2015 GMC Terrain problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 315 owner complaints on file for the 2015 GMC Terrain, filed between 2015-03-05 and 2026-07-22. The most common problem areas are the visibility/wiper (102, 32%), engine (81, 26%) and electrical system (35, 11%). Owners reported 10 crashes, 1 fire and 7 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2015 GMC Terrain complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 102 | 32% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 81 | 26% | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 35 | 11% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 30 | 10% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 26 | 8% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 22 | 7% | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Visibility | 20 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 16 | 5% | 6 | 0 | 4 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 16 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 14 | 4% | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 10 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 9 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Visibility/wiper: 102 complaints
- 102 complaints of 315 (32%) name the visibility/wiper — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- 3 of them also name the exterior lighting; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2015 GMC Terrain; the recall, campaign 22V165000, says: “The ball joints in the windshield wiper module may corrode, causing one or both windshield wipers to fail.”
Engine: 81 complaints
- 81 complaints of 315 (26%) name the engine.
- 9 of them also name the power train; owners reported 1 crash and 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 GMC Terrain covers this system.
Electrical system: 35 complaints
- 35 complaints of 315 (11%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 6 of them also name the exterior lighting; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 GMC Terrain covers this system.
Exterior lighting: 30 complaints
- 30 complaints of 315 (10%) name the exterior lighting — headlights, tail and brake lights and turn signals.
- 10 of them also name the visibility; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2015 GMC Terrain; the recall, campaign 22V137000, says: “A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light.”
Power train: 26 complaints
- 26 complaints of 315 (8%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 9 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 GMC Terrain covers this system.
Visibility: 20 complaints
- 20 complaints of 315 (6%) name the visibility — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- 10 of them also name the exterior lighting; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2015 GMC Terrain; the recall, campaign 22V165000, says: “The ball joints in the windshield wiper module may corrode, causing one or both windshield wipers to fail.”
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 11 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 11 |
| 2018 | 28 |
| 2019 | 59 |
| 2020 | 47 |
| 2021 | 30 |
| 2022 | 60 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 9 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names TERRAIN, model year 2015. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2015 GMC Terrain recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 GMC Terrain?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2015 GMC Terrain's most common problem areas are the visibility/wiper (102 of 315 complaints), engine (81 of 315 complaints) and electrical system (35 of 315 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2015 GMC Terrain have?
NHTSA has 315 owner complaints on file for the 2015 GMC Terrain, including 10 reported crashes and 1 reported fire.
Is there a recall for the 2015 GMC Terrain's problems?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2015 GMC Terrain; 3 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.