GMC Terrain owners have reported 695 problems related to engine and engine cooling (under the engine and engine cooling 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.
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while stopped and attempting to turn to exit a highway ramp, he observed a loud banging noise emanating from the engine compartment. An "engine reduced power" message appeared. The vehicle then went into limp mode, and when the brake pedal was depressed, it was stiff as a rock. The vehicle coasted while he continued attempting to depress the brake pedal, and it eventually slowed down. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. When the vehicle was turned back on and he attempted to depress the accelerator pedal, the vehicle did not accelerate. The vehicle was taken to his mother's residence approximately 100 miles away in limp mode and parked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that his brother, during an inspection of the vehicle, removed the vacuum pump and noticed that it was broken with numerous pieces that had gone into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
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all problems of the 2019 GMC Terrain
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After vehicle acting like it isnt getting power and trying to die, I pulled into a gas station and turned it off. When I went to restart it, the vehicle kept turning over and over automatically not wanting to start and the engine light came on. I let it sit for about 5 minutes and tried again. It did same thing. I tried a 3rd time pushing the gas pedal and it finally started. I made it home 2 miles away. Turned the car off and tried starting it again with same issues.
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all problems of the 2020 GMC Terrain
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I bought this car and the mileage said 120k, but the title says when it was tagged 157k. The car has been tampered with and the some of the lights for the car on the dash are missing, such as the check engine light. Also, it misses so bad that it will die at times.
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all problems of the 2010 GMC Terrain
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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. My VIN also says it’s fwd it’s awd at4 . Called dealer said only to update software clearly not the issue. My doors are off and they have refused to fix those for over 30,000 miles now. It won’t let me attach any pics for some reason I’ve tried since yesterday.
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all problems of the 2023 GMC Terrain
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Oil consumption, causing high pressure furl pump to clog. It also causes catalytic converter to clog. No warning of oil loss. Causing stalling out while driving. Caused the engine to seize. New engine replaced and still same problem s.
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all problems of the 2015 GMC Terrain
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Have had to replace the vvt solenoids several times within a year spam. Had to replace the rear main seal because it blew out due to carbon build up. Having issues with excessive oil consumption. Now the vehicle just started with: going from a stop position to accelerating at low speeds the vehicle stalls and dies. I want gm to take accountability and fix this issue as it is a safety issue to myself and everyone on the road.
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all problems of the 2017 GMC Terrain
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The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain denali. The contact stated while the contact's daughter was driving, the brake pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to stop as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the brake pedal was unusually hard when depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The contact stated that the service brake vacuum pump failed while the vehicle was at the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed service brake vacuum pump and a failed engine. The contact was informed that the service brake vacuum pump, the cam shaft and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure of the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.
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all problems of the 2018 GMC Terrain
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Vacuum pump exploded into camshaft and engine area, causing me to lose brakes completely on the highway. Costly repairs to clear out metal shrapnel and replace camshaft.
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, the message "engine power reduced" was displayed, and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle stalled on three separate occasions. The vehicle was able to restart each time after approximately 15 minutes of waiting, but the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 mph. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and dtc: p228c, p0089, and p006c were retrieved, and the contact was informed that the fuel pump and fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
I was driving 55 miles an hour on an expressway. And suddenly my truck just shut off. The brake became very hard unable to break very scary situation for me and my children. Engine power was reduced and would not start, many errors came up. The vacuum pump failed, which also caused the cam shafts to fail. The vacuum pump exploded into pieces and sent metal into my engine.
My vehicle started turning off suddenly when stopped and then when starting to move. I replaced my rear seal. A week later, I have oil in my timing and my engine no longer works. I have had it checked by a shop. No warning was given. I have my oil checked regularly and changed on time. I had a car full of people, adults and children, in rush hour traffic. The car is sitting in my driveway as I will need to negotiate with the lender on money owed. I am currently without a safe vehicle to drive, and I need that as I am a caregiver and home aid.
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all problems of the 2016 GMC Terrain
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Check engine light is coming on, indicating reduced engine power. Took vehicle to GMC dealer and they advised that the repair shop was getting assistance from the GMC tech line to update a module to correct the issues. I was informed today that the high pressure fuel pump will have to be replaced, along with a hose or pipe to correct the issue. The vehicle has 57k miles on it. Upon researching the issue, I found that this has been a persistent issue with this model vehicle, dating back to 2020. It appears that it has not been resolved and the vehicles could stall or stop at any time. There is currently a class action lawsuit pending on this issue. Please help, this is dangerous.
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all problems of the 2024 GMC Terrain
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While driving several times smelt gas and car cut out engine came on and car stopped mid driving multiple times. Says they replaced fuel pump reset car etc.
I was driving the car on 12-22-25 I lost power my car died on i94. Battery died the dearlship couldnt get the code. Got the car back on 12-26-25. Engine light came on carrie GMC replaced battery . Car back on 12-29-25. . Engine light back on 12-31-25 car back on 1-8-26 replacled catalytic conveerted and oxy sensor. 2-20-26 driving on 1-94 lost engine power car back on 2-25 feul pump and feul line. Drove 300 miles engine light back on. Back to currie GMC on 2-26-26 untill 3-2-26 replacred heated oxygen sensor . 3-6-26 replaced catelytic converter and oxyger sensor for the second time.
Brakes were hard to engage or press when stopping due to vacuum pump stop working. Had to replace the vacuum pump.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to a local car wash, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence; however, the next day, the vehicle hesitated while starting. The message "stabilizer - power to engine reduced" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine possibly needed to be replaced because the engine failed to turn over. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine was blown. The contact was informed that the engine and the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost and remained with the local dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,750. The VIN was not available.
My husband just did an at home oil change on the car not long before the incident. Unfortunately my car was barely under 3,000 miles since the oil change and we were going to change the oil again when my engine died mid drive on the way home. There was no oil in the car due to high oil consumption and no coolant either. High oil consumption was not reported and not disclosed to me before and a broken guide for my timing chain leading to total engine failure just after I started to exit the highway. Had my car died any sooner I would have crashed. Or wrecked with another vehicle. GMC and the dealership I got the car from did not properly disclose this safety risk to me when I purchased the car and no recall information was ever sent out. The high oil consumption causing engine failure has been a part of a class action lawsuit for these vehicles before and that was not disclosed to me either at any point. No notifications of low oil or other issues aside from a check engine light came on for my vehicle when I was driving. I dont know how fast I was going as I was applying the brakes to my car for a traffic light.
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all problems of the 2014 GMC Terrain
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On febuary 14 2026 I was driving on the feeder of the freeway with speeds of 50 mph my car suddenly down shifted in the middle of driving started shaking real bad stalled wouldn’t start wouldn’t go in gear at all would just die and say engine power reduced. This is after it had just been at the dealership and they said all I needed was an update. It had to be towed and the dealership said it was my high pressure fuel pump had failed. They replaced it and gave me the car back. I staled the next morning going to work on the freeway going 70 mph same exact thing happened except this time I could smell gas so strongly. I had to sit on the side of the highway until it was picked up due to gas smell and fear of fire. They say a bolt broke off of the high pressure fuel pump they just installed.
Vehicle went into reduce engine power mode and check engine light came on. Vehicle has just over 60,000 miles. Code is telling me I need a new turbo and being quoted $1,500-$3,000. I have read so many people having the same issue with needing a new turbo just after 60,000 miles.
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all problems of the 2021 GMC Terrain
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I am driving a 2019 GMC Terrain slt, and I have a serious concern regarding a recent service experience. On 02/10/2026, I had an oil change and a complete vehicle inspection performed at kunes GMC greenfield, wisconsin. After the service was completed and I returned home, I noticed an unusual noise coming from under the engine hood. I immediately went back to the dealership and informed them of the issue. I was asked to return the following day (02/11) for further inspection. After their investigation, I was informed that the vacuum booster had failed. It appears that this issue was not identified during the original inspection, and I was the one who brought the noise to their attention. From my understanding, vacuum pump/booster issues are common with many 2019 GMC Terrain models. I am surprised that this has not resulted in a recall, especially considering the potential safety risks it poses to me and my family. What concerns me even more is that this issue was not detected during the dealership’s inspection. If it had worsened, it could have led to a serious safety situation. I had to spend $450 today to repair what appears to be a manufacturing-related defect. I respectfully request that this matter be escalated and that my claim for reimbursement be reviewed. I would appreciate your assistance in helping me pursue compensation for this expense.
I had a message flash that said the power to the engine was reduce. Next message said check stabilink ( or something similar). . It said drive with caution. I live 2 mins from my job I drove home and pulled in the driveway I then felt the car act like it wanted to shake. This was on 2-10-26 I contacted onstar asked them to run a diagnostic. The codes that came back p0016 p0089 p228d are very well known codes with many people with the same vehicle/engine that have had to replace the engine. The engines have known issues had I known that maybe I could have replaced a part or two or three or four to have a stable vehicle now my vehicle is currently at GMC dealer since Tuesday morning actually had it towed there Monday night. I called Wednesday evening they still wasn't sure the "issue". Thursday I wait until about 1pm spoke with john he said well we are pretty sure you need a new engine the mechanic is checking a few more things the car has no pressure. About a hr later I get a email and a call saying the timing chain skipped and something about the pistons and the valves and I need a new engine . John called me and said well. Ill tell you what we will offer you a brand new engine for the same price as a rebuild plus you get 3yrs 300 thousand warranty for 10,944. Give or take a few dollars. We'll first I paid like 15,500 for the car that I just litetally paid off like Jan 12026. I really feel like had GMC made buyers aware that the vehicle has defective parts/engines buyers could replace parts or GMC should be held accountable. I started googling the engine and found out that there is a class action lawsuit and a recall on " certain" 2017 Terrains depending on the VIN. Same issues my car is having but its saying my car has no recall.
Rear main seal blow out.
The engine light came on while driving, saying “engine power reduced”. It barely accelerates, rpms go over 5, it chugs when driving. Taken to an independent service center.
Catastrophic engine failure; no warning lights,etc. Took place on or about end of January 2026. Car completely died and would not start. Car towed to dealer (GMC blaise alexander, hazleton, PA) vehicle inspected by dealer master mechanic and others. Engine completely disassembled. Unable to repair. No warnings, lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to failure. Tremendous expense had to be incurred by us over this incident. We had to purchase a new car. Terrain had been meticulously maintained by dealer since purchase. We still had over one year of payments remaining. Expected car to last closer to 200,000 miles. A new engine could have been installed, but cost was too expensive. We lost all of our equity in the vehicle.
Vehicle wouldn’t unlock/start with primary key fob or secondary key fob. Tried manual entry with both key fobs still could not enter.
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all problems of the 2025 GMC Terrain
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Vehicle was started for the second time that day on 1/5/26 and the engine light was on. I drove the vehicle to an auto parts store to have them check it with an obd-ii scanner. It had code p050f. I had no idea how serious this issue could be at the time. I made an appt with the GMC dealership and dropped it off the evening of 1/6/26. They said there was a software anomaly in the engine control module and needed to be reprogrammed. I paid the $200 diagnostic fee for them to reprogram it. I learned that this anomaly could have caused my brakes to not work while driving it. I had been driving the vehicle back and forth to work until I dropped it off. This issue could have caused serious harm or death to myself and others. While researching online, I've seen that other vehicles have had safety recalls and additional warranties added for these issues, but my vehicle isn't included in this.
Excessive oil consumption. . . . Caused engine to fail. . . . Yes, car is available for inspection . . . Caused the car to lag and initially break down without any warning lights . . . Confirmed form dealer new engine needed. . . Law suits in other states have proven that this seal problem has been known to GMC for years and they haven't repaired these faulty parts. . . Again, no warning lights came on. . . Please assist.
Carr paused, and then stopped in the middle of the highway, without any warning lights or identifiers. Other vehicles had to come to abrupt stops or even veer to avoid hitting me the manufacturer is aware, and has had a large lawsuit settlement due to a faulty rear seal causes massive internal oil consumption without any warning to the operator of of the vehicle. My research has shown that it is a catastrophic common issue with this vehicles model and year a certified GMC dealership has identified this as the reason for the sudden shut down without warning, not one warning light illuminated to indicate low or any other issue. The car has had regular oil changes and maintenance. This well-known defect should normally be caused for alarm and the safety of drivers would also for a mass recall.
Vacuum pump failure resulting in crankshaft sensor to completely sheer off.
The high pressure fuel pump, the car randomly goes into limp mode and stalls and then when cranking it back up in the middle of 635 it hesitates to start, done this 3 times already.
This car burns 1 quart of 5w-30 synthetic blend oil every 200 miles! the pcv valve has been cleaned numerous times and this does not affect the burning oil issue and yes this can be inspected upon request. Safety put at risk you ask, this is a ticking timebomb ready to ruin the engine due to burning oil, leaves me stranded in my rural town for fear of mechanical breakdown, need to carry two 5 quart containers of oil, and dipstick needs to be checked every 100 miles. I have scheduled appt with GMC dealer in chadron ne for mid January 2026. There are no warning lamps or messages that appear and this problem has been going on since August 2025, bought the car February 2025 from chevy dealer in above mentioned town. Kbb has a trade in value for this car at 1500 and private sale at 1900 for a 2017 Terrain slt! unbelievable!!!!!!.
Around chirstmas, was driving on the highway and the car threw a "reduced engine power" warning and went into limp mode. Check engine light came on. Car asymptomatic prior. Got the code pulled and it said turbocharger under boost. The next day the check engine light went out and car was running appropriately. Took the car on the highway again and the car threw the "reduced engine power" warning and went into limp mode again in the middle of freeway traffic. It is a safety concern due to the engine going into limp mode in the middle of high speed traffic. I easily couldve caused an accident putting both myself and others in danger by the engine cutting the power in the middle of the freeway. The check engine light only comes on while going at freeway speeds. The light will then go out overnight and come back on the next time I go back on the freeway at 70-80mph speeds. I have taken it to one shop which reported an oil leak coming from the turbo both inside and outside and that it needed to be replaced. I have read several different forums of other users of the same year, make, and model experiencing the same issue. The car is only a few years old and the likelihood of a turbocharger being bad is uncommon but a major safety concern considering this happened out of nowhere with no signs or symptoms leading up to this.
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started the following day, the rattling sound from the engine compartment returned. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on several occasions, and it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was low on oil and was consuming 2 quarts of engine oil every 2-3 weeks. The contact stated that the oil level was topped off. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
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.
Drove car approximately 15 miles. Parked car. Car would not turn off. Message- transmission/park. Wouldn't car stayed neutral. Had to call wecker to take dealership. . . . Diagnostic solenoid valve body faulty. . . . 2019 Terrain miles 91669. Is there recall. Have more reports of issue. Should this happen with a well maintained vehicle all maintenance updated to date.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling problems | |
| Engine Burning Oil problems | |
| Crankcase (pcv) problems | |
| Car Stall problems | |
| Check Engine Light On problems | |
| Loud Engine Noise problems | |
| Engine Belts And Pulleys problems | |
| Manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe problems | |
| Engine Oil Leaking problems | |
| Engine Shut Off Without Warning problems |