Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of GMC Terrain - part 2

Driving on slightly uphill 55 mph highway, vehicle started jumping & losing engine power. Engine light came on, I made it to the top as it was slowing down. Pulled off to the side. Put it in park for a minute. Message showing on dash read - acceleration power reduced. Drove it on home (engine light stayed on) parked it & had it towed to dealership the next morning. Got a call from dealership the same afternoon saying the vehicle was ready to be picked up. Picked up later in evening from dealership. They left keys & paper in car for pick up. We still tend the paper left it in the box showing we picked it up. The vehicle drove good back home. Drove it the next day, as I was pulling out from a stop sign, it started jumping again for a few seconds. Got home & had my husband to drive it, as we were coming up a small hill, it started jumping & losing power again engine light was blinking at this point. Dash board read engine power reduced. My husband kept on the accelerater & when we got on top of the hill engine light went off & we drove it back to the dealership & left it to be checked again. They kept the vehicle for 7 days & said they were not able to find concern. We picked it up again. Drove it back home without any incident. It has been parked since we got it home.

See all problems of the 2024 GMC Terrain 🔎.

My vehicle started shaking & stalling really badly out of nowhere on April 18, 2025. Had to have it towed to GMC dealership. They said the engine was showing low compression. Got timely oil changes and everything on this engine. The check engine light nor any other warning light ever came on when this happened. After some research, the engine in my car, the 2. 4 l engine on the 2014 - 2017 models of the GMC Terrain has known defects which although GMC has known about, they have done nothing to address the issue. There was no prior warning that the engine was failing. It was very sudden and I was in traffic when this happened putting both my safety and the safety of other drivers and pedestrians in danger.

See all problems of the 2016 GMC Terrain 🔎.

Timing chain. It had no warning and failed due to poor design and gm in europe fixed/addressed the issue by installing a plate behind the tensioner a part that isn’t available in the us.

See all problems of the 2018 GMC Terrain 🔎.

The contact owns a 2024 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating while accelerating. The contact stated that the vehicle was stalling, and the brake pedal was spongy. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, but the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 10.

Gm recently recalled over 500,000 car engines. The warning signs to look out for was a “knocking” sound coming from the engine. I had recently experienced the same issues that the recalled car engines were experiencing. I went to get it checked out and my mechanic said there were chunks of metal in the engine. The gm engine recall should include 2017 GMC Terrains slt. If I had not got it looked at, it would have caused an accident that would have been unpreventable due to the warning signs of only the knocking sound. No other lights had came on in the car. Please consider putting this make and model in the engine recall! if someone reaches out to me, I have the name of my mechanic that can verify the engine issue of my GMC.

See all problems of the 2017 GMC Terrain 🔎.

Brake vacuum pump premature failure. As you see GMC, Terrains, in equinox, I have an issue, while the engine it's on while driving etc, if this bark fails, you will have an issue I'm trying to stop. This is a known problem or gm. And as of now, they have not come out with a solution or a recall for this problem. This problem has caused many customers. To lose thousands of dollars, he repairs. I'm not covered by the warranty. This should be addressed and repaired as soon as possible as it may cause someone else to lose their life. Second problem is the 9 speed transmission transmission lack power when trying to gain speed as you enter the highway. Lastly they blamed the selenoids etc. Lastly the pulley belt retention broke down premature with only 68k miles. This is an ongoing problem gm is well aware and tries to hide or fix. When someone buys a vehicle we expect to last longer than 100k miles.

See all problems of the 2019 GMC Terrain 🔎.

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine seized. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic where the failure was confirmed to be engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was also confirmed as engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

See all problems of the 2022 GMC Terrain 🔎.

The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph, the vehicle started jerking and hesitating abnormally. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the piston rings were damaged, the high-pressure fuel pump had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

See all problems of the 2014 GMC Terrain 🔎.

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.

