Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission failed to operate as designed causing the vehicle to sputter and not properly accelerate. Also, the digital speedometer display would not display properly due to a faulty radio. Additionally, the driver's side headlight failed to properly illuminate due to moisture build-up inside the headlight assembly. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. There was no service performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,000.
Headlights on this vehicle, since purchased, have not cast enough light in order to see in unlit backroads, or extrememly dim areas. I have to drive with my brights on constantly, in order to get enough light thrown onto the road, for the left and right sides, as well as the front. These were not working well since purchase. I took my child to a friends house in rural PA, and I literally could NOT SEE THE street signs, let alone far enough down the road. I nearly hit a stone wall.. My eyes keep asking to see more, but truck does not produce enough headlight. I even went to the eye doctor, after that situation, thinking it was my vision dimming, but was told I have 20/20. There needs to be a formal recall. I am not the only one complaining about these HORRIBLE projection headlights. …
The stock headlights both low and high beams provide poor lighting at night. The headlights provide a poor beam pattern making it incredibly difficult to see more than 100 ft in front of you while driving down dark roads. And even more difficult in light storm conditions both rain and snow. The high beams aim too high when used and don't show enough of the road in front of you but rather the tops of tree's or other objects instead of the road. The low beams don't provide much light on the sides of the road as well and at times feel more like they're just fog lights with the amount of light that is put out. These incidents happen anywhere from low speeds up to highway speeds. I have noticed this issue since purchasing it used and have seen multiple similar complaints online.
Lack of illumination of headlights straight ahead. No light shines to the sides of the vehicle making it difficult to see left or right when negotiating a turn at night. I have put new bulbs in both sides the best money can buy at CarQuest with no improvement. The headlight lenses are not dirty or fogged over. It appears to be a design problem, and I have seen other people with this model truck complain about the same thing on some blogs. I contacted GM directly looking for information I can get on a possible upgrade, and they have offered not solution. I have had this issue with this vehicle since buying it used 4.28.2018
This vehicle has poor headlight performance. I changed the bulbs to no avail. There is no way this 2015 GMC passes vehicle state inspections if they really look. There is very little power to the lights, even on the high-beams. After some quick research - GM has a service bulletin PIT5374 that addresses this very issue. But the dealerships are using this safety defect as a way to generate service volume. Requiring a $170.00 diagnosis to identify a problem they already know exists.
Headlights are so dim because of the plastic cover that is made into the OEM headlight assembly. The plastic apparently had no UV protectant and the plastic has turned dingey yellow and clouded where it's affected the light output from the vehicle
Lights are too dim to drive at night. Bulbs have been replaced with 6 different styles but the lights are too dim. Bright lights shine too high to be useful. Spoke with numerous people who have had the same problem.
I am in receipt of the paperwork concerning the above claimed for my vehicle. The paperwork in my possession clearly states that farmers insurance has made me aware that my vehicle 'has been determined to be a total loss'. I am concerned about these findings since it seemed my vehicle only suffered minor damages to the exterior only. Airbags where not deployed nor any windows shattered. I am also in receipt of the paperwork concerning my claim and determining I am 51% at fault towards the accident. I clearly gave my side of the story to the police office that my steering wheel had locked and I was unable to maneuver the vehicle. I was not under the influence of any drugs so I feel mechanical failure should be assessed. Supplemental information was also sent to me where it clearly states recall notices for my vehicle. …
This vehicle has a 2 phase(low/high beam) single light that is extremely weak/dim to the point where it is unsafe to drive at night. I cannot believe that the existing lights are acceptable and passed whatever standard/regulation required. At night, with the low beams you get about 30-50ft of light output which equates to less then a second of reaction time when driving. The high beams simply lightup road signs to the point of blindness with it reflection but does not light up the road. I typically don't write unless I feel this is completely wrong. GM won't acknowledge anything but it is only a matter of time before there are serious injuries and/or death due directly to this problem. I am now spending another $800(on top of the $55000) I paid for this truck to get aftermarket HID lights. Can you provide feedback as this has been a concern amongst all owners of this vehicle. …
The headlights on my 2015 GMC Sierra slt are by far the worst headlights I have ever experienced in the many vehicles that I have driven over the last 30 years. How they passed whatever safety standards there are set in place is beyond me. They do not provide a wide enough beam to see around turns or wildlife that May be on the side of the roadway nor do they light up enough of the road in distance to see anything at all beyond approximately 50 feet while travelling in the dark. This vehicle is unsafe to be driven at any speed during the dark. Sadly the high beams are completely useless as well. There is more light output with the low beams on in conjunction with the fog lights (which isn't saying much) than there is with the high beams on. Driving is the rain is even worse. You cannot even tell that the headlights are on that's how bad they are. …
Headlight complaints in other Sierra 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500?
NHTSA has 93 complaints about the lights of the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500, 13% of the model year's 719 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500, though it has 9 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 1,000 miles, and 78% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.