Electrical System Problems of GMC Terrain - part 1

Vehicle wouldn’t unlock/start with primary key fob or secondary key fob. Tried manual entry with both key fobs still could not enter.

See all problems of the 2025 GMC Terrain 🔎.

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving in cold weather at various speeds; moisture accumulated and deactivated the charger, causing the vehicle to go into limp mode and lose drive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the charger air cooler was defective and needed to be replaced. The dealer also wanted to place an air deflector on the vehicle. The contact was informed of a service update for the failure however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and learned that in canada, the issue was being remedied with a bra apparatus and a thermal wrap for the engine to prevent the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the VIN was not covered. The contact was waiting to hear from a supervisor. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was unavailable.

See all problems of the 2020 GMC Terrain 🔎.

The infotainment system is not working. It has the "black screen" issue.

See all problems of the 2023 GMC Terrain 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2017 GMC Terrain 🔎.

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.

I bought this Terrain brand new from betten baker Chevrolet in muskegon mi in 2019 with 500 miles. That same year we had transmission slippage causing it to slip out of gear then slam back into gear while driving. I took it to the dealer to have it looked at. They did nothing and informed me it was known by the manufacturer that this was an issue. I then had to bring it back for electrical issues as the lights would all start going off in the cab including dome lights and shift buttons. All key fob would not be recognized by the car and would have to be reprogrammed counting 5 times now. Now I am sitting at just oflver 100,000 miles and what I thought was going to be a simple spark plug change gas turned into a complete motor failure. Did an oil change and there was no oil in it. The turbo was replaced and now the engine started making a lot of rattling noises and just stopped. The dash says service transmission, ecs, extremely low battery voltage and has jost die after oil started pouring out the bottom of the car. It is now sitting at the dealership service department where I was told by am employee there that they have been seeing them come in at 150,000 miles for complete rebuilds and mine was early. Let me tell you that this car isn't even paid off yet. And the 2006 ram 1500 is more reliable.

See all problems of the 2019 GMC Terrain 🔎.

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.

When driving vehicle, alert sounded lowered speed detection and my engine light came on. My vehicle then lagged power and it smelled like something was burning. Called dealer I bought vehicle from and I drove it in to them. I just bought the vehicle 8 months ago. I was just in to same dealer for a gps tracker that was in my vehicle unknown to me that the onstar stopped working and the dealer had stating they missed it in the pre certified inspection and they had to replace the telemax module do to the unknown gps tracker. My vehicle is now in for the lowered speed detection problem which my gm app stated it was an air induction system problem. I do not have paper work for the air induction system yet but I have sent photo of what my gm app produced.

See all problems of the 2022 GMC Terrain 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2010 GMC Terrain 🔎.

My a/c went out within 2 years of having the car in 22’. In 2025 I have had nothing but problems, the radio will go out when im driving for about 2 hours and it resets, the screen goes black, music stops, navigation stops and then it turns on like nothing happened. It happens everytime I drive 2+ hours. Back in September of 2025, I was on my way to work when I was stopped at a red light, it turned green and then my brakes locked up and I couldn’t drive my car had shut off, and wouldn’t come back on. I was stuck in the middle of the road not knowing what happened as the car had driven fine up until I stopped at the red light. Then tonight November 21,2025 around 0315 I was leaving work, I started my car, my car threw up a message that said “low fuel, 0 miles” I had half a tank of gas when I got to work. I turned my car off then back again and it did the same thing. I let my car sit for a second and then my gas gauge started to slowly increase to the correct amount of gas. Then when I got home (3 mile drive from work) I turned my car off and then back on and this time when I turned the car on my brakes were locked and I couldn’t start my car. All of the engine lights were on so I turned the car off and then let it sit for a minute before trying to start it. When I tried to start it this time, I couldn’t. It’s like the car had died and was getting no power. I couldn’t lock my car, no lights were working, I couldn’t turn it on or start it. Some time went by and my interior lights were on so then I started the car and it’s almost like my car reset. I can’t see my tires psi, the clock went to midnight (it was about 0330) it was all just very weird!!.