My 2013 GMC Terrain suddenly began to jerk as I was heading to run an errand in town. I pulled my truck back in the drive way at [xxx] where it is parked now. I had a mechanic to come and tell me the engine will need to be replaced and an estimate of the cost to repair it. I could have been rear ended by another vehicle since this suddenly occurred with no prior warning which could result in my death. I have contacted GMC due to a recall on the engine. GMC is declining to honor my request repair my vehicle based on the estimate I provided. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2013 GMC Terrain 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2023 GMC Terrain 🔎.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 5 mph, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was like gm product safety recall: n222372310 (inadequate fuel pump flow). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the fuel pump had malfunctioned and damaged the camshaft. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

See all problems of the 2021 GMC Terrain 🔎.

I am writing to formally express my dissatisfaction with my 2017 GMC Terrain, which has experienced severe engine failure due to excessive oil consumption. I purchased this vehicle with the expectation of reliability and durability, yet at only 80,000 miles, the engine seized without warning, rendering my vehicle completely inoperable. I have consistently maintained my Terrain according to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. However, I recently discovered that the engine was consuming oil at an alarming rate of 1 quart per 1,000 miles, which ultimately led to catastrophic failure. There were no warning lights or clear indicators of low oil, making it impossible for me to prevent the damage. After researching, I have found that numerous other GMC Terrain owners have reported similar excessive oil consumption issues, indicating a potential widespread defect in this engine design. As a loyal gm customer, I am extremely disappointed that a well-maintained vehicle would suffer such a failure at a relatively low mileage. Given the severity of this issue, I request that gm take responsibility for this defect by covering the full cost of engine repair or replacement. A vehicle should not require a complete engine overhaul at 80,000 miles due to a known design flaw. Please provide a prompt resolution to this matter. If gm is unwilling to address this issue, I will have no choice but to explore other options, including filing a complaint with the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) and seeking legal counsel. I hope to resolve this matter amicably and look forward to your timely response.

Vacuum pump failed causing hard brake pedal and the inability to properly stop the vehicle. Thankfully I made it to a safe area and had the vehicle towed. No warning light or engine service lights ever illuminated. Once it was taken apart the bearings were disintegrated and metal shavings are in engine components.

As per several other complaints on the GMC Terrain of particular years my vehicle has had a rear main seal leak, a blown engine terrible amounts of oil consumption and now the second engine has malfunctioned. And made the vehicle inoperable. The safety of myself and others was put at risk as the vehicle lost all power and cut off. The problem has had class action lawsuits filed. The first time the engine failed no warnings came on the second time a reduced engine power came on that we had no idea existed. The vehicle consumed oil very quickly, with in days the oil could need replaced. Oil consumption has been going on for years. Even after replacing engine.

1st time - rear main seal blew out & engine lost all of its oil causing rocker arm to break & chains to slip-vehicle sputtered & died while driving down busy street & would not restart - my safety & safety of others driving behind me were at risk for causing a rear end accident and/or pile up crash - no warning lights or sounds alerted me - dealership told us general motors is aware this is/has been a problem with 2017 Terrain vehicles especially those driven in midwest states due to colder temperatures - the intake manifold vent hole is not large enough to let air out, so it plugs up & causes pressure to blow out rear seal, which causes oil to leak out and engine dies. When replaced with a remanufactured engine intake manifold vent hole was not drilled out causing it to happen again 2nd time - when leaving parking spot at work noticed oil puddles underneath my vehicle, I checked my oil, it showed full, I was concerned, drove to nearby last place I got my oil change. They informed me that all the oil had leaked out and showed me the bottom of my vehicle oil covered the front to the back of my vehicle. They also said that I was extremely lucky to get to shop before engine blew and stopped dead. Again my safety and safety of others behind me could have been a rear end accident and/or car pileup crash - again no warning lights or sounds alerted me - shop personal told me general motors is aware this is/has been a problem with 2017 Terrain vehicles especially those driven in midwest states due to colder temperatures - even though the repairs where done by a certified dealership the first time they replaced with a remanufactured engine but failed to drill out the intake manifold vent hole bigger so this would not happen again but it did. General motors cannot just sell vehicles it has to stand behind what they sell which in my case they have not. Due to gm lack of concern, recalls, reimbursements, lives have been and continue to be at risk.

Oil consumption rate was too high, roughly 2qts every 1500miles. Caused timing chain to break. Second time with the oil consumption. First fix under 100k mile warranty checked off as recall. It was done before a recall came out. Paying for timing chain to get fixed but recommended a new engine. Prefer GMC to replace engine since it's an ongoing issue. 307373 miles strong and now this.

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.

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the contact was informed that the engine oil levels were low, and oil was added to the engine by the mechanic. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed the failure persisted. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact stated that the oil level was low, and the engine was not consuming oil. The contact also noticed oil leaking from the bottom of the engine compartment. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Consumption of oil! I got my oil changed January 1, 2025. It is now February 1. I have driven less than 500 miles. I had no oil. I have no leaks or anything wrong. The car just consumes . I have had to have 6 oil changes in the past 3 months. Shop after shop. Has said it just consumes oil and this vehicle is trash. I noticed there was also a lawsuit against it. If you do not put a recall out on my vehicle ASAP, I am going to file a personal lawsuit and sue the hell out of you! for your scam! somebody better give me a call immediately. Or set me up at my local GMC dealer to fix this issue. I better be expecting a notice in my mailbox or an appointment for a free fix and this better be a recall immediately! or you’re asking for another lawsuit! I was told my car could blow up. With my kids and it could kill us! you better fix this immediately!!!!!!!.

Car burns oil bad . Got an oil change and it only took 12 days to go dry with no oil.

See all problems of the 2012 GMC Terrain 🔎.

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?.

See all problems of the 2015 GMC Terrain 🔎.

Oil consumption on this vehicle is terrible. All GMC for that matter. It burns in the engine and have to refill or top off multiple times a month.

Clogged manifold and engine head. Blockage buildup in manifold and pcv valve causing exhaust problems. Oil sludge block air in head and manifold causing cel to come on. And these vehicles drink engine oil like water. Gives code p0411.

There is a well known piston ring gasket issue with various GMC Terrain model years. GMC had recalled some for the engine defect but not all years with the affected engine. The 24l eco tec engine is faulty. The motor uses excessive amounts of oil between oil changes and all kinds of systems are affected by carbon buildup. The engines run rough and stall out while driving. GMC refuses to recall all of the vehicles with this problem and that includes my 2015 model year GMC Terrain with the 24l engine. This would cost me thousands to fix myself. This is a serious issue and also a safety issue that they can get away with selling such faulty vehicles to families and no one makes them fess up and fix the engines at their expense not ours. My wife has had the vehicle stall out constantly while driving and with our partially disabled child in the car. It has happened countless times to me as well. This will also eventually cause the motor to have a much shorter life. There is also a chance of the timing chain breaking and causing the engine to break. These defects should be fixed via a recall. This is a well known manufacturer defect please look it up. It affects thousands of GMC Terrains and other gm vehicles with the 24l ecotec motor.

While driving on a county highway during an extreme cold front, the vehicle experienced catastrophic engine failure due to low oil pressure. There was traffic that was impacted by this issue and the occupants (mother and child) were stranded in dangerous temps. This issue has been confirmed by a mechanic shop the vehicle was towed to. No warning from vehicle given, regular oil changes and vehicle maintenance performed. It is my understanding this is a known issue with this motor as far as oil consumption, faulty piston and piston ring assemblies and there have been class actions filed for these vehicles.

