Owners have filed 100 complaints
about the 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 with NHTSA between 2015 and 2026.
The largest single group is the lights.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 30 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 66
Against the median year of the GMC Sierra 2500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 83
16% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 85
50% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2015 compares with every other GMC Sierra 2500
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
812.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1320.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
710.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
914.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
710.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
57.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1320.3%
150,000+ miles
23.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2015peak 5Mar 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2015 GMC Sierra 2500
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
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 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Recalls on the 2015 GMC Sierra 2500
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
21V504000
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
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.
20V736000
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
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.
18V578000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
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.
17V437000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
16V651000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
16V069000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Jena, LACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
Press the pedal feels soft vehicle slightly slows then pedal pressures up and truck instantly stops pedal stays hard for a long time having same issue on 15 tahoe
NHTSA complaint #11510446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
La Center, WAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. I got into the back seat to try to identify what was on fire, and noticed the lines of the rear window defrost system were actually smoldering. Then one of the rear windshield panels exploded in my face. Upon reading online, it looks like a recall was issued for this same problem in Canada but not the USA.
NHTSA complaint #11489877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shepherd, MTFire
POWER TRAIN
Wife and daughter took the pickup to town. While returning home wife noticed a noise from the front end. She slowed down to turn and the whole tire with rotor came off the pickup causing the brake line to get ripped off and stating a fire. Damaged the running board and rocker panel along with the cv axle and other numerous parts.
NHTSA complaint #11458567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shepherd, MTFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
Wife and daughter took the pickup to town. While returning home wife noticed a noise from the front end. She slowed down to turn and the whole tire with rotor came off the pickup causing the brake line to get ripped off and stating a fire. Damaged the running board and rocker panel along with the cv axle and other numerous parts.
NHTSA complaint #11458567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shepherd, MTFire
SERVICE BRAKES
Wife and daughter took the pickup to town. While returning home wife noticed a noise from the front end. She slowed down to turn and the whole tire with rotor came off the pickup causing the brake line to get ripped off and stating a fire. Damaged the running board and rocker panel along with the cv axle and other numerous parts.
NHTSA complaint #11458567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salisbury, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I turned on my rear defroster. I smelled electrical burning and rear window shattered with my 6 month old in the back seat in her car seat. GM states there is a recall which can be referenced as N192220470. Speaking with customer service and dealership the recall is VIN specific and my vehicle is not included in the recall even though the year and make is listed in the recall. Very dangerous, especially when there are passengers in the back seat of the vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11443574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Albany, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
After starting the vehicle, I turned on the rear defrost button and within a few minutes the rear window started producing smoke inside the vehicle. I turned the truck off immediately and then approximately 30 seconds later, the rear window on the passenger side shattered. There is a recall that was issued for this exact problem but when i contacted the dealership, I was informed that the recall applied to Canadian vehicle models only and that there was no recall issued in the U.S. for this problem. I believe that there was a great risk for my family's safety as my child sits directly in front of this window and presented an injury risk to her, as well as the overall fire risk that could have occurred if I had not noticed the issue immediately. There were no warnings before the incident occurred. I had to pay out of pocket to have the window replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11725053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesAlbany, NY
VISIBILITY
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. No warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11722449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarks Hill, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have went to a dealership to try and trade this vehicle in and they have informed me that this vehicles odometer has been rolled back prior to me purchasing it. It was not disclosed to me from Bob Rorhman Hyandia that this had happened.
NHTSA complaint #11713408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 189,458 and the contact stated he discovered on Carfax that mileage was 188,052; however, the contact discovered that the mileage was 112,708.
NHTSA complaint #11713486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesSanta Margarita, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. No warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the Fuel Pump Module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
NHTSA complaint #11672477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Batavia, OH
ENGINE
Blown head gasket. Engine hydro-locked.
