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2015 GMC Terrain problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2015 GMC Terrain has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 3safety recalls
- 316owner complaints
- 10crash reports
- 1fire report
- 7injuries reported
316 complaints, against an average of 157 for the other 14 GMC Terrain model years.
Every GMC Terrain model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2015 GMC Terrain?
The components named most often in the 316 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2015 GMC Terrain owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 316 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why do the windshield wipers stop working on my 2015 GMC Terrain?87 owners · 27.5% · Recall 22V165000
- Why does my 2015 GMC Terrain stall, lose power or shut off while driving?33 owners · 10.4%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2015 GMC Terrain?29 owners · 9.2%
- What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2015 GMC Terrain engine?26 owners · 8.2%
- Why is my 2015 GMC Terrain burning or losing oil?21 owners · 6.6%
- Has the 2015 GMC Terrain had engine failures?13 owners · 4.1%
- Why does my 2015 GMC Terrain idle rough, misfire or hesitate?12 owners · 3.8%
Has the 2015 GMC Terrain been recalled?
3 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Visibility: Windshield Wiper/Washer: Motor General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The ball joints in the windshield wiper module may corrode, causing one or both windshield wipers to fail.
Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the wiper module, and repair or replace it as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 21, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212352530.
Exterior Lighting: Headlights General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles. A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222363740.
Air Bags: Side/Window General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side impact air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 01320.
What do 2015 GMC Terrain owners report?
12 of the 316 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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…
I hit a deer and it totaled my vehicle and the Airbags did not deploy
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
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.
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?
I am writing to urgently request a safety recall for the GMC Terrain 2015 due to a critical issue with the lift gate mechanism, which may be both electrical and mechanical. Recently, while utilizing the lift gate for routine activities such as grocery shopping, a terrifying incident occurred that endangered the safety of my family members. Upon opening, the lift gate exhibited a concerning behavior, forcefully closing without warning or control, posing a severe risk of injury. Despite attempts to intervene, the gate continued its downward motion unabated, presenting a serious hazard of…
There have been problems with the 2015 GMC Terrains Timing chain. The timing chain will break when the vehicle is being operated which causes the driver to lose complete control of the SUV, additionally, the engine will be destroyed. The bigger issue is the loss of control when you are driving - especially at highway speeds. GMC had hundreds of complaints but refused to issue a recall. A recall was issued but for only certain batches of VINs. I contacted GMC corporate service to inquire about what they are doing for the other owners who are experiencing the symptoms before the chain breaks…
The blower fan for heat In my vehicle was replaced in October 2022, recently the Defroster will not engage and it is vital to winter driving. The mechanism that switches between which vent to blow out air was replaced and the Defroster will still not engage, rather it comes out of the heat and face vents. Shortly after the Defroster stopped engaging, the rpms will start fluctuating from 2 suddenly up to 6-8 without warning or acceleration then go back down and back up as if it's chugging along. Even when applying the brakes, this will continue to happen and there's concern for Rear-ending or…
My vehicle had 2 recalls and I took it to the local Chevy dealer where I had purchased the car in 2018. The windshield wiper problem was repaired but I was told they did not have the correct parts to repair the headlights. After 3 days I was told the car was ready and I was assured by the service manager that the car was done. However, the headlights were not repaired..
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that diagnostic tests on air bag failures were not performed at their location. The contact stated that she received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V165000 (Visibility) and 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the dealer declined to service the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
I was driving home in the dark at an average speed of 45 mph, and it was raining and all of a sudden, my wipers stopped.
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH in a rainstorm, the front windshield wiper blades suddenly malfunctioned and ceased operation creating a visibility hazard to the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the windshield wiper motor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that parts for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V165000 (Visibility) were not yet available. A temporary fix was provided by the dealer. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the…
2015 GMC Terrain: questions owners ask
Is the 2015 GMC Terrain reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 316 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 GMC Terrain; the most common categories were visibility/wiper (102, 32.3%), engine (81, 25.6%), electrical system (35, 11.1%). There are 3 safety recalls. 10 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 7 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 GMC Terrain?
Across 316 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are visibility/wiper (32.3% of complaints), engine (25.6% of complaints), electrical system (11.1% of complaints), exterior lighting (9.5% of complaints), power train (8.2% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2015 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2015 GMC Terrain; the most recent (campaign 22V165000, 2022-03-17) concerns Visibility: Windshield Wiper/Washer: Motor. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why do the windshield wipers stop working on my 2015 GMC Terrain?
87 of the 316 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 GMC Terrain (27.5%) describe windshield wipers stopping or failing. A related recall exists: campaign 22V165000 (visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor). The fix: Dealers will inspect the wiper module, and repair or replace it as necessary, free of charge. One owner wrote: "I was driving home in the dark at an average speed of 45 mph, and it was raining and all of a sudden, my wipers stopped." (NHTSA complaint 11489065, October 2022). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2015 GMC Terrain stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
33 of the 316 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 GMC Terrain (10.4%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "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, April 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2015 GMC Terrain?
29 of the 316 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 GMC Terrain (9.2%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Engine started sputtering, then vehicle was shifting hard and occasionally jerking forward while braking/at a complete stop. Check engine light came on. Found there was no oil left. Was less than 3000 miles since prior oil change." (NHTSA complaint 11542029, September 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2015 GMC Terrain engine?
26 of the 316 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 GMC Terrain (8.2%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "Oil drained and no oil after oil change ra about 2300 miles and there is no indicator for low oil level or anything. Engine started rattling and engine sounded so that I pour oil then no more sound and working About month ago engine stopped while going slow…" (NHTSA complaint 11562945, January 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is my 2015 GMC Terrain burning or losing oil?
21 of the 316 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 GMC Terrain (6.6%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "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, April 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2015 GMC Terrain had engine failures?
13 of the 316 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 GMC Terrain (4.1%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "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, April 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2015 GMC Terrain idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
12 of the 316 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 GMC Terrain (3.8%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Engine started sputtering, then vehicle was shifting hard and occasionally jerking forward while braking/at a complete stop. Check engine light came on. Found there was no oil left. Was less than 3000 miles since prior oil change." (NHTSA complaint 11542029, September 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Terrain
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2015 only.