205 of the
11,357 complaints filed about the GMC Sierra 1500
are about the glass, mirrors and wipers —
2% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2015.
205
Complaints
2%
Share of all complaints
2
Crashes
12
Fires
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers complaints by model year
A small drip started approximately 18 months ago from top middle of left side window in rear slider. It was first mistaken as blow by from car wash. Leaking slowly progressed to dripping down middle of both side windows in rear sliders. Leaking progressed to drops coming from under headliner then dropping on side portions of rear slider. It then would drip onto seat or behind seats. Leakage was consistent with TSB 18-NA-383 as well as 20-NA-142 and 24-NA-103. In discussing with dealership, they recommended likely microfractures and sealant process called for in bulletins would likely resolve matter. As due diligence, spoke with independent glass shop to confirm. Glass shop indicated would not know until physically checked cracks/source of leak and looked for damage but based upon photos it appeared to be several frame fractures consistent with bulletins. I arranged rear slider replacement through independent shop. Upon pulling OEM slider, numerous stress cracks and fractures were noted. These included stain marks from water intrusion. Photos included showing original leaking as well as sample of cracks in original OEM plastic frame portion.
NHTSA complaint #11756237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
my rear window defrost turned on when i auto started my pickup. i realized it was on after about a half hour and looked back and my drivers side of the rear sliding window was shattered completely
NHTSA complaint #11749832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The plastic upper rail glass guide frame on the rear sliding window assembly of my 2023 GMC Sierra developed structural micro-cracks during normal vehicle operation. This manufacturing defect is a known issue tracked internally by the manufacturer under Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #18-NA-383.This structural failure allows severe water intrusion into the passenger cabin. The leaking water runs straight down the inside back wall of the cab, completely flooding and corroding sensitive, factory-installed electronic safety modules mounted directly beneath the leak path.This continuous water intrusion caused the catastrophic electrical failure and corrosion of the video processing control module located behind the rear seat. The sudden failure of this module completely disabled the rearview digital mirror camera and the 360-degree perimeter driver assistance cameras, creating immediate blind spots and an active driving safety hazard while operating the vehicle.The vehicle was inspected and repaired by an authorized dealership, confirming the rear window leak as the direct cause of the electronic destruction. The out-of-pocket cost to replace the water-damaged safety components was $2,747.00. Because the manufacturer refused to cover the replacement of the defective rear glass assembly, the structural leak remains unresolved. This active water intrusion continues to flood the cabin, creating a health hazard via mold growth and guaranteeing that the newly replaced safety cameras will inevitably short-circuit and fail again.
NHTSA complaint #11743475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
top grill deflector flew off at highway speeds creating a safety hazard for me and others in the highway. 2022 GMC Sierra with the same part and grill was previously recalled for this identical issue. 2022-2026 models have the same problem and should be included in the recall. Please see Safety Recall N242490120
NHTSA complaint #11742651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Truck was started using auto start and I drove roughly a mile down the road smelt burning and looked in the back seat, I saw smoke and promptly pulled to the side of the road shut the vehicle off then I heard a loud pop and saw the back drivers side window shattered.
NHTSA complaint #11737629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The frame of the back window is cracking allowing water to come in through the back glass. This is causing the headliner and other components such as air bags and other electrical components to get wet and damaged. This could cause risk of fire or failure of safety components within the vehicle such as air bags, cameras and other sensors. With water intrusion comes the high risk for mold to develop and cause serious health risks. GMC is aware of this issue and will not agree to repair it. A GMC dealer has inspected the glass and said it was a faulty seal but since it's not in the 3 year warranty window, it's not covered. Independent auto glass companies state they have seen this issue many times and the glass seal is faulty. GMC should do the right thing and fix this issue. This devalues the vehicle and the GMC brand and poses serious risks to driver. I have created a case with GMC and submitted photos, videos and dealership estimates for proof.
NHTSA complaint #11726576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The rear window on my 2017 GMC Sierra shattered unexpectedly without any impact. The vehicle had been remote started in very cold weather and the rear window glass suddenly shattered while the truck was parked. There was no rock strike or external damage that would explain the failure. I later learned about GM Customer Satisfaction Program N192265660 regarding rear window defroster thermal events affecting certain 2014–2019 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado trucks. Based on the sudden failure and the conditions at the time, this appears consistent with that issue. The Auto Rear Defog feature in the vehicle settings was turned off, however the truck had been started using the remote start feature when the glass shattered. Photos of the shattered window are available. I am submitting this report because the rear window defroster system may cause the glass to overheat and shatter unexpectedly.
NHTSA complaint #11725091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the defrost was turned on, but the defrost failed to function as intended. There was a loud pop, and there was brown and yellow smoke in the rear of the vehicle. The contact turned off the defroster. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact exited the vehicle and inspected it. The contact stated that the rear driver's side sliding glass was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,200.
NHTSA complaint #11722013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that there was an unknown failure with the front and rear cameras. The driver's and passengers' side mirror indicators remained illuminated but occasionally failed to operate. There was a glare that was shining into the vehicle while it was raining and driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown module was not operating as needed. The rear wiring harness was replaced. The seat module and transmission were repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The Attorney General was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.
