2015 GMC Sierra Denali Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 23%of 22 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,400miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2015 GMC Sierra Denali, 23% of the 22 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,400 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11141357, filed 2018-10, 47,800 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11098024, filed 2018-05, 55,000 miles“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?”
NHTSA complaint #11287131, filed 2019-12, 3,977 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11180690, filed 2019-02, 55,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11576241, filed 2024-03Related service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This 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…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM 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…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2015 GMC Sierra Denali
7 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2015 GMC Sierra Denali
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology