This technical bulletin provides a procedure to lube the rear leaf springs on vehicles with the condition of a squeak noise originating from the rear of the vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 GMC Sierra suspension problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 GMC Sierra have filed 15 NHTSA complaints about the suspension, typically surfacing around 11,761 miles at roughly $900 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See suspension across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
| Model year | suspension complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Sierra | 11 |
| 2013 Sierra | 10 |
| 2014 Sierra | 23 |
| 2015 Sierra (this page) | 15 |
| 2017 Sierra | 10 |
| 2018 Sierra | 5 |
| 2019 Sierra | 7 |
What stands out
Among the 17 model years of GMC Sierra in our records for suspension problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering suspension on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This technical bulletin provides repair information for the re-torque of leaf spring bolts to correct a customer concern for a clunking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin provides repair information for the re-torque of leaf spring bolts to correct a customer concern for a clunking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe two dominant problem areas: vibration and fastener/noise issues. Vibration between 45 and 80 mph starts as early as 3,000 miles and worsens over time. Dealers attempt tire balancing, tire replacement, and road force balancing without permanent results; one owner made five dealer trips before resolution remained elusive. Another owner had rear suspension and tires replaced at 4,200 miles only to have the vibration recur.
Loose rear leaf spring bolts generate clunking and squeaking that GM's service bulletin addresses by re-torquing to spec—but the noise returns within weeks or months. One owner took the truck to the dealer four times in the warranty period and remains frustrated that GM claims nothing else can be done. Dealers also report dirt and debris between leaf spring pads causing squeaks; cleaning and lubrication provide temporary relief only. Leaf springs also pop and groan at low speeds and in reverse, with GM stating this behavior is normal.
Rust appears early and aggressively—fuel tank cross members rusting through, shock mount tubes corroding away completely, and surface rust visible on underbody components at 3,000 miles. One owner notes this is abnormal for a relatively new truck. Premature tire failure (large tread separation at 2,416 miles) and rough ride quality requiring strut and shock replacement at 69,000 miles round out the suspension complaints.
Same GMC Sierra suspension reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Vibration at highway speeds
Owners report persistent vibration during highway driving (45–80 mph range), sometimes recurrent after multiple dealer attempts to resolve it. One owner experienced the issue starting at 3,000 miles and worsening over time.
When: 3,000–24,000 miles; some at 18,000 miles after multiple repair attempts
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration at 45–80 mph; Vibration worsens with speed; Cabin vibration affecting seat; Driver fatigue and distraction
Repairs/costs cited: Tire balance, tire replacement, road force balance attempted; some vibrations recurred within 3,000 miles of repair. One dealer replaced rear suspension and tires without permanent fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer stated vehicle operates as designed; no TSB details provided by owner
Loose rear leaf spring fasteners
Owners report noise from rear suspension components, diagnosed as loose leaf spring bolts. Multiple dealer visits for re-torquing to GM specs have not permanently resolved the issue; noise returns after a couple months.
When: Around 1 year into ownership; under 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loose-sounding rear suspension noise while moving forward and backing; Noise recurs after dealer re-torquing; Clunking noise reported
Repairs/costs cited: Re-torque leaf spring bolts to GM specs performed multiple times (4+ dealer visits); noise returns. No permanent fix identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Service Bulletin for re-torquing leaf spring bolts; GM offered only oil changes as remedy under BBB complaint
Leaf spring squeaking and noise
Owners report squeaking and groaning from leaf springs during motion, especially at low speeds and when turning in reverse. Dealer diagnostics attributed noise to dirt/debris between leaf spring pads.
When: 24,000 miles; some occurring at routine speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Squeaking from leaf springs; Popping and groaning at low speeds, especially in reverse; Noise recurs after cleaning and lubrication
Repairs/costs cited: Cleaning and lubrication of leaf spring pads performed; noise returned after test drive
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated vehicle operates as designed; unknown TSB issued
Rough ride quality requiring suspension component replacement
Owner reported very rough ride quality at 69,000 miles. Independent mechanic diagnosed need for air suspension system repair, front struts, and rear shock replacement.
When: 69,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Very rough ride quality; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Air suspension system repair, front struts, and rear shocks replacement recommended but not completed
Excessive rust on frame and suspension components
Multiple owners report premature rust on cross members, fuel tank mounting, shock mounts, and underbody components on relatively new trucks (under 10,000 miles for some). Rust has compromised structural integrity and component attachment, creating safety concerns.
When: As early as 3,000 miles; reported on trucks less than 10 years old
Symptoms owners cite: Surface rust on frame and underbody at very low mileage; Rust through on fuel tank cross member; Shock mount tube completely rusted away; Rear cross member rust; Corrosion on top of fuel tank
Repairs/costs cited: Owners note concerns about repair costs; one issue required fuel tank replacement due to rust damage. No repairs documented as completed.
Tire tread separation and early wear
Owner reported large pieces of tread detaching from the center of a Bridgestone Dueler H/T 684 II tire at only 2,416 miles—extremely premature failure on a new vehicle.
When: 2,416 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Large tread pieces detaching from tire center
Repairs/costs cited: Tire replacement recommended; tires not replaced per owner statement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Failure listed as undetermined
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had suspension trouble with your 2015 GMC Sierra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the suspension problem on the 2015 GMC Sierra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 15 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most suspension failures cluster between 4,200 and 23,000 miles, with the median around 11,761. A quarter of owners report trouble before 4,200; a quarter make it past 23,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/GMC/Sierra.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.