2015 GMC Terrain
Common Problems
Ranked from 159 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
11 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Windshield wiper transmission failure
73complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe windshield wipers fail to operate properly or become inoperable during rain or snow, leading to reduced visibility.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Engine stalling and check engine light issues
39complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine frequently stalls when accelerating in reverse or at low speeds, accompanied by a persistent check engine light.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Engine Oil Consumption
26complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine consumes excessive oil, leading to potential engine seizure and costly repairs.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Headlight and taillight failures
23complaintsMedium severityOtherHeadlights and taillights frequently fail to illuminate properly, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of accidents.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Airbag service light on
9complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe airbag service light comes on, indicating a potential issue with the airbag system that may require inspection or replacement.
- 6
Engine Power Loss
8complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine loses power suddenly without warning, potentially leading to vehicle stalling and safety concerns.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Automatic liftgate malfunction
7complaintsHigh severityOtherThe rear powered liftgate malfunctions, causing it to close unexpectedly and potentially injuring passengers or damaging property.
- 8
Engine Stall at Idle
6complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine stalls at idle, often without warning, leading to potential loss of control.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Airbag Deployment Failure
5complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe airbags fail to deploy during a collision, potentially increasing the risk of injury.
- 10
Headlight Malfunction
5complaintsMedium severityOtherHeadlights become inoperable without warning, potentially leading to poor visibility at night.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Unreliable Blind Spot Detection
4complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe blind spot detection system malfunctions, leading to potential accidents due to undetected obstacles.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.