2015 GMC Terrain Complaints

STRUCTURE — Filed 10/06/2026

Tailgate lifts by itself

ENGINE — Filed 05/18/2026

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, 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 risk of a collision because I could no longer safely maintain the flow of traffic. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair facility, where the engine was diagnosed with a timing chain failure. I was informed that the engine had sustained significant damage and required replacement. After purchasing and installing a replacement engine, that engine also began exhibiting timing chain-related symptoms immediately after installation, including abnormal rattling noises and unstable engine operation, resulting in additional repairs and the vehicle remaining unsafe to drive. I am concerned that timing chain failures in this model can occur without sufficient warning and can cause a sudden loss of engine power while the vehicle is being driven. A sudden engine failure at highway speeds creates a significant risk of a crash, injury, or death. I am requesting that this issue be investigated to determine whether it represents a safety-related defect affecting other 2015 GMC Terrain vehicles.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 07/10/2026

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 manufacturer no longer manufactured parts to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 167,446.

AIR BAGS — Filed 05/22/2026

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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 01/06/2026

See attached document for complaint.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 12/20/2025

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.

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 03/27/2026

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,STRUCTURE — Filed 02/28/2026

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 2022-2023 now just getting to 94,000 in February 2026. If there was rust which there probably was the car should have not been sold if the rust was enough to cause problem later on. I may need to go purchase a new car while still owe some money in the car loan. Rust and hole in the rear control arm. The amount to replace and repair all the parts with labor exceeds current value.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 01/16/2026

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 safety issue. I have looked it up online and found out this is a common issue with these vehicles.

STRUCTURE — Filed 09/04/2025

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 couple times and then closed. You cannot stop it from closing down on you if you are trying to load or unload into that compartment. We have had to stop using altogether.

ENGINE — Filed 07/27/2025

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 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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/29/2025

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 on the head. There were earlier model recalls for this problem but not on the 2015. This is a potentially dangerous condition.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/12/2025

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 the trunk and nearly caused a severe crush injury which could have been fatal. Yes the problem was reproduce by an independent service center as well as a dealership. No the part was not inspected. There were no known warning lights or messages. Apparently as per consumers this is known problem with the 2010-2017 GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox.

ENGINE — Filed 10/01/2024

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.

AIR BAGS — Filed 05/08/2023

Hit a deer causing extensive damage to the front end. The driver airbag released a smoky substance and the display read that the airbag had deployed yet it did not come out .

STRUCTURE — Filed 04/10/2022

The contact had a dealer loaner vehicle, a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated the liftgate raised up extremely fast and caused the hydraulic on the passenger side to detach. Once the hydraulic fell, the liftgate hit her in the head, and she became unconscious. A random person assisted contact. Once she became conscious she drove herself to an emergency. The contact was diagnosed with major injuries of spinal whiplash and consciousness. The contact had been scheduled for a neurologist. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, were not of assistance. The dealer informed the contact to notify GMC of the failure. The manufacturer has not been notified. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000

ENGINE — Filed 02/02/2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DECELERATE WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SAW BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AS HE WAS PULLING OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS A BROKEN PART IN THE ENGINE AND THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NEITHER THE LOCAL DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 10/11/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 GMC DENALI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THEIR HUSBAND WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, WHEN THE TRAFFIC CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP CAUSING THE CONTACT TO APPLY THE BRAKES TO THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKING PEDAL EXCESSIVELY, HOWEVER, THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP AND THE BRAKES WERE FLOORED. THE VEHICLE ENDED UP REAR ENDING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE AIR BAGS DID DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TOTALED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE PASSENGER RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE CHEST AND LOWER ABDOMEN AREA. THE ONLY MEDICAL ATTENTION RECEIVED WAS BY EMT AT TIME OF THE CRASH. THE DEALER (CARDINALE GMC 2 HEITZINGER PLAZA, SEASIDE, CA 93955, (831) 322-4112) WAS MADE AWARE. THE CONTACT STATED THEY RECEIVED A NOTICE REGARDING THEIR VEHICLE HAVING ANTI-LOCK BRAKING ISSUES AFTER THE CRASH HAD OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *LN*DT*DT*JB THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PHOTOS. *TR

AIR BAGS — Filed 06/27/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY CRASHED INTO SECOND VEHICLE CAUSING SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE. DURING THE CRASH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ALTHOUGH THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL MESSAGE HAD INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAGS HAD DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A BRUISED CHEST WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 06/03/2020

