Equipment Problems of GMC Terrain - part 1

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.

See all problems of the 2019 GMC Terrain 🔎.

The control knob that controls awd, 2wd,off-road, and 4 x4 awd. Just stopped working. Stuck on 2wd mode. I did have it checked for any codes, even though, there is no check engine light is on.

See all problems of the 2018 GMC Terrain 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2024 GMC Terrain 🔎.

Got everything under the hood done n still have the same problem with it shut off while driving.

See all problems of the 2010 GMC Terrain 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2017 GMC Terrain 🔎.

The pcv valve froze which caused pressure to build up in the rear main seal to fail. Causing oil to leak out of the motor. Hence the motor won't hold oil.

Vehicle did not go into park when the ignition was turned off. Car started to roll while passenger was getting out of the vehicle as another vehicle was parking beside us. The other vehicle could not avoid our rolling vehicle. Passenger had to quickly sit down to avoid being hit. The next day the vehicle was taken to the dealership, and they could not find anything wrong. They gave us a copy of bulletin#08-07-30-026i. We were not aware of any problems or bulletins being issued prior to the accident. We had repairs of $2,705. 71 and don't know what the other driver incurred.

See all problems of the 2025 GMC Terrain 🔎.

Vehicle will not shift out of park, despite replacing the valve body, putting in a new battery, and transmission fluid. It has been this way since mid January. The codes don’t make sense and there is no current recall, nor have we had this vehicle for very long. It has 48,000 miles on it and is having this issue. Very disappointed.

I own a 2020 GMC Terrain with approximately 110,000 miles. While driving in winter, the vehicle suddenly lost cabin heat and defrosting capability. The temperature gauge began fluctuating and the cooling fans continued running after the vehicle was shut off. A mechanic diagnosed the cause as a cracked radiator that allowed coolant to leak out, which is a known frequent failure on this model. Because the heater stopped working in sub-freezing temperatures, this created a safety hazard due to lack of defrosting and heat while driving. The failure occurred without warning, and no coolant warning light was displayed before the heater stopped working. The vehicle was not overheating at the time, but the loss of heat and defrost made winter driving unsafe.

See all problems of the 2020 GMC Terrain 🔎.

The radio dead out randomly. Which means the back up camera is non working. I wasn’t able to see a stump and hit it. Doesn’t seem safe. Like what would has happened if it was a person instead and they like the stump was in my blind spot while backing up. I feel like this is a safety issue. I have looked it up online and found out this is a common issue with these vehicles.

See all problems of the 2015 GMC Terrain 🔎.

Complete engine failure @100,600 miles engine power reduced and lost compression transmission module failure will not exceed 20mph.

See all problems of the 2023 GMC Terrain 🔎.

Purchased new 2026 GMC Terrain elevation, and it came with no user manual. I was told by the dealership (al serra GMC in grand blanc michigan that I could either purchase one for $50. 00+ dollars, plus tax & $25. 00 shipping, or d/l it via the infotainment system in the car, which did not work! talk about [xxx] a vietnam vet!!! we are both [xxx] old & need a manual, so bought a reproduction of the original via ebay for $50. 00. At least gm could reimburse the cost of the manual… information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Car was off and parked and randomly caught on fire. Completely totaling the car.

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.

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!!.

I was driving on the highway below the speed limit when I heard a pop that sounded like a balloon and instantly the sound of wind getting into the car. I pulled over and found that the sunroof was rapidly shattering. I did not see a rock that had hit it. Maybe the tempered glass just exploded. I was not driving very close by any other vehicles at the time, but was on the highway.

An ac clutch/compressor malfunction. No cold air, unusual noises (grinding, squealing, rattling), metal shavings, burning rubber smell, engine stalling. No warning lamps or messages ever appeared. The problem was serviced at independent service center. The nearest gm dealer is more than 40 miles away from me. Did not drive vehicle and seeked professional help immediately.

See all problems of the 2022 GMC Terrain 🔎.

The vehicle identification number for this vehicle is not recognized in the NHTSA program. From online vehicle registration oahu hawaii.

The car was at a red light so it automatically stopped. When the lights turned green, I removed my foot from the break and the car would not move. I had to call onstar for roadside assistance and they called the police to make sure I was safe and that traffic flowed safely. My car was towed to the dealership after they tried to start the car by the key and my jumper cables. The car would not start. The dealership is unable to start the car as well and they are saying that the issue with the fuel pump is not under the most recent recall for my VIN number. I was able to locate the recall for the same exact issue that I’m having under my VIN number on the GMC website. I have filed a report with the GMC manufacturer to try and get this issue fixed. I have brought this car in multiple times to the dealership I purchased from and an additional dealership to show them the issues that I have been having with this car starting and stopping, I could have been ran over by a public transportation bus today.

