Automakers strive to produce safe and reliable products for owners. In some cases, they may not learn of a problem with the vehicle until it’s being used by the owners. That’s when they need to issue a recall to fix the problem.
Have there been any headlight recalls for the 2015 GMC Sierra?
As of August 2020, no, but GM did issue a technical service bulletin about it. There are also a total of 17 other recalls on this truck. Some of which include:
- Software error can cause unintended braking
- Temporary loss of electric power steering
- Front airbags may not deploy
- Ignition lock actuator may bind
To help you see the potential issues with your 2015 GMC Sierra, we’ll break down some of the recalls impacting these vehicles and outline the headlight concerns. You can also learn more about the vehicle at Vehicle History.
Insufficient Lighting from Headlights
TSB ID: PIT5374
Though GM did not issue a recall for the 2015 GMC Sierra headlights, they did issue a technical service bulletin for them after owners complained about having trouble seeing well, especially in the rain and at night.
The light output and beam pattern in this vehicle provide limited lateral lighting, leading to impaired visibility for drivers.
The problem seems to relate to the single projector used for both the high and low beams. It has only a shutter that raises for high beams, resulting in insufficient lighting.
GM announced the repair for dealers to perform. It involves a new calibration of the lighting system to improve the voltage of the bulbs when either the high or low beams are selected.
Software Error Can Cause Unintended Braking
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V761000
In this recall, only GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles with a 5.3L engine, four-wheel drive, and a 3.08-ratio rear axle were affected. The problem occurs when the wheel-speed sensor fails to operate as it should. This can happen when the car is operating between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel drive or automatic.
In this situation, the car’s electronic brake control module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline protection system.
Should this occur, the car will brake automatically on the wheel that is opposite of the failed sensor. This sudden braking can cause the car to pull to one side suddenly. It can increase the risk of an accident occurring.
In December of 2015, GM began the necessary repairs. It included having dealers reprogram the EBCM to avoid this faulty setting.
Temporary Loss of Electric Power Steering
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V586000
GM issued a recall for the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 in September of 2018 for a problem with the steering system. It found that the electric power steering (EPS) assist may lose functionality for a brief amount of time and then suddenly return.
This problem results in the driver having difficulty steering the car, both when the EPS is lost and again when it comes back on suddenly. This causes a specific concern when the vehicle is operating at a lower speed.
As a result, the car may be more likely to be in an accident.
This problem was determined to be a software concern. GM issued the recall to alert owners. Then, they had dealerships update the EPS module software to avoid this potential problem, eliminating the risk to owners.
Frontal Airbags May Not Deploy
NHTSA Recall ID: 17V437000
In July of 2017, GM issued this recall for the GMC Sierra 1500, along with numerous other trucks, due to an incomplete software update that did not fix the previous recall of the frontal airbags.
A prior recall, number 16V-651, required dealerships to update the software to remedy a problem related to the front airbags not deploying during certain driving conditions.
When driving, the vehicle may randomly enter into a diagnostic test of the airbag sensing and diagnostic module. If this occurs, it can cause the frontal airbags and seat pretensioners to not deploy in the event of a crash, which can lead to an increased risk of injury.
To fix this problem, again, GM had dealerships reflash the software associated with it. Any vehicle with previous airbag deployment must have the system replaced.
Ignition Lock Actuator May Bind
NHTSA Recall ID: 15V640000
In this recall, issued in October of 2015, GM recalled GMC Sierra trucks made between January 24, 2014, and February 26, 2014.
In these cars, the ignition lock actuator may bind up. When this occurs, it makes it hard for the operator to turn the key or can cause the car to get stuck in the “start” position.
Users reported that the ignition lock can get stuck and may snap back into the “Accessory” position randomly.
When this occurs, it can cause the vehicle to lose the engine function, limits braking ability, and stops steering. That increases the risk of an accident occurring. This may also limit the airbag functionality in the event of an accident.
GM notified owners and began repairs for this recall in November of 2015. They replaced the ignition lock housing to eliminate the risk of it getting stuck.
How Do You Handle an Open Recall on a 2015 GMC Sierra?
Want to check if your Sierra has an open recall? Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website and enter your VIN to find out.
If one is found, the system will likely tell you to call GM’s customer service line at 1-800-462-8782 to learn what additional steps to take.