NHTSA complaint #11667151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plummer, ID
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Had tailgate switch safety recall completed in June 2024. Beginning November 25th, 2024, tailgate switch began randomly opening tailgate while driving and parked with vehicle turned off. The lower “push button” in attached photo is the one that controls the tailgate. One time while closing tailgate, the switch kept activating repeatedly for nearly a minute before it stopped. We live in the mountains and have been having heavy fog and rain. Contacted dealer and dealer stated that we would be responsible for repair. Contacted dealer on December 2, 2024 and dealer scheduled truck for repair December 18th 2024. Truck is not equipped with any indicator if tailgate comes open. Have to keep tailgate strapped shut at all times now.
NHTSA complaint #11628404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesDavenport, IA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while driving at 45-48 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a vehicle scanner and retrieved diagnostic test code P0420 that indicated an efficient operating below threshold, and the contact cleared the code. Additionally, the contact stated while the exhaust filter was being cleaned, an unknown message was displayed. Upon clearing the code, the check engine warning light illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
NHTSA complaint #11620052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morrison, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electric trailer brake control modular is malfunctioning on my 2015 GMC Sierra Denali 3500. Multiple of sources told me this is a common problem with this generation of GMC.
NHTSA complaint #11604778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morrison, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
Electric trailer brake control modular is malfunctioning on my 2015 GMC Sierra Denali 3500. Multiple of sources told me this is a common problem with this generation of GMC.
NHTSA complaint #11604778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sandston, VA
POWER TRAIN
The truck is a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 HD. With less than 51,000 miles, the transmission is gone due to a design flaw. Around march 8th, the transmission went out when I hydroplanned on a two lane road. Haley GMC Airport was wanting $6700 for a new transmission. I contacted GMC and they offered a 15% discount after raising the price to over $7500. GMC has replaced and volunteered recall on their 2015 1500 and 2015 2500 8 speed transmissions but will not do anything about the 2015 2500 6 speed transmission. The transmission where I received a second opinion advised that they changed the transmission on the 2015 after realizing there was a design flaw. I feel that myself and many others whose transmissions died before 100,000 due to GMC design should not pay full price for a new transmission. If this is not the correct channel, please let me know. thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11581697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlantic, IA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Truck has a CP4 injection pump and they go bad and cost $15,000-$20,000 to repair and if that happens I owe money on the truck and would have to get a loan or figure something out and still have to make a payment on something I can’t even drive! They need to recall it and swap them out to a CP3 and be done with it. Why wait until it cost 10s of thousands of dollars when they can get it done for $3,500 at the most?
NHTSA complaint #11556351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Livingston, TX
POWER TRAIN
Shifting started to make a loud clunking sound. Then the vehicle wouldn't shift out of 3rd gear. The engine check light came on and the code determined it to be a faulty transmission control module (TCM). When looking at the TCM, I also noted that the TCM was very hot and the nearby cable cover had melted. When researching the issue, it was discovered that GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500, years 2009 - 2015 were having this same issue all over the continent. Resulting in a massive back order and leaving drivers stranded. There was no warning lights or sounds before my power train froze up.
NHTSA complaint #11546705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lowell, AR
TIRES
I reached out to manufacture via text, email and no response they just not responding on either Chanel..
NHTSA complaint #11545236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arcadia, IN
ENGINE
While driving down the highway at 60 mph, the truck stumbled then completely died. After coasting to a stop truck would not restart. Towed to a repair shop to find out the Bosch CP 4 fuel pump exploded and contaminated the whole fuel system with metal shavings. A very expensive and lengthy repair. GM has known there is issues with these parts, but has failed to recall and fails to cover repair costs. Other manufacturers using the same part have issued recalls. While I was able to safely the get vehicle to the side of the road, the failure could’ve resulted in an accident causing personal injury or property damage.
NHTSA complaint #11531947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arcadia, IN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving down the highway at 60 mph, the truck stumbled then completely died. After coasting to a stop truck would not restart. Towed to a repair shop to find out the Bosch CP 4 fuel pump exploded and contaminated the whole fuel system with metal shavings. A very expensive and lengthy repair. GM has known there is issues with these parts, but has failed to recall and fails to cover repair costs. Other manufacturers using the same part have issued recalls. While I was able to safely the get vehicle to the side of the road, the failure could’ve resulted in an accident causing personal injury or property damage.
