VehicleVerdict

2015 GMC Sierra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2015 GMC Sierra sits mid-pack among Sierra years: 67 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 67, with 6 recalls and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: lighting issues account for 46% of all reports (31 of 67), far ahead of steering at 7.

67

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2015 compare to other Sierra years?

See all Sierra years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 GMC Sierra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting3146%
Steering710%
Transmission69%
Airbags46%
Engine34%
Brakes34%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Electrical System23%
Fuel System23%
Other23%
Seats23%
Body & Structure23%
Suspension11%

Does the 2015 GMC Sierra have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V640000Electrical SystemOctober 9, 2015 · 3,073 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks manufactured January 24, 2014, to February 26, 2014, 2015 Chevrolet Suburban vehicles manufactured February 12, 2014 and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles manufactured February 6, 2014, to February 13, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.

Consequence

If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2015. 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 15573.

14V819000TransmissionDecember 24, 2014 · 152 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles manufactured November 24, 2014, to November 25, 2014. Due to an improper heat-treatment, the rear axle shaft may fracture while the vehicle is being driven.

Consequence

If the rear axle shaft fractures, the rear wheel may separate from the axle shaft, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axles, and replace any that were improperly heat-treated, free of charge. The recall began on December 17,2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet) or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14892.

14V719000SteeringNovember 10, 2014 · 679 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, and Yukon XL vehicles, equipped with electric power steering (EPS). Due to a problem with the EPS module, the affected vehicles may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist during vehicle operation.

Consequence

An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering assist motor kit, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14743.

14V446000SeatsJuly 23, 2014 · 124,007 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.

Consequence

A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.

14V374000TransmissionJune 27, 2014 · 392,459 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles, and model year 2015 GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, an electrical signal short may cause the transfer case to shift to neutral without the driver's input.

Consequence

If the transfer case switches to neutral while the vehicle is parked and the parking brake is not in use, the vehicle may roll away increasing the risk of injury to bystanders. If the transfer case switches to neutral while the vehicle is being driven, the vehicle would lose drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will re-program the software in the transfer case control module, free of charge. The recall began in early August 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14192.

14V007000EngineJanuary 13, 2014 · 325,213 units

Defect

General Motors is recalling certain 2014 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, and 2015 model year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV; Chevrolet Silverado HD; and GMC Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL, equipped with a 4.3L engine or 5.3L engine.

Consequence

The overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire.

Remedy

General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control module, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC at 1-800-462-8782. General Motors' number for this recall is 14008.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ENGAGED BUT FAILED TO FULLY ILLUMINATE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY WAS DIMINISHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT ADJUSTABLE FOR LATERAL MOVEMENT. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · June 15, 2014

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 31, 2014

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 13, 2016 · crash

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 19, 2015 · crash

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 31, 2022 · crash

2015 GMC Sierra — common questions

Is the 2015 GMC Sierra reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sierra: 67 NHTSA complaints, 6 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2015 Sierra problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (31 complaints), steering (7 complaints), transmission (6 complaints).

Does the 2015 GMC Sierra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 GMC Sierra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which GMC Sierra years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sierra years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2001, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2002, 2003, 1998, 2004, 1994, 2005, 2014, 1993. The cleanest record among Sierra years belongs to 1979.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.