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
817 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Aug 31, 2021
Curtain air bags deployed after loosing traction a bit in the highway also causing seat belts to get locked. Acceleration pedal will get stuck at times. Needed to push brake pedal half ways or more for brakes to kick in. GM brake recall seems to have fixed that. A/C condenser and compressor continue to fail.
Air bags, Aug 21, 2021
My GMC Sierra has the RRAB recall. Vin has already been provided. I asked GMC in a chat (all recorded) if the truck is safe to drive. I explained that I am a disabled veteran. I have numerous issues but one has to do with not having full use of my right hand. I drive with my left and support with my right. I asked them if they though I could safely drive the vehicle knowing that information and they refused to answer uttering that parts are not available and be reassured that when they become available they will call. That truck is my only source of transportation. I need that vehicle to get me to chemotherapy sessions, yes I have cancer too!!! I need to know if the vehicle is safe to drive and if not, what is GMC going to do to fix this issue. I'm sure parts must be available but I doubt that disabled veterans or Joe public are not he priority list. I just want it fixed. I don't want song and dances, I've heard enough of that in the military and working for the military. I just need it fixed. Is your agency going to step up to the plate and tell them that these vehicles are not safe to drive? I bought a GMC for its reliability and their follow through, GMC clearly doesn't have my 6. Will the NHTSA have my 6 or is this just another shafting of a veteran?
Steering, Aug 19, 2021
Lost power steering and engine died while turning into lot across oncoming lanes. Oncoming traffic luckily stopped and I placed truck in park, restarted and completed my turn. 4th time I lost power steering and truck died.
Steering, Aug 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was able to be restarted and functionality was restored. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
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, Jul 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, there was a reduction in the power steering assist. The stability track and abs warning lights were illuminated. The electronic power assist became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V586000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission failed to operate as designed causing the vehicle to sputter and not properly accelerate. Also, the digital speedometer display would not display properly due to a faulty radio. Additionally, the driver’s side headlight failed to properly illuminate due to moisture build-up inside the headlight assembly. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. There was no service performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,000.
Steering, Jul 18, 2021
Power steering hard to turn at low speeds and backing up and cluster gauges go dim then back to normal
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
Service brakes, Jun 21, 2021
Brakes do not work under slow speeds. Pumping breaks at slow speeds (parking lot speeds) causes break pedal to stiffen and the vehicle's breaks are not responsive. When this happens, I feel what seems to be ABS engaging (break pedal pulsates). The pulsating is only noticable in the break pedal. This behavior seems more prevalent in inclement weather.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 16, 2021, crash
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while driving in stop and go traffic and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop as anticipated instead the vehicle slid into the vehicle in front of them. The brake pedal began to vibrate and a skipping. The vehicle ended up crashing into the rear of the vehicle in front. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There were no injuries and no medical attention was needed. The vehicle was not towed. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who were unable to identify the cause for the failure. The vehicle's alternator shocks, braking pump lines, and updated the computer system however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that whenever the brake pedal was depressed several electrical issues would occur like with the navigation screen and all windows would shut off. There were many warning lights including the air bag and stability control. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 80,000.
Engine, Jun 15, 2021
I have noticed over the last few weeks I am losing radiator fluid. Its slow but noticeable. Engine temperature rises and fan stays on. My 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 only has 50,150 miles on it, and started well under 50,000. It looks like the leak is from upper contact points of Radiator and frame. I have come to find out that GMC has put a notice out on this issue and put a recall/repair out on the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 for the same issue. Its a know defect. ( I WILL ATTACH COPIES ) I went to the dealer and was told they would fix the 2014 but have not issued a fix for the 2015. "Not enough complaints"? Its a very expensive fix for a KNOWN manufactured defect but GMC (AND CHEVY TRUCKS) want more complaints.... so here is my filing. Kind of a silly game they are playing when they know it should be a recall issue.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was being serviced at the local dealer, he was informed that the radiator had a leak and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle loss motive power with the service stabilitrak warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and operated as intended. The dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Service brakes, May 26, 2021
BRAKES BECOMES HARD WHEN BACKING UP AT VERY LOW SPEED AND SOMETIMES IT FEEL LIKE THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE IS ACTIVATED. USUALLY HAPPEN WHEN BACKING UP
Structure, Engine, May 18, 2021
Radiator coolant leak, replacement Radiator with 11000 miles has begun to leak now. . Fuel injectors had to be replaced at 60000 miles. Blue Paint is peeling off in sheets
Service brakes, May 17, 2021
Whenever I connect a trailer to my vehicle I will lose all brake pressure when in reverse. It only happens when in reverse and connected to a trailer. I will have to pump my brakes to the floor and there's no braking power. This does not happen when I do not have a trailer connected.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, May 16, 2021, fire
I was towing a camper down Rt 422 in Butler, PA in my GMC truck when it suddenly caught fire. My wife was following me and alerted me to pull over as quickly as possible. I had no brakes and the gear shifter went straight up without shifting. The doors would also not open while the truck was filling with smoke. I got out using the manual unlock knob and am lucky to be alive. We had about one minute to try to extinguish the flames before it fully engulfed both my truck and camper. I filed a complaint with GMC. By what I am reading online there are many instances of fires and GMC does not seem to provide assistance. This is very unnerving and scary to say the least. I am sad and angry for this situation. This happened through no fault of my own and I lost absolutely everything. I was in the middle of moving to start a new job and lost many work items in my truck as well. I had to delay my start date for work. Now I am responsible for deductables, insurance increases and other items not covered by my insurance. Now I have to buy a new vehicle and camper but what will GMC do to help me? Probably nothing.
