Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2015 GMC Sierra 1500
The 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 has notable recall campaigns, with particular focus on airbag inflator issues, seat belt components, and braking system concerns. Multiple owner complaints across various components like brakes, power train, and electrical systems warrant a thorough inspection. Despite the recalls, owner complaints suggest these are recurring concerns. Buyers should be vigilant during inspection and test drive, focusing on these areas to avoid potentially costly repairs.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 720 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 6 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #21V504000 Roof Rail Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V245000 Driver's Seat Belt Tensioner Cable May Separate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V736000 Roof Rail Air Bag Inflator Endcap may Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V761000 Software Error May Cause Unintended Braking NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V645000 Vacuum Pump May Decrease Power Brake Assist NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V586000 Temporary Loss of Electric Power Steering (EPS) NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V437000 Frontal Air Bags May Not Deploy NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V651000 Frontal Air Bags May Not Deploy NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V209000 Driver's Seat Belt Tensioner Cable Can Separate NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Service Brakes 219 complaints
- Power Train 99 complaints
- Electrical System 96 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 93 complaints
- Engine 84 complaints
- Steering 81 complaints
Of the 720 complaints on file, 23 report a crash and 9 a fire; across all 720 complaints, owners report 11 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator malfunction
How to check: Confirm airbag recall completion with seller documents.
Vacuum pump failure
How to check: Check for brake assistance loss during test drive.
Loss of steering assist
How to check: Test for power steering consistency during maneuvers.
Power train issues reported
How to check: Test for smooth gear shifts and no odd noises.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises immediately after starting.
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe for dashboard warning lights remaining on.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 03
First acceleration
What to check: Test smoothness of acceleration and gear shifts.
Red flag: Hesitation or hard shifting
- 04
Consistent speed
What to check: Listen for humming or whining from wheels or underbody.
Red flag: Unusual noises from drivetrain
- 05
Braking session
What to check: Feel for inadequate braking power or noises.
Red flag: Weak brakes or grinding sounds
- 06
Parking maneuver
What to check: Check steering for smoothness and ease.
Red flag: Resistance or jerky steering feel
- 07
Shutting off
What to check: Check for any stalling or rough engine shutdown.
Red flag: Stalling or shuddering on engine off
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been completed?
- Can you provide service records?
- Have there been any brake system repairs?
- Are there any current electrical issues?
- Has the vehicle been in any accidents?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall completion records
- Recent service and maintenance records
- Vehicle history report
- Title and registration
- Warranty documents
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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