2015 GMC Sierra Denali
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Sierra Denali › 2015
These records cover every 2015 GMC Sierra Denali. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
22 complaints1 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel system, diesel
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the “Engine Power Failure” warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic, where it was…
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the “Engine Power Failure” warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel system had failed and there were metal shavings in the fuel system. The contact was informed that the fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
See attached document for complaint.
- Power train
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali. The contact stated that while shifting the vehicle from park(P) to drive(D), the vehicle hesitated and then jerked into gear. The contact stated that the entire vehicle was shaking when it jerked into gear. The contact stated that the failure was also…
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali. The contact stated that while shifting the vehicle from park(P) to drive(D), the vehicle hesitated and then jerked into gear. The contact stated that the entire vehicle was shaking when it jerked into gear. The contact stated that the failure was also occurred while shifting the vehicle into reverse(R). Additionally, the failure occurred while slowing down for a traffic signal. The contact stated that the failure was a constant. The contact stated she had not noticed any warning lights during the failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who advised the contact that there were no open recalls for the transmission on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Service brakes
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 dealership that the…
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 dealership that the vehicle computer shows a history but no current error codes, and they can not work on vehicle until it has current codes. so I have a truck that IS designed to tow cargo/vehicle but I am not able to use my truck for that purpose because of this warning message. I have contacted dealerships, customer service with GMC and even filed a complaint with tennessee dept of consumer affairs, but no one wants to help with my problem. I have noticed on the internet that I am not the only one with this issue. dangerous situation should someone use vehicle towing. biggest problem gm does not want to even acknowledge that they have a problem.
- Unknown or other
Ac blows hot air qont gold freon for longer then week and half and IS back to hot air..lead to believe its the ac condenser has failed
- Service brakes
I was backing up at very low speed the brake pedal got very hard and the vehicle acted like it did not want to stop I had to keep pushing extremely hard on to the break to get the vehicle to stop I tried it again in drive and the vehicle did this exact same thing this time I noticed after paying…
I was backing up at very low speed the brake pedal got very hard and the vehicle acted like it did not want to stop I had to keep pushing extremely hard on to the break to get the vehicle to stop I tried it again in drive and the vehicle did this exact same thing this time I noticed after paying particular attention that the brakes while they were hard to press were pulsating so I had to use extreme leg pressure to stop the vehicle. My truck has already had the recall for the same issue earlier this year. When this 1ST happened it almost caused me to wreck into a fence
- Power train
Transmission IS not able to be fixed. Three repairs and gm can't fix. Transmission jerks, slips, clunks. Uncomforable to drive. I am stuck with subpar vehicle. Gm has been horrible to work with. 17 recalls? Why cant gm make a solid reliable vehicle after 100 years in business?
- Service brakes
Hard brake pedal with increased effort needed to depress the brake pedal. feels like truck will not stop. Had to have truck towed. reported back on 11-24-18 to nhtsa: ( #1115347). brake vacuum pump was replaced @ gm dealer on 11-14-18, same situation happened again on 02-19-19. gm tsb # pit5361d needs to be a recall.
- Power train
When coming to a stop, applying a steady amount of brake pressure the transmission shifts and loses all forms of engine braking causing the truck to speed up and overshoots the stopsign.
- Service brakes
Poor brake performance. The brake pedal gets stiff at a low speed and causes the truck to not brake completely
- Service brakes
Failure of the belt driven vacuum pump while driving causing very hard braking and almost caused an accident. Vacuum pressure dropped off and caused the pedal to become firm. Luckily after it was inspected for repair there wasn't oil contamination in the vacuum line or brake booster so those did not have to be replaced.
- Service brakes
Power brake vacuum pump issue. lost brakes while driving in stop and go city traffic. had to have truck towed, was unsafe to drive due to no brakes.
- Electrical system · Power train
Interior dash lights goes out and a few minutes later the engine cuts off while I'm trying to park. each time while I was backing into my parking space. after sitting for about 30 seconds the lights dash board lights come back on, then I restart the truck. Sometimes while driving the dash board light blink of and on.
- Electrical system · Seats
Vehicle started showing "service lane departure system, service park assist, service trailer brake system" alarms while driving. upon taking it to the dealer for service it was found to have broken wiring for haptic motor for drivers seat. not only did this cause a possible safety issue with the…
Vehicle started showing "service lane departure system, service park assist, service trailer brake system" alarms while driving. upon taking it to the dealer for service it was found to have broken wiring for haptic motor for drivers seat. not only did this cause a possible safety issue with the lane departure system and trailer brake system not working correctly, but it also caused a possible fire concern due to broken wiring.
- Power train
Starting the vehicle I'm putting the truck in reverse, the truck lunges backwards. Also a violent jerk of the vehicle happens. This happens a majority of the time. putting the vehicle into gear to drive I have a violent jerk and a loud noise. The truck does not lunge forward when placing the truck into drive. This happens a couple of times a day. This IS not an isolated incident.
