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2015 GMC Sierra 2500 Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering pedals and linkages and frontal. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission failure and erratic shifting.” 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.

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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 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 GMC Sierra 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

Transmission failure and erratic shifting

POWER TRAIN

9 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2024-04

“On November 14th, while commuting home from work, my transmission failed while I was stopped at a red light. After the light turned green, my car would not move when I pushed my foot on the gas. The engine would rev up but nothing would happen”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11496331
“The truck is a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 HD. With less than 51,000 miles, the transmission is gone due to a design flaw”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11581697
“2015 GMC SIERRA 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE @ 1800 MILES. AS I WAS DECELERATING FROM APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH TO MAKE A TURN INTO A ROAD THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED AS EXPECTED TO LOW GEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10693290

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Vibration at highway speed in steering and seat

SUSPENSION

5 NHTSA complaints · 2015-12 → 2016-12

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC SIERRA 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10934942
“MY VEHICLE SHAKES AT HIGHWAY SPEED. I CAN FEEL IT IN THE STEERING WHEEL, AND SEAT. VISUALLY I CAN SEE THE BED OF THE TRUCK SHAKE. THE ISSUE HAS NOT GONE AWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10849897
“STEERING WHEEL AND TRUCK VIBRATES/SHAKES AND VARIOUS SPEEDS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10810811

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Dim low-beam headlight illumination

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

56 NHTSA complaints · 2014-11 → 2022-01

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC SIERRA 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE EXTREMELY DIM AND PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM VIEWING THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT A CRASH COULD OCCUR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10924829
“THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING OF THE ROAD WHICH MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE SAFELY AT NIGHT . I HAVE TRIED TO WORK THROUGH GMC THEY CHANGED THE BULBS TO A DIFFERENT VENDOR BUT DIDN'T HELP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10811353
“THE PROJECTION STYLE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE ROADWAY SUFFICIENTLY ENOUGH AT NIGHT TO TRAVEL MORE THAN 30 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10693427

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Diesel fuel pump failure and engine stall

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

12 NHTSA complaints · 2017-09 → 2025-07

“I was driving at approximately 40 MPH on a busy city street, I was going to be getting on the freeway where my speed would be in excess of 70MPH. Suddenly without any warning, my 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Duramax died”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11418447
“THE CP4 FUEL PUMP IMPLODED AND SENT METAL SHARDS THROUGH MY VEHICLES ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11251878
“MY VEHICLE'S ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A VERY BUSY ROAD. I LOST POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES, EVERYTHING. OTHER MOTORISTS WERE SWERVING TO AVOID ME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11021712

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear window defroster thermal event and glass shatter

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 NHTSA complaints · 2019-11 → 2026-03

“The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the defroster was activated, and there was smoke inside the vehicle before the rear glass shattered”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11722449
“I was driving down the road after turning on the rear window defrost. The cab of the truck filled with smoke billowing from the back seat. I pulled over and turned the truck off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11489877
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC SIERRA 2500. WHEN THE CONTACT AUTO STARTED THE VEHICLE, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE REAR WINDOW AND A BURNING ODOR WAS NOTICED. THE CONTACT POWERED OFF THE ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11278480

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electric power steering assist loss

STEERING

7 NHTSA complaints · 2014-07 → 2024-03

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11578502
“POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY GOES OUT ON LOW SPEED, LOW ENGINE RPM, RIGHT HAND TURNS. I HAVE HAD VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE ISSUE FIXED ON MAY 16, 2017”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11019176
“WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING HOSE CAME OFF CAUSING A SUDDEN LOSE OF FLUID RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10611408

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal loss of resistance from booster failure

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2017-07 → 2023-03

“I WAS DRIVING IN MY CITY AND THE BRAKES WERE FINE PRIOR. I WAS COMING UP TO A STOP SIGN AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY BRAKE PEDAL WAS GOING TO THE FLOOR. I COULD NOT STOP WITHIN REASON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11339900
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11500249
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC SIERRA 2500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REVERSED WITH A TRAILER ATTACHED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO OPERATE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11005111

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

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

Raw data + downloads for this 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.

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

Long-life cellulose filter rated 45,000 miles. Trucks driven on unpaved roads or construction sites should 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 (towing 5,000+ lbs regularly, heavy stop-and-go): every 45,000 miles. Normal: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI for 6L80/6L90, Mobil 1 LV ATF HP for 10L80/10L1000.

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

On 4WD models, replace every 45,000 miles. Use GM Auto-Trak II for active 4WD; GM 9986115 for selectable 4WD.

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.

Differential Fluid (front + rear)

Every 50,000 mi

Replace front and rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. G80 limited-slip rear axles 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.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on the L83/L84 5.3L and L86/L87 6.2L V8 are rated 100,000 miles. AFM/DFM cylinder deactivation can cause uneven plug wear — check at 75,000 miles.

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

Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000. Duramax diesel uses ELC (red) — different chemistry, do not mix.

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.

Recommended maintenance

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 1990–2024

How the 117 occupant deaths break down

94

driver deaths

23

passenger deaths

117

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2014 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

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

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

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

6

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 2500 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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