GMC Terrain Complaints

3,167 consumer complaints on file.

#11647393March 10, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The backup camera on my vehicle stopped working completely, displaying a blank screen. All other cameras and sensors continue to function normally. The dealership identified the issue as the camera having “shorted out” and is replacing it with a completely new unit. The faulty camera is currently with the dealership, and I assume it would be available for inspection upon request. It is being replaced and I will receive a bill in a few days (Wednesday March 10, 2025). The backup camera is a critical safety feature designed to prevent collisions with pedestrians, objects, and other vehicles when reversing. Without a functioning camera, visibility is significantly reduced, increasing the risk of an accident, especially in crowded parking lots or areas with low visibility. The sudden and unexplained failure of this system is a serious safety concern. Yes, the dealership confirmed the issue when I brought my vehicle in for inspection. They determined that the camera had “shorted out” and ordered a full replacement. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership, which is handling the replacement. To my knowledge, no manufacturer representatives, police, or insurance agents have examined the issue. There were no warning lights, error messages, or other indications before the failure. The backup camera was functioning normally, then suddenly stopped working, displaying a blank screen. I have heard that Cadillac and GMC Acadia models have experienced similar backup camera issues, leading to recalls due to sudden failures. Given that my vehicle’s camera “shorted out” without warning, I believe this may be part of a broader issue affecting GM vehicles. If this is a recurring problem, it poses a serious safety risk and should be investigated further.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647153March 8, 2025
ENGINE
I am writing to formally express my dissatisfaction with my 2017 GMC Terrain, which has experienced severe engine failure due to excessive oil consumption. I purchased this vehicle with the expectation of reliability and durability, yet at only 80,000 miles, the engine seized without warning, rendering my vehicle completely inoperable. I have consistently maintained my Terrain according to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. However, I recently discovered that the engine was consuming oil at an alarming rate of 1 quart per 1,000 miles, which ultimately led to catastrophic failure. There were no warning lights or clear indicators of low oil, making it impossible for me to prevent the damage. After researching, I have found that numerous other GMC Terrain owners have reported similar excessive oil consumption issues, indicating a potential widespread defect in this engine design. As a loyal GM customer, I am extremely disappointed that a well-maintained vehicle would suffer such a failure at a relatively low mileage. Given the severity of this issue, I request that GM take responsibility for this defect by covering the full cost of engine repair or replacement. A vehicle should not require a complete engine overhaul at 80,000 miles due to a known design flaw. Please provide a prompt resolution to this matter. If GM is unwilling to address this issue, I will have no choice but to explore other options, including filing a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and seeking legal counsel. I hope to resolve this matter amicably and look forward to your timely response.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647165March 8, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
My 2020 GMC Terrain (under 100K miles) was running great until one day, after starting the vehicle, I shifted into reverse and felt soft brakes before the engine suddenly shut off. A licensed mechanic diagnosed the issue, pointing to Technical Service Bulletin #PIP5835, which identifies a defective brake vacuum pump. This failure caused damage to the exhaust camshaft and timing belt, ultimately leading to the recommendation of a full engine replacement. GMC’s response? They advised me to pay for their diagnostics and repairs, then file for a "Goodwill Repair," which they admitted was unlikely to be approved. Meanwhile, GM has since replaced this defective vacuum pump with an electric version, acknowledging the flaw—yet leaving owners like me to cover the cost. I believe GM should stand behind their product and take responsibility for this engineering failure, instead of forcing customers to absorb the expense.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646997March 7, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Today is [XXX]. 3 days ago my infotainment system my plug-in lighter charger all of them that's in the vehicle and my rear windshield wiper and my blinkers all went out at the same time. I had a licensed mechanic that has the fuse Checker tool, checked every fuse that he can see under the hood and on the inside of the vehicle and all the fuses lit up. I then went to O'Reilly's Auto Parts here in Highland Park Michigan bought the Savannah long life two pack bulbs for the rear blinkers and they still did not work they would not come on the brake lights would not come on nothing comes on. I then told a gentleman named Frank at that O'Reilly's about the issue about how all those components went out at the same time and he said there was currently a recall about those issues on my year making model of my GMC Terrain which is a 2017 I cannot locate that recall. The only recall I can locate is the one that describes the high beam on the headlights and that is it. So I don't know where that recall is he's talking about I don't know anything about fixing cars I just need some answers. I'm hoping someone will be able to locate the recall that he's talking about so I can have my vehicle looked at and get the issue resolved. 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
