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 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 21V504000(Air Bag) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the part was currently on backorder. The contact had not experienced the failure. The VIN tool confirms parts distribution disconnect.
Air bags, Aug 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V504000 ( Air Bags ) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts distribution disconnect.
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 9, 2022, crash
My electrical failed i was hauling a trailer and i crashed into a car also the air didnt deploy we were traveling at 35mph my steering locked i couldnt aviod steering got real tight
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 8, 2022
Trailer brake system Warning
Engine, Aug 1, 2022
The issues started when I began to notice that I was not having a constant flow of heat coming out of the vents inside of the vehicle. I brought the vehicle over to a local service center and the mechanic there discovered that my antifreeze reservoir was completely empty, but I did not have a leak. After filling the truck back up with coolant, a few days later, while driving, suddenly the truck began to run rough as if the vehicle went into "limp mode". I noticed that the check engine light was flashing and the traction control light was on. At stops, the truck would rough idle, shake, and there was a large amount of smoke coming from the tailpipe. I was able to get the truck back to the same service center that ran some diagnostic tests. He told me that there is a fault in the number 7 cylinder which has no compression in it. I had the truck towed to a local GMC dealership who confirmed that there was no compression in the number 7 cylinder and said that there was a lifter issue in the engine requiring an expensive fix. GMC had the truck from the Friday after Thanksgiving (the Year 2021) to January 4, 2022, to make the repairs. Repairs were delayed due to the dealership not being able to get the necessary parts in a timely manner.
Steering, Engine, Jul 31, 2022
1. Truck is equipped with AFM (auto fuel management) I found out thru some research models since 2014 having collapsed lifters because of this feature. GMC has not made any attempt to recall this problem and let customers face the repair like me at the cost in my case of 7K. This truck has only 58879 miles on it. Not surprising models as new as 2021 had the same issue with no action taken to correct. 2.My truck lost the steering assistant feature putting me in a potential accident while i was driving. Steering the truck is difficult, especially at low speed which I decided not to drive it. I'm 87 years old and I'm facing numerous repairs for a vehicle with only 58K miles on it in order to safety drive my vehicle
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 25, 2022
I started the truck and did not have power steering. If this would have happened while driving it could have been very dangerous. Why is this not a factory recall?
Steering, Jul 23, 2022
Rack and pinion popping.
Engine, Jul 22, 2022
2015 gmc sierra crew 4x4 with 92k miles suffered from lifter and push rod malfunction on cylinder 7. The engine started making a knocking noise, there was a loss of power and the truck was shaking. It seems this a common theme with these trucks.
Air bags, Jul 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V504000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and several unknown dealers were contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service brakes, Jul 21, 2022
Purchased GMC Sierra C1500 new in 2015 from a dealership in Orange County, CA. Experienced multiple issues over the past 4 years with the "Trailer Brake System" Service light and loud beeping which has created multiple safety issues making the vehicle undrivable at times. The last incident was while on a cross country road trip through extreme heat in the Southwest from Texas to California in June and most recently while visiting Orange County. The beeping noise almost caused a couple of accidents as the hands free phone system was inoperable due to the loud warning beeping noise as it went on and off about 50 times. We were required to take several risky maneuvers to pull the vehicle off heavy highway traffic at high speeds to stop the engine and restart in an attempt to reset the warning beeping system without success. The truck was checked in for service on 07.20.2022 at Tustin Buick GMC. Mr. John Boozer, Service Advisor. 714.669.3699. The total cost of repairs is $465 plus car rental of $80. Additional costs in April of 2019 for the repairs included fuse replacement, check of wiring harness and attempt to stop the beeping noise was $150. The defective wiring harness originally installed by GMC when the truck was built will be preserved and is available should your agency request it. Total costs out of pocket to replace or fix this factory defective part is $695. GMC has made no effort to address this issue or offer any recall notices related the failure of the "Trailer Brake Warning System". Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Service brakes, Jul 20, 2022
On July 18, 2022 my trailer brakes suddenly stopped functioning ( a few hours from home) Not only did did the trailer brakes stop functioning, but this warning message didn't popped up just one time, it kept coming again and again and again and again, relentlessy chiming and distracting me from driving. it covered my speedometer readout. it prevented me from receiving or making voice commands. the service warning chime also prevented the turn signal from functioning. So for a full 4 hours I was constantly reminded and was unable to receive calls or make voice commands. i absolutely wont hesitate to say the vehicle was not safe to drive in that condition. your vehicle's defect endangered my life. I will not hesitate to say your vehicle was not safe to drive in that condition. Your vehicles defect endangered my life! Lastly, my vehicle did not want to start the next morning!!
