
Sierra 4WD3.0L 6-cylinder turbo · Automatic 10-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · DieselEPA configuration record22 mpg26 mpg24 mpg$3,300430 g/mi
Sierra 4WD AT43.0L 6-cylinder turbo · Automatic 10-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · DieselEPA configuration record22 mpg26 mpg24 mpg$3,300430 g/mi
Sierra 4WD5.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 10-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record16 mpg22 mpg19 mpg$3,250479 g/mi
Sierra 4WD AT45.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 10-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record16 mpg21 mpg18 mpg$3,400494 g/mi
Sierra 4WD5.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 8-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record16 mpg21 mpg18 mpg$3,400504 g/mi
Sierra 4WD AT45.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 8-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record16 mpg21 mpg18 mpg$3,400484 g/mi
Sierra 4WD4.3L 6-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record15 mpg20 mpg17 mpg$3,600530 g/mi
Sierra Cab Chassis 4WD5.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record14 mpg17 mpg15 mpg$4,100593 g/mi
Sierra Cab Chassis 4WD4.3L 6-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record14 mpg16 mpg15 mpg$4,100592 g/mi
Sierra 2WD4.3L 6-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record16 mpg21 mpg17 mpg$3,600523 g/mi
Sierra 2WD2.7L 4-cylinder turbo · Automatic 8-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record20 mpg23 mpg21 mpg$2,950421 g/mi
Sierra 2WD2.7L 4-cylinder turbo · Automatic 8-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record20 mpg23 mpg21 mpg$2,950422 g/mi
Sierra 4WD AT45.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record14 mpg18 mpg16 mpg$3,850543 g/mi
Sierra 4WD2.7L 4-cylinder turbo · Automatic 8-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record18 mpg21 mpg19 mpg$3,250464 g/mi
Sierra Cab Chassis 2WD5.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record14 mpg18 mpg15 mpg$4,100590 g/mi
Sierra Cab Chassis 2WD4.3L 6-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record15 mpg19 mpg17 mpg$3,600523 g/mi
Sierra 4WD2.7L 4-cylinder turbo · Automatic 8-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record18 mpg20 mpg19 mpg$3,250475 g/mi
Sierra 2WD5.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record14 mpg21 mpg16 mpg$3,850541 g/mi
Sierra 4WD5.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record14 mpg20 mpg16 mpg$3,850560 g/mi
Sierra 2WD5.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 8-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record15 mpg22 mpg17 mpg$3,600515 g/mi
Sierra 4WD5.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 8-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record14 mpg20 mpg16 mpg$3,850561 g/mi
Sierra 4WD AT45.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 8-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record14 mpg20 mpg16 mpg$3,850551 g/mi
Sierra Cab Chassis 4WD5.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record13 mpg17 mpg14 mpg$4,400635 g/mi
Sierra Cab Chassis 2WD5.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record13 mpg18 mpg14 mpg$4,400634 g/mi
Sierra 4WD6.2L 8-cylinder · Automatic 10-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Premium GasolineEPA configuration record15 mpg20 mpg16 mpg$4,750539 g/mi
Sierra 4WD AT46.2L 8-cylinder · Automatic 10-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Premium GasolineEPA configuration record14 mpg19 mpg16 mpg$4,750555 g/mi
Sierra 4WD5.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 10-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record15 mpg21 mpg18 mpg$3,400504 g/mi
Sierra 4WD AT45.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 10-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record15 mpg21 mpg17 mpg$3,600523 g/mi
U.S. EPA FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataset Accessed 2026-09-05

Annual fuel figures are the EPA snapshot at the source date. The calculator below uses the separately dated fuel-price record and your inputs, so the estimates may differ.

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 annual fuel cost calculator

Start with the combined MPG for 5.3L 8-cylinder, Automatic 6-spd, Rear-Wheel Drive. Replace it with your measured gas mileage and local pump price for a personal budget.

Estimated result$2,969.65

Formula annual miles ÷ MPG × gasoline price

Fuel cost per mile equals gasoline price divided by MPG. Multiply by your annual mileage for a yearly fuel budget. Add maintenance to estimate cost per mile. For a specific journey, budget a road trip and settle passenger shares.

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 recall campaigns

NHTSA returned 7 model-level campaign records as of 2026-09-04. A campaign record does not establish whether your vehicle is affected or whether a repair is outstanding. Check your VIN through NHTSA.

SEAT BELTS · 20V792000

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.

SEAT BELTS · 20V811000

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.

TIRES · 20V684000

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace tires that have DOT number and production mold number combinations identified by Continental, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202319030.

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE · 21V985000

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 GMC Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500 vehicles equipped with certain accessory road tires and a 17" spare tire. The 17" spare tire provided with the vehicle is not compatible for use with the accessory wheels, which can cause the anti-lock brake system (ABS) to not function properly under certain conditions.

Remedy: Dealers will provide a new 17" spare tire and wheel assembly that is compatible with the accessory wheels, free of charge. Dealers will also apply a new spare tire information label, and provide owners with an owner's manual insert clarifying which spare tire to use with the accessory road tires and with the 17" original tires. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212346510.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE · 24V797000

General 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.

