CarBrief

NHTSA has 794 owner complaints on file for the 2015 GMC Sierra, and brakes are the biggest group[1][2]. The model year also has 15 recalls, and the notice for one of them says owners get a second letter when the remedy is ready[3][4].

794owner complaints[1]
15recalls[3]
17–20MPG combined (EPA)[5]
5★NHTSA overall rating[6]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 794 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Of those, 27 mention a crash, 10 a fire and 12 an injury, and none reports a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component, so the groups below overlap.

Component group Complaints
Brakes[2] 239
Exterior lighting[7] 123
Power train[8] 109
Electrical system[9] 100
Engine[10] 89
Steering[11] 88
Unknown or other[12] 71
Air bags[13] 42

Brakes. The median mileage at failure in brake complaints is 56,000[2]. In a sample of 12 brake complaints we read, 6 describe a brake pedal that is very hard to push and 2 more describe a truck that was hard to stop[2]. Two of them say a dealer found a failed pump[2]. Recall 19V645 below covers a vacuum pump that can lose strength over time[14].

Exterior lighting. The median mileage in these complaints is only 1,000[7]. In a sample of 12 lighting complaints we read, 10 describe headlights that are too dim or do not light far enough ahead at night[7].

Power train. In a sample of 12 power train complaints we read, 4 describe the truck acting as if it slipped into neutral and lost drive power, and 3 describe slipping or hesitation when taking off or shifting[8]. Recall 14V374 below covers a transfer case that can shift to neutral[15].

Electrical system. In a sample of 12 electrical complaints we read, 4 are about headlight visibility again and 2 are about a touchscreen that is too bright at night[9]. Two more describe a loss of power or steering assist[9].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 15 recalls for this model year[3]. Each notice covers certain vehicles, often several models, so check the VIN of a specific truck. Newest first:

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. All the ratings below are for automatic transmissions. The annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the truck was new.

Engine Drive City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
4.3L 6-cylinder[5] Rear-wheel 18 / 24 / 20 $3,350
4.3L 6-cylinder[28] 4-wheel 17 / 22 / 19 $3,550
5.3L 8-cylinder[29] Rear-wheel 16 / 23 / 19 $3,550
5.3L 8-cylinder[30] 4-wheel 16 / 22 / 18 $3,700
6.2L 8-cylinder[31] Rear-wheel 15 / 21 / 17 $3,950
6.2L 8-cylinder[32] 4-wheel 15 / 21 / 17 $3,950

The 5.3L rows are the same on regular gasoline as on gasoline or E85[33][34]. The cab chassis versions rate lower, at 17 or 18 combined MPG[35][36][37][38].

Safety ratings

NHTSA lists the same star ratings for all six configurations it tested: 5 stars overall, 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars for rollover[6][39][40][41][42][43]. The rollover risk is 17.4% for the 4WD versions[6][39][40] and 17.9% for the rear-wheel-drive versions[41][42][43].

Engine and size

The EPA ratings above list three engines: a 4.3L 6-cylinder[5], a 5.3L 8-cylinder[29] and a 6.2L 8-cylinder[31]. The 4.3L and 5.3L are listed with an Automatic 6-spd and the 6.2L with an Automatic 8-spd[5][29][31].

The dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US trucks. Width is 80 in and height is 74 in for every version listed[44][45][46][47][48][49].

Version Length Wheelbase Curb weight
Crew cab M/BOX 2WD[44] 235 in 153 in 5,161 lb
Crew cab M/BOX 4X4[45] 235 in 153 in 5,359 lb
Crew cab M/BOX Denali[46] 235 in 153 in 5,324 lb
Crew cab S/BOX 2WD[47] 226 in 144 in 5,073 lb
Crew cab S/BOX 4X4[48] 226 in 144 in 5,278 lb
Crew cab S/BOX Denali[49] 226 in 144 in 5,227 lb

How 2015 compares with other years

1995: 264 complaints, 6 recalls19951996: 251 complaints, 2 recalls1997: 321 complaints, 3 recalls1998: 249 complaints, 2 recalls1999: 758 complaints, 6 recalls19992000: 624 complaints, 9 recalls2001: 404 complaints, 6 recalls2002: 428 complaints, 5 recalls2003: 387 complaints, 7 recalls20032004: 412 complaints, 9 recalls2005: 298 complaints, 10 recalls2006: 203 complaints, 4 recalls2007: 341 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 467 complaints, 4 recalls2009: 278 complaints, 5 recalls2010: 212 complaints, 4 recalls2011: 355 complaints, 7 recalls20112012: 146 complaints, 5 recalls2013: 163 complaints, 6 recalls2014: 858 complaints, 20 recalls2015: 794 complaints, 15 recalls79420152016: 379 complaints, 10 recalls2017: 431 complaints, 6 recalls2018: 322 complaints, 7 recalls2019: 684 complaints, 10 recalls20192020: 492 complaints, 12 recalls2021: 594 complaints, 7 recalls2022: 597 complaints, 6 recalls2023: 492 complaints, 3 recalls20232024: 377 complaints, 4 recalls2025: 130 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 148 complaints, 5 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Sierra model year. The 2015 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19952646
19962512
19973213
19982492
19997586
20006249
20014046
20024285
20033877
20044129
200529810
20062034
20073414
20084674
20092785
20102124
20113557
20121465
20131636
201485820
201579415
201637910
20174316
20183227
201968410
202049212
20215947
20225976
20234923
20243774
20251302
20261485

The 2015 model year has 794 complaints and 15 recalls[3]. Across the Sierra model years from 1995 to 2026, only 2014 has more of both, with 858 complaints and 20 recalls[3]. The next highest complaint counts belong to 1999 with 758 and 2019 with 684[3]. The next highest recall count after 2014 and 2015 is 12, in 2020[3].

