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2015 Gmc Sierra 3500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Gmc Sierra 3500 carries 7 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering pedals and linkages and frontal. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Insufficient low-beam headlight illumination.” 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.

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 Gmc Sierra 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

Insufficient low-beam headlight illumination

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

37 NHTSA complaints · 2014-11 → 2018-01

“I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW AUGUST 2015. THE HEADLIGHT PROJECTION AND ILLUMINATION ON THIS VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY POOR ESPECIALLY DURING WET ROADS OR RAINING CONDITIONS. I HAVE TO USE THE FOG LIGHTS AT ALL TIMES AND STILL DO NOT HAVE ADEQUATE LIGHTING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10849881
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WAS DEFECTIVE AND DID NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHT COVERAGE. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENGAGE THE HIGH BEAMS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10854991
“THE PROJECTION STYLE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE ROADWAY SUFFICIENTLY ENOUGH AT NIGHT TO TRAVEL MORE THAN 30 MPH. WHILE TRAVELING ON RURAL AND MOUNTAIN ROADS YOU CANNOT SEE FAR ENOUGH TO SEE OBSTRUCTIONS, WILDLIFE OR PEDESTRIANS AT NIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10693427

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Automatic transmission shift anomaly

POWER TRAIN

3 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2015-09

“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. AS I ACCELERATED THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED TO 2ND NORMALLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10693290
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION VIBRATED CAUSING A HESITATION WHEN THE GEARS SHIFTED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE WAS MOST SEVERE WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 40-50 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10747035
“VEHICLE RANDOMLY AND REPEATEDLY SHIFTS INTO NEUTRAL FROM DRIVE, WITOUT ANY INPUT FROM DRIVER, DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. VEHICLE RANDOMLY AND REPEATEDLY LOSES ACCELERATOR PEDAL CONTROL AND FUNCTIONALITY DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10766547

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Roof rail air bag recall parts delay

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2021-12 → 2025-08

“The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that after parking in the driveway and turning off the vehicle, approximately 30 minutes later, the rear passenger’s side roof rail air bag erroneously deployed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11683447
“The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 3500. 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 #11595810
“The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V504000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11444736

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of electric power steering assist

STEERING

5 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
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC SIERRA 3500. THE CONTACT STATED HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT 20-30 MPH AND HAULING A TRAILER, THE DRIVER ENTERED THE HIGHWAY, MADE A RIGHT TURN AND THE VEHICLE LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11325288
“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 →

Trailer brake control system warning light

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2016-03 → 2022-12

“The service trailer brake icon keeps appearing on my screen I’m afraid it’s going to not work properly when towing trailers it’s constantly going on and off I believe it’s the brake control module switch but also could be in the harness”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11495699
“4 weeks ago, constant repeated loud chime and visual warning stating " service trailer brake system". This is constantly alarming and unable to be cancelled or acknowledged throughout the drive. This results in distracted driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11483929
“I HAVE BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER ON MY K3500 TRUCK. RECENTLY THE MESSAGE "CHECK TRAILER WIRING" HAS BEEN COMING ON FREQUENTLY. AT THE SAME TIME, THE BRAKING CONTROLLER SHUTS OFF POWER TO THE TRAILER BRAKES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10852825

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

High-pressure fuel pump failure with power loss

ENGINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2025-04

“I WAS TRAVELING ON A BUSY ROADWAY AT 40 MPH WHEN FUEL FILTER WARNING LIGHT CAME ON SUDDENLY AND VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER - INCLUDING THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11209541
“Vehicle has a cp4 fuel pump. This pump has a high failure rate. Upon failure the vehicle shuts down and cannot be restarted. This can happen at any time and anywhere”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11476314
“The contact owns 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated for approximately a month”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11657768

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 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

Sierra and Yukon 4WD: 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 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

2

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 3500 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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