GMC Terrain Complaints

3,167 consumer complaints on file.

#11721631March 3, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. While attempting to shift to reverse(R) out of a parking spot, the message “Transmission Unable to Shift” was displayed on the instrument panel, and the transmission was unable to shift into reverse(R). The contact called for tow truck assistance. The vehicle was unable to shift into neutral (N). The contact stated that prior to the transmission failure, the “Service Transmission Soon” message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 245,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721477March 2, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
Faulty Brake Vacuum Pump!!!! 2018 GMC Terrain @ 119254 miles--- NO warning! Brakes were hard to press, did not work and I rolled into ditch to prevent an accident. I see hundreds of people with same issue now that I Am having to research. This was very scary. I was told it was as a brake booster pressure sensor. But that was not the problem. It is the brake vacuum pump. This is so dangerous. Why is GMC not correcting this issue? This is insane. GM issued multiple technical service bulletins on vacuum and booster issues starting in 2017. Why hasn't anything been done?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721580March 2, 2026
SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE:BODY
2015 gmc terrain sle awd. Suv was taking in for oil change found excessive rust on frame under all four doors. On both sides rust and holes near the front of both rear wheels. I believe its called the "rocker" I'm unsure. I bought the car at a little over 71,000 miles in 2022-2023 now just getting to 94,000 in February 2026. If there was rust which there probably was the car should have not been sold if the rust was enough to cause problem later on. I may need to go purchase a new car while still owe some money in the car loan. Rust and hole in the rear control arm. The amount to replace and repair all the parts with labor exceeds current value.
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
#11720626February 26, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving I received a "service brake assist system" alert and a check engine light. After this happened the brakes were extremely hard to press. I had to put my entire weight on the breaks to stop the car. The brake "assist" feature really is making the brakes functional. We were able to safely get to the side of the road. We found a vacuum pump failed and needed to be replaced. There was no sign that this was failing; it worked, then it didn't.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720511February 25, 2026
ENGINE
The oil is depleting every month from the vehicle. Every 2-3 weeks I have to put oil in the vehicle because the oil is being absorbed. Is there a recall on this problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720574February 25, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle will not shift out of park, despite replacing the valve body, putting in a new battery, and transmission fluid. It has been this way since mid January. The codes don’t make sense and there is no current recall, nor have we had this vehicle for very long. It has 48,000 miles on it and is having this issue. Very disappointed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720325February 25, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
On Febuary 14 2026 I was driving on the feeder of the freeway with speeds of 50 mph my car suddenly down shifted in the middle of driving started shaking real bad stalled wouldn’t start wouldn’t go in gear at all would just die and say engine power reduced. This is after it had just been at the dealership and they said all I needed was an update. It had to be towed and the dealership said it was my high pressure fuel pump had failed. They replaced it and gave me the car back. I staled the next morning going to work on the freeway going 70 mph same exact thing happened except this time I could smell gas so strongly. I had to sit on the side of the highway until it was picked up due to gas smell and fear of fire. They say a bolt broke off of the high pressure fuel pump they just installed
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719833February 23, 2026
ENGINE
Brakes were hard to engage or press when stopping due to Vacuum pump stop working. Had to replace the vacuum pump
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719589February 21, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
GM Flier PIP6071A - continued engine misfire/chugging/buck/skip under load, going up hills, trying to pass, etc. Was taken to shop January 2025 ~90,000 with these symptoms. Charged for spark plug replacement (visit 1). Taken back January 2026 ~150,000 miles, charged for ignition coil 1 and spark plugs. Immediately returned as problem persisted, spark plugs replaced (visit 3). February 6 2026, same problem as before, spark plugs replaced (visit 4). February 18 2026, currently in shop, problem persisting, trying to say it is the other 3 ignition coils, even after I requested they check O2 sensor and inspect catalytic converter.