The 2016 model year has 379 complaints and 10 recalls, and 2013 has 163 and 6[3]. These counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold. Compare them only as rough signals within the Sierra[3].

Should you buy a used 2015 Sierra?

This model year sits near the top of the Sierra range for both complaints and recalls[3]. Brake complaints are the largest group, and a recall exists for the brake vacuum pump, though NHTSA crash ratings are 5 stars overall[2][14][6]. Ask for proof that the recall repairs were done. The roof-rail air bag recall 21V504 says owners get a second letter when the remedy is available, so confirm with a dealer that the repair can be done[4]. Fuel use is the other thing to weigh, since EPA combined ratings run from 17 to 20 MPG depending on engine[5][31].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2015 GMC Sierra?
Brakes are the largest complaint group in NHTSA data with 239 of 794 complaints, followed by exterior lighting with 123[1][2][7]. In the complaints we sampled, owners describe a hard brake pedal and dim headlights[2][7].
How many recalls does the 2015 GMC Sierra have?
NHTSA lists 15 recalls for the 2015 model year[3]. They cover air bags, seat belts, brakes, steering, ignition, the rear axle, seats, the transfer case and exhaust heat[4][18][14][19][23][24][26][15][27].
What is the gas mileage of the 2015 GMC Sierra?
EPA combined ratings range from 17 to 20 MPG[5][31][32]. The 4.3L rear-wheel-drive version gets 20 combined and the 6.2L versions get 17[5][31][32].
Is the 2015 GMC Sierra the worst Sierra year?
Only 2014 has more complaints and recalls, at 858 and 20, compared with 794 and 15 for 2015[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales.
What safety rating does the 2015 GMC Sierra have?
NHTSA gives 5 stars overall, frontal and side, and 4 stars for rollover[6][41].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 794 owner complaints on file for the 2015 GMC Sierra (27 mention a crash, 10 a fire, 12 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 239 complaints name the brakes component group (16 crashes, 2 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every GMC Sierra model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 21V504, filed July 1, 2021: Air Bags › Side / Window › Curtain › Inflator. NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Sierra C15 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 4WD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 123 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 1,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 109 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 100 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 7 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 46,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 89 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 88 complaints name the steering component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 46,140). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 71 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 4 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 42 complaints name the air bags component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 33,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. Recall 19V645, filed September 6, 2019: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 14V374, filed June 27, 2014: Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive). NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 21V245, filed April 8, 2021: Seat Belts › Front. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 20V736, filed November 25, 2020: Air Bags › Side / Window › Curtain › Inflator. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 19V761, filed October 24, 2019: Service Brakes. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 18V586, filed September 7, 2018: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 17V437, filed July 10, 2017: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
  21. Recall 16V651, filed September 8, 2016: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
  22. Recall 16V209, filed April 12, 2016: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
  23. Recall 15V640, filed October 9, 2015: Electrical System › Ignition. NHTSA recall database
  24. Recall 14V819, filed December 24, 2014: Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft. NHTSA recall database
  25. Recall 14V719, filed November 10, 2014: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  26. Recall 14V446, filed July 23, 2014: Seats. NHTSA recall database
  27. Recall 14V007, filed January 13, 2014: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System. NHTSA recall database
  28. EPA rating for Sierra K15 4WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  29. EPA rating for Sierra C15 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  30. EPA rating for Sierra K15 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  31. EPA rating for Sierra C15 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  32. EPA rating for Sierra K15 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  33. EPA rating for Sierra C15 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  34. EPA rating for Sierra K15 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  35. EPA rating for Sierra C15 Cab Chassis 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  36. EPA rating for Sierra C15 Cab Chassis 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  37. EPA rating for Sierra K15 Cab Chassis 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  38. EPA rating for Sierra K15 Cab Chassis 4WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 20 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  39. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC 4WD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  40. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/RC 4WD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  41. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  42. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/RC RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  43. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  44. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SIERRA 1500 CREW CAB M/BOX 2WD: length 235 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 153 in, curb weight 5,161 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  45. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SIERRA 1500 CREW CAB M/BOX 4X4: length 235 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 153 in, curb weight 5,359 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  46. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SIERRA 1500 CREW CAB M/BOX DENALI: length 235 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 153 in, curb weight 5,324 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  47. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SIERRA 1500 CREW CAB S/BOX 2WD: length 226 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 144 in, curb weight 5,073 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  48. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SIERRA 1500 CREW CAB S/BOX 4X4: length 226 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 144 in, curb weight 5,278 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  49. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SIERRA 1500 CREW CAB S/BOX DENALI: length 226 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 144 in, curb weight 5,227 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.