general problems of the 2017 GMC Terrain

23 problems related to power train have been reported for the 2017 GMC Terrain. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2017 GMC Terrain based on all problems reported for the 2017 Terrain.

1 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/20/2025

I am filing this complaint to report a catastrophic engine failure involving my 2017 GMC Terrain equipped with the 2. 4l ecotec engine, which I believe is the result of a known manufacturing defect related to excessive oil consumption and premature internal engine wear. At approximately 88,000 miles, my vehicle experienced severe engine failure, including excessive oil consumption, timing chain failure, and complete engine failure, which has been confirmed in writing by a licensed repair facility. The shop determined that the engine failure was caused by oil starvation resulting from excessive oil consumption, leading to internal engine damage and timing chain failure. This failure occurred without warning and rendered the vehicle unsafe to operate. Sudden engine failure creates a serious safety risk, including loss of power while driving, inability to accelerate, and increased risk of collision. This engine failure matches a well-documented defect pattern involving general motors’ 2. 4l ecotec engines, which have been the subject of class-action lawsuits, settlements, and jury verdicts related to premature piston ring wear, excessive oil consumption, and resulting engine damage or failure. These issues have been widely reported in Chevrolet equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles within my model year range. My vehicle was properly maintained, and this failure was not the result of neglect, misuse, or normal wear and tear, but rather a latent manufacturing defect that manifested after the warranty period but well within the reasonable life expectancy of the engine. I am requesting that NHTSA formally document and investigate this defect, as it presents a significant safety concern for drivers operating vehicles equipped with this engine. I also request that general motors be required to address this defect to prevent additional engine failures and potential safety incidents.

2 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2025

We have been keeping up with all maintenance and oil changes. We have only driven the car for less than a year. At time of oil change; the oil has been low, resulting in over oil consumption; requiring an extra quart of oil to be added between oil changes. When we purchased the vehicle, there was an strong exhaust smell; the shop that we bought the vehicle stated there were no issues and we have taken it to them multiple times an hour away from our home. The car completely shut off while my minor son and I were driving. Placing both of our lives at risk! it would never start back up. Now the car has seized and requires an engine replacement. It is sitting at a local garage while we wait for the dealership to help us, to no avail.

3 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 06/18/2025

Throttle position system all of a sudden went bad. My 2017 Terrain started shaking. I was holding up traffic. The sun couldn't go over 5mph. I've read online where this is happening alot in 2010'2017 GMC Terrains.

4 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/22/2025

My car lost oil while I was driving. I also lost power. I had my car over to a garage and the mechanic diagnosed it was a ruptured rear main seal caused by a frozen pcv system. Gm knows about the problem but has not recalled it. It is very expensive to repair. And because the manufacturer knows about it but never told the consumer, is fraudulent.

5 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 11/03/2024

My vehicle only has 78,000 miles on it and the timing chain needs to be replaced?! this is no longer under warranty because it’s been over 5 years but this should last a life time. Now I have a car that doesn’t start or run that I have to make payments on and no one wants to do the work on my car! I looked online and a bunch of people are having the same issue with the same exact car at similar mileage and the same issue! GMC needs to do a recall on this issue, many people are losing money and it’s a financial crisis.

6 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/17/2024

It's a known problem with GMC with a lawsuit for the pvc pipes clogging and blowing the main rear oil seal causing the vehicle to quit running.

7 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/06/2023

I have to replace my rear drive shaft.

8 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 09/26/2023

Engine shut off while doing 70 mph on interstate. There was no warning signs or nothing.

9 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 09/09/2023

1. The car started making a noise then started surging and jerking. I'm not a mechanic, so I don't know what happened but it will not crank now. Yes, someone can come inspect the vehicle, by appointment only. 2. I was afraid that the car was going to blow up or the brakes would not hold. 3. No, the problem has not been reproduced or inspected. 4. No, the vehicle or component has not been inspected. 5. No, there were no warning lights to let me know there was a problem.

10 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 06/10/2023

We have had many gm vehicles my husband worked at gm retired now. Our complaint is we have a GMC denali 2017 only 79000 miles on it. All upto date changes regularly all. Other like transmission oil changed all upkeep to date. Transmission needs rebuilt. We are in our 80’s and don’t beat up our cars. Replace or rebuild transmission 3500 to 4500 bucks. That is a lot of money for us. No longer covered. It shudders when you drive at any speed and feels so unsafe. Took it to gm garage and they couldn’t find anything wrong. No warning lights came on and we paid over 150 to have it checked out so with the shuddering getting worse and not feeling safe to drive we took it to a transmission shop and he took it out and said the shuddering was caused by something in the transmission. I have seen on google where gm is having a lot of problems in this area. We just need help with the repairs. Thank you. A retired gm worker lordstown, ohio donald pennington. Retired 1999 uaw 1112.

