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2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 carries 7 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering pedals and linkages and frontal. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “CP4 high-pressure fuel pump failure (Duramax diesel).” 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.

7 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK

Campaign #17V664000 · Oct 19, 2017

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500 trucks equipped with dual fuel tanks. The low fuel level sensor for the front tank may stick causing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.

Risk: If the front tank overfills, the excess pressure may cause the front tank to expand and contact the driveshaft, possibly resulting in a hole in the tank. The hole will leak fuel, which in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear tank fuel pump or update the fuel-level sensor software, as well as inspect the front tank, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2017. Owners may contact GM customer service for Chevrolet 1-800-222-1020 or for GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17399.

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 3500.

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

CP4 high-pressure fuel pump failure (Duramax diesel)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

11 NHTSA complaints · 2017-06 → 2026-07

“I own a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Duramax diesel. At approximately 130,000 miles, the high-pressure CP4 fuel pump failed internally, sending metal shavings throughout the fuel system and contaminating major components”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11751378
“The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the message "Fuel Filter Needed to be Replaced" followed by the "Engine Power Reduced" were displayed on the instrument panel”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11666246
“Bosch CP4 fuel pump failed 400 miles from home leaving us stranded. We were towed in and spent thousands of dollars and 5 weeks to have the truck repaired. Only warning was that the truck was losing power and barely got off the road”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11590505

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Trailer brake system false warning and brake loss

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES

10 NHTSA complaints · 2015-08 → 2024-02

“RANDOMLY WITH NO NEEDED INSTANCE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER READS SERVICE TRAILER BREAK. WITH OR WITHOUT A TRAILER CONNECTED. WITH THE TRAILER CONNECTED THE TRAILER BREAKS FAILS TO OPERATE CAUSING A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11071849
“A WARNING MESSAGE COMES ON THE DASH TELLING THE DRIVER THERE IS A ISSUE WITH THE TRAILER BRAKES, OR WIRING SYSTEM. THE TRAILER BRAKES BECOME INOPERABLE WHEN THIS COMES ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10747566
“MY TRAILER BRAKING SYSTEM GIVES OFF WARNINGS THAT IT'S NOT CONNECTED TO THE TRAILER WHEN I DON'T HAVE THE TRAILER CONNECTED. BUT I WAS TOWING MY TRAILER AND AS I STEPPED ON THE BREAK IT WAS GIVING ME THAT WARNING AND THE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS FAILING TO ENGAGE ON THE TRAILER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11406811

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Dim low-beam headlight visibility

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

7 NHTSA complaints · 2014-12 → 2016-04

“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
“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
“PURCHASED THE 2015 SILVERADO 1500 NEW ON 08/04/2015. ONCE I WAS ABLE TO USE THE HEADLIGHTS I NOTICED THE LACK OF LIGHT OUTPUT ON THEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10748205

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Highway-speed vibration and driveshaft shake

SUSPENSION, POWER TRAIN, WHEELS

9 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2016-03

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND VIBRATED EXTENSIVELY IN THE FRONT. UPON TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS LESS SHAKING, BUT THE STRONG VIBRATION CONTINUED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10787340
“HAS A VIBRATION AT 65, TURNS INTO A BAD SHAKE AT 75”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10818261
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND THE BRAKE PEDAL VIBRATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10734276

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electric power steering assist loss

STEERING

10 NHTSA complaints · 2015-08 → 2025-01

“The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH the "loss of power steering" warning illuminated. The contact felt the steering wheel was hard to turn to the left or right”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11635233
“I HAVE EXPERIENCE A TEMPORARY LOSS OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) ASSIST FOLLOWED BY A SUDDEN RETURN OF EPS ASSIST, PARTICULARLY DURING LOW-SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11013825
“WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH WAY SPEED ( 70 MPH POSTED LIMIT ) AND MAKING A RIGHT HAND LONG SWEEPING TURN THE TRUCKS STEERING WOULD STICK OR LOCK IN THE TURN POSITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10750001

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear window shattering with defroster smoke

VISIBILITY/WIPER

4 NHTSA complaints · 2015-04 → 2025-04

“A rear defrost system malfunctioned and was smoking in the interior of the vehicle followed by the rear glass shattering. The electrical malfunction could have easily started a fire and glass flying around the cab a highway speeds could definitely be hazard”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11652076
“The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the rear window defroster and the window slide began to smoke and there was an abnormal noise”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11451851
“I REMOTE STARTED MY 2015 SILVERADO 3500HD DURAMAX. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES OF IDLE TIME I BEGAN DRIVING THE TRUCK. ABOUT 3/4 MILES DOWN THE ROAD I DETECTED THE SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING OR VERY HOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11195372

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden engine stall and loss of power while driving

ENGINE

10 NHTSA complaints · 2015-02 → 2023-02

“The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost electrical power inadvertently. There were no warning lights illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11457888
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE METAL FRAGMENTS INSIDE THE ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10914012
“ON MONDAY OCTOBER 5, 2015, I WAS DRIVING TRUCK AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON HIGHWAY WHEN SUDDENLY ALL ELECTRONICS WENT BLACK AND COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER ON HIGHWAY. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OF TO SIDE OF ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10780654

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 17, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 17, 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.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

5

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 3500 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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