The first year of one V8's failure recall against the last year of another V8's run. The send-off wins the paper fight.

The defining 2021 issue if the truck has the 6.2L — and the Sierra Denali, which skews to that engine, is disproportionately affected. GM recalled about 597,571 vehicles (2021–2024 Sierra, Silverado, Tahoe, Yukon, Escalade) for connecting-rod and crankshaft defects that put debris in the oil and can cause sudden engine failure — 'no warning, just died' — with NHTSA expanding its probe twice. GM estimates roughly a 3% defect rate; the remedy inspects and repairs or replaces the engine free and moves to 0W-40 oil. A used 6.2L that's been through the recall is a known quantity; one that hasn't is an open question. Confirm completion by VIN.

Sources: NHTSA complaint database, 2021 Sierra 1500 · NHTSA recall database and manufacturer communications (recall 25V274; transmission-valve coverage; eBoost CSP)

If it's the 5.3L, the lifter issue rides on. DFM can deactivate any of all eight cylinders, and mechanics say its lifters fail more often and earlier than the older AFM — a tick, misfire, power loss, and a $3,000–$10,000 repair with no recall, only a class action and reactive warranty repairs. A DFM disabler (~$150) is cheap prevention and a cold-start tick is the walk-away sign. The 6.2L's risk is largely covered by its recall while the 5.3L's lifter risk is not — factor that into which one you buy.

Sources: NHTSA complaint database, 2021 Sierra 1500 · Independent mechanic transcripts (T1XX Silverado/Sierra; AFM/DFM lifter deep-dives)

The 8-speed can still shudder and shift harshly, but the expensive control-valve failure is covered on this year by GM's 15-year/150,000-mile Special Coverage (from the in-service date, regardless of ownership) — a new valve body free, with reimbursement for prior repairs. The 10-speed on other trims is the stronger unit. Test-drive for shudder and confirm the coverage window. There is a second 2021 transmission program worth checking alongside it: a Customer Satisfaction Program for trucks with the 8-speed (GM's option code MQE) that “may have a broken reaction carrier in the transmission,” where the remedy is to replace the transmission. It is the first federal document tying a 2021 truck's 8-speed to a full replacement rather than a valve body or a fluid change — VIN-check it as well as the control-valve coverage.

Sources: NHTSA recall database and manufacturer communications (recall 25V274; transmission-valve coverage; eBoost CSP) · Independent mechanic transcripts (T1XX Silverado/Sierra; AFM/DFM lifter deep-dives)

Recall 21V-920 (Toyota 21TB10/21TA10) covers the 2007–2021 Tundra power-steering gear, which can be manufactured incorrectly, leak, and cause a sudden loss of assist; the companion 21E-103 (21TH01) covers the service parts. Both are free inspect/replace. One 2021 owner whose power steering failed around 38,000 miles was quoted over $6,000 for the assembly out of scope and noted 'they recalled a significant portion of the vehicles made in 2021' — which is exactly why you confirm the free repair shows completed by VIN.

Sources: NHTSA complaint + recall database, 2021 Tundra · NHTSA recalls and manufacturer communications (recall documents, Toyota internal codes)

Recall 21V-688 (Toyota 21TB06/21TA06) covers 2018–2021 Tundra: the headlight electrical circuit may power the high and low beams at the same time and overheat the connector, which can start a fire. Dealers modify the engine wire harness and replace any damaged bulb, connector, or headlight assembly, free. Verify by VIN — several owners noted the recall part was on backorder for a time.

Sources: NHTSA complaint + recall database, 2021 Tundra · NHTSA recalls and manufacturer communications (recall documents, Toyota internal codes)

The remaining 2021 reports are low-frequency characteristics, not failures. The combination-meter (instrument LCD) can go blank — an owner asked to be included in the 2022–2023 recall (23V-111) that covers exactly this display; check whether a fix was applied. Several owners describe the driver's seat rocking back and forth under braking or acceleration (dealers cite the seat track). Others note sunroof shatter, a front-end shimmy, windshield fragility, and TRD Pro accessory LED-light rattle. None are dealbreakers, but they shape the test drive.

Sources: NHTSA complaint + recall database, 2021 Tundra