The 2015 GMC Sierra has 793 NHTSA owner complaints and 6 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is brakes at 208 complaints, typically surfacing around 61,461 miles (~$450 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
6
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2015 Sierra?
Avoid — the brakes
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the brakes was repaired or replaced.
7 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the electrical system
Brakes: 208 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 43,000–75,000 mi
Steering: 87 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 35,000–76,000 mi
Reliability score 5.6/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2015 GMC Sierra? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
brakes — 208 owner reports
· tends to show around 61,461 mi · ~$450 to fix
lighting — 112 owner reports
· tends to show around 21,209 mi · ~$250 to fix
powertrain — 99 owner reports
· tends to show around 56,250 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
steering — 87 owner reports
· tends to show around 57,227 mi · ~$700 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: brakes is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 61,461 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 6 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 5.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2015 Sierra· steering
Steering Suddenly stops working when making a turn and have no control of the steering . Happen 3 times yesterday almost was in a accident. Then starts working again.
Rear sliding glass window defogger contacts are smoking and making sizzling noise. Fire hazard. Had to remove fuse number 10 from engine block to prevent auto start from engaging rear defogger in cold weather, or to prevent defogger switch from being engaged by family member.…
Used the remote start to warm the truck up. Got in and was leaving my driveway and the rear window exploded. Read defrost was on since we received 6+ inches on snow today.
4 months ago the display portrayed a message stating, trailer brake warning, have system checked. Since that time I have attempted on numerous to have my vehicle checked. But as of this date I have not been to have any dealership look at my vehicle. I have been told by…
Had a problem with your 2015 GMC Sierra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks manufactured January 24, 2014, to February 26, 2014, 2015 Chevrolet Suburban vehicles manufactured February 12, 2014 and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles manufactured February 6, 2014, to February 13, 2014
If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2015. 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 15573.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles manufactured November 24, 2014, to November 25, 2014
If the rear axle shaft fractures, the rear wheel may separate from the axle shaft, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axles, and replace any that were improperly heat-treated, free of charge. The recall began on December 17,2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet) or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14892.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, and Yukon XL vehicles, equipped with electric power steering (EPS)
An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering assist motor kit, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14743.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.6 out of 10 based on 793 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2015 GMC Sierra has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2015 GMC Sierra?
On the NHTSA data, the 2015 GMC Sierra is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the brakes was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 7 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the electrical system; Brakes: 208 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 43,000–75,000 mi; Steering: 87 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 35,000–76,000 mi; Reliability score 5.6/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2015 GMC Sierra?
Inspect the brakes first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 208 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 61,461 miles. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2015 GMC Sierra a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 793 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is brakes. Typical failure occurs around 61,461 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2015 GMC Sierra?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is brakes, with 208 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 61,461 miles. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The brakes is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 61,461 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my GMC Sierra has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2015 GMC Sierra?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 793 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $450, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 5 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/GMC/Sierra.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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