2015 GMC Sierra problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 816 owner complaints on file for the 2015 GMC Sierra, filed between 2014-07-18 and 2026-09-22. The most common problem areas are the service brakes (231, 28%), exterior lighting (130, 16%) and power train (115, 14%). Owners reported 29 crashes, 10 fires and 14 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 15 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2015 GMC Sierra complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 231 | 28% | 16 | 2 | 3 |
| Exterior lighting | 130 | 16% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 115 | 14% | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 104 | 13% | 2 | 7 | 0 |
| Steering | 91 | 11% | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| Engine | 87 | 11% | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 72 | 9% | 0 | 4 | 2 |
| Air bags | 43 | 5% | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| Structure | 32 | 4% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 21 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 19 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 16 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 15 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 14 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 12 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Service brakes: 231 complaints
- 231 complaints of 816 (28%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 11 of them also name the steering; owners reported 16 crashes, 2 fires and 3 injuries in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2015 GMC Sierra; the latest, campaign 19V761000, says: “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…”
Exterior lighting: 130 complaints
- 130 complaints of 816 (16%) name the exterior lighting — headlights, tail and brake lights and turn signals.
- 8 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 GMC Sierra covers this system.
Power train: 115 complaints
- 115 complaints of 816 (14%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 14 of them also name the engine; owners reported 2 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2015 GMC Sierra; the latest, campaign 14V819000, says: “Due to an improper heat-treatment, the rear axle shaft may fracture while the vehicle is being driven.”
Electrical system: 104 complaints
- 104 complaints of 816 (13%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 28 of them also name the steering; owners reported 2 crashes and 7 fires in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2015 GMC Sierra; the recall, campaign 15V640000, says: “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.”
Steering: 91 complaints
- 91 complaints of 816 (11%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 28 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 4 crashes and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2015 GMC Sierra; the latest, campaign 18V586000, says: “Electric power steering (EPS) assist may be lost momentarily, followed by a sudden return of EPS assist.”
Engine: 87 complaints
- 87 complaints of 816 (11%) name the engine.
- 16 of them also name the steering; owners reported 1 crash and 2 fires in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2015 GMC Sierra; the recall, campaign 14V007000, says: “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…”
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2015 | 38 |
| 2016 | 95 |
| 2017 | 64 |
| 2018 | 109 |
| 2019 | 148 |
| 2020 | 66 |
| 2021 | 65 |
| 2022 | 69 |
| 2023 | 46 |
| 2024 | 34 |
| 2025 | 51 |
| 2026 | 26 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names SIERRA, SIERRA 1500, model year 2015. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2015 GMC Sierra recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 GMC Sierra?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2015 GMC Sierra's most common problem areas are the service brakes (231 of 816 complaints), exterior lighting (130 of 816 complaints) and power train (115 of 816 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2015 GMC Sierra have?
NHTSA has 816 owner complaints on file for the 2015 GMC Sierra, including 29 reported crashes and 10 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2015 GMC Sierra's problems?
NHTSA lists 15 recalls for the 2015 GMC Sierra; 5 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.