2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 216 Electrical System complaints for the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500, 27% of that year's 793 total complaints. Owners report fires (7 cases), crashes (3), and a related recall covers the ignition lock housing. Median mileage at failure is 12,750.
- Electrical System complaints
- 216
- 27% of 793
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 7
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 12,750 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners describe rear power window or rear defrost glass shattering after smoke and flames appear near the driver's side rear glass panel, sometimes after remote-starting the truck.
- Several complaints describe fires starting in the dashboard behind the instrument cluster, with erratic gauges, a check engine light, and the four-wheel-drive system engaging and disengaging on its own before smoke appeared.
- Some owners report a total electrical failure while driving that caused the steering wheel to lock, the brake system to stop engaging, and the instrument panel and other electrical systems to stop working normally.
- One complaint describes a fire that began between the cab and the bed, followed by a persistent smoke smell through the vents and failed emissions inspections.
- A separate pattern involves poor headlight illumination at night, described as insufficient for safe visibility even with high beams on.
- One report describes brakes and gear shifter failing along with door locks not releasing while towing, as smoke filled the cabin during a fire.
When 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 5, 2014, latest Sep 10, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500
- NHTSA 15V640000Oct 9, 2015Electrical System3,073 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition
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. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical System complaints by Sierra 1500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical complaints does the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
- NHTSA lists 216 Electrical System complaints for the 2015 Sierra 1500, which is 27% of the 793 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500?
- Yes, recall campaign 15V640000 covers the Electrical System and involves replacing the ignition lock housing free of charge; it is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.
- Do electrical issues on the 2015 Sierra 1500 cause fires?
- NHTSA records 7 fire incidents tied to Electrical System complaints for this year, along with 3 crashes and 0 injuries.
- At what mileage do electrical failures typically happen on the 2015 Sierra 1500?
- The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2015 Sierra 1500 is 12,750 miles.
- Is the 2015 Sierra 1500 worse than other years for electrical complaints?
- Its 27% share is lower than the 2014 model's 39% but higher than most other years, which range between 6% and 23%.