The infotainment system will just randomly start going haywire and when it happens, you cannot use the touchscreen. It will try to randomly delete app icons such as the camera, it will try to delete connected phones, it will try to delete radio favorites and it will move app icons all around. These are just a few examples of things that happen.

See all problems of the 2018 GMC Terrain 🔎.

Break assist light comes on and brakes stiffen suddenly with no warning. Happened 6 times now in a 3 year span. Gotten it "fixed" each time but it keeps happening.

Screen went black on 3 different occasions, since purchasing vehicle.

GMC Terrain with 12,564 total miles had experienced an engine failure. Under normal driving conditions, the car was sluggish and would not accelerate properly when pulling out into traffic or when getting on the freeway/interstate causing fear for driver safety and causing traffic slowdowns or congestion with a significantly increased risk of crash. While driving to work, the vehicle service engine light turned on and displayed "reduced engine power". Upon investigation the dealership found codes p0011, p0014, p0016, p0017, and quoted "cylinder 4 intake rocker had fallen off and laying on head, found excessive debris and metal material around rocker 4, found cylinder 2 intake rocker to be worn sideways. Found heavy damage to intake camshaft. Removed oil filter - found excessive metal in oil filter". Secondary issue, infotainment screen would randomly flash bright white on the right half, causing a major driver distraction. Engine, turbo, and infotainment system were all replaced, and vehicle returned 11. 06. 2025.

Backup camera not working and has a blue screen. The camera was replaced. The fuses & wires were inspected and the screen remains blue.

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.

Sunroof/moonroof/sunshade and frame leaking for 2nd time.

Back up camera just started showing a blue screen with message that stated service back up camera. No accident, has not been to dealership. Just started 8/15/2025. No warning given.

Incident 1: pulled out from stop sign car made funny noises, light came on said it couldn't shift to drive. Had towed to dealer. They said couldn't find issue except it was quart and a half low of transmission fluid. The car had approx 3,500 miles on it. Incident 2: for about two weeks when pulling out felt like it was skipping but didn't feel like transmission. Felt like over powered. Then it done same as incident 1. Pulled out made noise would not move. Notice that is couldn't shift and check engine light came on had it towed again. Approx 6,300 miles on it. They then said it was very low on transmission fluid and they did find a small hole in hose. Danger is pulling out and it just stops in cross traffic and won't move could easily be hit. It is very scary to drive not knowing if or when it is going to happen. I have no current invoice on vehicle as it is still in shop.

Vehicle has had check engine light and engine reduced power flicking on and off for months, randomly reducing power on highway or nearly causing accidents. Brought car to GMC dealer, they said it was underboost code and needed new turbo. Paid over 7,000$ for repair. Next morning, same issue still was happening. I believe my vehicle has emissions recall issue “n192271200 charge air cooler disconnect at throttle body” but gm has not properly attached my VIN number for this recall repair. I have poured thousands into repairs out of pocket and the same issue still persists. I believe strongly the recall emission issue is the problem and should be on my VIN. Vehicle has been to dealer 3 times in the past 2 weeks, issue has not been fixed. Improperly diagnosed, random repairs made not fixing actual issue.

A little over two weeks ago we were going to sidney to get groceries. It was hot that day so we turned the a/c on. Fog started coming out of the vents, it looked like we turned on a fog machine! a few days later we were going to town, my daughter got in and the whole driver's side floor was full of water. There was so much of it we had to get the shop vac out to suck it up. I called the dealer where we purchased it from because it still under warranty. Their shop guy was out for the week so they scheduled me an appt for the following week. By this time my speakers aren't working, my signal lights dont make any sounds when I use them and the floor is soaked again. On August 5th we took the car into high plains and left it. They said they worked on it for 4 hours and fixed the problem, some drain line was plugged with sludge and so the water knocked out a module or amp. I thot everything would be covered but then they said I'd have to pay because all of a sudden a mouse had causes that line to get plugged. I asked them for pictures because im turning it into my insurance company, and they said they would send them. They never have I requested the pictures 2x, once with patrick the shop manager and then with jeff presser, owner. Still today, nothing. Meanwhile yesterday here comes all the water on the floor again. We use this vehicle to haul my grandson to his therapies and medical appointments. He has cerebral palsy and has severe respiratory problems that requires him to be on oxygen. Now were worried that mold has started growing because even though were sucking up the water, the floor pad and carpet are still wet. I went online and have seen numerous people complaining about the same issue for years with these GMC Terrains, why hasnt there been a recall or national warning on this faulty problem?.

See all problems of the 2024 GMC Terrain 🔎.

Component affected: service brakes, hydraulic – brake vacuum pump summary of the problem: I am reporting a serious safety issue involving the brake vacuum pump on my 2018 GMC Terrain. The brake pump failed catastrophically ("blew up"), resulting in a sudden loss of braking power. This occurred without warning and posed a significant risk to my safety and others on the road. We were traveling to vacation in florida and thankfully had just gotten off the interstate. Details: the failure caused the brake pedal to become extremely hard to press, and the vehicle required a much longer distance to stop. We experienced no brake at the brake booster and a blown vacuum pump is due to a faulty vacuum pump which is a known issue for this model. Fortunately, no accident occurred, but the situation could have easily led to a collision. A certified mechanic confirmed that the brake vacuum pump exploded and needs to be replaced. I have incurred significant out-of-pocket repair costs due to this issue. We had to uber to our vacation room, get walmart plus to have groceries delivered to our room. We had to have uber eats deliver other supplies. We have had to walk to various places for dinner and entertainment because avis and budget had no vehicles available to rent and enterprise was closed as we arrived on Saturday afternoon. I have checked for recalls and service bulletins using my VIN, but none are currently listed for this specific issue, despite similar problems being reported in other gm vehicles. Request: I urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue further. The failure of a critical braking component without warning is a serious safety concern. I believe this may be part of a broader pattern of brake system failures in gm vehicles and should be addressed through a recall or safety campaign. Also, the estimate for the repair is $2,500 so any reimbursement would be greatly appreciated. We just received this estimate but I can provide it at a later date.

Driving my vehicle with no warnings, messages, or symptoms on adaptive cruise control Sunday [xxx] on [xxx] in michigan. I changed lanes into the right lane when the vehicle abruptly, without notification, and with force, caused braking that unexpectedly and dangerously slowed the vehicle then released braking before doing the same a moment later. Vehicle was pulled off the road onto the shoulder without an accident, thankfully nobody was behind because they would not have been able to stop in time before hitting my vehicle and I assume the brake lights weren't activated since I did not press the brake pedal either time the vehicle was abruptly slowed causing audible noise of traction loss due to skidding. Vehicle engine would function but parking brake remained active leaving vehicle unable to change gears and transmission warning showed on instrument panel. Vehicle towed to a Chevrolet dealer in grayling, michigan where it remains and would be available for inspection. Dealer shows transmission as the cause and in need of replacement. Vehicle has been maintained at gm shops since original ownership. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2021 GMC Terrain 🔎.

Tensioner issues keeps breaking the timing chain. . Replaced twice at own cost. Fuel pump/ loss of power while driving. Back up camera doesn't work sometimes. Screen goes black. If key is left in the ignition it starts itself. If you try to use a car charger for a phone the ac shuts off and a "systems error" message pops up. This happens alot. It's an ongoing issue since I bought the car in feburary this year.

See all problems of the 2014 GMC Terrain 🔎.

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the infotainment system screen and radio inadvertently switched stations from am to fm. On other occasions, while driving and using the gps system, the screen went blank. The contact stated that on several occasions the screen was turned off, and on other occasions, the screen was turned off and on however, the failure was temporally fixed. The vehicle was not diagnosed of repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

Back up camera service notice.

5. 25. 2025 - car shut down while at a busy intersection. Called amherst police due to location and how dangerous the intersection was. Family member needed to jump start the vehicle. Vehicle started before police arrived. Drove home. Called police to let them know we were no longer at the busy intersection. 5. 26. 2025 took out battery to check charge at auto store - tested good - 82%. Re-installed battery went to get gas thinking that may be the issue, low on gas, not the case the car wouldn't start at the gas station. Family member needed to jump start the vehicle again. Drove home, called dealer, taking to dealer next week 6. 4. 2025 due to availability of service. There were no warning lights prior to stalling out both times. This is very dangerous. We are afraid to drive this GMC 2020 Terrain.

