2015 GMC Terrain Engine Problems

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.

NHTSA ID

11751978

Incident

May 18, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11743259

Incident

Jan 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started the following day, the rattling sound from the engine compartment returned. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on several occasions, and it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was low on oil and was consuming 2 quarts of engine oil every 2-3 weeks. The contact stated that the oil level was topped off. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

NHTSA ID

11731173

Incident

Dec 20, 2025

Mileage

94,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11730342

Incident

Mar 27, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11678282

Incident

Jul 27, 2025

I GOT IN MY CAR AND PROCEED TO DRIVE AND THE POWER LOW ENGINE SIGN CAME ON. TOOK TRUCK TO MECHANIC AND PAID $1000 BECAUSE GAS WAS GOING INTO MY ENGINE.

NHTSA ID

11663880

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH with cruise control activated, the RPM suddenly increased to redline, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve, which then caused a failure with the front crank seal, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 148,000.

NHTSA ID

11654723

Incident

Dec 25, 2023

Mileage

148,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11644823

Incident

Feb 22, 2025

My vehicle began jerking, shaking and kept shutting off in a highway intersection. I looked on the ground after coasting into a gas station to find oil leaking from under my vehicle. I've never had an oil leak and it caused my starter to go and I've had to replace the camshaft sensors all within the same week. It appears the rear seal went after the cold streak we had. I need my vehicle to take my mother to treatments, etc. Is there any recalls on this?

NHTSA ID

11639654

Incident

Jan 25, 2025

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

NHTSA ID

11638001

Incident

Jan 23, 2025

Oil consumption on this vehicle is terrible. All GMC for that matter. It burns in the engine and have to refill or top off multiple times a month.

NHTSA ID

11637996

Incident

Jan 23, 2025

There is a well known piston ring gasket issue with various GMC Terrain model years. GMC had recalled some for the engine defect but not all years with the affected engine. The 24L Eco tec engine is faulty. The motor uses excessive amounts of oil between oil changes and all kinds of systems are affected by carbon buildup. The engines run rough and stall out WHILE DRIVING. GMC refuses to recall all of the vehicles with this problem and that includes my 2015 model year GMC Terrain with the 24L engine. This would cost me thousands to fix myself. This is a serious issue and also a safety issue that they can get away with selling such faulty vehicles to families and no one makes them fess up and fix the engines at their expense not ours. My wife has had the vehicle stall out constantly while driving and with our partially disabled child in the car. It has happened countless times to me as well. This will also eventually cause the motor to have a much shorter life. There is also a chance of the timing chain breaking and causing the engine to break. These defects should be fixed via a recall. This is a WELL KNOWN MANUFACTURER DEFECT please look it up. It affects thousands of GMC Terrains and other GM vehicles with the 24L Ecotec motor.

NHTSA ID

11637620

Incident

Jan 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact turned off the vehicle and removed the key and the vehicle was shaking and shuddering until the vehicle independently turned off. The contact stated that there was an oil leak and oil was being added every four days. The contact stated that coolant was also frequently added. The contact stated that the vehicle was taking to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the engine power reduced message was displayed, and the vehicle decelerated to 20 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the residence and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11614513

Incident

Mar 11, 2024

Mileage

100,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11614417

Incident

May 1, 2024

Mileage

127,000 mi

While driving, my vehicle makes a loud funny sound, jerks/skips, and shuts off. It also loses motor oil quickly, yet it has no leaks and I have to constantly add more motor oil or get oil changes frequently. My safety has been put at risk because the engine can fail at any moment due to no motor oil, causing the vehicle to catch fire and also when the vehicle suddenly stops and shuts off in the middle of the road, it can cause an accident. There has been no inspection from the manufacturer.

NHTSA ID

11598695

Incident

Jun 21, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message "Power Reduction Mode" was displayed, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, there was a ticking sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled another time. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine timing was faulty, and the engine had experienced a loss of engine compression. The contact was advised to contact a local dealer for service. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11587789

Incident

May 3, 2024

Mileage

160,000 mi

Terrian with 2.4v have a massive oil burning problem. I have to put at least 2 quarts of oil in my car a week to get oil in it. There is problem with them during oil or oil rings are junk.

NHTSA ID

11583433

Incident

Apr 16, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11580714

Incident

Dec 14, 2023

Engine timing chain broke car stop working in the middle of the road

NHTSA ID

11572057

Incident

Oct 18, 2023

The rear main seal for the engine fails because of a clogged PCV valve. This was a problem on previous years for the Terrain and other vehicles that carried a similar type of engine. There was a recall for those previous years (2011-2014). My vehicle is a 2015 GMC Terrain, and I am currently experiencing the same issue. I took my vehicle to a licensed dealership and they quoted me a price of close to $3,000 to make the necessary repairs. In my opinion, since the same issue/problem is occurring, there should be a recall issued to include at least the 2015 year models for that engine.

NHTSA ID

11571010

Incident

Jan 25, 2024

The front and rear seal of the engine went out in the matter of two weeks spraying oil all over the roadway and making to car not drivable.

NHTSA ID

11566871

Incident

Feb 2, 2023

My Car is using oil excessively. I need to add about 1 1/2 to 2 quarts weekly. I only drive about 40 each week.

NHTSA ID

11565018

Incident

May 1, 2023

Oil drained and no oil after oil change ra about 2300 miles and there is no indicator for low oil level or anything. Engine started rattling and engine sounded so that I pour oil then no more sound and working About month ago engine stopped while going slow in school line and after resting it worked and same rattling sound because of no oil

NHTSA ID

11562945

Incident

Dec 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up as needed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced due to oil not reaching the engine block and the engine burning. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

NHTSA ID

11555409

Incident

Oct 20, 2023

Mileage

106,000 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.

NHTSA ID

11549776

Incident

Aug 23, 2023