2015 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
52 owner complaints analyzed
7 distinct recall campaigns
34,461 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2015 model year. Data snapshot: . 34 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 13 of 52 complaints (25.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 15 | 28.8% |
| Fuel system concerns | 10 | 19.2% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 9 | 17.3% |
| Steering behavior | 6 | 11.5% |
| Engine operation | 5 | 9.6% |
| Transmission and shifting | 3 | 5.8% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 13 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 11 |
| Service Brakes | 10 |
| Engine | 8 |
| Power Train | 5 |
| Unknown Or Other | 5 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 |
| Electrical System: Integrated Trailer Brake Control | 4 |
Electrical System: 13; Fuel/Propulsion System: 11; Service Brakes: 10; Engine: 8; Power Train: 5; Unknown Or Other: 5; Visibility/Wiper: 5; Electrical System: Integrated Trailer Brake Control: 4
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 13 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 8 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 2 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 4 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 4 |
| 150,000 and above | 3 |
Under 25,000: 13; 25,000 to 49,999: 8; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 4; 150,000 and above: 3
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (13). 18 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 10 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 3 |
2015: 3; 2016: 10; 2017: 7; 2018: 3; 2019: 2; 2020: 7; 2021: 3; 2022: 1; 2023: 2; 2024: 5; 2025: 6; 2026: 3
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 15 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 10 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 9 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10747566 · 2015-08-10 (August 10, 2015)
A WARNING MESSAGE COMES ON THE DASH TELLING THE DRIVER THERE IS A ISSUE WITH THE TRAILER BRAKES, OR WIRING SYSTEM. THE TRAILER BRAKES BECOME INOPERABLE WHEN THIS COMES ON. WE HAVE CONTACTED GM WITH THE ISSUE, BOTH AT THE DEALER LEVEL AND AT THE CORPORATE LEVEL; AND THEY INSIST IT IS A PROBLEM WITH OUR TRAILERS. THE SAME TRAILERS ARE USED WITH OLDER CHEVROLET TRUCKS WITHOUT INCIDENT. WE HAVE ALSO BEEN INFORMED BY GM THAT THE 2015 SILVERADO 2500'S ARE EQUIPPED WITH A MORE SENSITIVE TRAILERING SYSTEM. WHEN THE CONNECTION BECOMES WET DURING INCLEME…
Owner-reported narrative. 105 miles reported. Look up ODI 10747566 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10747581 · 2015-08-10 (August 10, 2015)
A WARNING MESSAGE COMES ON THE DASH TELLING THE DRIVER THERE IS A ISSUE WITH THE TRAILER BRAKES, OR WIRING SYSTEM. THE TRAILER BRAKES BECOME INOPERABLE WHEN THIS COMES ON. WE HAVE CONTACTED GM WITH THE ISSUE, BOTH AT THE DEALER LEVEL AND AT THE CORPORATE LEVEL; AND THEY INSIST IT IS A PROBLEM WITH OUR TRAILERS. THE SAME TRAILERS ARE USED WITH OLDER CHEVROLET TRUCKS WITHOUT INCIDENT. WE HAVE ALSO BEEN INFORMED BY GM THAT THE 2015 SILVERADO 2500'S ARE EQUIPPED WITH A MORE SENSITIVE TRAILERING SYSTEM. WHEN THE CONNECTION BECOMES WET DURING INCLEME…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,422 miles reported. Look up ODI 10747581 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10747583 · 2015-08-10 (August 10, 2015)
A WARNING MESSAGE COMES ON THE DASH TELLING THE DRIVER THERE IS A ISSUE WITH THE TRAILER BRAKES, OR WIRING SYSTEM. THE TRAILER BRAKES BECOME INOPERABLE WHEN THIS COMES ON. WE HAVE CONTACTED GM WITH THE ISSUE, BOTH AT THE DEALER LEVEL AND AT THE CORPORATE LEVEL; AND THEY INSIST IT IS A PROBLEM WITH OUR TRAILERS. THE SAME TRAILERS ARE USED WITH OLDER CHEVROLET TRUCKS WITHOUT INCIDENT. WE HAVE ALSO BEEN INFORMED BY GM THAT THE 2015 SILVERADO 2500'S ARE EQUIPPED WITH A MORE SENSITIVE TRAILERING SYSTEM. WHEN THE CONNECTION BECOMES WET DURING INCLEME…
Owner-reported narrative. 7,891 miles reported. Look up ODI 10747583 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10838298 · 2016-01-20 (January 20, 2016)
OUR ?CHECK TRAILER WIRING? MESSAGE FIRST APPEARED ON THE DIC ON JANUARY 5, 2016 ON CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY 12, NEAR FAIRFIELD, CA.0. WE STOPPED AND APPLIED DI-ELECTRIC GREASE TO THE 7 PIN PLUG. THE MESSAGE RE-APPEARED AND CLEARED ITSELF, INDICATING TRAILER CONNECTED. AT 7,380 MILES, CHECKED THE TRUCK AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS, AND ADVISED US OF GM'S TRAILER WIRING TSB, AND SUGGESTED THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE TRAILER AND THAT WE PURCHASE A SPECIFIC POLLAK 7 PIN TRAILER END PLUG. THEY PROVIDED THE NAME OF A NEARBY TRUCK SHOP, WHO THAT THE SPECIFIED POLL…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10838298 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10840319 · 2016-03-07 (March 7, 2016)
I WAS DRIVING ON US HIGHWAY 12 GOING APPROX. 35 MPH WHEN THE REAR END DIFFERENTIAL LOCKUP AND CAUSED ME TO SLID OFF THE ROAD IN A TURN THAT ALSO HAD ICE WHILE TOWING A FIFTH WHEEL THE ACCIDENT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT FRONT FENDER AND THE RIGHT REAR AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE 8 FOOT BED ALONG WITH THE WINDSHIELD AND A FRONT DRIVE LINE FOR 4 WHEEL DRIVE I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THE FRONT DRIVE LINE BREAKING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS AS WELL I ALSO HAVE VIDEO OF THE REAR END DIFFERENTIAL MOVING FROM SIDE TO SIDE TO SHOW THE MOVEMENT AND SHOW WH…
Owner-reported narrative. 125,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10840319 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10854204 · 2016-04-07 (April 7, 2016)
