2015 GMC Terrain

◆ Worse than typical
2015 GMC Terrain
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, GMC Terrain Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2015 highlighted. 2010: 290 complaints 2010 2011: 386 complaints 2012: 364 complaints 2013: 364 complaints 2013 2014: 296 complaints 2015: 297 complaints 2015 2016: 152 complaints 2016 2017: 133 complaints 2018: 218 complaints 2019: 181 complaints 2019 2020: 192 complaints 2021: 34 complaints 2022: 56 complaints 2022 2023: 37 complaints 2024: 48 complaints 2025: 13 complaints 2025 2026: 26 complaints 2026
2015: 297 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2010290
2011386
2012364
2013364
2014296
2015297
2016152
2017133
2018218
2019181
2020192
202134
202256
202337
202448
202513
202626

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

VISIBILITY/WIPER 34%

34% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 101 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE 27%

27% of complaints: engine — 80 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260722

Vehicle stalled, steering column was shaking. Fortunately, this took place when leaving work parking lot. Had it happened on the road, driver and passenger safety would've been at greater risk.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231013

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: electrical system — 31 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 8%

8% of complaints: exterior lighting — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights.

POWER TRAIN 7%

7% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

2015 — complaint volume: 297
R 20151019 — air bags

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain vehicles.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side impact air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015.

Campaign 15V666000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20181102 — RQ (closed 20191219)

Windshield Wiper Transmission Failure

I 20191213 — EA (closed 20221128)

Front Wiper Transmission Inoperative

R 20220908 — exterior lighting

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.

Remedy: Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222363740.

Campaign 22V137000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20221025 — visibility

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.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiper module, and repair or replace it as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 21, 2022.

Campaign 22V165000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2015 GMC Terrain — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (101 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (80 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (31 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 15V666000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V137000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V165000 (visibility) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2021 ▲ 2023 ▲ 2024

WORST YEARS

■ 2011 ◆ 2012 ◆ 2013

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2015 GMC Terrain reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2015 GMC Terrain is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2015 GMC Terrain?

The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2015 GMC Terrain have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.