GMC Terrain Complaints
3,167 consumer complaints on file.
- #11614243September 12, 2024POWER TRAIN
We purchased our 2024 GMC Terrain on April 13, 2024 and on June 12, 2024 my husband and I were headed out to go to dinner and when leaving our neighborhood I noticed a weird transmission shift or slip and then the vehicle rpms increased suddenly. I pulled off the road and put the vehicle in park then I attempted to put the vehicle in reverse. The reverse lit up and just began to blink in the dash but the transmission did not go into reverse. I was able to put the vehicle in park and then drive to return home (we were less than 1/4 mile from home thankfully). Luckily we live in rural area and there were not many people on the road. Had we been on a busy road this could have been a dangerous situation. The next day the car was towed to the nearest GMC dealership. The original diagnosis was that the TCM was bad and needed to be replace and that there would be an estimated wait time of about 7 weeks. The TCM was replaced but did not resolve the issue. At that point (July 30, 2024) GM released a bulletin regarding a bad snap ring condition. The service dealer torn down the transmission and determined the snap ring was bad and they also noticed that the clutch was severely burned and needed to be replaced along with both valve bodies. By the time the parts came in and these repairs were completed, we were without the vehicle for 12 weeks. The vehicle was returned to us on 8/21/24. Unfortunately on 8/26/24 - 5 days and approximately 196 miles later, the vehicle began to behave the same way and had to be returned to the dealer. At this point we requested that GM buy the vehicle back from us which they very promptly declined. The transmission was completely tore down again and it was determined a seal or ring needed to be replaced. That repair has not worked either. Now more than 2 more weeks have passed and we are now waiting on a complete new transmission. We have again requested GM but the vehicle back from us. We are waiting on their response.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11613387September 9, 2024STEERING
My steering wheel locked while driving. This has prevented me from turning the wheel AT ALL (100% completely locks while the car is in motion). The locked steering wheel lasts approximately 15 seconds. This has happened multiple times over a few month period. I took it to GMC who couldn't replicate the issue and said that GMC no longer makes the steering column assembly component, which they aren't sure would fix the issue, so there was nothing they could advise be done other than sell the car or spend a lot of money on diagnostic fees, which they said they wouldn't do if it were them. My safety and those around me were put at risk because I lost steering function while the car was in motion. The only option was to break and stop the vehicle. There were no warning lights or other indicators to alert of an issue.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11612482September 4, 2024FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Evap emission control leak detected As the check engine light comes on, when hooking a computer up to the car for a scan it pulls a code stating there is an evap leak. The gas cap has been replaced along with a sensor and no gas is seen leaking but you can smell gas vapors when the car is running and fuel mileage is terrible. Also the stabilitrak has been an underlying issue since owning the vehicle
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11612606September 4, 2024ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that his wife was not aware of any warning lights being illuminated. The contact stated that his wife was unable to restart the vehicle, and had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact called an independent mechanic to the residence who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was oil leaking into the engine block and cylinders. The mechanic determined that the positive crankcase valve (PCV) had failed and needed to be replaced and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11612312September 3, 2024SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owned a 2021 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while the brake pedal was depressed, it was released and the vehicle suddenly accelerated aggressively. The contact attempted to avoid crashing into the vehicle in front and swerved however the front of the vehicle still impacted the vehicle in front. The air bags deployed upon impact. A police report was filed. The contact stated no medical attention was provided, but did suffer bruises from the air bag and seat belt. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11612288September 3, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Bought new car August 16th 2024. Few days later, I was turning left at a light and the car lost power as I was turning and error messages came up on the dash screen saying service transmission. I also observed that the cars gear indicator went to Park by itself even though the car was still moving. Pushed the engine start button and car came back on and I switched the gear to Drive. Took car in on the 19th to get looked at. Week later, driving down the city street going 40-45 MPH, car lost power again and car gear indicator switched to Park again, service transmission indicator came up and low fuel indicator came up even though I had over 1/2 a tank left. Took in to dealership on August 26th, 2024. Over this weekend, my wife was driving home from up north at a very busy freeway intersection and the car lost power again and luckily she was able to get over to the shoulder. It took some time but she was able to get the car restarted and made it home. There is something seriously wrong with this particular vehicle where we do not want to even drive it. This car has less than 500 miles on it and has lost power three times in three weeks.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11611870August 30, 2024ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES
While driving reduce engine power light came on and the brakes gave out. I weigh 250 lbs and took all my strength to get brakes to stop car. I tow it and mechanic showed me vacuum brake pump blew up and went into engine. He replaced that and timing chain but still needed work. Towed it to dealer and it needs a new engine $11 000. The dealer informed me they see this alot. ! Why has GM recalled some on the vehicles that has this pump but not the terrain. This is dangerous. If my daughter was driving she couldn't stop this car. It's now junk.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11611189August 27, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the horn was inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11610903August 26, 2024EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Back right tail light filling with water when it rains. Affecting electrical wires and water dripping into back cargo. No cracks or damage found on tail light.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11610469August 23, 2024SERVICE BRAKES
Brake pump keeps going changed in the last 2 week and over in the last 2 yrs 3xs and burning oil.brakes get hard while driving which is dangerous.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11610272August 22, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
While driving I had to push the brake to the floor and a light came on saying reduced engine power. I pulled over right away and had my car towed to mechanic. The vacuum brake pump exposed and parts went into the engine. The mechanic got all the parts out but now engine has low compression and needs a new timing chain. This is over $3,000 so far. Gm recalled other vehicles with the exact same pump ? Why not the terrain.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11609833August 20, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The vehicle is a 2020 and should not already be having electrical issues. The vehicle repair is over 5k for needing a starter motor, water pump and drive belt. A starter should last up to 100k miles and water pump should last 10 years not 4. This vehicle is a lemon and should not have so many issues.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11609783August 20, 2024POWER TRAIN
Purchased new from dealership 2024 GMC Terrain 4/2024. On 6/26/24 while driving the vehicle the transmission came apart and the vehicle suddenly stopped and would barely move off of the roadway. Had this happened 2 min prior while at highway speeds in crowded conditions, I can only imagine how many injuries could have occurred. My vehicle had 3800 miles on it. Upon my personal research, I found that this is a known problem with the 2024 GMC Terrains and dealerships across the country are filled with vehicles with the same problem. The dealership admitted to me that this has become "a known issue" and that they currently had 7 others with the same issue. They had my car for 8 weeks and according to my paperwork had to repair it twice as it failed the first repair road test! I filed a compaint with GM and was told "to not believe third party sites". I repeatedly asked why this wasn't a recall and they refused to answer the question. Does someone have to have their brand new transmission blow apart at 80 mph and take out others on the highway before they recall this? GM has issued multiple service bulletins to their dealerships but nothing to the public. I tried talking to the dealership and was belittled and stonewalled. Please recall these vehicles before someone is killed. I was finally given my vehicle back from the dealership today after 8 weeks because of no parts available. I am worried they repaired with the same parts that failed in the first place.I have the repair paperwork for your inspection if you would like to review it.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11609485August 19, 2024POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Break booster pressure sensor and engine underbooster causes the car to slam on breaks or not break at all.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11608613August 14, 2024ENGINE
It appears the timing chain is bad. The vehicle only has 84000 miles and currently the engine turns off and you just coast to a stop in the middle of driving.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11608605August 14, 2024LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
No warnings of any kind went off; I wasn’t even going 2 m.p.h. and hit a piece of wood that was right on the edge of the grass next to the road at the park. This is dangerous, especially at a park or other places where smaller children are present if I get that close to something and the none of the sensors go off letting me know there is something/someone that my vehicle could strike if not careful. I have not had it looked at yet, but plan to. No warnings of any kind have went off and it was functioning properly prior to this. There is severe damage to my vehicle
