2015 GMC Terrain

297 complaints on file, page 1 of 15.

1. Filed Jul 22, 2026Failure May 18, 2026Urbana, ILEngine

   I am submitting this complaint regarding the engine timing chain failure in my 2015 GMC Terrain because I believe it presents a serious safety hazard. Before the failure, the vehicle began experiencing intermittent symptoms, including engine jerking, shaking, rough operation, abnormal engine noises, and an intermittent check engine light. While driving on the highway, the engine timing chain failed, causing the vehicle to suddenly lose power. I was traveling at highway speed and had to safely maneuver the vehicle out of traffic. The unexpected loss of power placed me and other motorists at risk of a collision because I could no longer safely maintain the flow of traffic. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair facility, where the engine was diagnosed with a timing chain failure. I was informed that the engine had sustained significant damage and required replacement. After purchasing and installing a replacement engine, that engine also began exhibiting timing chain-related symptoms immediately after installation, including abnormal rattling noises and unstable engine operation, resulting in additional repairs and the vehicle remaining unsafe to drive. I am concerned that timing chain failures in this model can occur without sufficient warning and can cause a sudden loss of engine power while the vehicle is being driven. A sudden engine failure at highway speeds creates a significant risk of a crash, injury, or death. I am requesting that this issue be investigated to determine whether it represents a safety-related defect affecting other 2015 GMC Terrain vehicles.

   NHTSA complaint 11751978
2. Filed Jul 20, 2026Failure Jul 10, 2026167,446 milesRowlett, TXService brakes, Hydraulic

   The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the brake, ABS, and stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with an Electronic Brake Control Module failure. The dealer stated that the manufacturer no longer manufactured parts to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 167,446.

   NHTSA complaint 11751551
3. Filed Jun 11, 2026Failure May 22, 2026Prague, NEAir bagsCrash

   I hit a deer and it totaled my vehicle and the Airbags did not deploy

   NHTSA complaint 11743616
4. Filed Jun 10, 2026Failure Jan 6, 2026Hurricane, WVEngine and engine cooling

   See attached document for complaint.

   NHTSA complaint 11743259
5. Filed Apr 14, 2026Failure Dec 20, 202594,000 milesKansas City, MOEngine and engine cooling

   The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started the following day, the rattling sound from the engine compartment returned. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on several occasions, and it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was low on oil and was consuming 2 quarts of engine oil every 2-3 weeks. The contact stated that the oil level was topped off. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11731173
6. Filed Apr 10, 2026Failure Mar 27, 2026Folsom, PAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

   Oil consumption, causing high pressure furl pump to clog. It also causes catalytic converter to clog. No warning of oil loss. Causing stalling out while driving. Caused the engine to seize. New engine replaced and still same problem s

   NHTSA complaint 11730342
7. Filed Mar 2, 2026Failure Feb 28, 2026Syracuse, NYBody, Suspension

   2015 gmc terrain sle awd. Suv was taking in for oil change found excessive rust on frame under all four doors. On both sides rust and holes near the front of both rear wheels. I believe its called the "rocker" I'm unsure. I bought the car at a little over 71,000 miles in 2022-2023 now just getting to 94,000 in February 2026. If there was rust which there probably was the car should have not been sold if the rust was enough to cause problem later on. I may need to go purchase a new car while still owe some money in the car loan. Rust and hole in the rear control arm. The amount to replace and repair all the parts with labor exceeds current value.

   NHTSA complaint 11721580
8. Filed Jan 20, 2026Failure Jan 16, 2026Holderness, NHUnknown or otherCrash

   The radio dead out randomly. Which means the back up camera is non working. I wasn’t able to see a stump and hit it. Doesn’t seem safe. Like what would has happened if it was a person instead and they like the stump was in my blind spot while backing up. I feel like this is a safety issue. I have looked it up online and found out this is a common issue with these vehicles.

   NHTSA complaint 11712292
9. Filed Jan 3, 2026Failure Sep 4, 2025Batavia, OHBody

   First occurrence in September 2015. Rear lift gate acted abnormally, when I was parked,y son opened the lift gate using the normal door handle button, it raised, but as he was loading it lowered onto him. He is small, I had to get out and pull it off of him, it went up and down a couple times and then closed. You cannot stop it from closing down on you if you are trying to load or unload into that compartment. We have had to stop using altogether.

   NHTSA complaint 11708494
10. Filed Aug 4, 2025Failure Jul 27, 2025Valencia, CAEngine

    I own a 2015 GMC Terrain, 4D. Vehicle started displaying error P0016 during the evening of 07/27/2025, the following day the vehicle stopped working. I towed the vehicle to three different mechanics. All three mechanics indicated that the engine needs to be replaced. Two of the mechanics indicated that this was a common issue with this GMC SUV and I wanted to reported. P0016 states, "crankshaft position camshaft position correlation Bank 1". I am disappointed that this issue has not been reported or recall. There are multiple youtube videos and online chats regarding this issue.

    NHTSA complaint 11678282
11. Filed Jul 3, 2025Failure Jun 29, 2025Chino Valley, AZUnknown or other

    The rear hatch would open but then start to slowly drop. The local dealership diagnosed the problem and told me the pump needed to be replaced but quoted $1000. I chose not to have the repair done at that time but recently the hatch opened and then dropped suddenly hitting me on the head. There were earlier model recalls for this problem but not on the 2015. This is a potentially dangerous condition.

    NHTSA complaint 11671087
12. Filed Jun 21, 2025Failure Jun 12, 2025Columbia, MDUnknown or other

    Liftgate strut malfunctioned. Yes vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I activated the trunk with the key fob, while retrieving items out of my trunk, the trunk began closing on me without any warning. The liftgate sensor failed to recognize an object (ME), was in the trunk and nearly caused a severe crush injury which could have been fatal. Yes the problem was reproduce by an independent service center as well as a dealership. No the part was not inspected. There were no known warning lights or messages. Apparently as per consumers this is known problem with the 2010-2017 GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox.

    NHTSA complaint 11668272
13. Filed May 30, 2025Failure Oct 1, 2024Phila, PAEngine

    I GOT IN MY CAR AND PROCEED TO DRIVE AND THE POWER LOW ENGINE SIGN CAME ON. TOOK TRUCK TO MECHANIC AND PAID $1000 BECAUSE GAS WAS GOING INTO MY ENGINE.

    NHTSA complaint 11663880
14. Filed Apr 15, 2025Failure Dec 25, 2023148,000 milesBlackwell, MOEngine, Engine and engine cooling

    The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH with cruise control activated, the RPM suddenly increased to redline, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve, which then caused a failure with the front crank seal, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 148,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11654723
15. Filed Feb 25, 2025Failure Feb 22, 2025Avon, OHEngine

    Catastrophic mechanical failure; engine failure. Below freezing day driving normally until the car just died right in the middle of a busy 4 lane road. No warning lights were displayed. Luckily I was able to drift the car over to the curb lane then manually push into a parking lot with cars driving around me. Vehicle taken to independent Auto Care Service which did an inspection stating the PCV valve was frozen which then caused the pressure to blow rear seal and metal fragments could be seen in the oil drippings. No issues or dashboard notifications prior to this event.

    NHTSA complaint 11644823
16. Filed Feb 16, 2025Failure Feb 16, 2025Athens, TNAir bags

    Found steering wheel airbag deployed

    NHTSA complaint 11642977
17. Filed Jan 30, 2025Failure Jan 25, 2025Somerset, NJElectrical system, Engine

    My vehicle began jerking, shaking and kept shutting off in a highway intersection. I looked on the ground after coasting into a gas station to find oil leaking from under my vehicle. I've never had an oil leak and it caused my starter to go and I've had to replace the camshaft sensors all within the same week. It appears the rear seal went after the cold streak we had. I need my vehicle to take my mother to treatments, etc. Is there any recalls on this?

    NHTSA complaint 11639654
18. Filed Jan 23, 2025Failure Jan 23, 2025Magnolia, DEEngine

    Clogged manifold and engine head. Blockage buildup in manifold and Pcv valve causing exhaust problems. Oil sludge block air in head and manifold causing CEL to come on. And these vehicles drink engine oil like water. Gives code P0411

    NHTSA complaint 11638001
19. Filed Jan 23, 2025Failure Jan 23, 2025Magnolia, DEEngine

    Oil consumption on this vehicle is terrible. All GMC for that matter. It burns in the engine and have to refill or top off multiple times a month.

    NHTSA complaint 11637996
20. Filed Jan 22, 2025Failure Jan 22, 2025New Milford, NJEngine

    There is a well known piston ring gasket issue with various GMC Terrain model years. GMC had recalled some for the engine defect but not all years with the affected engine. The 24L Eco tec engine is faulty. The motor uses excessive amounts of oil between oil changes and all kinds of systems are affected by carbon buildup. The engines run rough and stall out WHILE DRIVING. GMC refuses to recall all of the vehicles with this problem and that includes my 2015 model year GMC Terrain with the 24L engine. This would cost me thousands to fix myself. This is a serious issue and also a safety issue that they can get away with selling such faulty vehicles to families and no one makes them fess up and fix the engines at their expense not ours. My wife has had the vehicle stall out constantly while driving and with our partially disabled child in the car. It has happened countless times to me as well. This will also eventually cause the motor to have a much shorter life. There is also a chance of the timing chain breaking and causing the engine to break. These defects should be fixed via a recall. This is a WELL KNOWN MANUFACTURER DEFECT please look it up. It affects thousands of GMC Terrains and other GM vehicles with the 24L Ecotec motor.

    NHTSA complaint 11637620