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.
Other or unspecified, Feb 9, 2026
I remote started my truck. I got in about 5 minutes later. When I shut the door the rear window, passenger side of the power sliding window blew out. GM says my VIN is not affected by the recall but my truck shows that it should have been part of the recall or customer satisfaction program. N192265660 Rear Window Defroster Thermal EventS
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.
Steering, Dec 6, 2025
Loses power steering when vehicle is low speed or stopped. Same details as safety recall 14743 for 2015 gmc sierra.
Fuel system, Diesel, Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the “Engine Power Failure” warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel system had failed and there were metal shavings in the fuel system. The contact was informed that the fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Steering, Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and shut off. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road even though the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact stated that the failure had recurred while driving. The contact stated that the message "Service Stabili-trak" might have been displayed. The local dealer and another dealer were contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V586000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,379.
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.
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 18, 2025
The temperature sensor in the transmission is faulty leading to hard/delayed shifting, shuttering, and vibration
Power train, Oct 15, 2025
Transmission failed at 110k miles roughly. Safety was put at risk due to this happening on a highway. Yes, transmissiom was replaced by a local repair shop, the means of failure was identical to thousands of vehicles in this model year failing prematurely. No it wasnt inspected by the dealer. No there was no warning light, we were going up a hill and it failed.
Seat belts, Oct 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated the front passenger’s seat belt was difficult to buckle, and it recently started unbuckling while a passenger was seated in the passenger’s seat with the seat belt buckled. The contact stated that when the seat belt was unbuckled, the seat belt warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Engine, Oct 13, 2025
Lifter and camshaft failed
Power train, Oct 5, 2025
Push rod failure in #4 cylinder at 104,000 miles. Bent push rod. Possibly due to AFM.
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?
Exterior lighting, Aug 13, 2025
Headlights on this vehicle, since purchased, have not cast enough light in order to see in unlit backroads, or extrememly dim areas. I have to drive with my brights on constantly, in order to get enough light thrown onto the road, for the left and right sides, as well as the front. These were not working well since purchase. I took my child to a friends house in rural PA, and I literally could NOT SEE THE street signs, let alone far enough down the road. I nearly hit a stone wall.. My eyes keep asking to see more, but truck does not produce enough headlight. I even went to the eye doctor, after that situation, thinking it was my vision dimming, but was told I have 20/20. There needs to be a formal recall. I am not the only one complaining about these HORRIBLE projection headlights. To replace these headlights would cost over 1000K, out of pocket, which is not something I should have to fix. I am complaining now, because with the light getting darker earlier, am noticing how lousy driving at night really is.. and honestly, being BLINDED by oncoming LED's , without having proper headlights on my truck in order to see when blinded, really [XXX]. Please address these [XXX]. Make headlights great again! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Visibility, Aug 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact’s son closed the front passenger’s side door, and rear window glass exploded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 163,353.
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Aug 3, 2025
the steering assist fails, Power and steering is reduced at driving speeds. Steering wheel locks and vehicle looses voltage and stalls while driving at low speeds and have been close to collision. Vehicle was inspected by Group One Gmc in el Paso Texas. They did not fix recall because it "did not pertain to my vin" . There is a recall for the steering assist on all gmc 2015 1500, but not for my gmc 2015 1500 for some reason. Whether it was manufactured in the us or the moon its still a gmc 2015 1500 with faulty steering assist system from the manufacturer with an open recall. Thanks for your help
Service brakes, Jul 20, 2025
Starting vehicle in parking lot and backing out of parking space. Brakes failed and truck continued to roll backwards almost hitting a pedestrian. I was able to stop hard on the pedal and stop the vehicle. This has happened several times. I have a steep driveway and backing down to the street the brake pedal will unexpectedly have little resistance and the truck will continue to roll into the street almost hitting oncoming traffic.
Suspension, Jul 19, 2025
The mount for the rear shock absorber has completely rusted away on the driver side. The tube is gone now that it was attached to. This is a way to new of a truck for that kind of rust to happen I have been around 40 year old trucks that this never happened to.
Service brakes, Jul 17, 2025
Brake pedal pivot nut came loose and fell off while driving.
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.
Electrical system, Jul 16, 2025
When parking and turning the wheel the truck stalled, radio turned off and on, ac stopped working, battery reading dropped. Maybe an electrical issue since it happens continuously, while making turns at slow speeds the truck wants to turn off, lights dim then go back to normal.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 9, 2025
fuel pump losses prime overnight. gas sprays from fuel line onto top of fuel tank. problem was brought to my attention by a repair shop.. found several instances listed on YouTube of this problem
Service brakes, Jul 1, 2025
I was driving pulling an empty small U-Haul trailer and attempted to pull in to a fuel station when my brake became impossible to depress. I barely was able to miss hitting gas pumps and ran down into a ditch before the truck stopped. I informed the dealership where I had just purchased this truck used. I took it to their service department and I was told there was no issues with the brakes. They had to have this recall bulletin in their computer system yet failed to make me aware or to perform this recall or report it to GM. The problem continues to worsen to the point I am scared to drive it. I almost rear ended another car at a stoplight yesterday because I was unable to depress the brake pedal. I stood on the brake and heard an electronic sound but finally came to a stop.
Power train, Jun 26, 2025
I am writing to formally submit a serious safety complaint regarding the transmission in my vehicle, which nearly caused a life-threatening accident while driving under normal conditions. While traveling on a two-lane rural highway, I was attempting to climb a steep hill when the transmission suddenly began to slip. My vehicle lost power mid-ascent, despite steady pressure on the gas pedal. The RPMs shot up erratically, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. As I began to crest the hill, the transmission completely disengaged, forcing my vehicle into a free-roll situation. The danger escalated quickly. As I started to descend the hill, I attempted to downshift to control my speed—but the transmission would not respond. It slipped again, and I was essentially coasting with no engine braking. An 18-wheeler was behind me, approaching fast. I could see it barreling toward me in my rearview mirror, and I had nowhere to go. With the road shoulder too narrow and no pull-off in sight, I had to veer dangerously close to the edge to avoid being rear-ended. I truly believe that if the driver of the semi hadn’t taken evasive action, I would not be here to write this complaint today. This transmission failure is not only unacceptable—it is a critical safety issue. A vehicle should not lose all power and braking control during normal highway driving. This is not just an inconvenience or a performance issue. This is a defect that puts lives at risk. I am requesting that this transmission be investigated for an official recall. I have since learned that I am not the only one experiencing these symptoms, and it is only a matter of time before this defect causes a fatal accident. Please take immediate action to investigate this issue. I am willing to provide full documentation, diagnostic reports, and be available for further interviews if needed. Lives depend on it.