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.
Seat belts, Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while buckling the front driver’s side seat belt, the bottom half of the seat belt attached to the floorboard snapped and came apart. The contact stated that the failure rendered the seat belt inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that there was no recall or warranty on the vehicle related to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
Steering, Mar 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V586000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Structure, Mar 10, 2024
Paint is peeling all over and I see there is a lawsuit for this for my truck. How will this be covered?
Power train, Mar 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali. The contact stated that while shifting the vehicle from park(P) to drive(D), the vehicle hesitated and then jerked into gear. The contact stated that the entire vehicle was shaking when it jerked into gear. The contact stated that the failure was also occurred while shifting the vehicle into reverse(R). Additionally, the failure occurred while slowing down for a traffic signal. The contact stated that the failure was a constant. The contact stated she had not noticed any warning lights during the failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who advised the contact that there were no open recalls for the transmission on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 4, 2024
I purchased my truck (15 GMC Sierra z71 4x4) with around 122,000 miles on it. I would be owner #2. Truck ran great. Around 150,000 miles I noticed my truck's transmission start to jerk while accelerating from gear to gear. No engine light ever appeared. Problem stopped. A few days later while dropping my daughter off at school, my truck wouldn't go passed 35 mph. I had to put the shifter in manual and shift to third gear. Other gears would just rev the rpm's to 4 or 5. Since I didn't want to put my family, me and others on the road at risk. I parked my truck and started driving my other vehicle. A few months went by, and my other vehicle had a flat tire, I had to drive my truck to work. On the way home from work, my truck started acting up again, jerking while accelerating. speedometer would go up however truck didn't move. I had to pull over quickly so I wouldn't be broken down in the traffic lane. I turned the ignition off and waited five minutes and started the truck up. I was able to make it home. At this time the engine soon light came on. I ran my scanner on my truck and code P0700 TCM was the only code showing. I had a Gmc dealer look at my truck and stated I would need a new transmission. I have done many months if not almost close to a year of research with results showing that transmission problems just what I was experiencing are a common problem with 2014-2019 chevy and Gmc / Silverado pickups with transmission 6L80. I dropped my truck off at another transmission shop just yesterday 3/3/24 and the results today were I need a new transmission. Torque converter issues. The shop stated that they repair / rebuild almost three chevy / gmc trucks like my truck a week with the same transmission problem. I still owe on my truck and shouldn't have to pay almost 6K for a transmission that is known to be an issue from the start of factory build. I own many older model gm / chevy vehicles and only had one other issue with one which also had a known recall issue.
Service brakes, Feb 22, 2024
low speed truck brake pedal becomes stiff and truck is hard to stop
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.
Suspension, Power train, Feb 2, 2024
The component or system failed was the transmission 4 different times. A new transmission was put in the car just 6 months after purchasing from a dealer. The transmission lasted close to 3 years being shy only a few days before the transmission warranty expired. So a new transmission was provided by the transmission owner at no additional cost for the transmission but we had to pay $1600 out of pocket for labor. That transmission lasted for 2 months before failing again which caused us to have the truck towed to our home to decide what our next step would be. So we had it towed to Tire max and they put in another transmission by the same manufacturer which we only had 2 days left under the warranty. That transmission failed within 2-3 days so we took it back to a different Tire Max location and they put in another transmission which did not cost anything for us by the manufacturer including labor. This transmission has now been in good standing since 12/20/23.
Electrical system, Seat belts, Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was no audible chime or alert heard. After driving and then restarting the vehicle there was still no audible sound from the electrical system. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact replaced the battery, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V301000 (Electrical System, Seat Belts) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Electrical system, Jan 25, 2024
Inside of car smelled like burnt electrical and crackled and then back window exploded due to short in the rear defroster [XXX] Rear Window Defroster Thermal Events GMC has indicated that there is no recall associated with this event. GMC has sent no recall or service notices to me regarding this issue and the vehicle had been at a GMC deal Jim Ellis GMC within the year. This incident caused glass to be injected into the passenger compartment causing a hazard INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Other or unspecified, Dec 13, 2023
The truck has only 122, 230 miles and shuddering in the transmission is horrible. I just purchased the truck 3 weeks ago and the owner stated nothing was wrong with it. However I took it to mechanic for inspection after purchase and he stated transmission has shuddering. I noticed at 40 miles plus the truck vibrates at steering wheel.