SILVERADO 3500 HD TRUCK IS EQUIPPED WITH TOWING/CAMPER SIDE VIEW MIRRORS EQUIPPED WITH RED TURN SIGNALS EMBEDDED IN MIRROR GLASS. RED TURN SIGNAL LED'S IMPAIR VISION AT NIGHT, AND SHINE DIRECTLY INTO DRIVERS EYES, MAKING IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO SEE OUTSIDE VEHICLE IN DIRECTION OF TURN. THE TURN SIGNAL LED'S ARE MANUFACTURED WITHOUT ANY SORT OF SHIELDING COATING IN MIRROR GLASS WHICH WOULD REDUCE THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE LED'S. ALSO THE MIRRORS ARE MOUNTED TO HIGH FOR AVERAGE HIGTH PEOPLE. TWO INCHES LOWER WOULD HELP A LOT FOR TURNING VISIBILITY.…
Owner-reported narrative. 15 miles reported. Look up ODI 10854204 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10854206 · 2016-04-07 (April 7, 2016)
I FIND THE PUSH BUTTON CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL ARE TO SMALL FOR A WORKING DRIVER. WHEN WEARING GLOVES IT IS VERY DIFFICULT USING THE SMALL PUSH BUTTONS. THE BUTTONS THAT WERE USED ON THE PREVIOUS MODELS WERE MORE USER FRIENDLY.
Owner-reported narrative. 15 miles reported. Look up ODI 10854206 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10860076 · 2016-04-18 (April 18, 2016)
BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW FROM DEALER IN SEPT 2015 WITH THE DEALER INSTALLED FLATBED ALREADY ON IT, ON THEIR DEALERSHIP LOT. FUEL MILEAGE WAS POOR FROM THE FIRST, "ENGINE LIGHT ON" FROM THE FIRST; TRANSMISSION DRAGGING FROM THE FIRST DAY WE BOUGHT IT. SERVICE ADVISORS AND THE SALESMAN SAID DRIVE IT AND IT WILL CLEAR OUT. IT GOT WORSE. THE DEALERSHIP FINALLY SENT IT TO THE COMPANY WHO INSTALLED THE FLATBED FOR THEM, AND THEY SAID THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE FUEL PUMP WHICH THEY REPLACED. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT SMOOT…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10860076 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
7 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
16V069000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Pedals And Linkages
Reported: 2016-02-05 (February 5, 2016)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 1, 2013, to February 1, 2016, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) manufactured March 1, 2014, to February 1, 2016, and 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 29, 2013, to February 1, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.
Consequence: If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the brake pedal pivot nut and reinstall with an increased torque, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 20760.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V651000 · Seat Belts:Pretensioner | Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module-Inactive | Air Bags:Frontal
Reported: 2016-09-08 (September 8, 2016)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V437000 · Seat Belts:Pretensioner | Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module-Inactive | Air Bags:Frontal
Reported: 2017-07-10 (July 10, 2017)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V664000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Auxillary Tank
Reported: 2017-10-19 (October 19, 2017)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500 trucks equipped with dual fuel tanks. The low fuel level sensor for the front tank may stick causing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.
Consequence: If the front tank overfills, the excess pressure may cause the front tank to expand and contact the driveshaft, possibly resulting in a hole in the tank. The hole will leak fuel, which in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear tank fuel pump or update the fuel-level sensor software, as well as inspect the front tank, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2017. Owners may contact GM customer service for Chevrolet 1-800-222-1020 or for GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17399.
NHTSA campaign record ↗18V578000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Pedals And Linkages
Reported: 2018-08-30 (August 30, 2018)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, 1500 Crew Cab Special Service, Tahoe Police Pursuit/Special Service, GMC Sierra 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.
Consequence: If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the nut and reinstall the nut with increased tightness, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18278. Note: The vehicles in this recall need this additional remedy despite being covered by recall 16V069 for brake pedal loosening.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V736000 · Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain:Inflator
Reported: 2020-11-25 (November 25, 2020)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator.
Consequence: If the end cap separates from the inflator, the compressed gas will escape and the end cap can be propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RRAB modules on the left and/or right side, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on December 22, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. Note: GM filed a new recall, number 21V-504 that supersedes this recall. All vehicles previously recalled under 20V-736 will now be repaired under the new recall number 21V-504. GM's numbers for this recall are N202309680, N202309681, and N202309682.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V504000 · Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain:Inflator
Reported: 2021-07-01 (July 1, 2021)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
Consequence: A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 18, 2021. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available. Phase I owner notification letters were mailed on May 5, 2022. Phase II owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 31, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. This recall supersedes NHTSA recall number 20V-736. GM's number for this recall is N202324251.
NHTSA campaign record ↗