GMC Terrain Complaints

3,167 consumer complaints on file.

#11768344October 1, 2026
STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Electric Power Steering (EPS) gear assembly / rack and pinion failed completely. Yes, the component is available for inspection upon request; it is currently located at the servicing dealership. A total failure of the steering gear assembly caused immediate loss of power steering assist, making the vehicle extremely heavy, rigid, and difficult to steer or control. This sudden mechanical/electronic failure puts the driver, passengers, and other motorists at extreme risk of a collision, especially if it occurs at highway speeds or while negotiating a turn. This did fail on me driving down the Highway! Yes. The problem was officially diagnosed and confirmed by the franchise dealership. They quoted $3,500 to replace the failed assembly. The vehicle displayed a "service power steering" warning message on the dashboard alongside an immediate loss of steering power assist. The failure happened suddenly while driving with no prior mechanical warning signs, symptoms, or gradual degradation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767937September 30, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Without any type of warning, I was driving down the road when my car started making a knocking/ticking type noise then my engine light came on. I attempted to hit my brakes and stop, and I had no control. There was no brakes without pushing it all the way to the floor it was very hard to get my car to stop. I managed to get off the road and into a parking lot and now told that I have $5000 worth of repairs, including the vacuum pump, camshaft timing and guides. After reading information I see there is complaints filed regarding this failed vacuum pump and I would just like to report this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767839September 29, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving at the speed limit the vacuum pump failed on my 2020 GMC Terrain. This failure led to me enter an intersection with heavy cross traffic, nearly striking g several vehicles. This is the 3rd time I have had to replace this pump in 2 years. The pump explodes sending chards of metal into the engine leading to more damage and labor intensive work.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767928September 29, 2026
ENGINE
I have had my check engine light come on for P0299. I've lost power while on the road. Had my turbo replaced and now the same issue is starting again. I'm afraid of my car stalling out again with my child in the car. This is a definite safety issue especially since this is happening again months after getting the new turbo put in.
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
#11767009September 25, 2026
SUSPENSION, STEERING
Dear [Manufacturer], I am writing to report a serious safety concern with my [year, make, model]. A bolt from the idler arm/undercarriage came off after becoming severely rusted. I had the vehicle inspected by a repair shop, but they could not determine why the bolt failed or why it had rusted to this extent. This is extremely concerning because a failure of this component while driving could potentially result in loss of control and a serious accident. I am asking the manufacturer to investigate this issue and determine whether this is a known defect or corrosion-related problem. Please let me know if you would like to inspect the vehicle or failed component. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Year/Make/Model] [VIN] Sent from my iPhone
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766614September 24, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage at the residence, there was fuel leaking from the vehicle from the fuel line. The contact stated that the fuel pump was replaced. There was a strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V358000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure but stated that the repair was not covered because the VIN was not included in the recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766640September 24, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
While driving on an interstate, vehicle became sluggish when accelerating. Took off on exit, engine was reduced to 50% power, attempted to drive to large parking lot, lost brakes, got the vehicle stopped in an intersection, would not shut off, go into neutral. Finally shut off, had to call tow truck, holding up traffic in a busy intersection. Was told it would be just $900 to fully diagnose problem, but it appeared the vacuum pump failed, threw broken metal into engine and now will have to be replaced at my cost. NO advanced warning of any type of problem, no warning lights, etc.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766350September 23, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
On the evening ofXXX, at approximately 6:00 PM, I was driving this Avis rental vehicle on a highway in [XXX] at normal highway speed, below the posted limit, with my foot on the accelerator. The forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking system activated and applied the brakes hard. There was no vehicle, pedestrian, obstacle, or hazard ahead of me, and no vehicle behind me or beside me. The roadway was clear and dry. The sun was low in the sky, and the vehicle was crossing a metal expansion joint on an overpass at the moment of activation. I believe the low sun angle, the expansion joint, or both caused a false object detection by the forward-facing camera or radar. The service brakes themselves functioned correctly. The failure is in the forward sensing and decision logic, which commanded a braking event with no object present. The deceleration was severe and unexpected. I sustained sharp pain in my neck and shoulder. Had any vehicle been following me, this would have caused a rear-end collision at highway speed. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms before the event, and none afterward. I had driven the vehicle for seven days with no prior indication of a fault. I exited the highway immediately and drove back to the rental location on local streets at low speed because I no longer trusted the vehicle. I returned it the following morning when the Avis office opened, more than a day early, and reported the defect. Being a rental vehicle it was not available to me for inspection. The rental company has advised that it was taken out of fleet for inspection after my return, that there are no open recalls on it, and that it will not release internal service records to me. I do not know the outcome of that inspection. To my knowledge the fault has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer, independent service center, or manufacturer representative. No police report was filed because no collision occurred. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766497September 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after pulling into a parking lot, the vehicle failed to shift into park. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the contact was informed that three fault codes were found. The dealer informed the contact that the transmission needed to be disassembled for a full diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was scheduled for the transmission to be disassembled for the diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766529September 23, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
