2021 GMC Sierra 1500

Maintenance & specsVERIFIED Oct 29, 2026
Engine Oil
0W-20
Full Synthetic
OEM spec · dexos1 Gen 3Buy oil
Capacity
8qt
with filter
7.5 qt without filter
OEM spec: dexos1 Gen 3

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 takes 0W-20 Full Synthetic with a total capacity of 8 quarts (filter included). You’ll need a 15mm socket for the drain plug, torqued to 25 Nm. Note: this vehicle has 7 active recalls — check the recalls section below. Below you’ll find complete maintenance specs, fluid capacities, parts, and links to buy what you need.

⚑ QUICK DIY TIPS FOR THE 2021 GMC SIERRA 1500
  • Torque your drain plug to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs) to avoid leaks or stripped threads.
  • Always use 0W-20 Full Synthetic as specified by GMC — using the wrong viscosity can void your powertrain warranty.
  • Check the maintenance schedule below for your next service interval.
01

Oil & Filter

OilBuy
Viscosity0W-20
Oil typeFull Synthetic
Capacity (with filter)8 qt
Capacity (w/o filter)7.5 qt
OEM specdexos1 Gen 3
Filter Options

No filter cross-references added yet.

Drain Bolt & Hardware
Socket size15 mm
ThreadM16x1.5
Torque spec25 Nm
GasketRubber gasket
5th gen T1XX (5.3L/6.2L V8)
02

Fluid Specifications

Transmission FluidBuy
TypeDexron VI
Capacity5.5 qt
Change interval50,000 mi
Brake FluidBuy
DOT typeDOT 3
Change interval45,000 mi
CoolantBuy
TypeDex-Cool
ColorOrange
Capacity9 qt
Change interval120,000 mi
Power Steering FluidBuy
TypeGM Power Steering Fluid
Differential Fluid (rear)Buy
Type75W-90 GL-5
Capacity2.5 qt
Change interval60,000 mi
Differential Fluid (rear)Buy
Type75W-90 GL-5
Capacity2.5 qt
Change interval60,000 mi
03

Parts & Specifications

Spark Plugs
TypeIridium
Gap0.040
Quantity4
Change interval100,000 mi
GM19459511OEM
Buy
GM12688094OEM
Buy
Tires
Size265/70R17
Front pressure35 PSI
Rear pressure35 PSI
Air Filter
GM84121219OEM
Buy
GM84121217OEM
Buy
GM84352217OEM
Buy
Cabin Air Filter
GM13508023OEM
Buy
GM13356914OEM
Buy
Brake Pads
GM85663434OEMfront
Buy
GM86793555OEMrear
Buy
GM84847749OEMfront
Buy
Wiper Blades
GM84578275
Buy
04

Maintenance Schedule

≈ every 6 months
  • ▸Change Engine Oil & Filter
05

Torque Specifications

lug nut
120ft-lb·162.7Nm
spark plug
14mm thread, aluminum head
18ft-lb·24.4Nm
06

Safety Recalls

7
07

Technical Service Bulletins

1058

Towing & Payload

Max Towing
13,300lbs
Max Payload
2,240lbs
Curb Weight
4,400lbs
GVWR
7,100lbs
Max Tongue Weight
1,330lbs
Hitch Class
IV

Source: manufacturer

Estimated Current Value

Original MSRP
$52,000
Private Party
$30,134–$33,306
Dealer Retail
$34,892–$39,650
Trade-In
$26,962–$30,134
Depreciation
39%

Estimated values assume average condition and mileage for vehicle age.

Source: estimated

Save by doing it yourself
A shop typically charges $70–$160 for this service. Buy the parts and save.
Shop oil & filters ↗
08

Tools & Supplies

Oil Drain Pan
Catch the old oil cleanly
Shop on Amazon
Funnel
Spill-free refill
Shop on Amazon
15mm Socket
For the drain plug
Shop on Amazon
0W-20 Oil
8+ quarts
Shop on Amazon
Shop parts for the GMC Sierra 1500
Find oil, filters, and maintenance parts for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 on Amazon.
Shop parts ↗
Step-by-step guide
Detailed walkthrough with tips for first-timers.
Read guide
How often to change oil
Intervals, severe service, and what your car needs.
Read guide
Synthetic vs. conventional
Which oil type is right for your engine and budget.
Read guide
Other 2021 GMC models
Other GMC Sierra 1500 years
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