2015 GMC Terrain: engine failure

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 Apr 10, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · PA

Oil consumption, causing high pressure furl pump to clog. It also causes catalytic converter to clog. No warning of oil loss. Causing stalling out while driving. Caused the engine to seize. New engine replaced and still same problem s

Filed Aug 4, 2025 · Engine · CA

I own a 2015 GMC Terrain, 4D. Vehicle started displaying error P0016 during the evening of 07/27/2025, the following day the vehicle stopped working. I towed the vehicle to three different mechanics. All three mechanics indicated that the engine needs to be replaced. Two of the mechanics indicated that this was a common issue with this GMC SUV and I wanted to reported. P0016 states, "crankshaft position camshaft position correlation Bank 1". I am disappointed that this issue has not been reported or recall. There are multiple youtube videos and online chats regarding this issue.

Filed Feb 25, 2025 · Engine · OH

Catastrophic mechanical failure; engine failure. Below freezing day driving normally until the car just died right in the middle of a busy 4 lane road. No warning lights were displayed. Luckily I was able to drift the car over to the curb lane then manually push into a parking lot with cars driving around me. Vehicle taken to independent Auto Care Service which did an inspection stating the PCV valve was frozen which then caused the pressure to blow rear seal and metal fragments could be seen in the oil drippings. No issues or dashboard notifications prior to this event.

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 Aug 16, 2023 · Engine · IL

Timing chain issues that causes new engine because the way it’s set up

Filed Aug 5, 2023 · Engine · IL

The engine burned a usually large amount of oil without warning the driver, resulting in engine failure. With minimal local driving and no warning, the engine was completely out of oil, resulting in an engine banging/rattling that began, resulting in total car failure. Like others with the same issue, a certified dealer diagnosed that a new engine was needed at a cost of $9500. An independent repair shop also confirmed a new engine would be needed.

Filed Jan 22, 2023 · Engine · GA

2015 GMC Terrain-The PCV system or rear engine seal froze and burst. It happened last month when GA experience record cold weather. When the vehicle’s PCV system freezes it caused pressure to build up in the vehicle’s crankcase that breaks or pops out the rear main engine seal and caused all of the oil to drain from the vehicle while driving. The engine has completely seized and will need to be replaced. There are several bulletins issues about this but no recall. After researching I see there has been a few class action suits filed within the past 12 months. This apparently has happened to quite a few people. I am now up to over 9K total. The PCV repair was 2800, then the timing chains 1800, only to find out that the engine suffered as well. New engine 4500. Please do something about this.

Filed Nov 29, 2022 · Engine · MI

Engine died in the middle of the freeway when driving, creating hazardous condition. It was later found out there was no oil. Oil was changed less than 2000 miles prior by GM dealer, there was no leak on the garage floor and there was no warning that oil was low and the exhaust did not look any different. There was no way to tell the engine was burning oil. The engine had barely 110k miles.

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 Jun 25, 2022 · Engine · WI

I was so excited to buy my first car!!!! found a 2015 GMC Terrain and loved the look of it and the thought of buying American Made. During the summer of 2020...just after COVID shut down...my car wouldn't start when running an errand. Got it towed to our local car guy and found out that the timing chain busted and the engine seized up at 52,000 miles. I still owed over $5,000.00 on it! Car guy said it would cost 5,200 to replace engine!!! Had it towed back to my garage and it's been sitting in there for 2 years. I have 2 more car payments left on a car I haven't been able to drive. Worst investment I have ever made and I will never buy a GMC or a Chevy again.

Filed Apr 18, 2022 · Engine · PA

Car has 77,000 miles with regular oil change and maintenance. Timing chain broke and engine failure.