GMC Terrain Complaints

3,167 consumer complaints on file.

#11763641September 11, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Avis Rental. Vehicle simply shut down while driving and would not re-start. Vehicle could NOT be put into neutral to move from roadway. Emergency services vehicles had to remain on site awaiting tow vehicle. Very dangerous situation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763647September 11, 2026
ENGINE
Vehicle Information:Year/Make/Model: 2021 GMC TerrainEngine Type: 1.5L Turbocharged EngineCurrent Mileage: 155,000 miles [1]Description of Safety Defect:I am writing to report a severe, sudden engine and turbocharger failure on my 2021 GMC Terrain that presents an extreme, life-threatening safety hazard. While operating the vehicle in active traffic, the engine began flashing a severe dashboard warning reading "Stop Now Danger" (accompanied by low oil pressure alerts) before suffering an immediate, catastrophic loss of all motive power. 2-This unexpected stalling leaves the driver completely stranded on active roadways without warning, drastically expanding the risk of a high-speed rear-end collision. A mechanic has inspected the vehicle and confirmed that both the engine assembly and the turbocharger require full replacement, with a repair estimate totaling $12,000. General Motors is currently facing legal actions regarding defective, camshaft-driven mechanical vacuum pumps and PCV configurations on these 2018–2022 1.5L engines defects known to fracture, send metal fragments violently into the engine top, and trigger immediate engine failure and turbocharger destruction. Despite these severe risks, GMC has refused to provide any goodwill assistance or repairs because the vehicle is outside warranty. I request that NHTSA immediately investigate the engine-destroying defects inherent to the 2018–2022 GMC Terrain line to protect consumers from catastrophic highway power failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763743September 11, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car just stopped accelerating and the check engine light came on. I took it to a shop and they had to replace the fuel pump control module. There is already recall for SOME 2022 GMC terrains but my vehicle is not included in the recall. I dont understand how a 2022 GMC terrain has a recall for the fuel pump module but my 2022 GMC terrain is not part of the recall already put out and I have the same exact issue as the other vehicles that had been recalled.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762749September 8, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Having the start stop issue on my terrain and recently over the last few months, it has been using oil everything that sounds exactly like the recall but mine is not included. My start stop is not working and I have to get him since it had only 60,000 miles on it years ago, but nothing was done.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762176September 4, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE
While driving my 2019 GMC Terrain with three children as passengers, the vehicle developed a braking/engine problem. The brake pedal became very hard, and the vehicle subsequently became undrivable and would not start. I received no advance warning through the GMC app indicating that the vacuum pump was failing. The vehicle was towed to a GMC dealership. The dealership diagnosed a failed vacuum pump and advised that the engine requires replacement, with an estimate of approximately $11,238. I purchased this vehicle new. I am very concerned that a vacuum-pump failure can result in reduced brake assist/increased brake-pedal effort and major engine damage without adequate advance warning. Three children were in the vehicle when this occurred, and the sudden change in braking created a serious safety concern for everyone in the vehicle. The vehicle is currently at the GMC dealership. I have requested that relevant parts be preserved and am requesting GM Policy Assistance with the repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761691September 2, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel pump control module and or the in tank fuel pump failed and or isn’t making proper connection for car to run correctly. Safety was put at risk as car came to abrupt halt while driving. Driver was outside of vehicle at busy intersection for vehicle diagnostics and battery jump. Battery was removed and new battery installed yet problem persists. Not confirmed by dealer but code is as follows (p129F). Maintenance performed by owner;Code reader used for diagnostics, new battery installed. Problem persists. Car started, drove and stumbled to then die. Check engine now displays.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761243September 1, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Factory powertrain programming actively locks out 9th gear (overdrive) during freeway driving at speeds exceeding 60–65 mph. The vehicle refuses to upshift from 8th to 9th gear, forcing sustained high-RPM operation during standard highway cruising.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761336September 1, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I recently pulled over to help a woman driving a 2026 GMC Terrain who had run out of gas in the middle of XXX in Virginia. Obviously, the first priority was to get the vehicle out of the travel lanes and onto the shoulder. I tried to figure out how to put the Terrain into neutral so we could move it, only to discover that **the vehicle cannot be shifted into neutral if it is not running.** Since it was out of gas, it could not start, meaning we could not put it in neutral and could not move it out of the roadway. Fortunately, a VDOT Safety Service Patrol truck came by. The driver stopped to help and thankfully had gasoline. However, I was told that, according to policy, he could not put gas in the vehicle while it was still in the travel lanes. This created an extremely dangerous catch-22: **the vehicle could not be moved because it could not start, it could not start because it was out of gas, and gas could not be added because it had not been moved out of the roadway.