GMC Terrain Complaints

3,167 consumer complaints on file.

#11711804January 19, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
Vehicle wouldn’t unlock/start with primary key fob or secondary key fob. Tried manual entry with both key fobs still could not enter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711615January 17, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Powertrain System failure while driving, causing complete loss of power on road. The car lacks any accessible manual overrides to put in neutral or turn off parking break. This leaves the car stuck in park with all four wheels locked in the middle of the road in an incident with no safe way to move or tow the vehicle. When attempting to tow car must be dragged, and parking brake continuously engages. Tow attempt took nearly 3 hours to saddle the vehicle in the roadway. Vehicle currently awaiting formal inspection/repair from dealership.
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
#11711301January 15, 2026
ENGINE
I bought the vehicle in November of 2025. No warning lights or problems running. Check the engine oil upon purchase and have the dealership sticker showing oil change was recently done and oil showed that it was full. Approximately 3 weeks after purchasing, the car starting idling rough and stalled a few times during my commute to work. The check engine light came on and it showed that the vvt was a possible solution for the code P0014 this was on December 12th 2025. I replaced the suspected part with no change in vehicle condition. I checked the oil and found that it was empty/no oil on dipstick. I had to add 5 quarts of oil and then it showed it was in the safe zone on the dip stick. Today (January 15th 2026) I checked the oil again and it showed no oil on the dipstick. I had to add 2 quarts for it to be at the bottom of the safe zone on the dipstick.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711023January 14, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
the car is having stability control issues
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710765January 13, 2026
ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES, POWER TRAIN
Vehicle was started for the second time that day on 1/5/26 and the engine light was on. I drove the vehicle to an auto parts store to have them check it with an OBD-II scanner. It had code P050F. I had no idea how serious this issue could be at the time. I made an appt with the GMC dealership and dropped it off the evening of 1/6/26. They said there was a software anomaly in the engine control module and needed to be reprogrammed. I paid the $200 diagnostic fee for them to reprogram it. I learned that this anomaly could have caused my brakes to not work while driving it. I had been driving the vehicle back and forth to work until I dropped it off. This issue could have caused serious harm or death to myself and others. While researching online, I've seen that other vehicles have had safety recalls and additional warranties added for these issues, but my vehicle isn't included in this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710663January 13, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The system that failed was the brakes, The car is availble for inspection. My saftey and others was put at risk due to not having brakes to stop. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer as a master brake cylinder failer The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer. There were warning lamps, message and other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. They first appearead on December 4 2025
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710073January 10, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Drove car approximately 15 miles. Parked car. Car would not turn off. Message- Transmission/Park. Wouldn't Car stayed neutral. Had to call wecker to take dealership. ... Diagnostic Solenoid Valve Body faulty.... 2019 Terrain Miles 91669. Is there recall. Have more reports of issue. Should this happen with a well maintained vehicle All maintenance updated to date.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709455January 7, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
The exhaust and emissions system appears to have failed or is malfunctioning, including the catalytic converter and potentially the exhaust manifold or upstream exhaust components. The engine and fuel/propulsion system are also affected, as evidenced by sputtering and drivability issues. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. Exhaust and/or fuel fumes enter the passenger cabin, particularly when the heater or air conditioning is operating. This creates a risk of exposure to harmful exhaust gases, including potential carbon monoxide, which poses a serious health and safety risk to vehicle occupants. The vehicle also sputters and hesitates, which could lead to unsafe driving conditions, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. Yes. The issue has been confirmed through diagnostic trouble codes indicating catalytic converter efficiency failure. Despite replacement of spark plugs and sensors, the problem continues to recur, indicating an underlying exhaust or emissions system defect rather than routine maintenance. The vehicle has been inspected by service professionals for diagnostic purposes. The manufacturer has not physically inspected the vehicle, and no inspections have been performed by police or insurance representatives to date. The check engine light illuminated prior to and during the issue. Additional symptoms included engine sputtering, loss of smooth acceleration, and a strong exhaust or fuel odor inside the cabin when the HVAC system is in use. These symptoms have recurred over time despite repairs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709184January 6, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving down the interstate a notice popped up on my dash about the brake assist. When I attempted to slow down the vehicle to safely pull over the brake pedal was very hard to push. I was able to slow the vehicle to a complete stop but needing to use both feed and press hard with all my weight. Once the vehicle was parked and shut off I turned it back on to have the check engine light pop up on the dash. I contacted Onstar and was towed to a dealership. The brake vacuum pump had broken off at the cam shaft and required extensive repairs. It is my understanding that this is a common occurance and there were previous recalls on the other style Terrains due to the same issue. yet they used the same part on the newer body style being fully aware of the design flaw.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709231January 6, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Top of roof pops when you shut car door, Leaking either transmission fluid or oil, Left turn signal doesn't stay engaged when turning, Side mirror warning lights randomly go off when no car is around. Car is not shifting correctly when driving
