2015 GMC Terrain engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

67 owners have reported engine problems with the 2015 GMC Terrain, 35% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 112,000 mi.

Engine complaints
67
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
112,000 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine64
Engine and engine cooling4

Engine complaints across GMC Terrain years

212010747820121119720146740201681452018646120201112202215112024212026
Engine complaints by model year. The 2015 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k10k–30k230k–60k460k–100k10100k–150k4150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Jul 22, 2026ILEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11751978 · source
  2. Filed Apr 14, 202694,000 miMOEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11731173 · source
  3. Filed Apr 10, 2026PAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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 · source
  4. Filed Aug 4, 2025CAEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11678282 · source
  5. Filed May 30, 2025PAEngine
    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 · source
  6. Filed Apr 15, 2025148,000 miMOTowedEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11654723 · source
  7. Filed Feb 25, 2025OHEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11644823 · source
  8. Filed Jan 30, 2025NJElectrical SystemEngine
    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 · source
  9. Filed Jan 23, 2025DEEngine
    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 · source
  10. Filed Jan 23, 2025DEEngine
    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 · source
  11. Filed Jan 22, 2025NJEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11637620 · source
  12. Filed Sep 13, 2024100,000 miMIEngine
    The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact turned off the vehicle and removed the key and the vehicle was shaking and shuddering until the vehicle independently turned off. The contact stated that there was an oil leak and oil was being added every four days. The contact stated that coolant was also frequently added. The contact stated that the vehicle was taking to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed…
    NHTSA complaint #11614513 · source

Other 2015 GMC Terrain problem areas

  • Visibility & Wipers (76)
  • Lighting (17)
  • Electrical System (17)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (11)
  • Other / Unknown (11)
  • Airbags (10)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (7)
  • Brakes (7)
  • Body & Structure (6)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (4)
  • Wheels & Tires (3)
  • Suspension (1)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (1)

Back to all 2015 GMC Terrain problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology