Automatic Emergency Braking problems of the 2018 GMC Terrain

Four problems related to automatic emergency braking have been reported for the 2018 GMC Terrain. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2018 GMC Terrain based on all problems reported for the 2018 Terrain.

1 Automatic Emergency Braking problem

Failure Date: 07/11/2026

The vehicle has had regular maintenance, oil change, and inspection including the brakes. My boyfriend is visiting me in [xxx] from the [xxx]. Onxxx while driving the vehicle the engine started. Making a ticking noise especially during idle and when accelerating in idle. About 15 minutes after the ticking stopped and all of a sudden there's a complete loss of breaks they locked up and the driver was unable to efficiently stop while going down a hill road. Driver had to use the emergency brake to make the other brakes release and then the brakes from there would not work even though you could stomp on them stand on top of them there was no breaking power anymore. Vehicle was brought into a GMC dealership on the following Monday where they confirmed the issue was a failed vacuum pump connected to the engine and camshaft which is a known safety issue to GMC as part of an ongoing open case they had specialty coverage and bulletins regarding the tahoe and sierra but neglected to include the Terrain on this issue. Cold the GMC manufacturer in both [xxx] and [xxx] to try and get cost assistance and specialty coverage as the vehicle as well under the mileage requirements but have been giving the push around and zero assistance. The risk to the drivers and passengers lives was significant as we were on the highway for1. 5 hrand thankfully the brake lost didn't happen in full during that time. The repairs were completed and paid for in full by the client which should have been covered by the dealership and we are looking for cost recuperation and are now being ignored. Receipts are here to substantiate the claim. The abs light is no longer on there was no warnings on the vehicle showing any issues or any codes as onstar was called and diagnostics were received and the diagnostics came back clear prior to this happening, and following the break failure. Lack of codes and warnings is life-threatening and serious. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

2 Automatic Emergency Braking problem

Failure Date: 09/03/2023

On 9/3/23 I was travelling down interstate 94 in illinois when all of a sudden my check engine light came on. Not knowing what the issue was, but knowing that the car still seemed to be ok and I was only a few miles from home I decided to drive home and figure out the issue from there. At this point I had no idea that the brakes had completely locked up. Once I realized what was happening I did my best to slow the vehicle down by decelerating, frantically pumping on the locked up brakes, and then finally slowing enough to take an exit and roll in to a gas station. Frankly, it was the most terrifying moment of my life travelling 70 mph without the ability to stop. Upon inspection, the independent service tech informed us that the vacuum pump had exploded (yes, exploded) and that he had never seen anything like it, especially in a car with less than 70,000 miles. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the vacuum pump failed and unfortunately it completely exploded so there were only a few pieces left inside of the engine. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? my brakes locked up completely on the interstate, with my family in the car, and I was unable to stop. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes. The independent service center where I currently have the vehicle has confirmed, and spoken with gm. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? no, GMC refuses to do anything about it even though there is a prior recall for the same part on other GMC vehicles during the same time frame. I'm told it's the exact same part. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? yes, roughly 1 minute prior to the breaks locking up the "check engine" light came on.

3 Automatic Emergency Braking problem

Failure Date: 09/08/2022

Vehicle stuck in emergency assist mood. Without warning I couldn't slow down/stop without putting alot of my weight on the brake breaks were so hard to press down.

4 Automatic Emergency Braking problem

Failure Date: 05/30/2021

The "service brake assist" issue in other 2018 GMC suvs is happening in the 2018 GMC Terrain, but it is not part of the recall. Our brakes became extremely difficult to press right as we were turning onto the on ramp of an expressway. Thankfully we were Smart enough to pull over and not get on the highway. Had we done so, I may not have been here to type this complaint. The brakes be come extremely difficult to press and that message shows. Dealership is going to charge me $400 to replace a vacuum pump - they were not interested in the information I have around this issue in other GMC suvs since it isn't a formal recall on the Terrain. I could have died yesterday due to this braking issue. I've owned this car for 3 months.


Other Forward Collision Avoidance related problems of the 2018 GMC Terrain

Automatic Emergency Braking problems
4
Warnings problems
3
Adaptive Cruise Control problems
1


Terrain Service Bulletins
Terrain Safety Recalls
Terrain Defect Investigations