2015 GMC Sierra 1500

Above average

Owners filed 717 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the service brakes. It has been recalled 9 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
47,000 milesMedian miles at failure

465 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes209
1412
Exterior Lighting75
000
Power Train74
000
Electrical System69
150
Engine58
010
Steering43
201
Unknown or Other42
012
Air Bags34
406
Structure › Body23
010
Fuel/Propulsion System12
000

9 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator21V504000
Filed Jul 1, 2021410,019 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Seat Belts › Front21V245000
Filed Apr 8, 20212,568 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. A broken pretensioner cable reduces the effectiveness of the driver's seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. 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.

Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator20V736000
Filed Nov 25, 20209,279 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Service Brakes19V761000
Filed Oct 24, 2019652,967 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum19V645000
Filed Sep 6, 20193,456,719 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System18V586000
Filed Sep 7, 20181,015,918 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Seat Belts › Pretensioner17V437000
Filed Jul 10, 201740,683 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Seat Belts › Pretensioner16V651000
Filed Sep 8, 20163,640,162 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Seat Belts16V209000
Filed Apr 12, 2016895,232 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. If the tensioner cable separates, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Sep 10, 2026IL

Power steering seems to be lost for a second or two at low speeds turning. Happens multiple times a day.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 31, 2026IA

My 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 recently started having all the symptoms under GM internal recall number 18289. I lose my power steering briefly and the electronics turn off momentarily. I lose dash, AC, radio and GPS. It comes back on within a second or two and only does this during low speed turning. I ran my VIN but it does not show under this recall despite having the correct Make/Model/Year. It is currently at the shop because it isn't safe to drive and I was hoping I could get a reimbursement for the repairs. NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V586000 (GM's Internal Number: 18289)

Structure
Filed Aug 21, 2026VA

See attached document for complaint.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 20, 2026LA

From time to time since I got the vehicle, the lights flicker inside and out. I've had the alternator changed but it continues. Then when pressing the lock button on the key fob the horn sounds as if it has a shortage. Sometimes its loud and sometimes it's barely heard.

Power Train
Filed Aug 6, 2026NE

My 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE has the 6L80 transmission. While traveling on the interstate with my fiancé, the transmission failed. It was towed to a garage and they informed me that it needed to be replaced.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 12, 2026ND

My rear window defrost turned on when i auto started my pickup. i realized it was on after about a half hour and looked back and my drivers side of the rear sliding window was shattered completely

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 7, 2026MS

When backing up, either on a hill or flat surface, the brakes fail to stop the vehicle. There is a pulsing sensation with the brakes due to failure of the vacuum. The brake pedal also becomes impossible to depress. No warning lights appear when this occurs.

Seat Belts
Filed Jun 8, 2026153,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the front driver's seat belt completely failed. The lap belt portion came apart, causing the chest strap to loosen. Upon inspection, the contact observed that the steel anchor cable bolted to the floor had separated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 26, 2026RI

For no apparent reason the truck goes into “low power mode” and gives off code p2138 often happens around 30-35 mph. Have had it happen to me also around 45 mph also. I have replaced sensors and parts to which a month or so goes by and it happens again.

Service Brakes
Filed May 16, 2026SC

Vehicle doesn't stop in low speeds

Electrical System › Body Control Module/Bcm
Filed May 13, 202690,100 milesKS

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and also while the vehicle was parked, the ABS and stability control warning lights would unexpectedly illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the warning lights were cleared. The contact was informed that if the failure recurred, the EBCM and BPMV would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the EBCM and BPMV had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,100.

Engine
Filed Apr 20, 2026SC

Active Fuel Management Miss firing Idle rough Shaking Loss of power #7 cylinder loss of all compression Bad fuel mileage Skipping

Air BagsCrash
Filed Mar 30, 2026218,000 milesAR

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. While traveling on a two-lane highway at approximately 55 MPH, another vehicle suddenly turned into the contact's lane, resulting in a severe frontal "T-bone" collision. The force of the impact caused the other vehicle to be propelled into a ditch, while the contact's vehicle remained on the roadway. Despite the significant nature of the crash and the speed involved, no air bags deployed. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 218,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 23, 2026WI

Truck started to make loud clunking noise when driving taken it to two shops and wrong parts were installed as stated below. Bought from a used car dealership and they sold it as is now with the wrong parts.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 23, 2026WI

Bad paint used by manufacturers that causes frames to rust out.

