Steering Problems of GMC Terrain - part 1

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.

See all problems of the 2020 GMC Terrain 🔎.

Vehicle “wobble” under moderate acceleration and in corners, can be felt in the seats and steering wheel.

Car aggressively shakes and steering wheel shakes / jerks itself side to side when accelerating. Getting worse with time. GMC has it as a known issue but has been for months. Problem is getting worse the more it is driven. GMC says it is “safe”.

The power steering assembly failed and caught on fire. This then caused the engine to malfunction and no longer work. This happened while driving on the interstate at a speed of approximately 80mph. No prior check engine lights were visible.

See all problems of the 2017 GMC Terrain 🔎.

Friday July 25, 2025 I was driving my 2019 GMC Terrain sle and when exiting the interstate the brake pedal got hard and I could not stop. After almost rear ending another vehicle, I got the vehicle into the ditch and safely off the road. After several attempts to correct the problem, I was unsuccessful. The vehicle was towed home and seen by a mechanic. The vacuum pump went out while I was driving.

See all problems of the 2019 GMC Terrain 🔎.

My son was making a left onto a freeway on ramp after traffic cleared and the steering wheel completely locked up resulting in him going over the curb and rolling completely over in a steep ditch. This occurred at a low speed (no more than 25mph), confirmed by the life369 app. My son's description was that it felt like the wheels were against a wall and the wheel wouldn't turn even though he was using both hands in an attempt to turn. My son said there was no warning lights or any other indication that he noticed, other than the complete locking up of the steering. The resulting rollover into the ditch has totaled the vehicle so it was not inspected by any collision shop. I attempted to check the steering in the tow yard but the vehicle had no power.

See all problems of the 2023 GMC Terrain 🔎.

My SUV pulls hard to the right when braking at speeds above 50 mph and much more on the interstates at 65 mph and above. I first experienced this after three weeks of ownership on a drive up I-95 on a trip to nc. It has happened numerous times while traveling on the interstates and has almost caused loss of control when having to brake hard when cut off by another driver or traffic suddenly coming to a stop. The vehicle has been to the service department numerous times. . . . At first they suspected a braking issue and have had both calipers replaced, all brake lines replaced, lower control arms replaced and the right side strut replaced. None of these repairs have solved the problem. The factory service rep who took over the situation tested 3 other GMC 2025 Terrain suvs and all had the same problem. He reported the issue on a safety report to gm in michigan and the response from gm was that it is a normal condition for the Terrain models. I have never owned, driven, or ridden in another vehicle in over 50 years of driving which performed like this, this is not a normal condition in my opinion.

See all problems of the 2025 GMC Terrain 🔎.

When driving down the interstate the vehicle sways and makes steering challenging. Potential lack of control when hitting bumps on road at highway speeds. Taken to the dealership that sold the vehicle. They confirmed the issue. No warnings lights or notifications at this time.

While driving, the dash warning "service power steering" light up and my steering wheel locked making me unable to steer or manuever the car to safety. I was stuck in the middle of the road. I turned it off and on and was able to make it to a parking lot where the same safety messages illuminated four more times. I tried reversing and the same steering lock occurred again making me unable to drive the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2024 GMC Terrain 🔎.

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.

My steering wheel locked while driving. This has prevented me from turning the wheel at all (100% completely locks while the car is in motion). The locked steering wheel lasts approximately 15 seconds. This has happened multiple times over a few month period. I took it to GMC who couldn't replicate the issue and said that GMC no longer makes the steering column assembly component, which they aren't sure would fix the issue, so there was nothing they could advise be done other than sell the car or spend a lot of money on diagnostic fees, which they said they wouldn't do if it were them. My safety and those around me were put at risk because I lost steering function while the car was in motion. The only option was to break and stop the vehicle. There were no warning lights or other indicators to alert of an issue.

See all problems of the 2016 GMC Terrain 🔎.

Will like car facts.

See all problems of the 2012 GMC Terrain 🔎.

2nd incident, 1st incident reported: complaint number 11570916. Was driving the vehicle and the steering wheel locked again as I was making a right turn. The service esc light immediately came on with the t/c light on the dashboard as well. I had roadside assistance pick up the vehicle to take it to the service department because I was afraid to drive the vehicle. According to the service invoice, they were not able to replicate the problem, but I have a photo of the error code on the dashboard. I was told that they checked the brake module and reprogrammed the computers.

See all problems of the 2022 GMC Terrain 🔎.

On Friday, January 19, 2024, I was driving home from school at night in my 2017 GMC Terrain when suddenly my car was chugging and quit. My steering and brakes froze. Other cars were passing me and it was snowing. I was scared someone was going to hit me. I was able to start it up again and to get it to a walmart parking lot just down the road, but before, it would chug and quit again. My steering was hard. There was no warning light or service light on dashboard telling me something was wrong. I called my sister to come get me. The car would start, but would keep quitting. I called a tow truck and had it towed to the condo. The next day, I went out to start it and it would start and oil light came on. It smelled. I turned it off. I called another tow truck and had it towed to a mechanic at a shop. He informed me on Monday that the engine was no good due to lack of oil. Even though he said there was 15% left on the gauge. He said these cars have had problems of using excessive oil and he has had to replace and fix them. He also said others had same issue and no warning light as well. I have to replace my engine. He said the cost would be between $5000-$6000. I can't afford that going to school. I'm afraid that if someone else has this problem they could get hurt. I am going to contact general motors about this, but I'm sure they won't help. Any suggestions?.

When driving in the rain going through puddles power steering will intermittently stop working.

See all problems of the 2013 GMC Terrain 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2021 GMC Terrain 🔎.

I was driving the vehicle, approaching an intersection and making a right turn. As I turned the steering wheel, it locked. I kept trying to turn the steering wheel and it finally did. A service esc error appeared on the dashboard. The t/c light came on as well. I drove it home. The error was gone the next time I started the vehicle. The service code kept coming on intermittently. Appointment scheduled on 11/10/23. GMC service dept stated they wouldn't be checking the vehicle until next Monday, so I could take it home. I rescheduled and took it back on 11/13/23. My vehicle was there for 32 days. My safety was at risk because of the failure of the steering wheel to turn, with traffic in the lane next to me as I was turning. The service dept was able to download the error codes. Code c0800 was captured. The steering gear assembly was removed and replaced, programmed and calibrated.

When turning right or left from a stop, the steering wheel jerks sharply in the opposite direction as soon as the car starts to accelerate. Diagnostic tests and inspection determined that the steering gear is loosing voltage causing the jerk in the steering wheel. The gear has the latest calibration and needs to be replaced. Cost estimate to replace is $2035. 63.

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that on four occasions while driving with the adaptive cruise control function engaged, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The adaptive cruise control was set to 76 mph and the vehicle decelerated to 34 mph in several seconds. The contact stated that the steering wheel became inoperable. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted and drove approximately 18 mph. The contact stated that the vehicle entered auto-stop mode. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 6,000.

My husband and son were involved in an almost fatal accident on 07/08/23 in our 2018 Terrain. My husband described that the vehicle spontaneously veered to the right uncontrollably, he was unable to steer to correct the vehicle, unable to brake, they went airborne, hit several poles and a transformer, rolled and flipped several times. All the airbags deployed. After the accident, I found a recall notice from back in 2017, I believe, regarding the drive train. My husband was extricated from the vehicle. My son wasble to cut the seatbelt and crawl out the window. From what my husband explained (he was the driver), this sounds like what they experienced during the collision. I never received a recall letter from gm as this is something I would of taken care of and have got repaired. Please see the photos and the recall I found. Please let me know if there is anyone else I need to contact regarsing this collision. My car was almost paid off. My husband and son could of lost their life. Please advise. Thank you!.

See all problems of the 2018 GMC Terrain 🔎.

Service brake assists light flashes on dashboard . Steering wheel locks up and jerk’s loose suddenly when making a right turn, in these moments when the steering wheel jerks loose ;hands are off taken off the steering wheel otherwise injury can occur. Battery life 2 -yrs old is not performing optimally. Can not hold a sufficient charge and esc light flashes. Vdnt valve leaks discovered.

Hello, I have spent a lot of money on this mobile car and even so, it continues to cause problems and the oil runs out too quickly.

While driving, the traction control light turns on. Then the gauges all start fluctuation. The dash reads service park assist. Then service stabilitrak. It does not run properly. It shifts hard. I’ve had it to the dealership twice now. The issue is still not resolved and it’s going back next Monday. I feel it will again not be resolved after reading multiple forums of others having the same issue after spending thousands of dollars. This is frightening and stressful to say the least. My car has less then sixty thousand miles on it. I should not be having this issue.

Multiple warning lights are appearing at once (automatic brake assist, forward collision assist, parking brake released) when the car is put in reverse, the radio turns off for a brief moment and the steering assist warning shows on the dash. The steering wheel snatches back in the opposite direction causing a safety concern. The car also completely cuts off after the auto-stop takes effect at red lights causing me to have to pump the brakes at least twice to re-ignite and be able to accelerate.

Car gives a "power steering reduced, drive with care" message after turning the wheel one direction and braking simultaneously. After message is displayed, power steering is no longer available, and this can happen while driving around a curve. Once car is powered off for longer than 1 minute, can turn back on with no problem, but problem can come back just the same. Took to GMC dealer. They recalibrated my car, but problem came back 1 month later. They said they can replace the whole electric steering system, but that may not fix the problem, as they do not know what the real problem is. Vehicle was purchased used with 50k miles.

