2015 GMC Sierra 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 817 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 26 Sierra 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 29 involved a crash and 10 involved a fire. 14 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, side/window, curtain, inflatorJul 1, 2021
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 18, 2021. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available. Phase I owner notification letters were mailed on May 5, 2022. Phase II owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 31, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. This recall supersedes NHTSA recall number 20V-736. GM's number for this recall is N202324251.
Campaign 21V504000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, frontApr 8, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2014-2015 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have received an incorrect replacement tensioner cable assembly as part of a previous recall remedy or a subsequent repair. The flexible steel cable connecting the driver's seat belt to the outboard side of the seat may be repeatedly bent over the seat side shield as the driver enters and exits the vehicle causing the cable to fatigue and separate.
A broken pretensioner cable reduces the effectiveness of the driver's seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver seat belt lap pretensioner, free of charge. The recall began on May 5, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212330040.
Campaign 21V245000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/window, curtain, inflatorNov 25, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator.
If the end cap separates from the inflator, the compressed gas will escape and the end cap can be propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RRAB modules on the left and/or right side, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on December 22, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. Note: GM filed a new recall, number 21V-504 that supersedes this recall. All vehicles previously recalled under 20V-736 will now be repaired under the new recall number 21V-504. GM's numbers for this recall are N202309680, N202309681, and N202309682.
Campaign 20V736000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, wheel speed sensor/tone ringOct 24, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
Campaign 19V761000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, power assist, vacuumSep 6, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Campaign 19V645000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemSep 7, 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade vehicles. Electric power steering (EPS) assist may be lost momentarily, followed by a sudden return of EPS assist.
If EPS assist is lost and then suddenly returns, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the EPS module software, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18289.
Campaign 18V586000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalJul 10, 2017
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Campaign 17V437000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalSep 8, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Campaign 16V651000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsApr 12, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks manufactured January 29, 2013, to January 21, 2015. While entering the vehicle, the seat belt tensioner cable may be positioned such that the driver slides over it. This movement may result in the fatigue and separation of the cable.
If the tensioner cable separates, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent the tensioner from being damaged. Any tensioner that has already been damaged will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 15822.
Campaign 16V209000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
90 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Sep 25, 2026
In August, 2019, at 93,672 miles, GM covered a lifter failure on our 2015 GMC Sierra, V8 AFM engine. Only the left side was repaired. Now, in 2026 at 130,000, the right side has the same issue and needs repair. The estimate to repair is $16,697. This is a known issue and a safety concern.
Engine, Apr 20, 2026
Active Fuel Management Miss firing Idle rough Shaking Loss of power #7 cylinder loss of all compression Bad fuel mileage Skipping
Engine, Mar 17, 2026, fire
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 mph, he observed a popping noise beneath him. The contact stopped the vehicle and observed smoke emanating from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle went into limp mode, lost power, and when the brake was depressed, the vehicle did not slow the vehicle down as intended. The contact stated that as he pulled into a parking lot to inspect the vehicle, he observed flames emanating from the hood. The contact stated that he pressed the hood latch, which did not open the hood, and he then exited the vehicle and observed the hood engulfed in flames. The contact mentioned that a store employee brought a fire extinguisher out and attempted to extinguish the flames. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire fully. There was no police report, but the police did come out to assist. The contact sustained a right-hand injury, but medical attention was not needed. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.
Engine, Mar 8, 2026
Another GM truck AFM failing. It failed at 70,000 miles causing P0307 cylinder 7 misfire. No aggressive driving just commuting to work. Truck just got done with a new oil change. It's another to add to the hundreds/thousands seen on Reddit threads of all 5.3/6.2 AFM/DFM that this organization turns a blind eye to.
Engine, Jan 22, 2026
The engine seized up traveling about 40MPH in the middle lane on a busy road with my child in the passenger seat. I was able to get off the busy road but part of my truck was still intruding into the lane. The truck is parked at my house. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone and is still in the same condition as the day the engine seized. The only thing that indicted any issue was a couple popping noises right before the engine seized. It all happened while I was driving in traffic and I did not notice any indications on dash. I was more concerned about getting off the road and out of traffic before I got rear-ended or involved in a pile up.
