GMC Terrain Complaints (2017)

135 consumer complaints on file.

#11769667October 7, 2026
ENGINE
Timing Chain driving, clanging noise while driving on I-475 expressway near Perrysburg exit
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767582September 28, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
I bought this 2017 used on XXX I have had to put 1 quart of oil in the car every 500 miles. Because it burns oil like crazy. And now at this point, the transmission has just quit. I believe they call it the drive train. I am taking it to D and D auto repair in [XXX] on Thursday of this week. GMC knows about the drive train problem as it is common well known problem 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
#11733049April 22, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
The head unit quit working around 98k. The head unit is the radio, and screen which includes the back up camera. From what we have been told and find online, this is a known problem with them and affects other models as well. For the most part the head unit doesn't work but once in a while, once a month, it comes on but shows the Chevy logo on the screen which is odd because it is a GMC. Once you turn the car off, it will be gone again until it decides to come back. We took it into a dealer who tried to hook up to it and reprogram or update it, but he had no luck. Now we are without a backup camera that is a safety issue. I do not know why this isn't a recall as it is well known about issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727804March 29, 2026
ENGINE
Have had to replace the VVT solenoids several times within a year spam. Had to replace the rear main seal because it blew out due to carbon build up. Having issues with excessive oil consumption. Now the vehicle just started with: going from a stop position to accelerating at low speeds the vehicle stalls and dies. I want GM to take accountability and fix this issue as it is a safety issue to myself and everyone on the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725197March 18, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Wiper blades transmission plastic parts keep popping or breaking this is the THIRD time this has happened at a cost of $350. Why would you use plastic parts for this knowing that it will break easily? Who can afford to keep replacing this? 12
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720905February 27, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to a local car wash, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence; however, the next day, the vehicle hesitated while starting. The message "Stabilizer - Power to Engine Reduced" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine possibly needed to be replaced because the engine failed to turn over. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine was blown. The contact was informed that the engine and the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost and remained with the local dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,750. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719289February 20, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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. This was on 2-10-26 I contacted onstar asked them to run a diagnostic. The codes that came back P0016 p0089 p228D are very well known codes with many people with the same vehicle/engine that have had to replace the engine. The engines have known issues had I known that maybe I could have replaced a part or two or three or four to have a stable vehicle now my vehicle is currently at GMC DEALER since Tuesday morning actually had it towed there monday night. I called Wednesday evening they still wasn't sure the "issue". Thursday I wait until about 1pm spoke with John he said well we are pretty sure you need a new engine the mechanic is checking a few more things the car has no pressure. About a hr later I get a email and a call saying the timing chain skipped and something about the pistons and the valves and I need a new engine . John called me and said well.Ill tell you what we will offer you a brand new Engine for the same price as a rebuild plus you get 3yrs 300 thousand warranty for 10,944. Give or take a few dollars. We'll first I paid like 15,500 for the car that I just litetally paid off like Jan 12026. I really feel like had GMC Made buyers aware that the vehicle has defective parts/engines buyers could replace parts or GMC should be held accountable. I started googling the engine and found out that there is a class action lawsuit and a recall on " certain" 2017 terrains depending on the vin. Same issues my car is having but its saying my car has no recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715861February 5, 2026
ENGINE
Rear main seal blow out
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715646February 4, 2026
ENGINE
On January 31, 2026, while driving on the highway, my 2017 GMC Terrain suddenly began shaking as if it was going to stall. Thankfully, I managed to exit the interstate before the vehicle lost power. Luckily, when this happened, it "only" blocked traffic on a side road. The Terrain was towed to my garage. The mechanic called to inform me that the vehicle was out of oil -even though it was not due for servicing, nor did a “check oil" warning appear. He noted that this was not the first time he had seen this problem occur with this particular make and model: the PCV valve had frozen due to recent cold weather, which led to the rear main seal fracturing, causing oil leaking. In addition, the manifold had also cracked. He explained that repairs would be costly given the labor needed to remove the transmission and perform other related tasks. He recommended that I "Google" the problem to gain an understanding of the time involved to complete this repair. My research corroborated that this was a very labor-intensive undertaking. More concerning was discovering an abundance of cases documenting this failure -as well as class action lawsuits- which underscores the fact that GM knows about this issue but refuses to address it. I am not sure why there hasn't been a recall—though perhaps that's a question for people much smarter than I am. Now, after spending thousands of dollars, I have a vehicle with an oil life monitoring system that doesn't function as intended—and worse, I know this could happen again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715695February 4, 2026
ENGINE