While driving my 2020 GMC Terrain, I experienced a sudden loss of normal braking assistance. I had been traveling on the highway and exited onto a main road. As I approached a red traffic light at approximately 50 mph and attempted to brake, the vehicle would not stop normally. I was unable to stop for the red light and went through the intersection before I was able to safely get the vehicle off the roadway. Fortunately, there was no vehicle directly in front of me and I was able to make it through the intersection before any other cars, so no collision occurred. The vehicle was subsequently inspected and diagnosed by a GMC dealership. A diagnostic scan performed after the incident showed code P0556 for the brake booster pressure sensor circuit range/performance. The GMC dealership later diagnosed problems involving the vacuum pump, exhaust camshaft, and timing components and recommended replacement of the vacuum pump, exhaust camshaft, timing components, and related parts.” The sudden loss of braking assistance created a serious safety hazard and could have resulted in a collision, serious injury, or death. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765984September 21, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
a failing telematics module on your 2026 GMC Terrain is causing network corruption, leading to an erratic speedometer and loss of driver assistance systems while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765686September 20, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I purchased this vehicle two weeks ago. It was my first time driving it since I bought it home from the dealer. I was on the highway driving about 55 mph in the left lane. All of a sudden the car started to slow down on its own going down to 15 mph without knowing what was happening. I tried to ease my way to the left and was almost hit by multiple vehicles. Once I got to the left lane the vehicle stopped running. I couldn’t start it. I noticed a pool of liquid on the right side of the vehicle. I also started to detect a strong smell of gasoline. I had to get towed off the road by calling 911 for assistance. The tow truck driver also confirmed that the liquid was gasoline. I had to get the car towed twice. It is now at my mechanic awaiting his inspection. I also spoke to the dealership. Unfortunately they are too far away for me to get the car there. I’m in limbo now. I am praying that the car is still under warranty. This was a very dangerous experience and it could have been worse. I did notice a recall for fuel system failure but I did not see it on my vehicles vin number.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765446September 19, 2026
SUSPENSION, SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle is making a squeaky sound/noise when breaking and getting louder. I took it in for service and they couldn’t seem to find the issue. It’s coming from the front end of the vehicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765554September 19, 2026
Carry Handle, Shell, Base, Insert, Padding
Baby is not comfortable in the seat and can’t seem to have a good head placement I think it’s because of the base and inserts.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765270September 18, 2026
SUSPENSION
Shimmy, shake, wobble, after TSB 26-NA-109 repair, replace front springs, vehicle feels less stable at highway speeds. The initial condition, Shimmy, Shake, Wobble, under moderate acceleration, still exists after last repair attempt.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764910September 17, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE
On 9/15/2026, my wife drove her car, a 2019 GMC Terrain, to a doctor's appointment. She reported no known issues with the way the car operated during her drive nor had she or I experienced issues prior to this event. After she finished her appointment, she attempted to start her car and was unable to get the car to start. She also noticed that the brake pedal was stiff and hard to depress. When I arrived, I tried to assist her, thinking that an electrical issue was the fault. However, I was still unable to start the car and I had to have it towed after I couldn't start her car. I had it towed to a mechanic who initially thought the car had a bad starter, however, after attempting to manually turn the engine, he found that the engine was completely seized. He also confirmed that the oil in the car appeared to be without fragments in it and that the oil level was adequate for normal operation. This car is only seven years old, has had routine maintenance, and is about 60 miles over 100,000. No prior issues were noticed before this happened. I'm currently waiting on an engine for the car so we can start using it again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764146September 14, 2026
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH and pulling into a parking lot, the vehicle was shifted into drive(D) and the driver’s door lock unexpectedly unlocked. The contact stated that on another occasion, a passenger in the front passenger’s seat noticed the same failure with the passenger’s side door lock. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact expressed concern that the failure was hazardous and posed a safety risk because the doors could open while the vehicle was moving. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764014September 14, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the brake pedal was firm and the "Service Brake Assist" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact used excessive force to depress the brake pedal while stopping the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the destination and parked. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a vacuum pump recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was scheduled for repair with an independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763875September 13, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2022 GMC Terrain lost power and stalled while I was driving, creating a safety risk because I could no longer maintain speed in traffic. The incident involved a police response and a safety-related tow costing $250. On XXX, OnStar recorded diagnostic trouble code P129F. Tire Choice subsequently replaced the fuel pump control component, identified in my records as GM part number 13554821, at a repair cost of $493.25. I have supporting diagnostic, repair, towing, and police documentation, along with evidence of the removed part. GM’s later vehicle history printout showed zero open field actions for my VIN [XXX]. I am concerned that this failure may be related to the fuel pump power control module condition described in GM campaign N252516900, although I have not confirmed that connection. I request that NHTSA investigate the loss of propulsion and whether the campaign’s coverage should include my vehicle. Tire Choice subsequently replaced the fuel pump control component, identified in my records as GM part number 13554821, at a repair cost of $493.25. I have supporting diagnostic, repair, towing, and police documentation, along with evidence of the removed part. GM’s later vehicle history printout showed zero open field actions for my VIN. I am concerned that this failure may be related to the fuel pump power control module condition described in GM campaign N252516900, although I have not confirmed that connection. I request that NHTSA investigate the loss of propulsion and whether the campaign’s coverage should include my vehicle. 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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