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 while at a complete stop, the vehicle jerked and shut off. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving. The contact stated that on several occasions, while the vehicle was jerking at a complete stop, the contact shifted to park(P) to prevent the vehicle from stalling. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump was leaking fuel into the oil gasket. The mechanic replaced the mass air flow sensor, the oil gasket, the fuel pump, the catalytic converter, and the starter; however, the failure recurred while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an unknown related recall. The vehicle was not repaired. …
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 that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the engine power reduced message was displayed, and the vehicle decelerated to 20 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the residence and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that upon checking the oil reservoir, he noticed that the oil was low despite recently having an oil change performed. The contact replenished the oil; however, he began to notice that the vehicle was vibrating with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to three independent mechanics; the first two were unable to diagnose the failure; however, the third dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a defective camshaft phaser. The contact called the dealer about the failure; however, they were unable to offer any assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message "Power Reduction Mode" was displayed, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, there was a ticking sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled another time. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine timing was faulty, and the engine had experienced a loss of engine compression. The contact was advised to contact a local dealer for service. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 160,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started jerking, lost motive power, and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact continued to drive; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the "Engine Power Reduced" message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain had fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure but provided no additional assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while reversing out of her driveway, the vehicle started making abnormal knocking sounds. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the battery was severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while performing an oil change, he noticed that the timing chain cover was leaking oil. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that other GMC vehicles had similar failure; however, there were no recalls on his vehicle. Both the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and neither offered any assistance. The contact was later referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Engine complaints in other Terrain years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2015 GMC Terrain?
NHTSA has 83 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2015 GMC Terrain, 28% of the model year's 298 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2015 GMC Terrain engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 94,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.