2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Transmission & Powertrain Problems
Transmission & Powertrain issues account for 109 complaints, or 14% of all 793 complaints filed for the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. Median mileage at failure was 30,000 miles, and two related recalls (14V819000, 14V374000) cover rear axle heat-treatment and transfer case software.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 109
- 14% of 793
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 30,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report the transmission slips, hesitates, or feels rough when accelerating from a dead stop, sometimes at very low mileage.
- Some drivers describe the vehicle unexpectedly shifting into neutral on its own during normal driving, disengaging drive and revving the engine without input.
- Several complaints describe rear axle failure while driving, causing loss of control, difficulty steering, and reduced braking ability.
- Owners report vibration or hesitation during gear shifts, most noticeable between 40-50 mph in some cases and 70-75 mph in others.
- One owner reported the four-wheel-drive system did not engage properly, and the truck also shifted roughly.
When 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 28, 2015, latest Sep 22, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500
- NHTSA 14V819000Dec 24, 2014Transmission & Powertrain152 vehicles
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
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. Due to an improper heat-treatment, the rear axle shaft may fracture while the vehicle is being driven.
Risk: If the rear axle shaft fractures, the rear wheel may separate from the axle shaft, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 14V374000Jun 27, 2014Transmission & Powertrain392,459 vehicles
Power train:transfer case (4-wheel drive)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles, and model year 2015 GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, an electrical signal short may cause the transfer case to shift to neutral without the driver's input.
Risk: If the transfer case switches to neutral while the vehicle is parked and the parking brake is not in use, the vehicle may roll away increasing the risk of injury to bystanders. If the transfer case switches to neutral while the vehicle is being driven, the vehicle would lose drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will re-program the software in the transfer case control module, free of charge. The recall began in early August 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14192.
Transmission & Powertrain 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 common are transmission problems on the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500?
- NHTSA lists 109 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2015 Sierra 1500, which is 14% of the 793 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall related to Sierra 1500 transmission or powertrain issues?
- Yes. Recall 14V819000 covers rear axles with improper heat-treatment, and recall 14V374000 covers a transfer case control module software issue, both affecting the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500.
- At what mileage do these transmission problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 30,000 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2015 Sierra 1500.
- Did the transmission problems cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA records 2 crashes and 1 injury connected to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2015 Sierra 1500, with no fires reported.
- How does 2015 compare to other Sierra 1500 model years for this issue?
- The 2015 Sierra 1500's 14% share of complaints in this area is lower than the 2017 (34%) and 2018 (41%) model years but higher than 2010-2013.