The rear camera is displaying the top of the license plate! it wasn’t doing it when I first purchased the car. Dealer states it is normal. I do not agree.

Two weeks ago I was driving on the highway. My car felt fine. No warning light the dashboard. Suddenly I receive a notification on my dash stating “engine speed reduced” and my check engine light went on. My car at this point still feels fine, not shaking, no smoke, etc. I’m on the highway and not in a safe position to pull over. 2 minutes later I receive another notification on my dash stating “service breaks”. I immediately tap my brakes to check and they are stiff. I let off the gas as I was approaching the exit and begin pumping my brakes. They continue to be stiff. Luckily there was no one I front of me as this exit led to a rotary. I was able to coast around the rotary and into a parking lot where I attempted to push the e- break which did not work. My steering tightened and then my car died. I have the car towed to GMC where I bought the vehicle. Am told I will be charged a diagnostic fee and they will let me know what they find before repairs are made. I receive a call back the following day stating “the vacuum pump exploded causing you to loose brakes”. I was told “the vacuum pump and repairs would be about $1,200. But they could not guarantee that once the vacuum pump was removed, there wouldn’t be more debris and destruction to the cam shaft and engine”. We asked they continue with the diagnostics and check the engine for debris. We receive a call back stating “the vacuum pump exploded and there are shards of medal debris in your engine”. Recommendations are that I need a new engine as "the vacuum pump explosion caused catastrophic damage to the engine". My safety and the safety of other innocent drivers on the highway were put in extreme danger! I lost all break control, power steering, and emergency break control. I had minutes from the time the first warning alerted to the time I lost complete control of the car. This is a known issue with gm motors specifically made between 2016-2019.

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.

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

The bolts fell out and the bracket that holds the drive shaft in place fractured while driving.

Liftgate automatically closing and failure to remain open causing a safety hazard for anyone standing at the liftgate.

See all problems of the 2012 GMC Terrain 🔎.

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

My transmission went out of my truck. I was told this has happened to others of the same make and model, so this is a known issue with this transmission. I was driving down the road and the car completely stopped in moving traffic. I was almost hit by other vehicles and then had to take my truck to get it repaired. I was told it was not able to be rebuilt that it had to be completely replaced. This is radiculitis since this vehicle is not that old and again a known issue. I want to be sure mine was listed as one that had to be repaired in the event a recall is done so that I may get my money back.

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

Very soon after purchase vehicle developed a front end shake and continued to get worse. This happens when pulling out or in stop and go traffic this varies from in intensity and sometimes it can be quite violent shaking the whole vehicle. The car has been to a gm dealership for this problem 3 times now. The first time 9/8/2025 replaced rear axle, the second time 10/20/25 both front axles were replaced. The 3rd time gm engineer paul koerner said they are aware of this problem but there is no repair until it is further investigated this was 12/10/25. As of this time there is still no repair but a bulletin has come out document #7036661. This states the customer should continue to drive vehicle I now have 7600 miles on it and it continues to shake every time I pull out. There seems to be no repair in sight and I’m concerned something will finally fail maybe causing a serious situation and about the unknown damage this is causing to the vehicle. I have written a letter to gm corporate about my concerns and asked for vehicle replacement to no avail. I have all the repair orders and documents and would be glad to give them to you as I have tried to upload them and it seems to work but won’t let me continue.

The rear hatch would open but then start to slowly drop. The local dealership diagnosed the problem and told me the pump needed to be replaced but quoted $1000. I chose not to have the repair done at that time but recently the hatch opened and then dropped suddenly hitting me on the head. There were earlier model recalls for this problem but not on the 2015. This is a potentially dangerous condition.

Sunshade is not rolling back and has come off the tracks obstructing rear view and I am unable to drive the vehicle.

Liftgate strut malfunctioned. Yes vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I activated the trunk with the key fob, while retrieving items out of my trunk, the trunk began closing on me without any warning. The liftgate sensor failed to recognize an object (me), was in the trunk and nearly caused a severe crush injury which could have been fatal. Yes the problem was reproduce by an independent service center as well as a dealership. No the part was not inspected. There were no known warning lights or messages. Apparently as per consumers this is known problem with the 2010-2017 GMC Terrain and chevy equinox.

While driving under normal conditions the panoramic sunroof shattered. This is a serious safety issue and obviously a problem with the manufacturing of the tempered glass.

Vehicle shimmies upon acceleration from a stopped position.

Constantly have water leaking into spare tire compartment, back seat floors and passenger floor. Mold/mildew smell coming through vents. Have had drains lines cleaned out, and still recurring having this issue. Unknown where leak is coming from. This is a serious health risk.

See all problems of the 2021 GMC Terrain 🔎.