EngineFire
Filed Mar 17, 2026124,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 mph, he observed a popping noise beneath him. The contact stopped the vehicle and observed smoke emanating from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle went into limp mode, lost power, and when the brake was depressed, the vehicle did not slow the vehicle down as intended. The contact stated that as he pulled into a parking lot to inspect the vehicle, he observed flames emanating from the hood. The contact stated that he pressed the hood latch, which did not open the hood, and he then exited the vehicle and observed the hood engulfed in flames. The contact mentioned that a store employee brought a fire extinguisher out and attempted to extinguish the flames. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire fully. There was no police report, but the police did come out to assist. The contact sustained a right-hand injury, but medical attention was not needed. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.

Engine
Filed Mar 8, 2026ID

Another GM truck AFM failing. It failed at 70,000 miles causing P0307 cylinder 7 misfire. No aggressive driving just commuting to work. Truck just got done with a new oil change. It's another to add to the hundreds/thousands seen on Reddit threads of all 5.3/6.2 AFM/DFM that this organization turns a blind eye to.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 2, 2026NM

I had and still have the Brake Assist failure warning light on and having issues with brake pedal effort not working as it should to stop vehicle and also the stability control warning lights., the brakes hardly work at all at low speeds and most of the time don't stop the vehicle almost causing several crashes. I took vehicle to gm service center and they said they updated software but when I picked up the vehicle and drove it not long after the brake assist warning came back on and I still had no brakes at slower speeds and the problem had actually gotten worse than it was before i took it to them. I called the dealership and told them that the problem had not been fixed and it was worse they said that I would have to pay the service fee / price for parts if I wanted to bring the vehicle back in and to have problem fixed...I explained it was a re call and it was taken to them to have issue fixed in the first place ...and I was told I would have to pay since they updated software ..I then explained it was worse than when I took it to them and still got denied any kind of resolution to the problem. Nothing was fixed or solved. I still had the warning lights on dash and the problem was worse then when I took the vehicle to them for repair. Not long after the transmission went out and the vehicle hadn't been drove. So it sat for 2 yrs or so. I just got a new one put in and the vehicle still has the same problems with the brake system . I reached out to dealership once again and

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 25, 2026MA

I remote started my truck, and when I got to it there was smoke and a flame coming from the rear power window. The remote start activates the rear defrosters, which started the electrical issues. I shut off the engine, and a loud pop followed, which was the shattering of the driver side rear window. The flame went out, and could have easily ignited the tarp covering the truck bed. There were no warnings on the console for the issue, and no recalls available. I have seen similar recall, but in a different state and back in 2022. This leaves me with a shattered window in the back, which is unsafe for visibility, and a bill to pay due to manufacturing errors for a feature in the truck. The rear window is all melted, and the glass is chipping away.

Power Train
Filed Feb 18, 2026WA

During day to day driving when the truck is accelerating from a stopped position there's a massive clunk or hard shift from either 1st to 2nd gear. have also heard similar complaints from other 2015 sierra 1500 owners saying the transmission is having a hard shift on acceleration from a stop. Have seen possible issues with the TCCM

20 of 717 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2014
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2026111200Do not drive
2025115100Routine
2024354100Above average
2023468320Above average
2022583650Above average
2021564760Above average
20204641250Above average
20196381030Above average
2018300710Above average
2017353540Above average
20163417130Do not drive
2015 — this page717990Above average
2014738971Fatalities reported
2013115310Routine
2012107300Routine
2011284530Above average
2010168420Routine
2009234440Above average
2008381250Above average
2007262320Above average
2006145251Fatalities reported
2005177390Routine
2004212510Above average
2003180440Routine
2002166400Routine
2001140500Routine
2000181300Routine
1999158400Routine
199859420Routine
199783500Routine
19965010Routine
19953010Routine
199413000Routine

Compare every Sierra 1500 year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 1, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.