NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 317 owner complaints for the 2015 GMC Terrain. Most complaints involve visibility/wiper (102) and engine (82). The EPA rates it 19–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The ball joints in the windshield wiper module may corrode, causing one or both windshield wipers to fail.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles. A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Terrain model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 295 |
| 2011 | 397 |
| 2012 | 370 |
| 2013 | 370 |
| 2014 | 302 |
| 2015 | 317 |
| 2016 | 153 |
| 2017 | 135 |
| 2018 | 226 |
| 2019 | 187 |
| 2020 | 197 |
| 2021 | 36 |
| 2022 | 88 |
| 2023 | 41 |
| 2024 | 55 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 33 |
| 2027 | 1 |
“The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH in a rainstorm, the front windshield wiper blades suddenly malfunctioned and ceased operation creating a visibility hazard to the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the windshield wiper motor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that parts for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V165000 (Visibility) were not yet available. A temporary fix was provided by the dealer. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000.”
“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…”
“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?”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrain FWD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 26 | $2,450 | 347 |
| Terrain FWD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 26 | $2,450 | 347 |
| Terrain AWD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 | 381 |
| Terrain AWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,400 | 481 |
| Terrain FWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,400 | 462 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 317 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility/wiper (102), engine (82), electrical system (35). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2015 GMC Terrain at 19–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2015 GMC Terrain 4 out of 5 stars overall.