2015 Gmc Terrain Problems

Severe Issues

Used GMC TERRAIN shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 315 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Visibility/Wiper the most reported area.

older11 years2017

Before you buy

This 2015 Gmc Terrain has 315 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Visibility/Wiper.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

NMVTIS official data Instant results No signup for the preview

Free preview Β· Full report from $12.95.

315
Complaints
10
Crashes
1
Fires
7
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
3
Recalls

2015 Gmc Terrain Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2015 Gmc Terrain trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

20
MPG City
16–22 range
28
MPG Hwy
23–31 range
23
MPG Combined
19–26 range
381
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $2,250 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.

2015 Gmc Terrain Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β€” showing 2015 GMC Terrain SUV AWD

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

4/5

17.4% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

4/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5

17.4% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Optionalβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2015 Gmc Terrain has 315 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Visibility/Wiper. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2015 Gmc Terrain β€” key reliability facts
Make
Gmc
Model
Terrain
Model year
2015
NHTSA owner complaints
315
Crash-related complaints
10
Safety recall campaigns
3
Top reported component
Visibility/Wiper
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
23
EPA MPG city / highway
20 / 28
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA overall safety rating
4/5 stars
NHTSA frontal crash rating
4/5 stars
NHTSA side crash rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA rollover rating
4/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2015 Gmc Terrain problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
102
complaints

Visibility/Wiper

#2
85
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:1
Fires:1
#3
35
complaints

Electrical Faults

Crash-related:1

Complaint patterns center on Visibility/Wiper, Engine Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2015 Gmc Terrain?

This GMC TERRAIN year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.

Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.

May Suit

This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.

May Want to Avoid

Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2015 Gmc Terrain

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
  • Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
  • Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN

Before You Close the Deal

  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2015 Gmc Terrain, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

The GMC TERRAIN has 315 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. 10 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Recall context: 3 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.

Key Findings
  • 315 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 3 federal recall campaigns
  • 10 crash-related complaints on record
Top Concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume β€” popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Full breakdown

All 2015 Gmc Terrain complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Gmc Terrain. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Visibility/Wiper102β€”β€”β€”
Engine Problems8511β€”
Electrical Faults351β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures30β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain26β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues222β€”β€”
Visibility20β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions166β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System16β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems142β€”β€”
Brake System111β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)9β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects4β€”β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration41β€”β€”
Suspension Failures2β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System2β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline2β€”β€”β€”
Lane Departure2β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic1β€”β€”β€”
Back Over Prevention1β€”β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2015 Gmc Terrain. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 315 most recent complaints

Engine ProblemsJul 22, 2026

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, ab…

Brake SystemJul 20, 2026

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 manuf…

Airbag Malfunctions CrashJun 11, 2026

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

Engine ProblemsJun 10, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

Engine ProblemsApr 14, 2026

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…

Engine ProblemsApr 10, 2026

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

Suspension FailuresMar 2, 2026

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 2022-202…

Uncategorized Issues CrashJan 20, 2026

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 …

Structural ProblemsJan 3, 2026

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…

Engine ProblemsAug 4, 2025

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 …

Uncategorized IssuesJul 3, 2025

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 o…

Uncategorized IssuesJun 21, 2025

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 t…

Engine ProblemsMay 30, 2025

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.

Engine ProblemsApr 15, 2025

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 …

Engine ProblemsFeb 25, 2025

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…

Airbag MalfunctionsFeb 16, 2025

Found steering wheel airbag deployed

Electrical FaultsJan 30, 2025

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 se…

Engine ProblemsJan 23, 2025

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.

Engine ProblemsJan 23, 2025

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

Engine ProblemsJan 22, 2025

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…

Page 1 of 16

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2015 Gmc Terrain.

Safety recalls

2015 Gmc Terrain recalls

3 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2015 Gmc Terrain. 3 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

#15V666000AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW16/10/2015
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

#22V137000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSAug 3, 2022
Safety recall

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

#22V165000VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR17/03/2022

Across model years

Compare Gmc Terrain model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2015 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2015 Gmc Terrain buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2015 Gmc Terrain reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 315 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. This GMC TERRAIN year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Gmc Terrain?β–Ύ

#1: Visibility/Wiper (102 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (85 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (35 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2015 Gmc Terrain?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2015 Gmc Terrain?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2015 Gmc Terrain, NHTSA complaints include 10 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 315 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2015 Gmc Terrain have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2015 Gmc Terrain. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW. 3 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2015 Gmc Terrain?β–Ύ

This GMC TERRAIN year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Visibility/Wiper during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.

Wider context: See the full Gmc Terrain reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2015 Gmc Terrain based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.