NHTSA complaint #11531947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Red Lion, PA
POWER TRAIN
I am having a issue with a low milage GMC Sierra. The truck is a 2015 with 24,000 miles. When it was produced the truck had a 100,000 mile warranty but has since lasped in time. The transmission on this truck is a 6l90 which has had several know issues that gm is aware of. This service bulletin is just highlight of the issue gm bulletin 19-na-153. I've talked with several transmission shops and event saw a few posted online about the transmission issue, my issue is gm will not stand behind their product, I have contacted GM directly and gotten no where. During my conversation with the GM reps on the phone they did agree the transmission should not have blown at the milage. My truck is garage kept, doesn't go outside in the rain or snow. I know there is a class action for the Allison transmission and the 8 speed but not the 6 speed that I'm aware of.
NHTSA complaint #11523040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jena, LACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
Press the pedal feels soft vehicle slightly slows then pedal pressures up and truck instantly stops pedal stays hard for a long time having same issue on 15 tahoe
NHTSA complaint #11510446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesHealdsburg, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while her husband was driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle lost power steering and power braking functionality. The contact stated that her husband did not see any warning lights being illuminated. The contact stated that her husband pulled over and stopped the vehicle. The vehicle could not be restarted. The contact stated that her husband purchased a fuel head for the diesel engine. The fuel head was replaced, the vehicle was started, and ran for less than a minute when the contact heard loosened nuts and bolts coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle stalled and was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the CP4 had to be replaced with a CP3 Conversion (Part 10904), fuel pump module assembly (Part N10021) and a Duramax Conversion kit (Part 10904). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
NHTSA complaint #11497442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Pleasant, SC
POWER TRAIN
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. I turned off the engine and re-started several times but the car would never move. I eventually gave up and turned over my emergency blinkers and started calling tow trucks. I was stuck in the center lane of a 4-lane road road at a very busy interstate interchange during rush hour. These were incredibly unsafe conditions as the location of my vehicle almost caused several accidents. It took over 3 hours for a tow truck to show up, move my vehicle from the busy road, and tow it to the local dealer. After investigating, the dealer said the transmission pump blew apart of sent metal throughout the transmission and caused it to be inoperable. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to this occurrence.
NHTSA complaint #11496331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,000 milesRobins, IA
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH with the rear defroster activated, there was smoke coming from the window before the window cracked. The contact had taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic who determined that the rear defroster needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall or warranty coverage for the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 131,000.
NHTSA complaint #11493456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winnfield, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Water intrusion from antenna ran down into my wires causing corrosion in my electrical harness. Truck will throw code p2138 and go into reduced power mode. Very dangerous when you are in traffic. Truck will not go over 15mph when this happens. This has been a problem intermittently since I have owned the truck at 119000 miles . Gotten progressively worse.
NHTSA complaint #11490387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
La Center, WAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. I got into the back seat to try to identify what was on fire, and noticed the lines of the rear window defrost system were actually smoldering. Then one of the rear windshield panels exploded in my face. Upon reading online, it looks like a recall was issued for this same problem in Canada but not the USA.
NHTSA complaint #11489877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plainview, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving to work with my workers and I on HWY going 70 mph pickup just turned off on me and no longer started up. Took to Mechanic and said it was the Bosch CP4 failure. Metal debris flooded our entire high-pressure fuel system. Had to get replacement of fuel lines, fuel rails, pump and injectors and the removal/flushing of the fuel tank. Our total repair is over $12,000. which we don't have. Mechanic just finished repairing it after 11 month's but we don't have the $ to get it out from shop.
NHTSA complaint #11479691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shepherd, MTFire
POWER TRAIN
Wife and daughter took the pickup to town. While returning home wife noticed a noise from the front end. She slowed down to turn and the whole tire with rotor came off the pickup causing the brake line to get ripped off and stating a fire. Damaged the running board and rocker panel along with the cv axle and other numerous parts.
NHTSA complaint #11458567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.