Engine, Dec 8, 2025
The GMC Sierra 1500 started a knocking sound. The collapsed lifter on a AFM cylinder bent a push rod which led to cam failure. Metal fragments are throughout the oil system.
Engine, Nov 2, 2025
While driving the vehicle at approximately 40MPH the motor made a tapping sound, I was able to pull into a parking lot and have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer told me that the vehicle was out of warranty and appeared that under initial inspection the would have to rebuild the motor due to a lifter failure at the estimated cost of $18,000. I had the vehicle towed to a reputable repair shop and after the did a tear down to the small block they determined a bent push rod and broken lifter, all pushrods and AFM lifters were replaced at the cost of $10,754. dollars as invoice shows. The issue occurred again on 10/25/25 causing catastrophic failure that will cost me a complete engine replacement.
Engine, Oct 31, 2025
This occurred 5+ years ago. Coming home one night I had a sudden loss of power with the truck and barely made it home. Was able to limp the truck to the dealership the next day and was told that one side of the engines lifters had failed. Prior to the failure I had noticed a ticking sound coming from the engine that was becoming increasingly more prominent. It was several thousand dollars to repair. Fortunately the failure occurred near home, not on the freeway where I could have been dodging cars while trying to limp the truck to the shoulder. Some online research while the repair was being done revealed that several other owners with the 6.2L engine had the same problem. When I mentioned it to the dealer the response was that they had no bulletins from GM on the issue and I was stuck with the bill. Got the same response a year or two later when the torque converter on the transmission went out. The reason I am reporting it now is I saw that GM is recalling 6.2L vehicles with lifter issues but not back to 2015 even though the issue appears to go back farther than that. They claim it's limited to a specific run of engines for the recall. They have been having various lifter problems for many years that have put drivers in danger when they fail but refuse to acknowledge it. As for the repair they made to the engine I've driven another 70 K miles and the ticking has started again. I fear another failure. Please note that the date previously given for the incident is my best guess.
Engine, Oct 13, 2025
Lifter and camshaft failed
Power train, Engine, Aug 20, 2025
I have owned 4 of these trucks in my lifetime ranging from 2007-2015 all equipped with the same drivetrain. 5.3l engine and 6l80 transmissions. All have had the same failures. The engine afm system particularly the lifters fail which in turn destroys the camshaft and destroys the engine. More importantly the transmission torque converter fails sending debris through the whole system causing a sudden loss of drive. This happened while driving down the road and was a safety concern for myself and others. This time it costed me $6500 to replace the transmission. All of the trucks I have owned experianced the same failures how is this not a problem?
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 16, 2025
At low speeds when applying the brake, whether in a turn or traffic, the vehicle will shut off completely. This has happened multiple times and has almost caused accidents on a few occasions. It has also happened while just driving down the road, the entire truck lost power and then came back, the windshield wipers came on as well.
Engine and engine cooling, May 22, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Engine, Apr 30, 2025
With all the GM engine problems being recalled, the known issue witht he AFM/DOD on all the models 2013 and up on 5.3L and 6.2L engines should have been recalled. The valves are known to collapse and nending push rods, causing damage to the cam shaft. This can cause ht eengine not to run. The symptoms and possible icidents include the same as the current recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000. My engine has been repaired twice now due to this AFM/DOD issue. I have all the paperwork from GM dealer that repaired it. I will upload the first repair, I need to scan the second repair. The engine is now making the ticking valve sound ans the vehicle is services regularly. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? AFM/DOD valves collapse causing enegine damage. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Lack of power while driving, loud engine knock Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, by the dealer Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Insepcted by the dealer, and only the damaged parts replaced, not all the valves that can still collapse. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning, engine light came on due to misfire on both incidents.
