Is afm lifter, push rod, and camshaft failure a known issue with the 2015 Gmc Sierra 1500?

27 NHTSA complaints have been filed about afm lifter, push rod, and camshaft failure on the 2015 Gmc Sierra 1500 (2022-06 → 2026-04). Reported component: ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11703847): "The GMC Sierra 1500 started a knocking sound. The collapsed lifter on a AFM cylinder bent a push rod which led to cam failure. Metal fragments are throughout the oil system" Source: NHTSA.

Is service trailer brake system warning message a known issue with the 2015 Gmc Sierra 1500?

12 NHTSA complaints have been filed about service trailer brake system warning message on the 2015 Gmc Sierra 1500 (2022-05 → 2024-05). Reported component: SERVICE BRAKES. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11498119): "Service Trailer Brake System warning keeps coming on every time I start my truck" Source: NHTSA.

Is brake assist loss and hard pedal at low speed a known issue with the 2015 Gmc Sierra 1500?

28 NHTSA complaints have been filed about brake assist loss and hard pedal at low speed on the 2015 Gmc Sierra 1500 (2022-07 → 2026-07). Reported component: SERVICE BRAKES. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11674911): "Starting vehicle in parking lot and backing out of parking space. Brakes failed and truck continued to roll backwards almost hitting a pedestrian. I was able to stop hard on the pedal and stop the vehicle. This has happened several times" Source: NHTSA.

Is power steering assist loss a known issue with the 2015 Gmc Sierra 1500?

13 NHTSA complaints have been filed about power steering assist loss on the 2015 Gmc Sierra 1500 (2022-06 → 2025-12). Reported component: STEERING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11703418): "Loses power steering when vehicle is low speed or stopped. Same details as safety recall 14743 for 2015 gmc sierra" Source: NHTSA.

Is electrical power loss and stall during low-speed turns a known issue with the 2015 Gmc Sierra 1500?

10 NHTSA complaints have been filed about electrical power loss and stall during low-speed turns on the 2015 Gmc Sierra 1500 (2022-05 → 2025-07). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11556046): "The truck completely shut off while making a turn in town. I didn't have any control of the truck, steering or braking ability. In a attempted to restart the truck or regain steering and braking, I cycled the key to no avail" Source: NHTSA.

Is rear defroster overheating and rear window shattering a known issue with the 2015 Gmc Sierra 1500?

11 NHTSA complaints have been filed about rear defroster overheating and rear window shattering on the 2015 Gmc Sierra 1500 (2022-12 → 2026-07). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11720409): "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" Source: NHTSA.

Is roof-rail air bag inflator recall parts delay a known issue with the 2015 Gmc Sierra 1500?

12 NHTSA complaints have been filed about roof-rail air bag inflator recall parts delay on the 2015 Gmc Sierra 1500 (2022-04 → 2023-06). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11475305): "The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V504000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available" Source: NHTSA.

2015 Gmc Sierra 1500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is transmission slip, hard shifting, torque converter failure a known issue with the 2015 Gmc Sierra 1500?

28 NHTSA complaints have been filed about transmission slip, hard shifting, torque converter failure on the 2015 Gmc Sierra 1500 (2022-05 → 2026-02). Reported component: POWER TRAIN. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11630788): "On 12/11/24 I had exited I95N, While traveling down the exit ramp I felt my truck buck, upon the light changing I went to accelerate and the truck transmission slipped and barely got into first gear. I again came to another traffic light and the transmission did the same thing" Source: NHTSA.

The 2015 Gmc Sierra 1500 carries 15 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering axle shaft and electric power assist system. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “AFM lifter, push rod, and camshaft failure.” GMC trucks and SUVs use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — the same algorithm as Chevrolet. Because GMC's lineup is exclusively trucks and SUVs, severe-service intervals apply to most owners (towing, hauling, off-roading). The schedule below surfaces the items most relevant to GMC's truck-focused buyer.

15 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

Campaign #14V819000 · Dec 24, 2014

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Campaign #14V719000 · Oct 11, 2014

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

SEATS

Campaign #14V446000 · Jul 23, 2014

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

Campaign #14V007000 · Jan 13, 2014

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Campaign #15V640000 · Sep 10, 2015

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)

Campaign #14V374000 · Jun 27, 2014

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Campaign #18V586000 · Jul 9, 2018

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

Campaign #19V645000 · Jun 9, 2019

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING

Campaign #19V761000 · Oct 24, 2019

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

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.

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #16V209000 · Dec 4, 2016

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

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.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

Campaign #21V245000 · Aug 4, 2021

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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: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 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Gmc Sierra 1500.

