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, Feb 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while his daughter was driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating violently. The contact stated that his daughter reported seeing several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was stopped and towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed and determined that the rod bearings were damaged and caused damages to the lifters. The contact was informed that the rod bearings and lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 20-NA-038 (Engine). The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was a loud pop in the engine compartment. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road where condensation was observed in the middle of the road. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the radiator and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. On another occasion, while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Power train, Engine, Jan 11, 2024
I would like to bring to your attention an alarming incident that occurred on January 3, 2024, with my truck. While accelerating onto the highway, the engine and drivetrain failed suddenly, posing a significant safety risk. The failure left the engine incapable of functioning properly, which could have resulted in a catastrophic accident. Seeking answers about the cause of this dangerous malfunction, I promptly arranged for an inspection by RNZ Concepts. After evaluation, they suspected a potential problem with the hydraulic lifter or camshaft. It is baffling to note that, other than an initial transmission replacement, there were no further indications of any underlying issues, as the truck is regularly serviced. Additionally, within 60 days of purchasing the vehicle, similar issues arose, requiring additional repairs that were paid out-of-pocket at the time. Now, the vehicle is once again out of commission due to persistent GMC failures. The estimated repair cost is expected to be between $6,000 and $10,000.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 13, 2023
Rainy road, 60mph on the hw with my family. Truck decides to engage stabilitrak or something to that feel and locked up the brakes. Talk about a scary moment with an 18 wheeler coming in hot behind you. Obviously, in the moment, I had no clue what was happening other than something with the truck was malfunctioning. This scenario could have gone wrong in so many ways. I'm honestly in shock someone has not been killed because of this?
Engine, Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH and hauling a boat, the vehicle started operating at reduced power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the push rods were bent, and the lifter had collapsed. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Structure, Engine, May 15, 2023
The body has rust coming through on the lower body panels by the rear doors of a crew cab. Have to replace the AC condenser on a 2015 gmc Denali. Looks like GMC already knows there is an issues with this, but no recall on the 6.2L sierra denalis.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 5, 2023
Truck loses power engine dies while driving after turning at slow speeds. Engine will restart after a few minutes like it never happened does not show any DTC codes or check engine lights. It is intermittent with no advance notice very dangerous to drive. Seems to be a common problem for all GM trucks and SUVS from 2014 - 2017
Engine, Oct 24, 2022
Improper cooling cycles causing coolant leaks on the radiator
Engine, Aug 1, 2022
The issues started when I began to notice that I was not having a constant flow of heat coming out of the vents inside of the vehicle. I brought the vehicle over to a local service center and the mechanic there discovered that my antifreeze reservoir was completely empty, but I did not have a leak. After filling the truck back up with coolant, a few days later, while driving, suddenly the truck began to run rough as if the vehicle went into "limp mode". I noticed that the check engine light was flashing and the traction control light was on. At stops, the truck would rough idle, shake, and there was a large amount of smoke coming from the tailpipe. I was able to get the truck back to the same service center that ran some diagnostic tests. He told me that there is a fault in the number 7 cylinder which has no compression in it. I had the truck towed to a local GMC dealership who confirmed that there was no compression in the number 7 cylinder and said that there was a lifter issue in the engine requiring an expensive fix. GMC had the truck from the Friday after Thanksgiving (the Year 2021) to January 4, 2022, to make the repairs. Repairs were delayed due to the dealership not being able to get the necessary parts in a timely manner.
Steering, Engine, Jul 31, 2022
1. Truck is equipped with AFM (auto fuel management) I found out thru some research models since 2014 having collapsed lifters because of this feature. GMC has not made any attempt to recall this problem and let customers face the repair like me at the cost in my case of 7K. This truck has only 58879 miles on it. Not surprising models as new as 2021 had the same issue with no action taken to correct. 2.My truck lost the steering assistant feature putting me in a potential accident while i was driving. Steering the truck is difficult, especially at low speed which I decided not to drive it. I'm 87 years old and I'm facing numerous repairs for a vehicle with only 58K miles on it in order to safety drive my vehicle
Engine, Jul 22, 2022
2015 gmc sierra crew 4x4 with 92k miles suffered from lifter and push rod malfunction on cylinder 7. The engine started making a knocking noise, there was a loss of power and the truck was shaking. It seems this a common theme with these trucks.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 17, 2022
When decelerating and turning left the car goes completely dead. First time I just about got killed on the highway. The other two times I knew to put it in neutral & crank the car. No steering no nothing. Days Chevrolet in Jasper, Gais trying to tell me there is NO RECALL on my serial number. I see there were a lot of them years ago. In addition to that my power steering occasionally goes out. The last time I was backing into my garage when I had to manually turn it. Hard to do for a woman.