NHTSA complaint #11721762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while the defroster was activated to clear the windshield, the blower vents on the passenger’s side started making an abnormal hissing sound, and air produced by the blower motor decreased and was inadequate to clear the windshield. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while there was light snow covering the hood and on the outside vents underneath the windshield. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer several times, and the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.
NHTSA complaint #11720880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While using the rear defrost my daughter smelled burning. Moments after the smell the rear window exploded. This is a sliding three part window and it shattered on the passenger side. My daughter was hit by the exploding glass.
NHTSA complaint #11715880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a rough idle code, and that the thermostat coolant housing had failed. The contact was provided DTC codes: B1A76 with failure Code 0X15 (pending), P05D, U0075, U0101, U0146, U020C, U0265, U1614, and U1616, and the codes were active. The vehicle was repaired. The contact picked up the vehicle from the dealer after hours, and when the contact started the vehicle, the abnormal knocking sound was still coming from the engine. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that when the A/C was turned off, the abnormal sound ceased. Additionally, the contact performed the oil changes on the vehicle and noticed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that there were no oil stains on the ground. The contact needed to add oil every 800 to 1,000 miles driven. The vehicle was taken to O'Reilly's Chevrolet, located at 6160 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ, for a diagnostic test, and it was determined that the air compressor had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle remained at the dealer pending the repair. The contact stated that when the A/C was activated, the knocking sound in the engine compartment returned. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
NHTSA complaint #11709368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
If truck has a “dusting of snow” on it, blower motor for defrost and heat retracts to absolute “low” setting to supposedly protect the blower motor. Have been caught driving in snow, and defrost couldn’t keep up with keeping windshield defrosted due to this behavior. Had to pull over on expressway to clean vents on the cowl from snow in order for the defrost to work properly. According to GM, this is normal behavior. In fact this is extremely dangerous and should be investigated and a recall to repair should be made. Having to pull over to remove snow from the cowl, open the hood to clear the other vents is not safe.
NHTSA complaint #11708721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2025 GMC Sierra 1500. The rearview camera is inoperable at night (image is too dark). Brought vehicle into to purchasing dealer with complaint. After service, I was told that there was nothing they could do to correct the issue. I then contacted GMC customer service. They advised to bring the vehicle to a different dealer and upon completion to contact customer service again. I did as advised and took the vehicle to a second dealership with the same result. As you are aware, this is a violation of federal law and a serious safety issue for small children, pets or any object behind the vehicle in the dark. Based on what I have been able to discover there are many people with this same complaint. GM is not addressing this issue and is as unwilling to assist others as they have been to assist me.
NHTSA complaint #11707086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The windshield defroster and heater blower speed reduces and/or shuts off shortly after accelerating to highway range speeds. Blowing snow from Alaska roads will melt and refreeze on the windshield reducing visibility creating a safety hazard. The truck has not been successfully repaired after multiple and lengthy attempts. The heated steering wheel also malfunctions intermittently. The blower motor does seem to come back up to speed when vehicle speed is reduced to city speeds but is intermittent also.
NHTSA complaint #11706974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. While the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that there was smoke coming from the rear window and the window shattered. The contact stated that the defroster was operating during the failure. The contact stated that the shattered glass had fallen on the contact's minor son, who was seated in the rear seat. The son had not sustained any injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was previously performed and covered under the warranty. The contact was informed that the current repair was not covered under warranty. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,800.
NHTSA complaint #11705584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air conditioning system became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the air conditioning system failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the air conditioning condenser had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11705563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The morning of December 12th, 2025 I used my vehicle to transport my daughter approximately 5 miles round trip from our home to drop her off at daycare and then I returned home. I used my front and rear defrost elements to expedite removal of heavy condensation which had formed on all windows overnight. This was approximately 7 AM. I parked my truck in the driveway and went inside until approximately 11:45 AM when I went to leave in my truck and noticed the rear sliding window had shattered. The window shattered and distributed tempered glass fragments all over the inside of the cab. Only approximately 10% of the window remained intact. I then reviewed the security camera footage from my driveway and discovered that the window failed entirely on its own with nothing hitting/striking/touching the window, nor any humans or animals in the vicinity. I attempted to take the vehicle to a GMC service department this morning (Dec 13) but due to their demand to keep the vehicle for 2-3 days to investigate yet unable to provide a loaner vehicle, I was unable to leave the vehicle in their possession and returned home. I plan to continue to contact GMC dealership service departments in hope I can find one which can provide a loaner vehicle, as I will need transportation to and from work in the coming days. I do have video footage of the incident although I am unable to add it below.
NHTSA complaint #11704848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The backup camera in the dark on this vehicle is unusable. Someone will eventually run someone over. I have added brighter lights everywhere on the back of the vehicle and the camera is still useless at night. The dealer told me it looked fine to them (they checked it in a lit garage). There are hundreds of complaints across all forums.
NHTSA complaint #11703585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.