Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 GMC Terrain owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that her vehicle was consuming oil excessively which led to three separate engine failures. The contact also stated that the check oil light would illuminate on the instrument panel prior to the failure. An independent mechanic had replaced the engine all three times due to the oil consumption. Prior to the latest failure, the contact mentioned that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assists failed as the power steering failure warning message was displayed on the instrument panel. The independent mechanic informed her that the power steering had received too much electricity which would cause both the power steering and the wheels to lock up. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
In October 2021 I took my car to have brake pads replaced, oil and filter change, and tire rotation. The day before the appointment the engine light came on. I parked the vehicle and waited for my appointment. The mechanic there told me there was not a drop of oil registering on the dipstick.... very odd considering I had the oil changed regularly. The appointment was completed and the engine light reset. The next day the engine light came back on and the code it was giving was for a Timing Control Solenoid, so I purchased the parts and took it back to the same mechanic. Engine light off- vehicle running normally- a few months pass-another routine oil/filter change in between and the engine light comes back on. This time I take it to a dealership and again there is not a drop of oil registering on the dipstick. …
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 crashing when this happens. When driving home 2 nights ago the county police pulled my vehicle over due to burnt out headlight, which was replaced less than 6 months ago. …
As I was navigating my way home on Nov. 3, 2021 the windshield wipers stop working and it was dark and pouring down raining. There was no warning. Then the radio started acting weird the bluetooth went away and I could not get it back on the screen to connect. I tried turning on and off the radio but it would not turn off. The biggest danger to my life was that I could not see so I had to keep pulling on side streets to wipe the windshield so I could make it home in the dark and pouring rain. When the bluetooth stopped connecting I had to pull over again and pipe the directions through my phone to continue to navigate home. The windshield wiper can be confirmed by the dealer because it still did not turn on today. The radio turned on and off today and the bluetooth icon was back.
Not really sure if it is electrical but the Stabilitrak light came on and the car jerked and I could not go over 50 mph and that would be fine however when you are on a freeway and the speed limit is much greater you could cause and accident. I took the vehicle to a garage and they put it on there computer and reset it and it seemed to work OK until I again went on the freeway and the same thing happened. Again I took it back to the same garage and they recommended I take it to a GMC Dealer which I did and they could not find the problem either after spending around $600.00. I did take it to the GMC Dealer which the vehicle make is a GMC.The problem, to the best of my knowledge, started about April 2023.
Engine lost power suddenly while driving. No warning. Fuel pressure slowed to where vehicle no longer moved forward. Again. No warning. Timing chain slipped TWICE and destroyed engine without warning. "Engine power lost" appeared on dash from driving without warning or incident. Excessive oil consumption without warning. Smoking engine even though had regular oil changes. Engine had been inspected by dealership and allegedly had no issues. Car never smoked but did after second time of timing chain slipping/breaking. This issue has happened repeatedly to many drivers who own these vehicles. Had a difficult time stopping after engine and total power failure without warning.
UNKNOWN The car shakes when I tried to reverse and when I try to move forward it doesn't accelerate. The tire pressure lights went on but the tire pressure is fine. I had it towed to a shop and they said they're getting transmission codes. Unfortunately that shop doesn't specialize in transmission so I'm waiting for a transmission specialist to look at it. Also the driver side electric seat doesn't move backwards anymore it's stuck in one spot.
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?
Never had issues on my vehicle I only have 42,000 miles when I brought my vehicle it only had 28,000 miles I had two recalls recently fixed 2/21/2023 a month later while driving my vehicle stopped and check engine light came on also there is a dinging sound whenever I get into my car which wasn't there before I was in my parking lot parking my car when it shut off 3 times
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 crushing limbs or causing incapacitating harm. In a frightening moment, one of my family members narrowly avoided a potentially catastrophic injury as the gate threatened to strike her right hand. …
Electrical complaints in other Terrain years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2015 GMC Terrain?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the electrical system of the 2015 GMC Terrain, 10% of the model year's 298 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2015 GMC Terrain electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2015 GMC Terrain, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2015 GMC Terrain electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.