#11646312March 4, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds in a parking area and attempting to stop, the brake pedal failed to depress all the way to the floorboard and was firm, requiring an increased effort; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact was able to bring the vehicle to a complete stop by turning the vehicle off. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the brake vacuum pump, observing that the pump had sent metal fragments into the engine, resulting in damages to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Special Coverage Adjustment: N182202780. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 108,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645920March 3, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM), FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving in a parking lot, and the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The vehicle failed to immediately restart but restarted after waiting for 10 minutes. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The contact retrieved DTC: P129F while using a handheld scanner. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,670.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645845March 2, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE
Vacuum pump failed causing hard brake pedal and the inability to properly stop the vehicle. Thankfully I made it to a safe area and had the vehicle towed. No warning light or engine service lights ever illuminated. Once it was taken apart the bearings were disintegrated and metal shavings are in engine components.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645033February 26, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
OnStar module failure Its backordered across the entire country, its only reasonable to assume it's a problem. Online information I've seen is it's an issue with a lot of vehicles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11644823February 25, 2025
ENGINE
Catastrophic mechanical failure; engine failure. Below freezing day driving normally until the car just died right in the middle of a busy 4 lane road. No warning lights were displayed. Luckily I was able to drift the car over to the curb lane then manually push into a parking lot with cars driving around me. Vehicle taken to independent Auto Care Service which did an inspection stating the PCV valve was frozen which then caused the pressure to blow rear seal and metal fragments could be seen in the oil drippings. No issues or dashboard notifications prior to this event.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11644884February 25, 2025
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:INTERIOR
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into reverse(R); the rear-view camera screen was not functioning as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The message "Service Rear Camera System" was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11644047February 21, 2025
POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
My check engine light comes on intermittently, since March 2024, after having Cabin & Engine air filters replaced. Each time, I’m told it is code P0171. This has happened too many times for my comfort. Usually, it happens around the time my gas gets below 1/2 tank or after I fill up my gas tank. Originally, I was told by the mechanic that it could be one of four things, of which I’ve now had some of things done. InIn Aug. 2024, the check engine light came in. Code was P0171. Mechanic replaced the Brake vacuum pump. Once incident, almost a month later, on 9/24/24, was very scary. While driving on the interstate, I got ready to increase my speed, but heard a pop sound and noticed the speed wouldn’t accelerate. Next, the check engine light came on and the message in the dash popped up saying “engine power reduced” or something similar. I was able to coast from the fast lane over to the slower lane and off the highway into a parking lot. I turned the truck off. When I crunk it back up an hour later, it was shaking and jerking. While slowly driving, on the way to the mechanic shop, it jerked and shook each time I tried to accelerate after stopping at a light or slowing down with traffic. The code again was P0171. According to the mechanic, the intake hose had popped off. On 11/13/24, the check engine light came on. I again took it to have the code scanned and truck looked at. Test results again showed P0171. This time the Mass Air Flow Sensor was suggested. In a year I’ve had the fuel system cleaned twice, brake system flushed, & other routine maintenance such as oil change & brakes. Yet, my check engine light seems to still come on intermittently atleast once monthly. It came on two days ago, 2/18/25, when my gas was around 1/4 tank full. I added a fuel system injector, per mechanic suggestion, and filled my tank up with gas on today, 2/20/25. The check engine light had gone off within about 15 mins of me driving. I’m certain it will be back on soon with the same code.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11644209February 21, 2025
ENGINE
As per several other complaints on the GMC terrain of particular years my vehicle has had a rear main seal leak, a blown engine terrible amounts of oil consumption and now the second engine has malfunctioned. And made the vehicle inoperable. The safety of myself and others was put at risk as the vehicle lost all power and cut off. The problem has had class action lawsuits filed. The first time the engine failed no warnings came on the second time a reduced engine power came on that we had no idea existed. The vehicle consumed oil very quickly, with in days the oil could need replaced. Oil consumption has been going on for years. Even after replacing engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11644217February 21, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Gear selector