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11608035August 12, 2024LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
When I bought the vehicle new from dealership, they told me that side blind zone alert was not available at that time due to a semiconductor shortage, but that it would be available and could be retrofitted after they were available. I noticed that the 2022 retrofit had been authorized, and I need to know when I will be able to get this option retrofitted on my vehicle. It has horrible blind spots, and I have to literally turn around completely to see if there is anyone in the blind spots which is very dangerous because I’m taking my eyes off the vehicles in front of me to see the blind spots. This is dangerous in city driving where you are going 70mph in 4-6 lane traffic, almost bumper to bumper. If someone hits the brakes while I’m checking blind spots, then that could cause a wreck. I have all the other driver assistance, so the front braking will brake, but it is not a good idea for that to happen when someone is riding on your rear when the brakes slam on. I know I’m unique because I only see out of one eye at a time, but I believe this would still be a terrible issue for anyone trying to drive in traffic. I know the assistance packages don’t replace human interaction, but I do rely on those options to help me because of my eye condition. I told that to the dealer when I purchased this vehicle and they assured me that it was just a result of the shortages and it would be available for retrograde. I have called the dealer three or four times to check on this because at first they told me I was on the list and they would call me when the chip came in and they said it would be a few months. Well it’s been over a year and when I call now, they say it isn’t available and I asked them if I could just purchase the system myself instead of waiting for the recall, and they said I probably couldn’t afford it or it be worth it. I have looked on your site and others and I’ve seen nothing about it being in the works, so I want to report it so maybe you will look into it.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11607709August 10, 2024SERVICE BRAKES
Incident happened August 9, 2020. Brakes suddenly stiffened and unable to stop vehicle. There were no warning signs or indicators. Thank goodness I was going at a lower speed and was able to coast into an area to stop. Ended up being the vacuum pump. This needs to be recalled ASAP. This could have been a fatal accident. I have kept the old vacuum pump as well as the pieces that were thrown from it that the mechanic had to dig out.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11607419August 8, 2024FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Hello. As I come to a complete stop the car will go into auto-stop. After releasing the brake pedal the car will jerk forward . As I press the gas pedal the car Jerks and shakes . The rpm jumps way up and the mph say low.. there's been times I try to accelerate and the car with jerk and put itself into park.. in the middle of traffic.. heart pounding to say the lease. I also notice theres alot of black liquid dripping for the front right side under the front bumper. There were no problems with the car or lamp indicating there were before this. I went to where I brought the car and they told me my warranty expired and that I will need to pay $265 just to diagnose the issue. I didnt have that money. I do have a car code reader and I did my best to find a solution. Codes P0700, P171D, And P187D all appear on my device. I then looked up recalls and my VIN wasn't confirmed.. but I am certain it is the same issue . You do have a open recall for this very particular issue for my particular model . I love my car and GMC. Please remedy this situation and have me driving safely and free minded again and soon ! Please reach back with any feedback as soon as possible. Thanks !
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11607122August 7, 2024ENGINE
On May 10, 2024 while driving my 2014 GMC Terrain driving at about 65mph my car cut off while driving to the point that the car started slowing down which had med confused as to what was going on but thankfully I was able to safely move over to the side of the of the highway in order to be in safer position to start the car back up. There was no warrant signs that the car had cut off but I had the air conditioning on do it stop blowing. At this point I knew the car was not safe to drive but I had to get off the highway. So I was about 5 miles from my exit which I was able to get to the exit without the car cutting off again on the highway but the car cut off once again on the exit as my speed was decelerating. I took my car to Meineke Car Care a few days later and was told that my car needed to have the solenoid replaced and the timing chain kit which was what the diagnostic was showing. Once they were able to fully inspect the car I was told that the timing chain kit was broken and I had medal in my oil which was suggested that I replace my engine. This put me at risk of being in an accident that could have injured myself or someone. There were no warning indications. My check engine light was not on. I had to pay to have the engine replaced which before I had it replaced I took my car to another shop just to get a second opinion in which I had the engine replaced.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0