Electrical System Problems of GMC Terrain - part 2

GMC Terrain owners have reported 297 problems related to electrical system (under the electrical system category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of GMC Terrain based on all problems reported for the Terrain.

36 Electrical System problem of the 2020 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 05/01/2025

[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.

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37 Electrical System problem of the 2024 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 04/30/2025

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.

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38 Electrical System problem of the 2024 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 04/09/2025

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.

39 Electrical System problem of the 2022 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 04/07/2025

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.

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40 Electrical System problem of the 2024 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 03/28/2025

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.

41 Electrical System problem of the 2023 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 03/15/2025

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.

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42 Electrical System problem of the 2017 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 03/04/2025

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).

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43 Electrical System problem of the 2018 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 03/01/2025

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the transmission was shifting gear erratically. The contact stated that the doors were locking and unlocking independently, and the instrument cluster was blank. There was an abnormal beeping sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that while at a traffic light, the auto start/stop feature delayed to respond. Onstar was alerted, but the contact declined to perform the service. The contact was in contact with the independent mechanic who sold the vehicle, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. The VIN was not available.

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44 Electrical System problem of the 2022 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 02/24/2025

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.

45 Electrical System problem of the 2012 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 02/12/2025

1. The engine suddenly lost power while driving during evening rush hour and the vehicle would no longer accelerate. 2. Because the vehicle could not maintain speed, I was unable to keep up with traffic, creating a serious safety hazard that could have resulted in a major accident. 3. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center for diagnosis. 4. During the incident, the “engine power reduced” warning indicator illuminated just before the loss of power occurred. 5. As the vehicle slowed and came to a complete stop at an intersection, it remained unresponsive. When the traffic light turned green, the vehicle would not accelerate at all.

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46 Electrical System problem of the 2019 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 02/04/2025

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.

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47 Electrical System problem of the 2015 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 01/25/2025

My vehicle began jerking, shaking and kept shutting off in a highway intersection. I looked on the ground after coasting into a gas station to find oil leaking from under my vehicle. I've never had an oil leak and it caused my starter to go and I've had to replace the camshaft sensors all within the same week. It appears the rear seal went after the cold streak we had. I need my vehicle to take my mother to treatments, etc. Is there any recalls on this?.

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48 Electrical System problem of the 2020 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 12/15/2024

Vehicle has not recently been inspected, backup camera has recently gone out leaving only a blue screen with "service rear vision system" to my knowledge nothing has happened to the unit that would cause this. Regular day to day driving, there was nothing that would have given me any notice that this would be happening.

49 Electrical System problem of the 2019 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 12/14/2024

Blue screen with the message "service rear vision system".

50 Electrical System problem of the 2019 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 12/08/2024

Backup camera stopped working, giving me a blue screen.

51 Electrical System problem of the 2020 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 11/30/2024

My Terrain has a light that has been coming on for a couple months. Service brake assist. I took it to the dealer after my brakes locked up and about $800 after getting it fixed the light continues to come on. The forward collision light comes on every time I start the car. More the check engine light came on and says engine electrical system. What the heck is going on? I love this car and take very good care of it but I feel like the $800 that I just spent was a waste. I fear that I will get in a wreck like when the brakes totally locked up and I couldn't press on them.

52 Electrical System problem of the 2010 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 11/01/2024

Reduce spreed unknown if related to fuel pressure regulator since repaired twice told could be to service bulletin. Warning lights keeps appearing while driving at a speed of 40 to 50 mph.

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53 Electrical System problem of the 2019 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 10/01/2024

My esc randomly comes on. Service parking brake message comes on intermittently. Messages pop a up saying steering wheel assist limited, drive with care. Again, all of these are intermittent but when they happen my steering wheel locks up. Even mid turn. Being intermittent it doesn’t always happen and weather seems to affect when it happens, or that’s a coincidence.

54 Electrical System problem of the 2021 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 09/25/2024

I purchased the car August 2024, I have had it for 4 months and while driving down the road a large fuel tank pops up stating low fuel and the car comes to an abrupt stop. The 3x the gas tank was never low. Parking brake comes on and car doesn't not move. All lights on dash come one. It has done it 4 times and thankful each time I was in a 30 mph zone. If I was going 55 I am sure the result would have been bad. The car last did it on December 29, 2024 and has been in the dealership for 3 weeks now and they cannot fix it. I told them 3 days into my purchase I wanted a full refund and they denied me. ?? I had that right I am still fighting with them to take it back because one of these times I am going to get in a bad accident. I don't feel safe in the car and I told them each time.

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55 Electrical System problem of the 2024 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 08/17/2024

Bought new car August 16th 2024. Few days later, I was turning left at a light and the car lost power as I was turning and error messages came up on the dash screen saying service transmission. I also observed that the cars gear indicator went to park by itself even though the car was still moving. Pushed the engine start button and car came back on and I switched the gear to drive. Took car in on the 19th to get looked at. Week later, driving down the city street going 40-45 mph, car lost power again and car gear indicator switched to park again, service transmission indicator came up and low fuel indicator came up even though I had over 1/2 a tank left. Took in to dealership on August 26th, 2024. Over this weekend, my wife was driving home from up north at a very busy freeway intersection and the car lost power again and luckily she was able to get over to the shoulder. It took some time but she was able to get the car restarted and made it home. There is something seriously wrong with this particular vehicle where we do not want to even drive it. This car has less than 500 miles on it and has lost power three times in three weeks.

56 Electrical System problem of the 2020 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 08/16/2024

The vehicle is a 2020 and should not already be having electrical issues. The vehicle repair is over 5k for needing a starter motor, water pump and drive belt. A starter should last up to 100k miles and water pump should last 10 years not 4. This vehicle is a lemon and should not have so many issues.

57 Electrical System problem of the 2016 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 08/15/2024

Back right tail light filling with water when it rains. Affecting electrical wires and water dripping into back cargo. No cracks or damage found on tail light.

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58 Electrical System problem of the 2019 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 08/01/2024

Headlights flicker when auto stop releases and clicks back on to move the vehicle. This happens when it wants too but usually at the same time service parking brake will pop up, followed by steering is reduced, drive with care. . Lets see what else. Carplay no longer works. No sound. Sd card error pops up. Car will not play music through a cord but will via bluetooth, but charges a phone. Onstar light flickering between green and red until I turned off power to the liftgate. (manually clicking over knob to disable) headlights flickering can cause accidents. Sure hope there's no epileptics out. Yes, orielly. I have documentation, photos, videos, take your pick I'm here to help. Not evaluated at dealer or mechanic, who can afford labor rates? this has been happening for months and I will continue to report till something is done or lives are cared about.

59 Electrical System problem of the 2013 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 07/03/2024

I hit a pot hole and a stabilitrack error popped up. Also reduced engine power I was miles from home and could have easily caused a major accident on the road.

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60 Electrical System problem of the 2018 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 04/26/2024

Safety was put at risk when brakes went out without warning, and unable to use emergency brake at that time. Car was serviced for over $1700, with the mechanics stating that the piece “blew up. ”.

61 Electrical System problem of the 2015 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 04/23/2024

I am writing to urgently request a safety recall for the GMC Terrain 2015 due to a critical issue with the lift gate mechanism, which may be both electrical and mechanical. Recently, while utilizing the lift gate for routine activities such as grocery shopping, a terrifying incident occurred that endangered the safety of my family members. Upon opening, the lift gate exhibited a concerning behavior, forcefully closing without warning or control, posing a severe risk of injury. Despite attempts to intervene, the gate continued its downward motion unabated, presenting a serious hazard of crushing limbs or causing incapacitating harm. In a frightening moment, one of my family members narrowly avoided a potentially catastrophic injury as the gate threatened to strike her right hand. While I sustained a minor injury to my arm, a superficial wound, the gravity of the situation cannot be understated. This dangerous malfunction persists, rendering the trunk unusable out of fear for the safety of myself and my loved ones. Given the potential for life-altering injuries, I implore you to take immediate action and initiate a recall for all GMC Terrain 2015 models affected by this defect. The safety of consumers should be the utmost priority, and failure to address this issue promptly could result in devastating consequences. I urge you to prioritize this matter and take decisive steps to remedy the situation before further harm occurs. Your swift action in initiating a recall will not only safeguard the well-being of countless individuals but also uphold the reputation of your brand for prioritizing customer safety.

62 Electrical System problem of the 2014 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 04/17/2024

The contact owns 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start, and the steering wheel was locked. A tow truck driver was able to start the vehicle after several attempts. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure recurred. The mechanic was able to restart the vehicle and the contact drove to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic and was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

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63 Electrical System problem of the 2023 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 04/15/2024

I bought a 2023 GMC terrian sle brand new 14 months ago. It has 30,000 miles on it. I was driving down i75 and the car turned off. No warning signs! not to mention the car had no power! I couldn’t even put on my emergency flashers! me and my 3 year old son luckily were able to make it through a lane of traffic and up the embankment to call for help! I had the car towed to the dealership and they can’t find anything wrong with it! the car is acting normal now but I don’t feel safe in it!.

64 Electrical System problem of the 2015 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 02/26/2024

Status display screen shows multiple false signals.

65 Electrical System problem of the 2015 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 01/15/2024

The vehicle tends to not turn on unless I give it a boost. Battery is new and alternator is good it occurs twice to three times a day.

66 Electrical System problem of the 2020 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 01/12/2024

Purchased vehicle brand new- beck & masten Buick gm - houston, TX 9/7/2020 performed rout maint regularly. Last oil change 1-5-2024 before catastrophic failure and complete engine seizure. Towed to wiesner GMC 1-14-2024 1-12-2024: mileage on car roughly 99k- had no issues no check engine light, no mechanical failure or indication that anything was running other than normal. No start on 1/12pm after work, tried to return next day with battery , changed out battery, engine still would not start, after new battery installed and we attempted to start, that is when engine started making loud shaking motion while attempting to start, windshield wipers came on randomly. First initial diagnostic: found all oils & fluids in check, could not identify cause of failure, would have to break down and take apart. Had to authorize the tear down at a 1800. 00 cost, 2/2/2024: broke down engine, found that the crankshaft would move one way , but not other, removed the engine from transmission and now crankshaft moves freely. Now the ac comp is locked up (excessive play on magnet & clutch) , tech still unable to identify what caused the failure, they advised that they found traces of metal in oil pan, scored cylinder walls, starter shorted as well. They still could not indicate where these metal pieces came from, how or that it was due to owner negligence or manuf defects. Again this is a vehicle with 99k miles and now we were looking at a 15k price tag for a new engine, turbo, ac, starter on a car that is worth 12k. This is absolutely insane. We reached out for goodwill discounts for some assistance since the dealership could not solidify a cause of failure, but gm decided to not warranty and stand behind their product. We were left with a rebuild option for 7500. 00. Which we had to do in order to get the car back. I am completely disappointed in gm as a company. This engine should have never failed at 99k.

67 Electrical System problem of the 2018 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 01/01/2024

Rear side windows in hatch area leaked filled up spare tire compartment with about 3-4 gallons of water. Now navigation doesn't want to work, sunroof not working, electric systems are not working right.

68 Electrical System problem of the 2015 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 12/29/2023

The blower fan for heat in my vehicle was replaced in October 2022, recently the defroster will not engage and it is vital to winter driving. The mechanism that switches between which vent to blow out air was replaced and the defroster will still not engage, rather it comes out of the heat and face vents. Shortly after the defroster stopped engaging, the rpms will start fluctuating from 2 suddenly up to 6-8 without warning or acceleration then go back down and back up as if it's chugging along. Even when applying the brakes, this will continue to happen and there's concern for rear-ending or crashing when this happens. When driving home 2 nights ago the county police pulled my vehicle over due to burnt out headlight, which was replaced less than 6 months ago. Took the car in to get bulb replaced today and multiple bulbs later, the light is not fixed and it was said to be electrical and need to go to another shop. Beginning to wonder if this is all a bigger problem about to happen with engine/ powertrain. . With commute to work in the dark and electrical problem in the headlight randomly and the acceleration issues there is definitely a concern for safety.

69 Electrical System problem of the 2014 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 12/29/2023

See attached document for complaint.

70 Electrical System problem of the 2021 GMC Terrain

Failure Date: 12/20/2023

The car has revved high rpm's since purchase, with multiple attempts to get it resolved . Since then, the steering wheel has jerked out of my hand's multiple times, unexpecting, causing the car to jerk while being stopped. The car has also not budged in the middle of traffic while being in drive and the pedal down to the floor until at least a 10 second delay and when doing so the screen that includes the radio, etc panel has completely blacked out and started twitching.



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