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 17, 2022
When decelerating and turning left the car goes completely dead. First time I just about got killed on the highway. The other two times I knew to put it in neutral & crank the car. No steering no nothing. Days Chevrolet in Jasper, Gais trying to tell me there is NO RECALL on my serial number. I see there were a lot of them years ago. In addition to that my power steering occasionally goes out. The last time I was backing into my garage when I had to manually turn it. Hard to do for a woman.
Power train, Jul 10, 2022
The transmission has a HORRIBLE VIBRATION when driving. Either going slow or fast.
Service brakes, Jul 9, 2022
My truck has just over 54,000 miles on it. I bought it new and have treated it well. It's my "Sunday" truck. Without warning, yesterday while carrying my wife to a doctor's appointment, as I pulled into a parking space to park ... I had almost no brakes. I actually jumped on the emergency brake to aid me in getting stopped. After my wife had gone in for her appointment, I slowly moved the truck around the open areas of the parking lot trying to figure out what the problem was. I checked the brake fluid, looked to make sure I hadn't lost a brake pad or something else weird and found that everything was good. What I did find though was that the only time the truck had any issue was when I was moving under maybe 4 or 5 mph. And in fairness ... I discovered the truck did have some tiny (but I do mean tiny) amount of braking ability at that low speed, but to say that the experience was unnerving would be a terrible understatement. Had someone been standing between me and the vehicle I was parking in front of when I experienced this, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I would have pinned them between our vehicles, or God forbid, something worse. I don't know what's going on here, but there's definitely something going on with the brake system at low speed on this GMC.
Air bags, Jun 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V504000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Jun 23, 2022
bad lifters causing hesitation and and hard shifting.
Steering, Jun 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and making a right turn on an icy road, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to control the vehicle however, extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle independently regained power steering functionality. The contact stated that the service power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while turning to the right or the left and persisted while driving. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V586000 (Steering). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Power train, Jun 20, 2022
The 8-speed transmission in 2 and 3 gear exhibits a hard shift...no slippage. When slowing down to a stop you hear what sounds like two steel barbell weights slamming together. You feel like the transmission will break and leave you in the middle of an intersection. I have visited the dealer and they state this is normal. My vehicle only has 41000 miles on it. This has been an issue for me for the last 3 years.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 18, 2022
62,000 MILES. P0307 error. Replaced spark plugs, coil. head removal, lifter replaced and now another bad lifter. Faulty Active Fuel Management Lifter (AFM Lifters) that results in the Valve Train Defect. In shop for lifter repairs.(2nd time) Cost is $3000. Well maintained truck with all required service completed. Never even towed anything. Vehicle should not have these issues with this low mileage.
Air bags, May 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V504000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer had not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 20, 2022
When driving the truck it shuts off and then it turns back on. The stabilizer light goes on. It has happened many times while driving and also when backing up. I need to know any specific information why is it doing it, I have taken it to the dealership and they never have found the issue.
Air bags, May 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V504000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, May 18, 2022
I received recall notice N202324251. I took my vehicle to Clay Cooley Chevrolet for state inspection and to address the recall. According to the work invoice (#568190) the recall work was performed. However, I keep receiving recall notices and when I look this up on the NHTSA website the status is "Recall INCOMPLETE".
Service brakes, May 11, 2022
Trailer brake service alarm. Replaced module under stair tire and dash board. Still in alarm, internet says it’s a common problem with wiring harness failure. Many others have some problem.