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?
Electrical system, Nov 20, 2023
The truck completely shut off while making a turn in town. I didn't have any control of the truck, steering or braking ability. In a attempted to restart the truck or regain steering and braking, I cycled the key to no avail. I then urgently tried putting it into neutral, and cycling the key again. The truck started and I regained control. In the 5-10 seconds that passed while the vehicle was out of control, the vehicle traveled over the curb and then onto the sidewalk. It is miraculous that I didn't cause an accident or cause injury to pedestrians. I was shaking. This event was the scariest thing that has ever happened to me in a vehicle. A blessing for sure. In not the clearest frame of mind, I drove the vehicle back to my home. It is parked and I won't drive it until it is repaired. Upon getting home and calming down, I googled this event. The Google search indicated that this scenario is very common in gmc trucks between 2014-17. The cause is apparently faulty battery cables and/or corroded grounding points. I do not understand why there isn't a recall or safety bulletin to inform vehicle owners of this issue. I could have easily killed someone. I passionately feel that action needs to be taken on this series of gmc trucks to prevent a deadly accident!
Power train, Nov 10, 2023
Vehicle has jerking and feels like you are being hit. scared for my safety. Have taken my my Vehicle to a transmission shop for investigation.
Power train, Oct 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Quality Buick GMC, INC. (7901 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110) and Pitre Buick GMC- (9737 Eagle Ranch Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114) and the contact was informed that the failure was related to the transmission and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Exterior lighting, Oct 17, 2023
Headlights are so dim because of the plastic cover that is made into the OEM headlight assembly. The plastic apparently had no UV protectant and the plastic has turned dingey yellow and clouded where it's affected the light output from the vehicle
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 11, 2023
All power shuts off while driving. The transmission dis-engages, the power steering stops working and the infotainment system turns off. The power steering powers off even when sitting in a parking spot while everything else is on. I've owned this truck since 2019 and this has always been an issue, especially when taking a left through an intersection. I keep checking for recalls, but nothing shows up and I find that extremely hard to believe. I'm contacting you now because the issue has gotten worse, everyday worse.
Service brakes, Sep 27, 2023
The brake vacuum pump is failing. When in a parking lot the brakes get very hard al.ist causing an accident. There is no vacuum when trying to park in parking lot. The 2015 GMC Sierra had a recall for this but my VIN did not. Not sure why as it's failing too. I need my truck so will have it fixed today, but want a recall.
Service brakes, Aug 23, 2023
Constant “service trailer brakes” warning on dash. I Haven’t done anything to cause it.
Air bags, Aug 23, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2015 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle spontaneously switched lanes onto her lane, causing the contact to swerve out of the way and crash into the median; however, no airbags were deployed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The insurance company deemed the vehicle totaled. The contact injured her neck, back, and several other places, and she received medical attention. A police report was made. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that her vehicle had previously been repaired under an unknown airbag recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Power train, Aug 19, 2023
The same part number in the other models are for recall except this model.
Power train, Aug 13, 2023
Transmission was shuddering and slipping and then completely went out. Would not engage any of the gears. This happened while driving through the mountains without towing anything. My family and others on the mountain were at risk since the transmission was slipping out of gear and no safe place to pull over. It had to be towed to a dealer and they confirmed the transmission was toast and they replaced it, of course not under warranty. $800 tow bill and $6.893.98 to replace the transmission at a GM Dealer...Also, had to get a rental car ($318).
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.