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

AFM lifter, push rod, and camshaft failure

ENGINE

27 NHTSA complaints · 2022-06 → 2026-04

“The GMC Sierra 1500 started a knocking sound. The collapsed lifter on a AFM cylinder bent a push rod which led to cam failure. Metal fragments are throughout the oil system”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11703847

“Truck is equipped with AFM and the lifters failed causing a no -power situation. First happens at 57,000 miles then again at 82,000 miles. Not only was this a dangerous situation, but also a very expensive situation”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11638850

“62,000 MILES. P0307 error. Replaced spark plugs, coil. head removal, lifter replaced and now another bad lifter. Faulty Active Fuel Management Lifter (AFM Lifters) that results in the Valve Train Defect. In shop for lifter repairs.(2nd time) Cost is $3000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11469897

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission slip, hard shifting, torque converter failure

POWER TRAIN

28 NHTSA complaints · 2022-05 → 2026-02

“On 12/11/24 I had exited I95N, While traveling down the exit ramp I felt my truck buck, upon the light changing I went to accelerate and the truck transmission slipped and barely got into first gear. I again came to another traffic light and the transmission did the same thing”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11630788

“Transmission was shuddering and slipping and then completely went out. Would not engage any of the gears. This happened while driving through the mountains without towing anything”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11538225

“I believe the torque converter failed and resulted in the transmission starting to fail. It still goes down the road but shudders when slowly gaining speed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11648765

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Service Trailer Brake System warning message

SERVICE BRAKES

12 NHTSA complaints · 2022-05 → 2024-05

“Service Trailer Brake System warning keeps coming on every time I start my truck”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11498119

“The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the warning message "Service Trailer Brake System" was displayed along with an audible warning chime although no trailer was being towed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11482341

“Trailer brake service alarm. Replaced module under stair tire and dash board. Still in alarm, internet says it’s a common problem with wiring harness failure. Many others have some problem”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11464196

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake assist loss and hard pedal at low speed

SERVICE BRAKES

28 NHTSA complaints · 2022-07 → 2026-07

“Starting vehicle in parking lot and backing out of parking space. Brakes failed and truck continued to roll backwards almost hitting a pedestrian. I was able to stop hard on the pedal and stop the vehicle. This has happened several times”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11674911

“Intermittently with slow driving such as parking maneuvers or creeping slow traffic at stop lights the brake pedal becomes very soft and depresses much more than normal and the brake action is decreased. Sometimes with this soft pedal it sounds like ABS is engaging”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11626023

“Brake pedal effort is increased, pedal gets hard and vehicle is hard to stop. Happens at slow speed. intermittently”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11512595

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering assist loss

STEERING

13 NHTSA complaints · 2022-06 → 2025-12

“Loses power steering when vehicle is low speed or stopped. Same details as safety recall 14743 for 2015 gmc sierra”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11703418

“The contact stated while driving 15 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. A message indicating power steering failure was displayed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11536977

“I started the truck and did not have power steering. If this would have happened while driving it could have been very dangerous. Why is this not a factory recall?”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11475806

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical power loss and stall during low-speed turns

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 NHTSA complaints · 2022-05 → 2025-07

“The truck completely shut off while making a turn in town. I didn't have any control of the truck, steering or braking ability. In a attempted to restart the truck or regain steering and braking, I cycled the key to no avail”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11556046

“When decelerating and turning left the car goes completely dead. First time I just about got killed on the highway. The other two times I knew to put it in neutral & crank the car. No steering no nothing”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11474381

“When parking and turning the wheel the truck stalled, radio turned off and on, ac stopped working, battery reading dropped”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11673860

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear defroster overheating and rear window shattering

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

11 NHTSA complaints · 2022-12 → 2026-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11720409

“I was driving my truck with my family in the car. I turned on the rear window defrost and a few minutes later the rear window blew out and made a loud bang noise. Also a burning smell took over the rear of vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11626068

“It was a very foggy night with lots of mist in the air, so I turned on the defroster to clear fog/dew from the side view mirrors. About 10-15 minutes later I hear a very loud pop inside the truck. It turns out my rear driver side window was completely exploded/shattered”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11499768

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Roof-rail air bag inflator recall parts delay

AIR BAGS

12 NHTSA complaints · 2022-04 → 2023-06

“The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V504000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11475305

“Attempts to get the part replaced have been met with long delays in gets the parts necessary even though the dealer tells me they show plenty in their warehouse in another state. I first called on 3/29/23 and was told 1-8 weeks”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11528088

“2015 GMC SIERRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ROOF RAIL AIRBAG (RRAB) INFLATORS SAFETY RECALL. * RECALL REMEDY IS NOT YET AVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11462443

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 7, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 7, 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 OLS reaches 0% or every 12 months. dexos1-approved synthetic required on Sierra 1500 5.3L/6.2L; dexos2 specified on Duramax diesel.

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. Sierra and Yukon owners running 4x4 should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles 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 pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Towing accelerates pad wear by 30-50%; check more often if towing regularly.

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

DOT 3 brake fluid: test annually, replace when moisture exceeds 3% or fluid is darker than copper.

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Sierra HD and Yukon XL owners in dusty work environments should replace at 15,000 miles.

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)

117 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.

complaints mentioning a crash

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 Gmc Sierra 1500 reflects GMC'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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