Exterior lighting, May 12, 2021
THE HEADLAMPS ON MY VEHICLE HAVE BEEN VERY POOR, BOTH IN LOW AND HIGH BEAM POSITIONS EVER SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THINKING THAT THEIR MUST BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE EXISTING HEADLAMPS, I PURCHASED THE REPLACEMENT BULBS AND THERE WERE NO IMPROVEMENTS. WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT I HAVE TO STAY ON LOW BEAM WITH THE FOG LIGHTS ON JUST TO HELP TO SEE. I CAN'T USE MY HIGH BEAMS AT ALL BECAUSE THE LIGHTING IS SO POOR. GMC IS AWARE OF THEIR HEADLAMP ISSUES ON THE 2014 AND 15 MODELS BUT NOTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT IT TO MY KNOWLEDGE. WITHOUT SPENDING $500-$1000 TO CHANGE THEM OVER TO LED, IS THERE ANYTHING THAT I CAN DO TO IMPROVE THIS SITUATION?
Service brakes, May 8, 2021
WHILE GOING SLOWLY AND TURNING, MY BRAKES FAILED TO STOP ME. THERE WAS NO PRESSURE FOR THE BRAKES. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. I ALMOST RAN INTO THE BACK OF A CAR.
Service brakes, May 1, 2021
WAITING IN LINE A COSTCO GAS STATION HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL ALL OF A SUDDEN THE BRAKE PEDAL GOT HARD AND THE TRUCK WILL NOT STOP ALMOST HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME
Engine, Apr 27, 2021
RADIATOR FORMS STRESS CRACKS FROM CONSTANT THERMOSTAT CYCLING. THE RESULTING CRACKS CAUSE THE RADIATOR TO LEAK. GM HAS ISSUED SPECIAL COVERAGES FOR CERTAIN MODELS BUT DOESN'T ACKNOWLEDGE IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON OTHER MODELS OUTSIDE THE COVERAGE.
Engine, Apr 9, 2021
I TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR TEST DRIVE FOR TRADE IN PURPOSES AND WAS INFORMED THAT MY RADIATOR LEAKED AND IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH 2015 GMC SIERRA AND NEEDED REPLACING FOR $1400. THERE IS A RECALL FOR SAME PROBLEM WITH 2014 YEAR BUT NOT 2015 AND THIS SHOULD BE CORRECTED BECAUSE IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT AND CONSUMER SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR DEFECTIVE PART.
Structure, Mar 23, 2021
PAINT IS LITERALLY FALLING OFF IN CHUNKS. I BABY MY TRUCK. ITS MINT CONDITION, BUT I NOTICED THE PAINT IS NOT ADHERING TO THE PRIMER IN ATLEAST 2 SPOTS. AFTER SOME RAIN, THE PAINT JUST FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. GM REFUSES TO ASSIST IN REPAIRING. FOR THE COST OF THE VEHICLE THIS IS ABSOLUTELY A MAJOR ISSUE. THIS VEHICLE HAS NO CLAIMS OR PREVIOUS BODY DAMAGE.
Other or unspecified, Mar 23, 2021
WHILE DRIVING, A MESSAGE POPS UP ON THE DISPLAY THAT READS: "WARNING TAKING YOUR EYES OFF THE ROAD TOO LONG, OR TOO OFTEN WHILE USING THIS SYSTEM COULD CAUSE A CRASH, RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU OR OTHERS. FOCUS YOUR ATTENTION ON DRIVING" SERIOUSLY, WHEN A WARNING MESSAGE POPS UP, WE READ IT! I HAVE GOTTEN USE TO THIS STUPIDITY AND JUST HIT OK. BUT EVEN AT THAT, YOU STILL GET DISTRACTED. PROBLEM NOW, IS THAT EVEN HITTING OK DOES NOT CLEAR IT. THIS MESSAGE SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN. I HAVE READ THAT THIS A BIG ISSUE AMONG MANY GMC AND CHEVY OWNERS. GM IS LITERALLY CREATING THE SAFETY HAZARD.