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2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering pedals and linkages and frontal. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Low-beam headlight inadequate illumination.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Campaign #18V578000 · Aug 30, 2018

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, 1500 Crew Cab Special Service, Tahoe Police Pursuit/Special Service, GMC Sierra 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.

Risk: If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the nut and reinstall the nut with increased tightness, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2018. 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 18278. Note: The vehicles in this recall need this additional remedy despite being covered by recall 16V069 for brake pedal loosening.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #16V651000 · Aug 9, 2016

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #17V437000 · Oct 7, 2017

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Campaign #16V069000 · May 2, 2016

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 1, 2013, to February 1, 2016, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) manufactured March 1, 2014, to February 1, 2016, and 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 29, 2013, to February 1, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.

Risk: If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the brake pedal pivot nut and reinstall with an increased torque, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 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 20760.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

Campaign #21V504000 · Jan 7, 2021

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

Campaign #20V736000 · Nov 25, 2020

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

    Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021

    From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 200…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Low-beam headlight inadequate illumination

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

14 NHTSA complaints · 2016-01 → 2020-12

“THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS ARE VERY DIM. I'M UNABLE TO SEE MORE THAN 20' IN FRONT OF THE THE TRUCK. CHEVY SAID THE HEADLIGHTS WERE UPDATED BUT THAT DIDN'T HELP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10882244
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE DIM AND PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM SEEING THE ROAD. THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS, WHICH WERE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH EITHER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10825891
“WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT ON ANY ROADS THE VISIBILITY WITH THE LOW BEAMS IS TERRIBLE! THE HIGH BEAMS ARE WHAT THE LOW BEAMS SHOULD BE. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE ANYTHING IN THE DISTANCE OR ON THE SHOULDER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10836643

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Diesel fuel system failure and stall

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

16 NHTSA complaints · 2016-01 → 2026-01

“Vehicle stopped without warning due to the CP4 Pump failure in the diesel truck. This pump has been recalled by other manufacturers but not by GM / Chevrolet which is the maker of my vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11603352
“CP4 failure, caused metal fragments to go throughout fuel system and tank. Entire fuel system had to be replaced and tank cleaned out. CP4 failed in the middle of my drive home, stalling the truck in the middle of an intersection”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11513821
“CP4 pump failed sending metal through out fuel system. Pump, fuel system flushed, injectors all need replaced. Truck stalled in motion. Thankfully I was able to safely pull over without accident occuring”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11502579

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering loss at low speed

STEERING

15 NHTSA complaints · 2016-06 → 2025-01

“MY VEHICLE LOSES POWER STEERING AT LOW SPEEDS AND I HAVE ALMOST HAD FOUR ACCIDENTS. MY INCIDENTS HAVE HAPPENED IN TWO PARKING LOTS AND TWO TIMES AS I PULL OUT AT BUSY INTERSECTIONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11130539
“LOSING POWER STEERING AT LOW SPEED TURNS. HAS ALMOST CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11013307
“WHILE MAKING A SLOW SPEED RIGHT TURN, 5 MPH, AFTER STOPPING AT A BUSY CITY STREET INTERSECTION, THE POWER STEERING TURNED OFF AND I NEARLY STRUCK ANOTHER CAR COMING FROM THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11228799

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear window defroster shattering and smoke

VISIBILITY

10 NHTSA complaints · 2019-12 → 2026-02

“The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle from the rear, there was smoke coming from the rear window defroster. The contact stated that shortly afterwards the rear window cracked and then shattered”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11629290
“DRIVING 20 MPH, ON A FLAT SURFACE, NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, MY REAR WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED. I STOPPED THE TRUCK TO GET OUT AND LOOK AT IT, AND CANT FIGURE OUT WHAT HAPPENED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11296739
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER SYSTEM STARTED SMOKING AND THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11383951

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Trailer brake system warning and brake loss

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES

14 NHTSA complaints · 2016-01 → 2025-07

“I was driving my 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and towing my thirty foot travel trailer I suddenly received a banner on the center of my dash to "SERVICE TRAILER BRAKING SYSTEM" at which time I lost power to my trailer brakes”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11481730
“Trailer brake system quit working while towing a Trailer. No warning until service Trailer brake system appeared and all Trailer braking was gone. When a failure like this occurs it makes stopping a vehicle very dangerous”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11437715
“FACTORY TRAILER BRAKE CONNECTOR PLUG IS LOOSE AND CAUSES TRAILER BRAKES TO BECOME INOPERATIVE WHEN THE TRAILER MALE PLUG JIGGLES INSIDE THE TRUCK FEMALE PLUG”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10819514

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission control module failure and limp mode

POWER TRAIN

15 NHTSA complaints · 2015-11 → 2026-01

“Driving 70 on interstate 15 and the stabilitrak message came on the dash, truck went into limp mode, the truck went from 70 mph to 45 mph really fast. This was during rush hour traffic and I could have gotten in a wreck”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11511772
“Truck went into limp mode. Stabilitrak check light came on vehicle slowed down to 27 miles per hour”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11509768
“TRANSMISSION CANNOT FIND GEARS WHEN COASTING OR SLOWING DOWN AND THEN HITTING ACCELERATOR. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN IT HESITATES FOR SECONDS BEFORE FINDING THE RIGHT GEAR AND GOING, OR IT STAYS IN TOO HIGH OF A GEAR INSTEAD OF DOWNSHIFTING TO ACCELERATE AND RATTLES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10795030

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata air bag recall remedy parts backorder

AIR BAGS

9 NHTSA complaints · 2016-11 → 2025-09

“The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V504000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11460645
“TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V651000 (AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10967823
“We have been calling and trying to get this recall taken care of. Every time we call they never have the parts and "will let us know". Its getting frustrating getting these notices from different sources and not being able to take care of it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11685998

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles, sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

277 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

9

complaints mentioning a crash

8

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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