** I believe this is a serious safety issue with the vehicle. A disabled vehicle should have a reliable way to be placed in neutral regardless of whether the engine can start. This is especially important after a breakdown or crash, when the vehicle may need to be moved quickly to protect the occupants, other drivers, or first responders. If there is a manual emergency procedure for putting a completely disabled Terrain into neutral, it should be clearly documented and readily accessible to drivers and roadside assistance personnel. If there is no practical method, I believe GMC needs to address this design. A modern vehicle should not become an immovable roadblock simply because it ran out of fuel. Please investigate this issue and take whatever action is necessary to ensure disabled vehicles can be safely moved out of active traffic lanes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761445September 1, 2026
AIR BAGS
Harness for the airbag gave out. Puts the passenger at risk. Confirmed by service members at Rodenroth Motors Inc. in Sault Ste Marie MI. Message said service "Restraint system". There was no official incident date. One day whenever somebody sat in the passenger side the warning would appear.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761137August 31, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle experienced a complete loss of infotainment/audio functions immediately following a GM over-the-air software update. The OnStar indicator turned red, all vehicle audio including turn-signal sounds stopped functioning, and the rear backup camera stopped displaying an image. The backup camera failure creates a safety concern because it eliminates a federally required rear visibility safety feature. GM has advised me that software updates do not cause these problems and instead reveal an underlying issue. However, GM Preliminary Information bulletin PIT5971B identifies a software anomaly associated with loss of audio and a red OnStar LED on affected GMC Terrain vehicles, which closely matches two of my symptoms. I am concerned that a software-related defect may be causing or contributing to the simultaneous loss of multiple vehicle functions, including the backup camera. The loss of the backup camera is a significant safety concern because it prevents me from seeing the area directly behind the vehicle when reversing. The simultaneous loss of multiple functions occurred immediately after the GM software update and has persisted despite completing the recommended reset/troubleshooting procedures. GM is currently requiring me to pay for diagnosis despite the failure occurring immediately after the OTA update. I am requesting that NHTSA document and investigate this potential safety-related software defect. GMC Customer Service case 107120047
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760902August 31, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The brake pedal was depressed to the floor, and the vehicle slowed down and eventually stopped. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed vacuum pump. The mechanic informed the contact that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a known issue with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760736August 30, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
When starting to accelerate from a red light. The car in front of us was accelerating faster. Yet our car initiated an emergency braking action at around 15 MPH. It was very jarring and I still have a headache more yhan 1 hour after the incident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760586August 29, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, POWER TRAIN, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Two problems with this vehicle: 1) Transmission occasionally slips on the 2-3 shift which the dealer says he cannot duplicate. Vehicle was brought in four times for this problem. According to the dealer GM corporate has stated the transmission is working within normal parameters, since no codes were found. 2) Vehicle auto braking randomly slams on the brakes with nothing in its path. Dealer states turn off system to just Alert only not Alert and Brake. No codes were set. Fortunately no one was behind me as this could have caused me to be rear ended by another vehicle. In both cases it appears that if no codes are set the problem does not exist. Nov. 21, 2025, Feb. 12, 2026, July 09, 2026, Aug. 28, 2026.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760395August 28, 2026
Carry Handle, Shell, Base, Tether, Lower Anchor (on car seat or vehicle)
I purchased an Evenflo Shyft Intuiti Travel System with a Revolve180 LiteMax NXT infant car seat. The car seat was manufactured on 03/27/2025, model TS100212542. I was notified by Amazon that the car seat was recalled due to a calibration issue with the level indicator that caused the product not to meet applicable federal performance requirements. I contacted Evenflo ParentLink regarding the recall and was informed that Evenflo would provide only a repair kit and would not provide a replacement or refund. Evenflo's proposed interim solutions include using the car seat without the rotating base, using a non-rotating base, or using the rotating base with a modified recline or a load leg. These alternatives do not provide an equivalent remedy for the product I purchased. I specifically purchased this infant seat because the base is designed to rotate. Both parents in our household have back problems, and the rotating feature was an important safety and usability consideration when placing our infant into the seat. Removing the rotating functionality or changing the installation configuration does not provide an equivalent product. Because I did not consider the proposed alternatives acceptable for safely and practically transporting my infant, I purchased a replacement rotating car seat. Amazon ultimately agreed to refund the recalled travel system and arrange pickup of the product. I am submitting this complaint because I believe the recall remedy should be evaluated to determine whether it provides an effective and reasonably equivalent solution to affected consumers, particularly when the recalled product's primary functionality is lost under the proposed interim solutions. I am not reporting a crash or injury.