2015 GMC Terrain recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2015 GMC Terrain and 317 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are visibility/wiper (102), engine (82), electrical system (35). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 19–26 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
The 2015 ranks #13 of 15 Terrain model years for fewest complaints (2012–2026), with more complaints than the average year (168). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2015 GMC Terrain. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Visibility · windshield wiper/washer · motor
Problem: 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.
Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212352530.
Exterior lighting · headlights
Problem: 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."
Risk: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Air bags · side/window
Problem: 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.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side impact air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 01320.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The transmission was jerking and when the heat is running it smells like it’s bout to catch fire
Tailgate lifts by itself
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 engi…
Safety ratings
2015 GMC Terrain SUV AWD
2015 GMC Terrain SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2015 GMC Terrain.
Terrain AWD
Auto 6-spd · 6 cyl · 3.6 L
Regular
Terrain AWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Terrain FWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · SIDI; FFV
Gasoline or E85
Terrain FWD
Auto 6-spd · 6 cyl · 3.6 L · SIDI
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2015 GMC Terrain have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2015 GMC Terrain, most recently for visibility · windshield wiper/washer · motor (03/17/2022). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 GMC Terrain?
Based on 317 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are visibility/wiper (102), engine (82), electrical system (35).
Is the 2015 GMC Terrain safe?
The 2015 GMC Terrain earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2015 a good year for the GMC Terrain?
The 2015 ranks #13 of 15 Terrain model years for fewest complaints (2012–2026), with more complaints than the average year (168). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2015 GMC Terrain get?
EPA ratings for the 2015 GMC Terrain range from 19 to 26 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2015 GMC Terrain in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: TERRAIN, Terrain.