It has nothing to do with the headlights. I was told by a couple different technicians that there's an issue with there being a slow oil leak with the GMC Terrains causing the motor/engine to lock up. I get my oil changed religiously! I even have files/reports showing so. It was not time for an oil change and my motor locked up. I still have 3 years to pay on my vehicle and it's my primary ride. So after having it towed 4 times. . . I have to get it towed 1 more time back to the shop to get a used motor/engine installed for $6700 (that's what they estimated me). On top of not having a vehicle for 3 months and making payments on top of it.

Driving home from dropping my daughter off at school. When slowing down at stop sign, car locked up brakes completely, almost went through stop sign, car shut down engine and placed vehicle in park. Diagnosis is a vacuum pump failure, causing reluctor wheel to spin freely from camshaft. This happened without warning at 70k miles. Diagnostic report from three weeks prior showed no bad diagnostics with engine or drivetrain components, or brake components. Had to have car towed from intersection where I was impeding traffic due to sudden failure. Garage is concerned regarding potential for debris and engine damage, as well as timing issues due to sudden failure of vacuum pump. Gm has authorized vacuum pump recalls on other makes from prior years, not Terrain for some reason. This is how becoming highly reported failure among GMC/chevy vehicles with shaft driven vacuum pump design between 2019-2022. Gm has stopped using this design on 23 and newer models. They should absolutely recall these older models for this issue. Sudden vacuum pump failure can lead to unrepairable engine damage due to design.

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact discovered that there was an oil leak. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence and the contact self-diagnosed the vehicle and was able to confirm that there was an oil leak, and the oil leak was coming from the rear main seal. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to stop while driving 55 mph while depressing the brake pedal. The contact pressed the button that immediately shifted the transmission to park, and the vehicle came to a stop. The contact drove the vehicle to a safe parking space. After safely parking the vehicle off-road, the check engine and brake assist warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the brake booster pump and camshaft had fractured and detached from the vehicle. The contact was informed that the brake booster, vacuum pump, and camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the dealer was awaiting the parts to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,700.

See all problems of the 2020 GMC Terrain 🔎.

My vehicle’s engine was the component that failed. I was driving home from work. It is a forty-two minute commute. I was five minutes away from home when the vehicle slowed down in speed to a cruise. There were no issues prior after startup. There were no strange sounds, no start up issues, and no lights on the dashboard at all. I noticed that the vehicle had put itself into neutral gear. When I tried to stop the vehicle by hitting the break, the break did not work. I put my foot on the gas pedal and the car did not speed up. I could not change the gears. There was nothing I could do. The vehicle came to a complete stop when it powered off. When the car was put into accessory mode, there was an error message that stated the engine/vehicle was in low power mode. I was not able to start the car’s engine again. It was useless. The only way to move the car anywhere was to have it towed. This failure was scary and dangerous because it occurred in the middle of the night on a main road. Cars are known to drive above the speed limit past midnight in this area. I was glad that there were no cars on the road at the time. I was not aware of this failure occurring for my vehicle no were there any other known recalls. After doing some personal research, I found that GMC and certain chevy models are having this problem, but no source listed any GMC Terrains as affected vehicles; although the same thing that happened to other people happened to me. I purchased an extended warranty through fidelity warranty services, inc. (platinum) when I purchased the vehicle. They were the ones that had done all the necessary inspections for the filed claim once the vehicle was taken to a GMC service center: anderson Buick in cockeysville, MD.

Broken piston land and ring. Car went into 'limp mode' while driving on interstate. Taken to dealer, told new engine was needed.

Hole for timing chain guide bolt damaged by failed guide bolt.

Brake vacuum pump failed causing engine damage. Camshaft on national back order. Vehicle has been in repair shop for 1. 5 months waiting on part. No eta. There has been recall for similar vehicles with same issue, failure, damage. But not for this VIN. It’s the same failure with same damage. How is this not a recall for this VIN?.

I got my car out of the shop a week ago for my brakes the car was in the shop for a month and this past weekend my car is doing the same exact thing a week later I was on I 75 also hit a semi truck.