Engine, Apr 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the diagnostic result was confirmed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Engine, Apr 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power and then stalled. The contact stated that there was a black cloud of smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the rod bearings had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Engine, Apr 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied at the residence, the contact exited the vehicle and went inside his home; however, forty minutes later, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that a bystander inspected the vehicle and assumed the starter had failed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and suggested that the contact take the vehicle to the local dealer for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000.
Power train, Engine, Mar 17, 2025
Motor blew up while driving down the road. Had to replace motor on 08/23/2023 at about 116,000 miles. Left me and my family stranded in the middle of no where. Was going around 60 miles an hour and when passing someone got up to 71 mph and then motor blown push rod bent. Transmission issues. Hesitation when switching from park to drive/ reverse. Takes at least 40 seconds and when you accelerate it will jerk so hard. Will lunge forward very sudden and sometimes even when coming to a stop at a stop sign. This happens almost every day.
Power train, Engine, Mar 5, 2025
In the fall of 2023 my 6.2L V8 with only 107,565 well maintained Miles completely seized up and shut off without any warning lights or other indications of failure. I was going up a steep hill and luckily I was able to get to the side of the road by coasting backwards to a stop and fortunately no one else behind me at the time. I did not get my truck back until late spring of 2024. I paid over $13k out of pocket to replace the engine because of this issue that is known to many other GM truck owners. Prior to catastrophic engine failure I’ve had multiple services including replacement of torque converters which would cause the truck to shake violently when shifting along with violent shifts in the 8 speed transmission and at times the feeling of being rear ended when slowing down or coming to a stop which GM claims to be “normal operation”. The engine failure was never investigated by any other parties but was looked at by the dealership service department. Both violent shifts and torque converter shutter were also confirmed by the dealer but only fixed with what I consider to be temporary remedies.
Engine, Feb 22, 2025
There is a known defect by other consumers with the same year/make/model as mine that causes the radiator to leak. I replaced the original radiator about a year ago with a new GM radiator (84207654) and it’s now leaking as well.
Engine, Feb 5, 2025
Purchased this vehicle on 06/29/2023 from Robideaux Motors in Coeur d Alene ID. with 81,397 mile on the odometer. On 01/05/2024 the 6.2L engine with 84,109 miles, started having a ticking sound after starting it at my son's house two miles from home. I called the dealer and was told to bring it in for diagnosis by a tech. While driving the truck to the dealer the ticking got worse and motor started to shudder and the check engine light came on. Cause was a misfire on cylinder 4 due to bent push rod and failed lifter. Replaced lifter bank 2 with new push rod. Total cost was $2,852.74 (have invoice). After many calls and letters to my extended warranty company, they finally paid $1688.54 of the total cost. On 08/29/2024 the same ticking sound started again as well as the shudder and check engine light. I had it towed back to Robideaux Motors and was told it was a misfire on cylinder 6 due to lifter failure. Robideaux Motors did repair under their repair warranty. I know that this vehicle is not included in class action suit, due to the year. I feel this to be a continuing problem with the GM 6.2 and 5.3L motors encompassing many model years. Just wanted to document that the number of years covered in the law suit should be expanded.
Engine, Jan 27, 2025
Truck is equipped with AFM and the lifters failed causing a no -power situation. First happens at 57,000 miles then again at 82,000 miles. Not only was this a dangerous situation, but also a very expensive situation. GM knows these are defective and should have been recalled and repaired on their dime, not mine. Pictures of bill included are only of the first repair. Second repair pictures are available upon request.
Engine, Nov 27, 2024
Lifter failure cylinder 1 at 82458 should be a recall
Engine, Oct 11, 2024
The motor goes into a V4 to v6 to v8 Mode on its own .. in which it makes the lifters & pistons change to cause problems with the motor
Engine, Sep 20, 2024
Had to have transmission replaced and engine work (lifters and cam) on a GM truck with 100,000 miles on it. Cost $8,000. Was told by both mechanics that they've seen many of this same issue with this same year truck for GM.
Power train, Engine, May 20, 2024
Had two lifters collapse and fail. Replaced transmission twice due to torque converter failure