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760068August 27, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The car stalled while traveling down a road. We tried to restart and it would run for a few seconds and stall. We could not restart. There were no warning lights before the stall and after the engine would not run to get any other indicators that something was wrong. Had it towed to dealership, their diagnostic's showed it was a fuel pump driver module. Upon researching the issue, there is a recall for this problem but my VIN was not included in the recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759454August 25, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car wouldn’t start in my driveway.. onstar sent me an email with code P129F ( fuel pump driver control module) failed. I am thankful I wasn’t driving down the highway when it went out. My husband took it to Lexington Park Chevrolet Buick GMC dealership, where we bought the car and they replaced the part. My car only has 41,898 miles. My VIN #: [XXX] , a 2022 GMC Terrain Denali. I noticed online that other 2022 GMC Terrain has a recall on this part, but not my VIN #. I feel my vehicle should also be part of this recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759425August 25, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My car stalled and did not want to start. It had to be towed to the nearest GMC dealership. my GMC dealer diagnosed a P129F fuel-pump control-module failure and replaced fuel-pump power control module part number 13554821. I was told that even though there was a recall for 2022 GMC Terrains for this part my VIN number was not included.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759068August 24, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Approximately 3 miles from my residence my car display flashed "Reduced Engine Power" and slowed down. When I reached a stop sign and tried to stop, my brakes were stiff and I was unable to stop. I went through the stop sign. I continued to my residence at 10mph and backed into a parking space with a curb to help stop my vehicle. I turned the car off and called a mechanic to come look at my car. I explained the events and let him know it would not start. He checked the codes after hooking it up. The error codes were for Cam shaft and crank shaft, etc. I was instructed to not try and start the car because further damage could occur and it would need the camshaft pulled to determine the extent of damage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759075August 24, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
COMPONENT OR SYSTEM FAILED - GMC Dealership replacing fuel pump. SAFETY OR SAFETY OF OTHERS AT RISK - stalled in remote area with no internet/cell service. In order to get to safety we travelled 13 miles of narrow 2 lane roads with no shoulder or escape areas. Road included 3 miles of a steep downhill grade. HAS THE PROBLEM BEEN REPRODUCED OR CONFIRMED BY A DEALER - Yes, Walser GMC [XXX] WERE THERE ANY WARNING LAMPS, MESSAGES OR OTHER SYMPTOMS OF THE PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE FAILURE - No, drove 400 miles w/2 stops, rest stop and lunch/gas. Got to our destination, shut off the car. Needed to move the vehicle to designated parking spot and at first the vehicle would not start, got it started but lurched forward, engine chugged, no acceleration and then stalled. Waited 10 minutes vehicle started with same symptoms but became drivable so we headed to safety 13 mile to nearest town, [XXX]. The area has recently been battling forest fires and in our area, although "safe", there was still HIGH fire danger. We did not feel safe w/o a vehicle for (possible) rapid escape. The city has limited services, no rental car company, no Uber/Lift, closest car dealership 90 miles away. Vacation cancelled. Hired North [XXX] Towing to transport vehicle and people 300 miles to Walser [XXX], [XXX]. Family member drove us to our home in [XXX]. To date vehicle mileage - 30,000 miles! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759287August 24, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Read • 9:59 PM I am formally requesting a VIN eligibility review under GM Customer Assistance Case #XXX. Vehicle: 2022 GMC Terrain VIN: [XXX] DTC: P129F Recall: N252516900 – Fuel Pump Power Control Module I was advised that my VIN is “not included” in the recall. I am requesting that GM reconsider and formally document the basis for that determination. GM’s XXX revision of N252516900-01 states that the phased launch was complete and that all VINs had been placed in an Open status in GM’s Investigate Vehicle History (IVH) system. The bulletin specifically identifies the 2022 GMC Terrain as an affected model. Additionally, GM previously issued engineering information specifically concerning 2022 GMC Terrain vehicles experiencing DTC P129F, including situations involving failure to start and/or stalling. Because my vehicle experienced P129F, I am requesting: A formal VIN eligibility review for N252516900. Confirmation of what GM’s IVH system shows for VIN [XXX]. A written explanation of why my VIN is excluded if GM determines it is not eligible. Documentation of my P129F failure under Case #XXX. Review of whether my vehicle’s failure is consistent with the condition addressed by N252516900. Review of reimbursement eligibility for any qualifying repairs or expenses associated with this failure. Please do not close Case #XXX until this VIN-specific review has been completed and the basis for GM’s determination has been provided. I am requesting that this matter be escalated to the appropriate GM technical/recall authority if Customer Assistance cannot resolve the VIN eligibility issue. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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