Traveling on the expressway, engine made wearing noise, reduced engine power and complete engine failure while driving. Rear main seal blowout due to a defective PCV system freezing. It is a known issue for GM2.4L engine especially in cold weather leading to massive oil loss and catastrophic engine damage. This has been confirmed by a GM authorized dealer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714193January 29, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The PCV valve froze which caused pressure to build up in the rear main seal to fail. Causing oil to leak out of the motor. Hence the motor won't hold oil.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713435January 26, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the engine diagnostic result was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that two years prior to the failure, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and the vehicle stalled. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712537January 21, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
I am filing this complaint to report a catastrophic engine failure involving my 2017 GMC Terrain equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec engine, which I believe is the result of a known manufacturing defect related to excessive oil consumption and premature internal engine wear. At approximately 88,000 miles, my vehicle experienced severe engine failure, including excessive oil consumption, timing chain failure, and complete engine failure, which has been confirmed in writing by a licensed repair facility. The shop determined that the engine failure was caused by oil starvation resulting from excessive oil consumption, leading to internal engine damage and timing chain failure. This failure occurred without warning and rendered the vehicle unsafe to operate. Sudden engine failure creates a serious safety risk, including loss of power while driving, inability to accelerate, and increased risk of collision. This engine failure matches a well-documented defect pattern involving General Motors’ 2.4L Ecotec engines, which have been the subject of class-action lawsuits, settlements, and jury verdicts related to premature piston ring wear, excessive oil consumption, and resulting engine damage or failure. These issues have been widely reported in Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles within my model year range. My vehicle was properly maintained, and this failure was not the result of neglect, misuse, or normal wear and tear, but rather a latent manufacturing defect that manifested after the warranty period but well within the reasonable life expectancy of the engine. I am requesting that NHTSA formally document and investigate this defect, as it presents a significant safety concern for drivers operating vehicles equipped with this engine. I also request that General Motors be required to address this defect to prevent additional engine failures and potential safety incidents.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711280January 15, 2026
ENGINE
[XXX], our 2017 Terrain Denali displayed code: “Low Oil/Shut Engine Off” so had it towed to Laura Buick/GMC Colllinsville, IL. Laura confirmed the issue was blown rear seal due to design of intake cover and PCV. They checked with aftermarket warranty for VIN [XXX] , warranty contract number [XXX] who said it was not a covered issue. We called Warranty folks also and were told it was an “external issue” and not covered. Appealed to GM Customer Service who said VIN was not covered. The vehicle has approximately 83,000 miles and we referenced PIP5093B and Special Coverage Program number SB-10057977, and Special Coverage Adjustment 16118 Excessive Engine Oil Consumption. 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
#11707583December 29, 2025
ENGINE
This car burns 1 quart of 5w-30 synthetic blend oil every 200 miles! The pcv valve has been cleaned numerous times and this does not affect the burning oil issue and yes this can be inspected upon request. Safety put at risk you ask, this is a ticking timebomb ready to ruin the engine due to burning oil, leaves me stranded in my rural town for fear of mechanical breakdown, need to carry two 5 quart containers of oil, and dipstick needs to be checked every 100 miles. I have scheduled appt with GMC dealer in Chadron NE for mid January 2026. There are no warning lamps or messages that appear and this problem has been going on since August 2025, bought the car February 2025 from Chevy dealer in above mentioned town. KBB has a trade in value for this car at 1500 and private sale at 1900 for a 2017 Terrain SLT! Unbelievable!!!!!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706256December 20, 2025
ENGINE
For a year we have had to check to the oil weekly and add oil due to the vehicle burning oil so quickly. The past month we have had to check it daily and add oil. We do regular routine oil changes and have had to get them before the next one is due. Recently when driving the “oil pressure low stop engine” light has been coming on almost daily. The oil change company has reported to us that it is due to the 2.4 Eco tech motor. You can smell the oil burning through the vents inside the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698477November 10, 2025
ENGINE, STEERING
The power steering assembly failed and caught on fire. This then caused the engine to malfunction and no longer work. This happened while driving on the interstate at a speed of approximately 80mph. No prior check engine lights were visible
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688652September 20, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
We have been keeping up with all maintenance and oil changes. We have only driven the car for less than a year. At time of oil change; the oil has been low, resulting in OVER oil consumption; Requiring an extra quart of oil to be added between oil changes. When we purchased the vehicle, there was an strong exhaust smell; The shop that we bought the vehicle stated there were no issues and we have taken it to them multiple times an hour away from our home. The car completely shut off while my minor son and I were driving. Placing both of our lives at risk! It would never start back up. Now the car has seized and requires an engine replacement. It is sitting at a local garage while we wait for the dealership to help us, to no avail.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683172August 26, 2025
ENGINE
I was driving back from out of state and all the sudden the engine just got loud. So I pulled over and check oil levels. Except there is no access to the transmission oil. The only way to check this is to remove the front driverside tire, take a bolt out and see if any oil drips out. This is insane that there is no dip stick. I am taking it to a mechanic on Monday but to not have quick access to this is wild.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667967June 19, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Throttle position system all of a sudden went bad. My 2017 Terrain started shaking. I was holding up traffic. The sun couldn't go over 5mph. I've read online where this is happening alot in 2010'2017 GMC Terrains.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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