2015 GMC Terrain: check engine light

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · Engine · IL

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.

Filed Jan 23, 2025 · Engine · DE

Clogged manifold and engine head. Blockage buildup in manifold and Pcv valve causing exhaust problems. Oil sludge block air in head and manifold causing CEL to come on. And these vehicles drink engine oil like water. Gives code P0411

Filed Sep 13, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · 127,000 miles · MS

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle jerked and shut off. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving. The contact stated that on several occasions, while the vehicle was jerking at a complete stop, the contact shifted to park(P) to prevent the vehicle from stalling. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump was leaking fuel into the oil gasket. The mechanic replaced the mass air flow sensor, the oil gasket, the fuel pump, the catalytic converter, and the starter; however, the failure recurred while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an unknown related recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

Filed Apr 2, 2024 · Engine · IL

Vehicle has been consuming oil quicker than normal with no known reason as to why. Vehicle has also had 2 incidents of the vehicle not starting and no engine light or codes appear after vehicle gets started.

Filed Mar 12, 2024 · Fuel system · 130,000 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was released, and the vehicle sputtered. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message "Reduced Engine Power" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would shut off while idling unless the accelerator pedal was intermittently depressed. The contact also stated that the vehicle had failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to Firestone on several occasions, and the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) was replaced 3 times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Oct 13, 2023 · Engine · MI

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. In addition, this particular issue could've resulted in a fire in the engine compartment. Took to mechanics and was informed that cylinder #3 was no longer contributing to engine function. Technician discovered cylinder was leaking from exhaust valves. Vehicle has not been inspected by the other individuals. Prior to this incident, vehicle was consuming oil at an enhanced pace although the oil light indicator would never turn on. Engine light didn't appear until cylinder #3 failed. It's important to note there is a previous (successful) class action lawsuit for the 2010-2013 models for the same exact reasons noted above. Missouri is in the process of filing a lawsuit for the 2014-2017 models.

Filed Sep 1, 2023 · Engine · WI

Engine started sputtering, then vehicle was shifting hard and occasionally jerking forward while braking/at a complete stop. Check engine light came on. Found there was no oil left. Was less than 3000 miles since prior oil change. Dealer service sticker stated oil change was not due until 5000 miles (synthetic). Oil light never came on. After refilling oil, check engine light turned off and vehicle started operating normally. Discovered many others with problems with this vehicle consuming oil. Luckily, we caught it before engine failure, but obviously worried that this could happen at any time.

Filed May 30, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · SC

My GMC terrian has 98567 miles and had check engine light problem. Dealer said that I needed new timing chain. Cost $2282.05. Have not found a recall on the timing chain problem, but have seen many complains about the same issue. With some being replaced multiple times. Why has GMC not done anything to cure this problem. Van does not burn oil. Have it serviced at the GMC dealer since I purchased it with only 16000 miles.

Filed Apr 1, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · OH

Never had issues on my vehicle I only have 42,000 miles when I brought my vehicle it only had 28,000 miles I had two recalls recently fixed 2/21/2023 a month later while driving my vehicle stopped and check engine light came on also there is a dinging sound whenever I get into my car which wasn’t there before I was in my parking lot parking my car when it shut off 3 times

Filed Nov 18, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · NH

The engine is burning oil at a rate of about a quart every 2k miles. The check engine light came on recently and very shortly after a reduced power warning came on and made the vehicle difficult to drive. Which was not safe on a major road. It had to be towed to my mechanic and he mentioned to me that the engines in this vehicle are known to be problems. The pistons have an issue that burns oil in excess he said. I looked this up and found a class action settlement was just awarded to people in 3 states. However not mine.

Filed Jul 18, 2022 · Engine, Visibility · VT

Engine failure - car engine turned off when I stopped at a stop sign. Car warning lights flashed. Had to shut ignition off and turn on again. Car started again, but with check engine light staying on. From that point on, every time I would slow down for traffic lights, stop signs, turns or for any other reason when slowing down, the car would shut off. This was extremely dangerous in traffic as it would stall out randomly when slowing down. The car did not give any indication of any pending problems. Windshield wipers - stopped dead during a heavy rainstorm while traveling on a highway. Wipers were completely non-functional in any mode. Had to try to pull off the highway and park as driving visibility was non-existent. Safety to myself and others was completely compromised as I could not see to drive. No warning signs or messages to advise of this problem coming.

Filed May 9, 2022 · Lights, Visibility · 102,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield wipers became inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V165000 (Visibility) and 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.