CSR

GMC · NHTSA safety record

2015 GMC Sierra 3500

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

30

Complaints

1

Crashes

1

Fires

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2015 GMC Sierra 3500 have filed 30 safety complaints with NHTSA between February 2015 and August 2025. The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 6 of them (20%). The typical failure was reported at 40,000 miles, the median across the 21 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 7 recalls covering this vehicle. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Recalls (7)

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

21V504000 · July 1, 2021

The defect
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.
The 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.
The remedy
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.

General Motors, LLC · up to 410,019 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

20V736000 · November 25, 2020

The defect
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.
The 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.
The remedy
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.

General Motors LLC · up to 9,279 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

18V578000 · August 30, 2018

The defect
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.
The 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.
The remedy
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.

General Motors LLC · up to 42,280 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK

17V664000 · October 19, 2017

The defect
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.
The 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.
The remedy
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.

General Motors LLC · up to 35,292 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

17V437000 · July 10, 2017

The defect
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.
The 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.
The remedy
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.

General Motors LLC · up to 40,683 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

16V651000 · September 8, 2016

The defect
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.
The 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.
The remedy
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.

General Motors LLC · up to 3,640,162 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

16V069000 · February 5, 2016

The defect
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.
The 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.
The remedy
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.

General Motors LLC · up to 430,771 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (1)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

EA21002

Still open engineering analysis · opened September 17, 2021

the air bags

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.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 30.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6 20%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 6 20%
ENGINE 4 13%
AIR BAGS 3 10%
SERVICE BRAKES 3 10%
STEERING 3 10%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 3 10%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2 7%
VISIBILITY/WIPER 2 7%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 1 3%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 1 3%
POWER TRAIN 1 3%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2017 at 7.

2015 2017 2025
2015 to 2025

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

SERVICE BRAKES

1 injured · crash · 43,000 miles

AFTER 3 ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THE BRAKE PROBLEM BY GREINER GM. THE LAST TIME I DROVE THIS TRUCK THE BRAKES LOCKED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HWY FOR NO REASON TRUCK WAS BROUGHT BACK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY HAVE HAD GM SPECIALIST CHECK IT OUT AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE TRUCK IS UN REPAIRABLE , I AM SEEKING A BUY BACK FROM GM AS OF 10/15/20 DEALER INFO: GREINER GMC. SERVICE MANAGER : GABRIEL DURON SERVICE MANAGER GREINER BUICK GMC (760)245-3452 EXT 207

NHTSA complaint 11365584. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN

fire · 40,000 miles

MY VEHICLE IS BEING HACKED AND CONTROLLED BY OTHER DRIVERS USING CELL PHONES TO GAIN ACCESS TO MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING! , AND WHEN PASSING OR SITTING IN TRAFFIC! THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER SIX MONTHS NOW, EVERY DAY! ALL DAY LONG!! HAVE CONTACTED GMC OVER AND OVER, HAVE BEEN TO THEIR SHOPS OVER AND OVER! , THEY LAUGH AT ME , AND TELL ME NOTHING IS WRONG EVERY TIME. FCC, ONSTAR, S. XM RADIO, ALL REFUSE TO HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM, OVER AND OVER , MY VEHICLE STARTS TO SMOKE WHEN THEY ARE DOING THIS, THEY ARE BESIDE ME LAUGHING WITH THEIR CELL PHONES IN HAND. I AM GOING TO RECORD THIS AND THEN FILE SUIT AGAINST EVERY ONE OF THEM!!!!

NHTSA complaint 10949520. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

towed · 106,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC SIERRA 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH A KNOCKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND HEAVY SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE PISTON FRACTURED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER FAIR GROUNDS GMC (100 FAIRGROUNDS RD, ROLLA MO) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint 11302285. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING

towed · 33,000 miles

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. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CAVENDER BUICK GMC WEST (7400 TX-1604 LOOP, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78254) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE DRIVER WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED THE FAILURE TO (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V719000 (STEERING) HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.

NHTSA complaint 11325288. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

155,000 miles

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. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V504000 (AIR BAGS). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 155,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA complaint 11683447. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS
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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint 11595810. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

48,815 miles

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle abruptly lost motive power and decelerated to 25 MPH. The contact stated that the message “Engine Power Reduced” was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, but always occurred while driving at high speeds. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,815,

NHTSA complaint 11567785. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 just want Gm to be aware of the many blogs that I have read about with this problem The problem first appeared about two months ago

NHTSA complaint 11495699. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

120,000 miles

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, another vehicle merged into the lane that the contact was driving in and the contact pressed on the horn pad however, there was no sound coming from the horn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the horn was replaced. The contact stated the failure had occurred several times and the horn was replaced each time. The manufacturer was contacted and stated there was no recall related to the failure and offered no additional assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA complaint 11485685. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
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. Furthermore, it occurs both when towing a trailer or not towing. I have noticed decreased braking of the trailer as well. Have not gone to dealer yet.

NHTSA complaint 11483929. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the GMC Sierra 3500

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2025 16 1
2024 43 3
2023 28 1
2022 31 3
2021 20 5
2020 51 8
2019 13 7
2018 14 6
2017 13 7
2016 19 6
2013 14 4
2012 9 4
2011 20 5

Other 2015 GMC models

Every GMC on this site — 144 vehicles, 425 recall campaigns and 3 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst