Electrical System Problems of GMC Terrain - part 1

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.

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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.

Avis rental. Vehicle simply shut down while driving and would not re-start. Vehicle could not be put into neutral to move from roadway. Emergency services vehicles had to remain on site awaiting tow vehicle. Very dangerous situation.

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).

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On Saturday, August 15th we were driving on the freeway when with no warning the check engine light came on and the vehicle began to run poorly, and then the vehicle lost electrical power and it became difficult to steer and the brake pedal became stiff, making it difficult to stop and pull over. The vehicle would not start on command but kept running very poorly, it also became impossible to shut the vehicle off until it seized. It was later towed to a local repair shop, and today, Friday August 21st the shop confirmed that the vacuum pump on the brake assist failed and it would need a total engine replacement.

The back passenger seat exploded and caught fire, burning the back of the seat in front and burning the ceilings. Inside the whole vehicle is black from smoke damage. Incident assessed by fire marshal who has ruled as electrical issue. No warning lights or systems displayed anything.

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Subject: urgent: unresolved ongoing vehicle issues - request for contact ?to whom it may concern, ?I am writing to express my strong frustration regarding ongoing and unresolved issues with my vehicle. Ever since I purchased it, I have been plagued by constant alerts regarding various vehicle failures. ?my vehicle has already been reset and updated twice to address these issues. I just picked it up after it was supposedly fixed at the dealership this past Thursday. However, today, Sunday, [xxx], the exact same warning alerts have started popping up once again. ?this situation is unacceptable, and I need someone to reach out to us immediately to discuss a permanent resolution. Please contact us at either of the following numbers: ?primary phone: [xxx] ?secondary phone: [xxx] ?I expect a prompt reply to arrange the next steps. ? information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The vehicle experienced a complete loss of infotainment/audio functions immediately following a gm over-the-air software update. The onstar indicator turned red, all vehicle audio including turn-signal sounds stopped functioning, and the rear backup camera stopped displaying an image. The backup camera failure creates a safety concern because it eliminates a federally required rear visibility safety feature. Gm has advised me that software updates do not cause these problems and instead reveal an underlying issue. However, gm preliminary information bulletin pit5971b identifies a software anomaly associated with loss of audio and a red onstar led on affected GMC Terrain vehicles, which closely matches two of my symptoms. I am concerned that a software-related defect may be causing or contributing to the simultaneous loss of multiple vehicle functions, including the backup camera. The loss of the backup camera is a significant safety concern because it prevents me from seeing the area directly behind the vehicle when reversing. The simultaneous loss of multiple functions occurred immediately after the gm software update and has persisted despite completing the recommended reset/troubleshooting procedures. Gm is currently requiring me to pay for diagnosis despite the failure occurring immediately after the ota update. I am requesting that NHTSA document and investigate this potential safety-related software defect. GMC customer service case 107120047.

I am reporting a recurring backup camera malfunction in my 2024 GMC Terrain at4. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have experienced repeated instances in which the rearview camera display goes completely black when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. This prevents me from seeing the camera image while backing up. The malfunction presents a safety concern because the rearview camera is an important aid in identifying pedestrians, children, objects, and other vehicles behind the vehicle. When the display goes black, I lose that visual assistance, increasing the risk of backing into a person or object, particularly in parking lots, driveways, and other areas where pedestrians may be present. I have taken the vehicle to authorized dealerships for multiple service visits and repair attempts. Despite these efforts, the same backup camera failure continues to occur. Although different components may have been inspected, repaired, or replaced during these visits, the recurring problem remains the same: the backup camera display goes black when the vehicle is in reverse. The underlying cause has not been adequately resolved. The vehicle has been presented to authorized gm dealerships for diagnosis and repair, and the relevant service records should document the repair attempts and the recurring complaint. I have also submitted a repurchase request to gm because of the ongoing issue, but my request was declined. I am requesting that NHTSA document and review this recurring malfunction because of the potential safety risk associated with losing the rearview camera image while reversing. I am concerned that this issue could result in a collision or injury if the driver is unable to see a person or obstacle behind the vehicle. I can provide available service records and make the vehicle available for inspection upon request.

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Transmission wouldnt shift. Sensor in car is causing issue, code is n 202321840.

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2022 GMC Terrain after experiencing a sudden infotainment system failure that also disabled my backup camera functionality. The infotainment screen in my vehicle suddenly went completely black without warning and without any physical damage to the vehicle. The screen failure caused the backup camera to stop functioning as well, creating a significant safety concern while reversing and parking. The vehicle currently has approximately 50,000 miles. When I contacted the GMC dealership regarding the issue, I was informed that this is a common problem with GMC Terrains. However, because my factory warranty expired only weeks before the failure occurred, GMC declined to provide any financial assistance or goodwill repair coverage despite acknowledging the issue is commonly seen. This defect directly impacts federally required rear visibility safety equipment and creates unnecessary risk to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and surrounding vehicles. Backup cameras are an essential safety feature, and the sudden failure of the infotainment system removes access to that safety function entirely. I believe this may be a widespread defect involving the infotainment and electrical systems in the 2022 GMC Terrain and request that NHTSA investigate this issue further for potential recall or manufacturer accountability.

Onstar module not working.

See all problems of the 2025 GMC Terrain 🔎.

Took dealer 3/26 for sam issue engine power reduced after already cause me hit curb. Got it out 4/1/26 now 4/5/26 it happened again same codes after they claimed they fixed it. Also keep having emergency services come on a caused my dashboard out. My issues is car keeps stalling losing power. Same codes as week ago after dealer fix. Also 4 time took for noises in my car from passenger side. They keep telling me they can’t replicate it, but you can clearly see where the door is not lined up. This has been going on for over 30,000 miles for that. Like some of these issues have been going on since the 36,000 but now I’m having issues where I’m losing power like this is insane all before 60,000 miles which I’m about to hit. It’s gonna end up getting me killed on the interstate.

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Out of nowhere and driving this morning, my engine reduced power came on. Then I started losing power in the car then it died on me once out of nowhere. I managed to make it home an hour and a half later, but that could’ve got me killed stopped by autozone since dealerships closed today and it tells me that it’s code p228c, p0089 fuel pump. And then last night my emergency service calling came on which one I looked it up so something to do with onstar and could be a module so I’m not sure what that is. And then you add on the fact all the sudden in the last 24 hours, my screen keeps going in and out are not working last week. My volume wasn’t working. I love this car, but it seems to have a lot of issues all of a sudden and I’m fixing to be at 60,000 miles which is a big problem considering warranty will be expired. I’ve already had issues with squeaking and squealing from the windows that they claim they can’t find nothing and I’ve had to listen to it for almost 60,000 miles. I had to get this car because my other car blew up on me and I can’t afford another new car. I’ll be taking it to the dealership first thing in the morning and I hope to god that something can be fixed cause we’re in one car family.

The screen continues to go out. Screen contains many safety functions. When it malfunctions it is distracting.

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

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.

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

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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My cars breaks failed by a vacuum pump failer and I almost died on the a hill going home.

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.

The head unit quit working around 98k. The head unit is the radio, and screen which includes the back up camera. From what we have been told and find online, this is a known problem with them and affects other models as well. For the most part the head unit doesn't work but once in a while, once a month, it comes on but shows the chevy logo on the screen which is odd because it is a GMC. Once you turn the car off, it will be gone again until it decides to come back. We took it into a dealer who tried to hook up to it and reprogram or update it, but he had no luck. Now we are without a backup camera that is a safety issue. I do not know why this isn't a recall as it is well known about issue.

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.