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
#11719522February 20, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Got everything under the hood done n still have the same problem with it shut off while driving
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719488February 20, 2026
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Terrain. While drying the vehicle after it was washed, the contact became aware that the middle section of the vehicle was loose. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the part to repair the vehicle needed to be ordered. The contact was awaiting a response from the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718808February 18, 2026
ENGINE
My husband just did an at home oil change on the car not long before the incident. Unfortunately my car was barely under 3,000 miles since the oil change and we were going to change the oil again when my engine died mid drive on the way home. There was no oil in the car due to high oil consumption and no coolant either. High oil consumption was not reported and not disclosed to me before and a broken guide for my timing chain leading to total engine failure just after I started to exit the highway. Had my car died any sooner I would have crashed. Or wrecked with another vehicle. GMC and the dealership I got the car from did not properly disclose this safety risk to me when I purchased the car and no recall information was ever sent out. The high oil consumption causing engine failure has been a part of a class action lawsuit for these vehicles before and THAT was not disclosed to me either at any point. No notifications of low oil or other issues aside from a check engine light came on for my vehicle when I was driving. I dont know how fast I was going as I was applying the brakes to my car for a traffic light.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718490February 17, 2026
ENGINE
Carr paused, and then stopped in the middle of the highway, without any warning lights or identifiers. Other vehicles had to come to abrupt stops or even veer to avoid hitting me the manufacturer is aware, and has had a large lawsuit settlement due to a faulty rear seal causes massive internal oil consumption without any warning to the operator of of the vehicle. My research has shown that it is a catastrophic common issue with this vehicles model and year a certified GMC dealership has identified this as the reason for the sudden shut down without warning, not one warning light illuminated to indicate low or any other issue. The car has had regular oil changes and maintenance. This well-known defect should normally be caused for alarm and the safety of drivers would also for a mass recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717815February 13, 2026
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle did not go into park when the ignition was turned off. Car started to roll while passenger was getting out of the vehicle as another vehicle was parking beside us. The other vehicle could not avoid our rolling vehicle. Passenger had to quickly sit down to avoid being hit. The next day the vehicle was taken to the dealership, and they could not find anything wrong. They gave us a copy of bulletin#08-07-30-026I. We were not aware of any problems or bulletins being issued prior to the accident. We had repairs of $2,705.71 and don't know what the other driver incurred.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717598February 12, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and then lost motive power. The message "Restart Vehicle" was displayed, but the vehicle failed to restart. The contact was able to push the vehicle into the driveway. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic, who determined that the fuel pump module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V013000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717369February 11, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE
I am driving a 2019 GMC Terrain SLT, and I have a serious concern regarding a recent service experience. On 02/10/2026, I had an oil change and a complete vehicle inspection performed at Kunes GMC Greenfield, Wisconsin. After the service was completed and I returned home, I noticed an unusual noise coming from under the engine hood. I immediately went back to the dealership and informed them of the issue. I was asked to return the following day (02/11) for further inspection. After their investigation, I was informed that the vacuum booster had failed. It appears that this issue was not identified during the original inspection, and I was the one who brought the noise to their attention. From my understanding, vacuum pump/booster issues are common with many 2019 GMC Terrain models. I am surprised that this has not resulted in a recall, especially considering the potential safety risks it poses to me and my family. What concerns me even more is that this issue was not detected during the dealership’s inspection. If it had worsened, it could have led to a serious safety situation. I had to spend $450 today to repair what appears to be a manufacturing-related defect. I respectfully request that this matter be escalated and that my claim for reimbursement be reviewed. I would appreciate your assistance in helping me pursue compensation for this expense.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716636February 9, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving in cold weather at various speeds; moisture accumulated and deactivated the charger, causing the vehicle to go into LIMP Mode and lose drive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the charger air cooler was defective and needed to be replaced. The dealer also wanted to place an air deflector on the vehicle. The contact was informed of a service update for the failure however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and learned that in Canada, the issue was being remedied with a bra apparatus and a thermal wrap for the engine to prevent the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the VIN was not covered. The contact was waiting to hear from a supervisor. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716669February 9, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle while transitioning to 4WD. The contact continued driving and the driving sound became more frequent while shifting into 4WD. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the driveshaft had detached and was hanging down from the suspension. An independent mechanic was contacted, and the contact was informed about NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V516000 (Power Train); which the mechanic associated to the failure. The contact called two local dealers and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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