I OWN A 2015 GMC TERRAIN. THE RADIO AND ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS RELATED TO THE TOUCH SCREEN HAVE FAILED RESULTING IN A BLACK SCREEN. THIS INCLUDES THE BACK UP CAMERA. THIS HAS ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO A MINOR ACCIDENT WHERE I BACK INTO A UTILITY POLE. GM STATES A NEW RADIO IS NECESSARY AT A COST OF $1287. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR A VITAL PART OF THE VEHICLES OPERATION. WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR GM TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? SOMEONE BACKING OVER A CHILD IN A DRIVEWAY? *TR

STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE — Filed 12/16/2019

WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT VERY SLOW THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND DAMAGED CAR IN FRONT THERE ARE TRACTION MARKS SHOWING THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF. BECAUSE THE CARS IN FRONT WERE HIT I PLACED THE CAR IN PARK AFTER THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF.

STRUCTURE — Filed 07/04/2018

WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. THE AUTOMATIC LIFTGATE GOES UP AND THEN FALLS HALFWAY, GOES UP AN THEN FALLS BACK ALL THE WAY DOWN. IT HIT ME AN KNOCKED ME OWN THE FIRST TIME. IT STARTED IN JULY OF THIS YEAR AND DOES IT CONSISTENTLY. I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT OR A CHILD COULD EVEN BE CRUSHED AS IT IS EXTREMELY HEAVY. I CANNOT USE THE REAR COMPARTMENT AS THE LIFTGATE WILL NOT STAY OPEN. THERE IS A LAWSUIT ON CERTAIN YEARS FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM AND GMC HAS A TSB UP THROUGH 2014 BUT FOR SOME REASON THE 2015 MODEL IS NOT INCLUDE EVEN THOUGH IT HAS THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. HERE IS A VIDEO OF THE ISSUE. THIS IS ANOTHER TERRAIN AS I DON'T KNOW HOW TO GET A VIDEO OF MINE ON YOUTUBE. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=U3NCKL-DETA

AIR BAGS — Filed 01/12/2018

ON THE MORNING OF 1/12/18 @ 0812 I WAS IN A FRONT END COLLISION, SO FAR THE BODY SHOP SAYS MOST LIKELY IT IS TOTALED. ONSTAR DID NOT GO OFF, ALSO THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ATTACHED IS PICTURES OF MY CAR ON THE WRECKER RIGHT AFTER THE ACCIDENT. I HAD STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, AND B/C OF THE GIANT BLIND SPOT THAT IS NOT ON ANY REVIEWS ETC. FOR THIS VEHICLE I DID NOT SEE THE MINIVAN THAT WAS HEADED WEST BOUND AND I WAS HEADED NORTH BOUND. THE ACCIDENT OCCURED ON SE 5TH AND LELIA ST. IN GUYMON OKLAHOMA. ALSO A PICTURE IS ATTACHED OF ONE OF THE INJURIES I SUSTAINED BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING AND ALSO HAD A HEAD INJURY AFTER GOING TO THE ER.

AIR BAGS — Filed 09/20/2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 GMC TERRAIN. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT HAD ABRUPTLY STOPPED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. IN ADDITION, THE SAFETY FEATURE TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM A COLLISION FAILED TO ENGAGE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED BACK PAIN AND WAS SCHEDULED TO RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND DEEMED DESTROYED. JOHN MILES CHEVROLET BUICK GMC IN CONYERS, GEORGIA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: 83433332913. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 83,000.

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/05/2015

IN THE EARLY MORNING OF 9-5-15 MY DAUGHTER BEGAN DRIVING HOME FROM PITTSBURGH TO DE. SHE SWERVED TO AVOID AN ANIMAL ON THE PA TURNPIKE, HIT THE JERSEY WALL ON THE RIGHT, ROLLED OVER COMPLETELY TWICE TO THE LEFT, LANDING UPRIGHT IN THE MEDIAN. LUCKILY THE SEAT BELT SAVED HER AND SHE HAD ONLY MINOR INJURIES. HOWEVER THE SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. IN FACT ONSTAR CALLED 911 BECAUSE THEIR MONITORING EQUIPMENT SHOWED THAT THE AIR BAGS HAD DEPLOYED, BUT THEY DID NOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE FOR AIRBAG PROBLEM THOUGH I'VE HEARD THAT THERE SHOULD BE SO I WANTED TO REPORT THIS.