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.
Power train, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 20, 2025
I am reporting a critical issue with the transmission. The transmission frequently slips, hesitates, and jerks unexpectedly during acceleration and gear shifts. On multiple occasions, the vehicle has lost power or failed to respond while entering intersections, merging onto highways, or attempting to accelerate—posing a serious safety risk. The issue often occurs without warning and has worsened over time. Additionally, there are instances of harsh downshifting, delayed engagement from park to drive, and sudden lurching forward or backward, which could easily result in a collision. Despite visits to the dealership and complaints made, the issue has not been resolved, and I’ve learned that many other owners of this same model have reported nearly identical symptoms. This appears to be a systemic problem with the transmission system. Given the safety risk, especially in traffic and at high speeds, I strongly believe this defect warrants immediate investigation and a formal recall.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact noticed an abnormal sound, and the vehicle rolled forward before the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed of an unknown recall; however, the recall repair had expired. The contact had not received a recall notification. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the recall had expired in June 2024. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 22, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure became a persistent failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall repair as a possible cause of the failure; however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.
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.
Power train, Apr 30, 2025
A valve spring broke while going around 40 mph. Was not accelerating when it happened. Destroyed the piston, head and cracked the block. Once apart found the AFM lifter had started to wipe a lobe on the cam. Engine shut off after running real rough luckily my son was able to pull over. Truck had regular service and taken good care of. My favorite truck I have ever had. Had 137,000 miles on the odometer. This could have ended badly.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 30, 2025
The contact owns 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated for approximately a month. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed the high-pressure fuel pump was leaking fuel into the crank case, and the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred approximately 1 year and 5 months later. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, there was a loud sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors on one side of the engine were not working properly, and that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,137.
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.
Service brakes, Apr 26, 2025
I've had problems with the brakes for several years, the pedal is very hard at low speed. I've seen a recall but not on my car???
Service brakes, Apr 21, 2025
"NHTSA campaign: 19V645000 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." Our vehicle was serviced and repaired for this problem under the recall on 9/6/2019, however, it is now happening again. Is there a second recall for this problem, and/or what can be done to remedy the defective equipment?
Power train, Apr 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was difficult to shift into gear, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
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.
Service brakes, Mar 31, 2025
upon applying brake pedal at low speeds the brake is hard to depress and "choppy" in reacting. this seems same as N192268490 Increased Brake Pedal Effort yet the gmc denali is not apparently in the recall. This has happened on several occassions.
Service brakes, Mar 22, 2025, crash
The brake system failed in a parking lot three times within a month. It’s related to the special policy and recall regarding the vacuum and the loss of brakes at slower speeds and in reverse. The first two accidents were very minor creating no damage. The third one was at 10mph when I lost my brakes and crashed into a concrete barrier in a parking structure causing significant damage to my truck. I did not get injured but I have a wife and two kids that I am so grateful were not in the truck for the third one with major damage. With that being said my son was in the truck the second time it happened when I crashed into a parked vehicle in a parking lot because I was unable to stop which made me very frustrated and worried for my families safety in my truck. The first accident was in a parking lot where I was backing up and lost the brakes and crashed into a building which is my veterinary office causing damage to the building. Therefore after the first crash due to this issue I have decided that driving with my family in the truck is not an option anymore. It is very disappointing that a truck I purchased for the functionality and safety of having my wife and kids in it is no longer safe for passengers or myself in it. This problem is very reproducible and is a major concern for my family and my safety. It was towed to a GMC dealership in Waukesha and is being inspected and they have stated it is reproducible. No warning lamps or messages were indicated for this issue. The truck will next need to get towed to Crash Champions auto body repair to ultimately get repaired which will take another month. All of this is a major inconvenience as I am a full time firefighter and in paramedic school as well. Not having a reliable safe vehicle for an extended period of time has caused great stress and inconvenience to my family. I’m hoping and praying that something can be done about this quickly and promptly to make this right. Thank you.
Power train, Mar 17, 2025
I believe the torque converter failed and resulted in the transmission starting to fail. It still goes down the road but shudders when slowly gaining speed
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.
Structure, Mar 17, 2025
N242490120 is applicable for 2022 models but my 2023 also had the same problem; The grille upper cover broke at the taps and detached from the grille structure.
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.
Exterior lighting, Feb 24, 2025
Lack of illumination of headlights straight ahead. No light shines to the sides of the vehicle making it difficult to see left or right when negotiating a turn at night. I have put new bulbs in both sides the best money can buy at CarQuest with no improvement. The headlight lenses are not dirty or fogged over. It appears to be a design problem, and I have seen other people with this model truck complain about the same thing on some blogs. I contacted GM directly looking for information I can get on a possible upgrade, and they have offered not solution. I have had this issue with this vehicle since buying it used 4.28.2018
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.
Service brakes, Feb 20, 2025
Brakes fail at low speeds
Steering, Feb 19, 2025
Unknown
Electrical system, Feb 19, 2025
Infotainment screen not responsive to touch, will not reset and freezes with black screen message warning drivers to not take their eyes off the road. Because of the latent defects known to GM in the screen, it is impossible to reset the controls (the "OK" button will not clear the error message). The freezing and non-responsiveness and elimination of outside temperature display creates a driver distraction hazard trying to clear it while driving, and prevents the driver from being alerted to outside temperatures dropping below freezing. GM customer care refused to provide any assistance for the $1,045 repair charge quoted by the dealer and refused to acknowledge that this is an inherent vehicle defect well established, that already produced a service advisory and redesign of the defective screen. Problem has existed for quite some time, and infotainment issues were initially reported to dealer on 3/9/2015 (2 months after delivery) without adequate resolution.
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.