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P0016 on GMC TERRAIN

Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor A

NHTSA Reports
5
Severity
Medium
Most Affected
2010, 2011, 2015
Crashes / Fires
0 / 0
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database · SAE J2012

What P0016 Means on Your GMC TERRAIN

P0016 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor A. This code relates to the fuel and air metering system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

5 GMC TERRAIN owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2010-2023. Most reports come from the 2010, 2011 model years.

Real GMC TERRAIN Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"I bought my 2010 GMC Terrain SLE at 160,000. It had a rough start up but the dealer said it was because it was an older car and been sitting for a while. The rough start up never stopped even after replacing the catalytic converter because of code P0420."

— 2010 GMC TERRAIN owner · POWER TRAIN,ENGINE · Filed 11/14/2021

"Yet again, another costly engine repair. car would not accelerate properly, engine seemed to be back firing. then check engine light came on (code p0016). gmc dealer said the timing chains needs to be replaced. $2300. yet, they will create a recall for a seat. but not an unsafe engine."

— 2011 GMC TERRAIN owner · POWER TRAIN,ENGINE · Filed 09/15/2020

"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."

— 2015 GMC TERRAIN owner · ENGINE · Filed 07/27/2025

"I had a message flash that said the power to the engine was reduce. Next message said check stabilink ( or something similar).. it said drive with caution. I live 2 mins from my job I drove home and pulled in the driveway I then felt the car act like it wanted to shake."

— 2017 GMC TERRAIN owner · UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 02/10/2026

"GMC Terrain with 12,564 total miles had experienced an engine failure."

— 2023 GMC TERRAIN owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE · Filed 10/13/2025

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1
'10
1
'11
1
'15
1
'17
1
'23

Common Causes on GMC TERRAIN

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 40%
ENGINE 20%
UNKNOWN or OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 20%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 20%

What To Do Next

  1. 1
    Check for recalls on YOUR VIN

    Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.

  2. 2
    Get a proper diagnosis

    A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.

  3. 3
    Compare repair quotes

    Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0016 mean on a GMC TERRAIN?
P0016 indicates: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor A. This is a fuel and air metering code. 5 GMC TERRAIN owners have reported this to NHTSA.
What are the most common causes of P0016 on GMC TERRAIN?
Based on 5 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train,Engine, Engine, Unknown Or Other,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.
Is P0016 serious on my GMC TERRAIN?
Of 5 NHTSA reports for this code on GMC TERRAIN, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.
What should I do if my GMC TERRAIN shows P0016?
1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.

P0016 on Other Vehicles