Skip to content
WrenchConnect

2015 GMC Sierra 1500
Common Problems

Ranked from 342 federal NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.

2
Safety
7
High severity
4
Medium
3
Low
2 problems on this vehicle involve a crash, fire, or injury risk. If you are experiencing one, stop driving and have it inspected.

16 Common Problems

Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.

Sort by
  1. 1

    Headlights produce insufficient illumination

    227complaints
    Safety riskOther

    Headlights provide inadequate light, especially at night or in poor weather conditions, leading to poor visibility.

    $100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.52 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  2. 2

    Brake Vacuum Pump Failure

    53complaints
    High severityBrakes

    The brake vacuum pump fails, causing the brake pedal to become hard and non-responsive, especially at low speeds.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes

    Related recalls: 19V645000, 19V761000

  3. 3

    Service Brakes Failing to Stop the Vehicle Properly

    30complaints
    Safety riskBrakes

    The service brakes fail to stop the vehicle properly, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of accidents.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes

    Related recalls: 19V645000, 19V761000

  4. 4

    Dim Headlights

    28complaints
    High severityElectrical

    Headlights are excessively dim, reducing visibility during nighttime driving.

    $100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.52 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  5. 5

    Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure

    12complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine stalls at idle and loses power when transitioning from stop-start mode.

    $150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  6. 6

    Air bag recall issues

    9complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    Recall repairs for air bags have not been completed in a timely manner.

  7. 7

    Brake Pedal Becomes Soft and Ineffective at Low Speeds

    2complaints
    High severityBrakes

    At low speeds, the brake pedal becomes soft and ineffective, increasing stopping distance and risk of accidents.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes

    Related recalls: 19V645000, 19V761000

  8. 8

    Brake System Failure Leading to Loss of Braking Power

    2complaints
    High severityBrakes

    The brake system fails, causing the vehicle to become difficult to stop, especially at low speeds.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes

    Related recalls: 19V645000, 19V761000

  9. 9

    Defective Trailer Brake System Warning

    2complaints
    Low severityOther

    The trailer brake system warning appears intermittently without a connected trailer, causing distraction and potential safety issues.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  10. 10

    Engine Lifter Failure Causing Power Loss

    2complaints
    High severityEngine

    Engine lifters fail, causing the engine to lose power and potentially seize up, leading to complete shutdown.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 15 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  11. 11

    Engine Performance Issues

    2complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The engine experiences reduced power and stalling during operation.

  12. 12

    Recall Incomplete for Airbag Replacement

    2complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    The recall for airbag replacement is incomplete, despite the manufacturer exceeding a reasonable time frame for repair.

  13. 13

    Service Trailer Brakes Warning

    2complaints
    Low severityBrakes

    The service trailer brake system warning appears intermittently on the dashboard.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes

    Related recalls: 19V645000, 19V761000

  14. 14

    Steering Failure Causing Difficulty in Maneuvering

    2complaints
    High severitySteering

    The power steering fails, making it difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at low speeds.

    Related recall: 18V586000

  15. 15

    Transmission Jerks and Hesitates When Shifting Gears

    2complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    The transmission jerks and hesitates when shifting gears, causing the vehicle to shake and stall.

    $200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 18 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  16. 16

    Visibility and Wiper Issues

    2complaints
    Low severityOther

    Defroster and wiper systems malfunction, affecting visibility and safety during winter conditions.

Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.