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643291February 18, 2025
ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES
Brake vacuum pump failed causing engine damage. Camshaft on national back order. Vehicle has been in repair shop for 1.5 months waiting on part. No ETA. There has been recall for similar vehicles with same issue, failure, damage. But not for this VIN. It’s the same failure with same damage. How is this not a recall for this VIN?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642977February 16, 2025
AIR BAGS
Found steering wheel airbag deployed
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643011February 16, 2025
ENGINE
Oil consumption rate was too high, roughly 2qts every 1500miles. Caused timing chain to break. Second time with the oil consumption. First fix under 100k mile warranty checked off as recall. It was done before a recall came out. Paying for timing chain to get fixed but recommended a new engine. Prefer GMC to replace engine since it's an ongoing issue. 307373 miles strong and now this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642036February 11, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Brakes stopped working while driving. Yes it has been reproduced by mechanic. No it has not been inspected by manufacturer. “Service Brake Assist” message populated after failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11641530February 8, 2025
ENGINE
DETAILS: Frozen/clogged PCV in the intake manifold caused the rear main seal to burst due to crankcase pressure, leading to complete engine failure. The 2.4 EcoTech engine must be entirely replaced. GMC refuses to act despite being well aware of this consistent issue. There is a class action lawsuit, service bulletins and multiple examples of this scenario all over the internet. RESOLUTION NEEDED ASAP. - 1/20/25: While driving home from my night shift at highway speeds, exhaust fumes entered the cabin, followed by a loud pop and sudden engine failure. The check engine light never came on and the vehicle would not restart. After towing to the dealership, they confirmed what occurred and noted that it happened on the coldest night of the year, consistent with the well-documented defect in the 2.4L EcoTech engine. They estimated replacement cost can run up to $10,000 and is my responsibility, advising that GM takes no liability for this known issue. This is not an isolated incident for this engine. GM is fully aware of this defect evidenced by multiple service bulletins, including TSB GMC 19-NA-021, which explicitly states this issue is known for ALL 2010-2017 GMC Terrains. Despite this when I called GM for a resolution, I was told my VIN is somehow excluded, making me ineligible for assistance. Instead of taking responsibility, GM directed me to NHTSA, claiming they alone can update affected VINs. This is NHTSA and GM’s failure, not mine. - This situation is completely unacceptable. GM must immediately resolve this issue in one of the following ways: 1. Full engine replacement at no cost to me. 2. Complete payoff of my remaining loan balance. Additionally, NHTSA must provide an explanation for why my VIN is not included in their list of affected vehicles and correct this oversight immediately. - I will not accept further delays, deflection, or excuses. GM must take full responsibility for this failure and respond immediately with a resolution.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640584February 4, 2025
ENGINE
While driving on a county highway during an extreme cold front, the vehicle experienced catastrophic engine failure due to low oil pressure. There was traffic that was impacted by this issue and the occupants (mother and child) were stranded in dangerous temps. This issue has been confirmed by a mechanic shop the vehicle was towed to. No warning from vehicle given, regular oil changes and vehicle maintenance performed. It is my understanding this is a known issue with this motor as far as oil consumption, faulty piston and piston ring assemblies and there have been class actions filed for these vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640760February 4, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Service parking brake comes on, steering reduced. Problem reoccurring often, but intermittently. Actuators malfunctioning causing many sensors to fail off and on. Huge safety concern for myself, my riders, and anyone else on the road. When this happens my car has to “think” to move unless you clear the pop up message. Check engine light comes off and on at its leisure. When steering reduced comes on the car will not move until ready. This is clearly affecting electrical things as when I shut power off to other supplies it sometimes becomes more frequent as well as less frequent. The car does not understand what to do as its computers are confused at what the problem is, as the problem does not consistently happen. I have print outs of one time I caught it with failing actuators. I refuse to go to the dealership as I’m told “oh the problem isn’t happening now.” Which negates safety of all people on the roadways. You’re more than welcome to inspect. Though I will be present as I refuse to be told there’s no problem. As previously stated this happens when it wants to happen, but again I’ve caught the issue and can supply information.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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