Remedy: Dealers 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. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL · 25V274000

General 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.

Remedy: Dealers 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 for this recall is N252494000.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE · 26V083000

General 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.

Remedy: Dealers 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 Recalls API Accessed 2026-09-04

Decode a VIN and open the official recall check

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 NHTSA safety ratings

NHTSA ratings by tested vehicle variant
VehicleOverallFrontSideRollover
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC 4WD4/54/55/54/5
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC 4WD5/54/55/54/5
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC 4WD5/54/55/54/5
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC 2WD4/54/55/54/5
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC 2WD5/54/55/54/5
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC 2WD5/54/55/54/5
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings API Accessed 2026-09-05

Confirm the engine, tire package and service procedure

Match your engine and transmission with the configuration selector. Check the door-jamb tire label for your installed wheel package and cold pressure. A capacity is not a substitute for the filling procedure in the owner's manual; transmission change quantities and total system capacities can describe different jobs.

Fields marked Not published have no compiled value here. They do not mean zero capacity, no maintenance requirement or permission to substitute a part. Request a specification correction with the exact year, engine and manufacturer reference.

Frequently asked questions

How much oil does a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 take?
5.3L V8 6-speed automatic RWD: 8 US qt with filter; SAE 0W-20. 5.3L V8 8-speed automatic RWD: 8 US qt with filter; SAE 0W-20. 6.2L V8 10-speed automatic 4WD: 8 US qt with filter; SAE 0W-20. 5.3L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD: 8 US qt with filter; SAE 0W-20. 5.3L V8 10-speed automatic 4WD: 8 US qt with filter; SAE 0W-20. 5.3L V8 8-speed automatic 4WD: 8 US qt with filter; SAE 0W-20. 4.3L V6 6-speed automatic 4WD: 6 US qt with filter; SAE 5W-30. 4.3L V6 6-speed automatic RWD: 6 US qt with filter; SAE 5W-30. 2.7L I4 turbo 8-speed automatic RWD: 6 US qt with filter; SAE 5W-30. 2.7L I4 turbo 8-speed automatic 4WD: 6 US qt with filter; SAE 5W-30.
What type of oil does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 take?
SAE 5W-30 (4.3L, 2.7L turbo); SAE 0W-20 (5.3L, 6.2L). Specification: dexos1. Use the grade printed in your owner's manual or on the oil filler cap.
Does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 oil capacity include the filter?
Yes. These are the owner's manual's with-filter amounts. Check the dipstick after filling.
What tire size and wheel torque does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 use?
5.3L V8 6-speed automatic RWD: tire size not published; 140 ft-lb. 5.3L V8 8-speed automatic RWD: tire size not published; 140 ft-lb. 6.2L V8 10-speed automatic 4WD: tire size not published; 140 ft-lb. 5.3L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD: tire size not published; 140 ft-lb. 5.3L V8 10-speed automatic 4WD: tire size not published; 140 ft-lb. 5.3L V8 8-speed automatic 4WD: tire size not published; 140 ft-lb. 4.3L V6 6-speed automatic 4WD: tire size not published; 140 ft-lb. 4.3L V6 6-speed automatic RWD: tire size not published; 140 ft-lb. 2.7L I4 turbo 8-speed automatic RWD: tire size not published; 140 ft-lb. 2.7L I4 turbo 8-speed automatic 4WD: tire size not published; 140 ft-lb.
What is the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 gas mileage?
EPA combined ratings run from 14 to 26 mpg across 36 configurations. Match the engine, transmission and drivetrain in the table before comparing fuel costs.
Are these real-world MPG figures for the Sierra 1500?
These are EPA ratings, not owner-reported mileage. Use your measured MPG in the calculator to estimate your own fuel budget. The configuration table keeps city, highway and combined ratings separate.
Does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 have recalls?
NHTSA returned 7 model-level campaign records as of 2026-09-04. A campaign record does not establish whether your vehicle is affected or whether a repair is outstanding. Check your VIN through NHTSA.
Does annual fuel cost include servicing or insurance?
No. The EPA cost and the calculator cover fuel only. Use the cost-per-mile calculator to add a maintenance allowance. Insurance, depreciation, finance costs and registration are separate ownership expenses.

Compare similar vehicles

Sources and record dates

U.S. EPA FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataset Accessed 2026-09-05U.S. EIA public gasoline price table Accessed 2026-09-05NHTSA Recalls API Accessed 2026-09-04NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings API Accessed 2026-09-052021 GMC Sierra Owner Manual — Capacities and Specifications, PDF p. 427 Accessed 2026-10-102021 GMC Sierra Owner Manual — Engine oil with filter, PDF p. 428 Accessed 2026-10-102021 GMC Sierra Owner Manual — Engine specifications, PDF p. 429 Accessed 2026-10-102021 GMC Sierra Owner Manual — Recommended fluids and lubricants, PDF p. 421 Accessed 2026-10-102021 GMC Sierra Owner Manual — Selecting the right engine oil, PDF p. 334 Accessed 2026-10-10

How we compile specifications and calculate running costs

Last updated