Engine, Jun 23, 2022
bad lifters causing hesitation and and hard shifting.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 18, 2022
62,000 MILES. P0307 error. Replaced spark plugs, coil. head removal, lifter replaced and now another bad lifter. Faulty Active Fuel Management Lifter (AFM Lifters) that results in the Valve Train Defect. In shop for lifter repairs.(2nd time) Cost is $3000. Well maintained truck with all required service completed. Never even towed anything. Vehicle should not have these issues with this low mileage.
Engine, Feb 24, 2022
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 with 40k miles has developed a radiator leak. Smell of coolant has been evident for a few years but was unable see the actual leak. Seems to occur often in 2014-2018 Sierra 1500. See service bulletin PI1513F. Issue is not covered under warranty.
Engine, Feb 21, 2022
The A/C condenser is defective, one of the three welds it has is leaking due to lack of proper welding.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 5, 2022
Everything is horrible in the truck
Steering, Power train, Engine, Feb 5, 2022
Na
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 2, 2022
Unknown
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 13, 2022
at first my brakes began locking up on the vehicle, almost as if they were pumped full and not able to press down any longer, shortly after that the stabilitrack light came on and white smoke began to come out of the exhaust as well as a slight shake in the engine, i immediately turned the vehicle off and parked it, mind you i bought the vehicle 1 day ago and it is already broke down, the issue is with gmc and these sensors they are using they are faulty engine reduces speed and it is not safe to say the least.not only that but had the exact same problems with my Gmc Acadia which i finally got the light to stop going off after replacing transmission, brake pedal position censor, as well as gas pedal position censor, also had the throttle body replaced, Do you all make products that are worth anything, nothing was ever done about the Acadia, the Gmc sierra is a 2015 with 70,000 miles on it this car should not be acting like this please contact me at [XXX] thank you so much for your time, also there are 14 recalls on this year truck yet mine shows that there are 0 recalls to be fixed I am wondering about this as well. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 4, 2021
Truck will experience complete electrical failure while driving in motion at various speeds. Failure lasts between 5-10 seconds but causes severe difficulty as steering is affected. A web search reveals grounding issue as potential cause. Manufacturer has not notified me of this particular issue and or any recall effort and I know of no existing recall effort for this issue.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 20, 2021
While operation my 2015 GMC 1500 DENALI Pickup at normal conditions my vehicle produced a engine light. I was three blocks from my office so I proceeded there immediately to have my vehicle scanned for codes. This is where I found out that cylinder #7 had an issue. This cylinder is part of the AFM system. I had the vehicle towed to Galles Chevrolet for diagnostic services and an estimate for repairs. Up receiving the results (which) I will attach. Bank 1 and possibly Bank 2 lifters and springs have failed. Thus possibly cause damage to the cam shaft. While I am aware that my vehicle is out of powertrain warranty (5 years / 100,000 mile), my vehicle only has 52,000 miles on it and very very well taken care of at all times. I am also aware of a class action law suite that pertained to the same exact issue on gm products from 2004-2014. Also service bulletins were produced by GM pertaining to this issue. Now I have been out of service of my vehicle for 3 1/2 weeks not to mention a potential $7000 repair, that should have never been in the picture! Poor quality control on products for potential profit gains have cost many many customers pain, anguish, and money.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 12, 2021
Incident has happened multiple time. When put on the computer to see if problem, does not show anything. Incident: 1)Driving on highway and truck completely loses power and electrical notification come on. Have limited power and electrical notification stayed on continually. Had to take in for repair. This happened May of 2018. 2)While driving on highway, used signal to change lanes and lost engine power. Had some electrical flickers and steering issue. Multiple times in last 6 months, sporadic. 3)When signaling and turning steering wheel, lost engine power. Also had problems with electrical/computer issues. Multiple times in last 6 months, sporadic 4)When slowing down, signaling, and turning steering wheel, after turn completed and start accelerating, transmission seem to be missing. This issue is sporadic and has been doing this since I have had the vehicle new. All these incidents have happened sporadically, with not pre-warning indicators and when having the truck check on the computer, with the exception of (#1) showed no issues.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 6, 2021
At times my vehicle will lose power steering,turns off stabilizer traction control light comes on.There is no warning and does this more at low speed turning.you can't turn the steering wheel when this happens and the breaks hardly work.I have 30,000 miles on vehicle I had this vehicle towed to dealership in 2016 they charged me diagnosed but didn't tell me anything more it's only been to the shop for recalls I do my own maintenance
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 28, 2021
Power steering goes out and at time turn truck power off whenever i attempt a slow tight turn like backing into my driveway or making tight turns going into parking lots and/or spaces. Most recently, when attempting a u-turn at a busy intersection, power steering went out and engine died. I had to coast to the side to avoid moving traffic. Each time this issue happens i hear 3 dings all my dash & screen lights flash off then on with clicking noises. Dash info changes from speedometer to radio setting. If i look at screen quickly enough when this happens i would sometimes read “rear parking assist unavailable” or something like that. If air conditioning is on it would turn off then on. Doors will unlock then lock, all this happening simaltaneously while attempting to make a turn