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708791January 5, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. While the contact’s wife was driving approximately 40 MPH and attempting to depress the brake pedal to pull into the parking lot of Walmart, the braking distance was extended while bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. The driver used excessive force on the brake pedal using both feet. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the brake vacuum pump had failed. The vacuum pump had fractured where it was connected to the camshaft, causing pieces to enter the engine. The brake vacuum pump and the connector were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708494January 3, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
First occurrence in September 2015. Rear lift gate acted abnormally, when I was parked,y son opened the lift gate using the normal door handle button, it raised, but as he was loading it lowered onto him. He is small, I had to get out and pull it off of him, it went up and down a couple times and then closed. You cannot stop it from closing down on you if you are trying to load or unload into that compartment. We have had to stop using altogether.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708515January 3, 2026
ENGINE
Vacuum pump failure resulting in crankshaft sensor to completely sheer off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708368January 2, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
The high pressure fuel pump, the car randomly goes into limp mode and stalls and then when cranking it back up in the middle of 635 it hesitates to start, done this 3 times already
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707983December 31, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I was driving (roughly about 30 MPH) when my automatic braking kicked on and caused my tires to squeal to a halt. There were no other cars around me (thankfully) - otherwise I would have been rear-ended. Right before it stopped, it flashed the warning lights for a quick second. I wanted to report this issue in case others are experiencing the same problem and to hopefully help prevent it from happening to someone else. Very scary and could cause a serious accident. I turned off all of my automatic brake settings after the incident, as I believe it is faulty and don't want to risk it happening again.
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
#11707653December 29, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Towards the tail end of a nearly 2.5 hour drive, the Automatic Theft Deterrent System was activated on the interstate. I lost every display on the dash panel including my speedometer, battery, coolant, gas, turn signals, and windshield wipers. I went into the nearest parking lot and was unable to restart the vehicle. It was towed to the dealership closest to our home and was repaired for $2200. The technicians at the dealership were not sure of what caused it and had never seen an issue like this so it was “elevated” to the GM engineers at their headquarters. They replaced the electrical control module and both key FOBs. We have not experienced any similar issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707645December 29, 2025
WHEELS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle has been taken to the dealership at least 4 times. Each time for the same reason: when driving at 65 or higher, it sounds like it's on a flat. My screen also glitches when foot is taken off the break after a stop. The service advisor told me that there was a shortage of mechanics and asked me to bring it back next week (this is the response I have gotten each time). I have asked for a loaner twice and was told that there were none available. Therefore, I had to pay $40 to uber to work. Today, I said that I couldn't come back because it's the same issue and I have to work next week. He then let me speak to a service manager. The service manager drove it (with me in the passenger seat) and heard the sound. He noticed that it was not all of the time and that my steering wheel was a little shifty. When it was finally "fixed" (tires being rotated and some steering update), I was told to come back if I hear it again. I left at about 2pm and heard the sound again, as well as my screen began to glitch when I get off the break after a complete stop. I took a video of the glitching and took it back for both issues. I was told that some bolts were tightened and some update was done to the screen, and if I hear it again come back. On my way home at 4:35pm, the issues were not resolved.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706578December 22, 2025
VISIBILITY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the center console display intermittently malfunctioned and became inoperable. During the failure, the HVAC system was no longer blowing hot air, and the front windshield could not be defrosted, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. Additionally, the radio had become inoperable, and the audible clicking from the turn signal was muted. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V489000 (VISIBILITY). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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