The Lemon Index2015 GMC Sierra.
The 2015 GMC Sierra is worse than average by owner complaints: 363 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 167, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about lights, it has 9 recalls, and it gets 17 to 20 mpg combined. The best GMC Sierra year is 2010.
Worse than average. 1.7× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2010
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 919 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every GMC Sierra year. 2015 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 12K to 71K miles on the car (608 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- brakes complaints mostly came at 41K–72K miles
- lights complaints mostly came at 0K–13K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 4K–76K miles
Recalls 9
- airbags 2021
The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
- seat belts 2021
The flexible steel cable connecting the driver's seat belt to the outboard side of the seat may be repeatedly bent over the seat side shield as the driver enters and exits the vehicle causing the cable to fatigue and sep…
- airbags 2020
The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator.
Show all 9 recalls
- brakes 2019
If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
- brakes 2019
The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
- steering 2018
Electric power steering (EPS) assist may be lost momentarily, followed by a sudden return of EPS assist.
- airbags 2017
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.
- airbags 2016
In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test.
- seat belts 2016
While entering the vehicle, the seat belt tensioner cable may be positioned such that the driver slides over it.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
- ClosedBrake vacuum pump failure2018–2022
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3200–3800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 4.3L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Headlights are a mfg defect and this truck is extremely dangers to drive after dark
2015 GMC Sierra owner · NHTSA complaint 10920382
More owner reports
I was backing up and the brake pedal got hard and would not stop the truck. I tried to go forward and the same thing happen.
NHTSA complaint 11128867
The headlights are unbelievably inefficient. They light a narrow path about 30 yards in front of the truck. Driving at night is scary especially in the rain.
NHTSA complaint 10954832
Quick answers
Is the 2015 GMC Sierra reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.7× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 167; 100 is average, lower is better). The best GMC Sierra year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2015 GMC Sierra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are lights (37%), brakes (19%) and transmission & drivetrain (10%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2015 GMC Sierra have?
9 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2015 GMC Sierra get?
17 to 20 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2015 GMC Sierra safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2015 GMC Sierra problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 12,500 and 71,100 miles. The middle report was at 44,100 miles, from 608 complaints.
Does the 2015 GMC Sierra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2015 GMC Sierra cost in fuel a year?
About $3200 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2015 GMC Sierra have?
4.3L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
What GMC Sierra year is better than the 2015?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2012 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works