Previously wrote to NHTSA and filed complaint about problem with steering rack. Steering rack became a safety issue as the steering would lock up intermittently and even while driving. Repair (complete replacement) cost nearly $2000 with diagnostic fee from dealer. I feel my year should be covered as other years are. Other issues with GMC quality of parts, so I will probably not buy another GMC product. 2013 GMC Terrain sle. GMC needs to address this issue and treat all customers fairly.

I was driving back home from the store Friday night and my wheels start squeaking and increasingly became hard to then the wheel whenever I turned. When I got home tried to park the wheels locked up and I couldn't turn the wheels anymore. Diver the car again Monday it was fine until I was my way home again the wheels locked up, car wouldn't accelerate part 2nd gear, then I wasn't able to reverse and my engineer light came on. I just bought the car 5 months ago from a dealership. No I don't have a warranty and there is 86927 miles on it. No accidents whatsoever. I recently found out that this vehicle is known to have transmission failure.

See all problems of the 2011 GMC Terrain 🔎.

Steering wheel locks and hard to steer while driving. System light comes on stating check power steering. Also stabilizer light comes as well.

This vehicle is unsafe due to a violent side to side wobble in the front end much like the Jeep death wobble. This happens constantly anywhere from 30mph - 70mph usually after hitting a small bump or when turning hard. The turning aspect is where it has become very dangerous on slippery surfaces as the car then slides out. I live in the mountains where this is a normal occurance. I am actually afraid to drive this vehicle any longer. The dealers have confirmed the issue, but states that gm does not have a fix for this as of now. I have heard this is affecting only the awd Terrains and equinox platforms. Gm has been unresponsive trying to get an answer or getting this fixed. The car has been into multiple dealerships several times for this same issue and has been happening since the car turned about 2400 miles and has been happening more frequently since then for the past 6000 miles.

When steering wheel turned hard to either side, �service power steering� light comes on. My repair shop tried twice (first in April, then again in September) to reprogram computer. Took to GMC dealer. I had asked if there was secret warranty or bulletin on problem and they said yes, but I needed to pay $150 for diagnostic. They tried unsuccessfully to perform �special coverage 14232a� but as stated on invoice � problem still exists�, . They do cover 2010-2012 models but I have the 2013. I called GMC and they acknowledge the problem exists (since 2015) but will not cover my year car. The repair is $2000 for the complete steering gear. I have had many cars, all well maintained but none ever needed a steering rack replaced. My 2013 GMC Terrain sle has only 67745 miles. I am upset they choose to cover only some years when they know the problem exists for other years. It is not a safety issue so I will not have it repaired. I now have to be careful where I park and drive so as not to have to make sharp turns-ridiculous! I told them this was my first, and probably last, GMC product. I had a lens assembly replaced with genuine GMC oem parts and the same leaks occur. Seems their quality control is lacking. Plus their issue with heavy engine oil consumption. And air bags??? maybe NHTSA needs to step in and really see what's going on at GMC. Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

My Terrain has used so much oil since it was purchased and we keep the oil changed every time it's needed now the timing chain is messing up and is going to be expensive to fix I have read online where the 2011s have the same issue, the repairs are too expensive my fianc� got laid off due to covid-19 I'm the only one working I need help and don't know where to turn to, the truck stoped going in the middle of me turning into a gas station I was almost rear ended.

Tl the contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the power steering fault message displayed on the instrument panel and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer beck Chevrolet located at 3750 w carleton rd, hillsdale, mi 49242 was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

The vehicle will shutter very hard when accelerating out of either right or left turns or when you hold the steering wheel in a complete u-turn type action. The shudder is felt throughout the vehicle and can be very alarming. It feels like you have lost control of the vehicle and the brakes are locked up. It needs to be addressed with some notice to all Terrain owners. I have now spent serious time and $1k attempting to address the problem.

See all problems of the 2010 GMC Terrain 🔎.

While I was driving the car steering wheel would lock multiple times. When driving my car stopped at the middle of an intersection when driving my car would switch on amd off the eco mode and I felt a jolt every time.

The 2. 4l ecotec motor has had so many complaints not only for GMC Terrain but also the chevy equinox. The motor just stops and lose everything while driving! I was in traffic and it stop almost causing an accountant god I wasn't hurt! now I have this car with a blown motor because it's a no tolerance motor. We spend so much money on these vehicles and spend so much to keep them safe for driving on the road and yet when it comes to the company cutting corners to save money they don't get faulted for putting faulty equipment in these vehicles. I have a 2011 Terrain and I bought it in 2019 for 9000 and drove it a month before the motor blew it has less then 100000 miles on it and for me to get a new motor it's another 5000. I just don't understand why if the equipment is faulty and so many complaints have been posted about the same issue why it's not being recalled or why we can't get the company to give us new motors or a new car! we are expected to pay insurance registration inspections test every year and pay for the normal wear on the vehicles to make sure they are safe but they can't recall faulty parts! I foster children and can't afford to make expensive purchases that weren't caused by neglect on my part.