- Service brakes
Hard brake pedal. At low speed the brake pedal gets really hard and makes it hard to stop the truck. Pedal has to get pushed really hard to barely stop from hitting other vehicles. Ongoing issue.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2015 GMC sierra denali. While driving approximately 60 mph, the steering lost power and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer (sewell buick GMC of dallas in dallas, tx, phone number: 214-350-8000) where a diagnostic test was…
TL* the contact owns a 2015 GMC sierra denali. While driving approximately 60 mph, the steering lost power and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer (sewell buick GMC of dallas in dallas, tx, phone number: 214-350-8000) where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was not given the results of the test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered to pay a percentage of the repair costs. The failure mileage was 39,900. *bf updated 8/28/18*jb
- Air bags
2015 GMC sierra. Consumer writes in regards to sensing and diagnostic module safety recall. *Ld the consumer requested to be advised of the options of having a recall completed on an island. Updated 10/16/2017*js
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2015 GMC sierra denali. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited numerous electrical failures. The failure caused the steering wheel to lock, the brake system not to engage, and the instrument panel and all other electrical systems in the vehicle not to operate normally.…
TL* the contact owns a 2015 GMC sierra denali. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited numerous electrical failures. The failure caused the steering wheel to lock, the brake system not to engage, and the instrument panel and all other electrical systems in the vehicle not to operate normally. The vehicle was taken to marty's buick GMC (5 collection way, kingston ma, 02364, 781-585-7570) several times for the failure. The contact stated that the dealer replaced wires, but the failure was not corrected. The contact did not know the name of the wires that were replaced. The contact also stated that the electrical failure also caused a crash on the road median because the steering wheel locked. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for further inspection. The manufacturer was notified. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 15,000.
- Engine
My GMC 2015 diesel durimax truck had the engine light turn on and said emission needs serviced. It proceeded to cut my traveling speed from 75 mph to 65 mph to 55 mph. I made it to denver colorado barely without the truck falling to 4 mph. I went yesterday to have it serviced. They said that they…
My GMC 2015 diesel durimax truck had the engine light turn on and said emission needs serviced. It proceeded to cut my traveling speed from 75 mph to 65 mph to 55 mph. I made it to denver colorado barely without the truck falling to 4 mph. I went yesterday to have it serviced. They said that they fixed it still under powertrain warranty. I drove away to go back to texas 700 miles of highway home. I drove and the exact same problem happened again. I'm was on a highway at this point with heavy highspeed traffic in the middle of nowhere where the speed limit IS 75 mph. My truck speed was reduced by the emission system again from 75 mph to 65 mph to 55 mph. I was almost hit by a big rig truck with my wife in the car. Sometime later were almost side swiped twice, and then it started raining and the sun started to set, and matters went from dangerous to near deadly. We tried to turn the truck around to get back to denver and almost were hit again because with the GMC speed reduction I could not accelerate away from the high speed cars coming at us. GMC shutdowns the car speed purposely to avoid some tiny amount of nox, and put people at risk of being killed on a highway in rainy nightime weather. We finally made it back to denver just 19 miles before the truck speed would have been reduced to 4 mph. we would have to been on that 75 mph highway riding in the right side of the slow lane at 4 mph !!!!! At night in the rain with high speed 18 wheelers going by at 75 to 85 mph. the government and GMC are insane to have designed this, I am bringing it tomorrow to get try to get it fixed again but the ordeal I went thru IS still scary as hell, and worried about it getting fixed. We could be killed due to this. I am an engineer dealing with public safety, and I am in shock concerning gmc's and the government over step in this design. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Unknown or other
Bad weld on hvac condenser. waiting 7+ weeks for national back-ordered replacement part. why IS there no recall since clearly this IS a major spill?
- Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
TL* the contact owns a 2015 GMC sierra denali. While operating the vehicle, rain water from the roof mounted antenna leaked into the passenger side cabin. The contact indicated that the water caused the electronics in the vehicle to malfunction, such as the onstar and navigation system. The vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2015 GMC sierra denali. While operating the vehicle, rain water from the roof mounted antenna leaked into the passenger side cabin. The contact indicated that the water caused the electronics in the vehicle to malfunction, such as the onstar and navigation system. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (ron sonet buick/gmc in lake city, florida) where it was diagnosed that the antenna needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,000.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant…
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011989This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011900This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 11011805This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number forreflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11011709This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011205This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11011119This Preliminary information communicates to dealers GM is working on a solution for outdated Apps
- 11010576This service bulletin provides information on All hazmat parts being returned to the Warranty Parts Center (WPC) must be shipped using Central Transport. Hazardous materials should never be sent by air transportation to the WPC.
- 11010545This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
- 11010544This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11010495This bulletin provides information on Warranty Administration Required Operating Procedures - 8 Points (U.S. Only).
- 11010491This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 11010490This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11010488This Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on the Global Warranty Management (GWM) Warranty Parts Center (WPC) Parts Return Program.
- 11010421This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11009764This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 11009756This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
- 11009532This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11009039This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
- 11009037This service bulletin provides information on Enhancing Field Product Reports with Digital Pictures.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11008906This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 11008898The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007721This service bulletin provides information on AGM batteries that require less frequent charging in storage.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007155This informational bulletin advises the technician that the engine and related parts will be debited if found that the tech did not properly prepare the engine block from dirt and debris in bolt holes or if found that the block was damaged by the tech.
- 11007121This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007115This service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 11006670This service bulletin advises about the possible issues that may occur when using a scotch brite pad or highly abrasive disk on gasket sealing surfaces or reused parts.
- 11006644This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides information for dealers/Service advisors on when and how to submit a Pre-Repair Authorization (PRA).
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006511This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
Every GMC Sierra Denali model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.