11 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 05/13/2023

I was on the interstate, heading out of town. I heard a loud noise from under the car. The car started slowing down and would not accelerate. This could have been very dangerous if I had been in the middle of 5:00 traffic. I took the next exit in front of me and pulled into a gas station. Looked under car and seen no obvious damage. Got back in and the car and put it back into drive. It would barely pull and then quick pulling all together within a few feet. The d/drive light started flashing. No warnings at all before this happened. I was 200 miles away and had to have it towed back home. Put it in the GMC shop and was told it needed a transmission.

12 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/17/2023

Was driving on a highway on cruise control when it automatically disengaged by itself when I stepped on the gas the car began to shake violently, and it was not shifting years correctly. I was able to pull over and realize that the transmission was a problem so I was able to drive manually to local dealer who diagnosed the problem as needing a new transmission. The vehicle is 2017 and has less than 63000 miles.

13 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/30/2022

The rear main seal is out, which is causing an oil leak. The intake manifold failed because the pvc system has a clog which has caused too much pressure to build up and caused the rear main seal to blow out. (pvc pipe is freezing over in cold temperatures which causes the failure of the main seal to blow out subsequently leading to additional major issues and parts failure. This issue has occurred in an overwhelming amount of vehicles. ).

14 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/27/2022

2017 GMC Terrain. VIN -2gkalmek3h6320983 on 12-26-2023 milage - 80694 catastrophic failure involving pcv valve and blown seal that destroyed the motor. So . . . Why or even how are we discussing rear main seal. This is completely unaccepta,ble. I have 2 kids starting to drive the repair estimate is $8. 000 to $10. 000.

15 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/24/2022

Due to cold weather the pcv froze which caused pressure to build up in the vehicle’s crankcase which caused the rear main engine seal to pop out. Results in losing all engine oil without and warning driving down the highway. I was lucky enough to get off the highway but currently without a vehicle due to possible engine damage.

16 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/08/2022

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated after stopping and shifting into park(p), the ignition switch could not be turned off and the key could not be removed from the ignition switch. While the contact was inspecting the rear of the vehicle, the vehicle started to roll backwards, almost injuring the contact. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the control shifter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.

17 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2022

The contact owns a 2014 Ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the transmission would randomly down shift causing the vehicle to abruptly loose power. Also while driving the vehicle would experience hard shifting. During the failure the check engine and service vehicle warning lights had displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who examined the vehicle and no problem was found. The cause of the failures were not determined. The manufacturer was also notified but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 124,000.

18 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/17/2022

Transmission jerking at low speeds no power,was told by dealer I need a new transmission I only have 60,000 miles on my 2017 terain GMC no warning indicator lights came on.

19 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/08/2022

While driving on the highway with my child, vehicle suddenly went into reduced power mode. 5 minutes later after exiting the highway, the low oil pressure alert came on. The vehicle was parked two minutes later then towed home. After towing it to my local certified dealership, it was determined the pcv was clogged with ice resulting in a blown rear main seal. There was a recall for a defect in earlier Terrains for this same issue (see sb 14882). Currently gm will not cover repair costs under this specific recall despite this vehicle apparently having the same 2. 4l ecotek engine. Apparently this a known cold weather issue for this vehicle.

20 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 06/10/2021

We have had 4 transmissions since we bought the vehicle. It slows down to almost a stop after it hits 30 mph and makes weird noises all throughout the vehicle. The back right tire sticks to the pavement and jerks when I start to drive. The key ignition has been fixed several times and still sometimes won't turn with the key or come out. Yes warranty told the repaid service company to fix whatever, and they did but it still after 2 more transmission hasn't fixed the issues. Engine light and not sure what else.

21 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/28/2021

My check engine light came on along with a a message that states �reduced engine power� and a message reading �service stabilitrek when I was driving on the highway at 70 mph. This created suddenly jerking and slow acceleration so that I had to pull off the road. . Read more...

22 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/15/2020

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed white smoke emanating from the vehicle, and the vehicle lost significant motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the vehicle was consuming oil abnormally fast. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who confirmed the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 125,000.

23 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 11/25/2019

At around 20 miles per hour, while accelerating, all torque is lost and the vehicle engine revs high. It takes a few seconds, then the transmission finally shifts into the next gear. This causes a big jolt. It is dangerous, all power is lost, then suddenly too much power is applied. This has happened since I purchased the vehicle. I have taken it to the dealership. They won't do anything about it. The vehicle now has 40,502 miles.


Other Power Train related problems of the 2017 GMC Terrain

Power Train problems
23
Transfer Case problems
1

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