2015 GMC Sierra Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 GMC Sierra, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Exterior lighting3048.4%
- Powertrain (other)69.7%
- Steering69.7%
- Airbags46.5%
- Brakes34.8%
- Visibility23.2%
- Body & structure23.2%
- Engine23.2%
- Fuel system23.2%
- Other / unspecified11.6%
- Interior & seats11.6%
- Electrical11.6%
- Suspension11.6%
- Heating & air conditioning11.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE PROJECTOR HEADLIGHTS ARE INADEQUATE ON A LEVEL ROAD, AND ARE DANGEROUS ON ROLLING TERRAIN ROADS AND CURVES. THEY COULD BE POSSIBLY DESIGNED FOR STATIONARY USE IN A PERFECT ENVIORMENT BUT NOT FOR MOVING VEHICLES, I CANNOT SAFELY DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AT NIGHT, I FEAR NOT ONLY FOR MYSELF BUT FOR OTHER PEOPLE ON AND NEAR THE PATH OF THIS VEHICLE. MY MIND IS CLEAR, THERE ARE MANY BLOWING THE WHISTLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WAS DEFECTIVE AND DID NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHT COVERAGE. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENGAGE THE HIGH BEAMS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER RAISED THE LOW BEAMS; HOWEVER; THE LIGHT COVERAGE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300. ..UPDATED 05/09/16 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED RIGHT AFTER HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, WITH THE LOW BEAMS ON, HIS VISIBILITY WAS APPROXIMATELY 30 FEET TO THE FRONT AND SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE HIGH BEAMS WERE ON, HE WAS ABLE TO SEE AHEAD OF HIM, BUT THE VIEW WAS STILL LIMITED TO ONLY 30 FEET. UPDATED 05/16/16.*JB
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING NORTH ON THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY IN THE CENTER LANE IT FELT LIKE I HAD A BACK TIRE BLOWOUT BUT WHAT HAPPENED WAS MY REAR AXLE BROKE CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO BE EXTREMELY HARD TO CONTROL. I WAS TRYING TO STEER THE VEHICLE BUT COULD NOT CONTROL THE TRUCK, IT FELT LIKE I HAD LIMITED BRAKING ABILITY, SMASHING INTO GUARDRAIL IT FINALLY CAME TO A STOP.
TL* 2015 GMC SIERRA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT BEGAN TO COAST BACKWARDS AND COLLIDED INTO THE SIDE OF A BUILDING WITHOUT WARNING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. AFTER THE CRASH, THE GEAR SHIFTER REMAINED IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED, BUT WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED FOR DAMAGES SUSTAINED FROM THE CRASH. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V374000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 8,000. THE CONSUMER WHO WROTE IN, WORKS AT THE CAR WASH. AN EMPLOYEE AT THE CAR WASH, DROVE THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE CAR WASH AND PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK TO HAVE THE DETAIL WORK COMPLETED. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT WHILE ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS RETRIEVED FROM THE CONVEYOR BELT. THE GMC ROLLED BACK AND CRASHED INTO THE CAR WASH BUILDING. APPARENTLY, THE EMPLOYEE THOUGHT THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, WHEN IT WAS IN FACT IN NEUTRAL.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the message "Power Steering Assist" was displayed, and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V719000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 131,890.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated her husband was driving when the vehicle in front of them applied the brakes unexpectedly, the driver depressed the brake pedal but failed to stop the vehicle due to the brake pedal being resistant/ rigid causing the vehicle to rear-end the other vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. A police report was filed. The driver was able to continue driving to their destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the vacuum pump had to be replaced. The dealer replaced the vacuum pump back in October of 2022. The vehicle was repaired but the second vacuum pump was also defective and the dealer replaced it on-site for a third time. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,500. The contact stated that the failure speed was no more than 70 mph.