Abs brake problem and have tried to get it repaired for over 3 months and cannot seem to be able to get the part and call gm with no help. Can not tell me when or where to buy the part. Nobody seems to be able to get a new part and no help from gm. If there is this many problems that there is no part left available it should be a national recall.

The contact owns a 2025 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the infotainment system displayed a blank screen. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road into a gas station and turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the infotainment system displayed a message "update failed - see dealer to restore system". The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

[xxx] once again while diving down the road 45mph Terrain once again goes in to park ,I was lucky the lady behind me wasn't to close . Also I contacted onstar when I was able to get vehicle moving at the store . . I told her what happen she ran diagnostics while parked at store said there was no codes I let onstar know this has happened several times. . I had no warning, no indication, no lights came on. And I also let her know that this same vehicle was still stalling I was at intersection and the auto/stop is always on it will not let you bypass or default took it to dealership who I bought cpo back when it first would not let me turn it off cause its stalls at stop signs ,red lights etc crazy thing is if you turn the ac on it cranks up , if you hit the door unlock it starts. . . Thats not normal GMC knows that the dealership whom sold me cpo that wasn't the misleading is beyond crazy. . Gsm cussed me out it comes with life time warranty but when I had it towed right after I bought it 2 months . . I was talking about what the mechanics had said that this vehicle was in prior flood and accident GMC onstar has a different VIN then the one that on the vehicle. . The doors are not original I can see the inside of steering wheel and on dash where they said air bags were deployed and they did a [xxx] job hiding it . . . I paid over 32k for this 2020 Terrain that was advertised as cpo with 1 owner in florida they showed me a fraudulent carfax, I pulled up my own and it came from new york . . This vehicle is not safe to drive but I dont have any other options. . I have made complaint with both GMC and my finance company whom also wrote complaint on dealership and the told me I could rewind the loan but when I told dealership I knew that they sold me a vehicle that was not cpo and what I learned he came at me at dealership infront of workers and customers . . The vehicle just going to end up getting myself killed or someone else. . Semi had to run off road to avoid hitting me information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act.

Vehicle every other morning shows issue with blind spot assist. It keeps popping an error message and it has happened since I purchased it new. Took it multiple times to dealership and they cannot recreate issue. So it's been an issue since I bought it now.

Vehicle was running but transmission was in park. Suddenly on screen in front of driver this message appeared: brake system failure 43mph top speed warning service esc. Vehicle was not moving. Engine was running but vehicle was in park. I had to drive it home. Very difficult to stop. Brake pedal vibrated violently. Very long stopping distance even at 20mph. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership from which I had purchased it. I bought this vehicle on 25 Nov 2024. Right now its mileage is 3757. Obviously my safety and that of others was put at risk. The service department at the dealership has not communicated with me at this time. There was no prior warning nor were there any prior symptoms of this problem. It occurred very suddenly.

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the service message was displayed, and the audible turn signal became inoperable, along with the collision warning and the on-star feature. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 22,000. The VIN was not available.

When accelerating, the engine revved up, switched itself from drive to park, resulting in complete loss of control and the vehicle coming to a sudden stop. The car behind narrowly avoided a rear-end collision by swerving around me. The malfunction indicator light came on for the first time, and the vehicle would not switch out of park. After turning the ignition off and on again, the vehicle would switch out of park. The GMC service inspector ran diagnostics and found fault codes related to the transmission valve components that must be replaced.

At stop light turning right, the car stalled, cut on and cut back off, cut on and back off with about 30 cars behind me. Sputtering. On the dash board it said “engine power reduced”. I had to be pushed out a main highway by police, and thankfully my 6 month old daughter wasn’t in the back seat. I have had this car 12 days with 48256 miles on it. I’m extremely concerned with the safety of this car. And when towed was leaking gas like fluid.