I HAVE BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER ON MY K3500 TRUCK. RECENTLY THE MESSAGE "CHECK TRAILER WIRING" HAS BEEN COMING ON FREQUENTLY. AT THE SAME TIME, THE BRAKING CONTROLLER SHUTS OFF POWER TO THE TRAILER BRAKES. THIS HAS RESULTED IN A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION, ESPECIALLY WITH A TRAILER THAT WEIGHS OVER 14,000 POUNDS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 6 MONTHS NOW. REPEATED ATTEMPTS BY BOTH THE GMC DEALER AND THE TRAILER DEALER HAVE FAILED TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN TOLD, BY THE DEALER, THAT THE PROBLEM STARTED APPROXIMATELY WITH THE 2014 MODELS. THE BRAKE CONTROLLER HAS BEEN UPGRADED, AND MADE MUCH MORE SENSITIVE TO SLIGHT DEVIATIONS IN THE TRAILER SYSTEM, CAUSING THE CONTROLLER TO "SHUT OFF" SO TO SPEAK. WHILE THIS WOULDN'T BE A BIG ISSUE NORMALLY, WHEN IT SHUTS OFF, YOU LOSE ALL BRAKING ABILITY TO THE TRAILER RESULTING IN AN UNSAFE CONDITION. THERE IS NO WAY TO OVERRIDE THIS AND ACTIVATE THE BRAKES. WHAT SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING IS A VERY SLIGHT DEVIATION IN THE RESISTANCE IN THE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM (BY 1 OHM OR LESS) AND THAT CAUSES THE "SHUTDOWN" IN THE CONTROLLER. TRAILER BRAKES WOULD WORK, IF THEY COULD GET POWER. BUT, THE CONTROLLER HAS SHUT DOWN, SO NO POWER. MYSELF (AND THE TRAILER SHOP) HAVE BEEN CHECKING THE INTERNET AND FINDING THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. IT APPEARS TO BE HAPPENING WITH ALL THE BIG THREE MANUFACTURER TRUCKS, SINCE ABOUT 2014. PEOPLE HAVE BEEN COMING UP WITH SOME RATHER "CREATIVE" WAYS AROUND THIS, IN SOME CASES ELIMINATING THE ORIGINAL SYSTEM ENTIRELY. THIS IS JUST NOT ACCEPTABLE. AGAIN, THIS "NEW SYSTEM THE BIG THREE ARE PUTTING IN IS FAR WORSE THAT THE OLD, SIMPLY BECAUSE IT HAS NO ROOM FOR FORGIVENESS IN A TRAILER SYSTEM THAT MIGHT WORK OTHERWISE, BUT HAS A SLIGHT DEVIATION IN WHAT IS CONSIDERED "ACCEPTABLE" TO THE CONTROLLER. AT THE VERY LEAST, THERE SHOULD BE A FAIL SAFE METHOD.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that when doing the initial start, the rear of the vehicle began smoking and caught on fire. The contact turned off the vehicle and the fire settled however shortly after the rear window fractured. There were no injuries and no medical attention needed. There was no fire report. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the window needed to be replaced and there was a Canadian recall (Manufacturer Number N192220470 ) for the rear windows defrost failing. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 152,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC SIERRA 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VISIBILITY IN THE HEADLAMPS WAS NOT ILLUMINATING PROPERLY IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO VIEW THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THEY DID NOT DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,200.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN AT SPEEDS OF ROUGHLY 50MPH SEATS VIBRATE. TRUCK HAS ROUGHLY 3000MILES AND THE FRAME, REAREND AND OTHER UNDERBODY COMPONENTS HAVE ALOT OF SURFACE RUST
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DESCENDING DOWN HILL AT NIGHT, THE LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHT PROVIDED POOR VISIBILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5. UPDATED 03/30/15*LJ UPDATED 06/23/2015*JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DESCENDING DOWN HILL AT NIGHT, THE LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHT PROVIDED POOR VISIBILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5. UPDATED 03/30/15*LJ UPDATED 06/23/2015*JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
VEHICLE RANDOMLY AND REPEATEDLY SHIFTS INTO NEUTRAL FROM DRIVE, WITOUT ANY INPUT FROM DRIVER, DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. VEHICLE RANDOMLY AND REPEATEDLY LOSES ACCELERATOR PEDAL CONTROL AND FUNCTIONALITY DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL MONITOR LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 363.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DESCENDING DOWN HILL AT NIGHT, THE LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHT PROVIDED POOR VISIBILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5. UPDATED 03/30/15*LJ UPDATED 06/23/2015*JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that when doing the initial start, the rear of the vehicle began smoking and caught on fire. The contact turned off the vehicle and the fire settled however shortly after the rear window fractured. There were no injuries and no medical attention needed. There was no fire report. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the window needed to be replaced and there was a Canadian recall (Manufacturer Number N192220470 ) for the rear windows defrost failing. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 152,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN AT SPEEDS OF ROUGHLY 50MPH SEATS VIBRATE. TRUCK HAS ROUGHLY 3000MILES AND THE FRAME, REAREND AND OTHER UNDERBODY COMPONENTS HAVE ALOT OF SURFACE RUST
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE LONGER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN, THE MORE IT SHOOK. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND IT DID NOT VIBRATE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TIRES, TRANSMISSION, AND SHOCKS; HOWEVER,, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THE SEAT WARMERS ALSO FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,500.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .