Suspension Problems of GMC Terrain

Recently experience rear differential binding with vehicle resulting in an accident.

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GMC consumer relations subject: structural undercarriage safety defect – 2012 GMC Terrain sle vehicle information: year/make/model: 2012 GMC Terrain sle VIN: [xxx] mileage at purchase: 148,305 date of purchase: [xxx] location: rochester, new york I am filing a complaint regarding a severe undercarriage safety defect in my 2012 GMC Terrain sle. The rear undercarriage of this vehicle shows heavy structural corrosion on suspension brackets and mounts. The condition produces clanging noises during normal driving, and an independent licensed mechanic has refused to work on the vehicle because the suspension integrity is unsafe. When I returned the vehicle to the dealer, I observed additional brackets being attached under the rear subframe area, suggesting reinforcement of compromised structural points. This confirms that the corrosion directly affects suspension geometry, alignment, and stability. This corrosion is not cosmetic. It is advanced structural deterioration affecting the mounting points for trailing arms and lateral links. These components are critical to safe turning, stability, and control. The corrosion compromises the ability of the suspension to keep the wheels aligned, creating serious risks of loss of control or wheel separation. What makes this more alarming is that the vehicle passed a new york state safety inspection on 07/13/2025, yet within days a mechanic refused to perform unrelated service because of the undercarriage condition. This raises questions not only about inspection validity, but also about the underlying durability and corrosion. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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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.

First time I had problems with my 2021 Terrain I took it to victory GMC on 9/20/24. At the it had 45,000 miles. Every time I would drive and accelerate it would shake extremely bad in the floorboard. There was also transmission fluid leaking. I picked the car up on 9/27/2024 and was advised that both front axles were replaced, which corrected the shaking and the driver side axle seal was replaced, which was where the leak was coming from. This was covered under warranty but at 45,000 miles I should not have been already having axle problems or any type of leak. I dropped my car off again on may 5, 2025. When I called them the day I made the appointment I let them know I had a service transmission message show up and then go away, I told them it’s taking longer to kick into gear when I’m on the highway, I told them it revs up past 4 1/2 rpms at times when it had not previously done this and it just sounded like the engine is working harder. I also told them I had a check engine line come on and go off and it was code p2271 which was an oxygen sensor code. I also told them when I had the oil changed. They told me there was a slight oil cooler leak starting. All this was supposedly addressed when I dropped it off to be serviced on 5/5/25. I was called on five 625 to pick up my vehicle notifying me that they found no issues. They were unable to verify concern concerning my check engine light. They said there was no oil cooler leaking, it was just slightly seeping, so not considered a leak. And they said no transmission concern operated as designed. Fast forward to may 9, 2025… I got in my car in the morning and once again the check engine light was on. I drove it straight to GMC and had them put the reader on it. The oxygen sensor code came on. The same code I told them about on the 5th that they said was fine on the 6th. I made an appointment once again to get this check engine light looked at although the check engine light is not on at the moment again.

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My transmission keeps sticking when I shift into drive or reverse. Just a couple of days ago, it happened the worst it has ever done before. I shifted into reverse and my vehicle was completely stopped when I shifted. I began to let off of the brakes and gently push the accelerator to start moving back, my vehicle then punched itself into reverse. I felt after that incident, something had to have been damaged. I’m almost afraid to drive my vehicle after that. When my vehicle punched itself into reverse, I was literally jolted towards the steering wheel and thankfully my seatbelt caught me. Incidents with the the shifting into drive or reverse have happened before, but never nearly as intense. About a year ago, I brought my vehicle in to my local GMC dealership for a concern with my transmission shifting weirdly and holding itself in gear at an unnecessarily high rpm speed. The technician stated to me, “with these 9-speeds, they tend to get confused at various speeds”. I asked him to elaborate and he could not. These issues have now gotten worse. With my suspension, every turn I take, I get a kreaking sound from my front driver side wheel well. It sounds as if my tire if going to break off. I’ve done visual inspections and nothing out of the ordinary is noticeable to the eye. My vehicle is a 2019 with less than 40,000 miles on it. I should not be having all of these issues. I’m genuinely concerned for my safety.

Will like car facts.

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.

Transmission and control arms.

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Just purchased this vehicle has about 64500 miles on it. When accelerating between 40-55 (hard acceleration) my vehicle wobbles really bad, seems like a tire issue. Have had the front end looked at, and tires all balanced and inspected. Noting out of the ordinary. Then all of a sudden my rear view back up camera works, but my back up assist symbols are not showing/working. I checked the settings and they are turned on. To top off the cake, when the weather is cold outside my windshield wiper fluid will not spray from the front windshield or rear, then when it warms up or is parked in a garage it works again. I have made sure the correct wiper fluid is added as well so it does not freeze. But apparently it is getting stuck somewhere. . . . . .

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 10 mph, the contact heard a sound coming from the rear of the vehicle and had the shocks replaced. While the vehicle was getting a routine oil change, the mechanic noticed that the vehicle was rusted, causing the rear suspension trailing arms to detach from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that there was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.

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Water in spare tire component area stays there even when it rains and during car washes; also I replace the suspension and still hearing cracking noise as I make turns.

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.

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The complaint I have is the inside front of the car is too small and I cant reach the gas pedal except with my toe. My foot keeps slipping off as I am driving. I have to have the seat way up or I cant reach. I am 5 foot tall woman. This is a ridiculous thing that I have to put up. I drove it for 10 minutes and didn't realize it. I asked for a pedal that is longer and closer to the floor after I had bought it and service people told me they don't have anything to do to fix it. They asked if I had a button to adjust it and I don't. Its on the expensive one. This should be on all vehicles for safety. I wanted to give it back but they never helped me. I have 1100 miles on it. It new still. The other thing this creates is I am up so close to the steering wheel that its almost on my chest in order to reach pedal without having to strain and later having pain in my leg from doing that. I am so disappointed with chuck nash GMC in san marcos , texas. Is there anything to be done by the GMC company. I also told the salesman I wanted a canyon pickup like I had before. I traded that one in due to the fact that the 2017 canyon was always in the shop. Only had it for 2 yrs and 1 month. They were no help! thank you, elizabeth please help me.

Tl- the contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact states that while driving at 80 mph, the contact felt a vibrating, loud shake on the right rear tire. The contact took the vehicle to the dealership (ed bozarth Chevrolet 2001 s havana st, aurora, CO 80014 (720) 746-2716) where they diagnosed the vehicle with having faulty tires and replaced both rear tires ,yet the problem persisted. The manufacturer has not been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Jo.

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Tl the contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact called on behalf of the driver. While the driver was at a stop sign and making a right turn, the front and rear passenger side tires exploded. The driver coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was repaired by the contact who replaced the tires. The vehicle was taken to ed morse Mazda GMC Buick of port richey (10237 us-19, port richey, FL 34668, (888) 852-6523) where it was diagnosed that an alignment was needed and the rear suspension needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.

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Engine problem.

I have had the passenger side headlight replaced by the dealer two times. It has been shorting out and come to find out the plug that the bulb connects to has been broken and no one fixed the issue. Also I had my front axle's having issues.

The contact owns a 2011 GMC Terrain. On several occasions, while attempting to drive, the key was locked in the ignition. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the tumblers may need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to gem city motors (406-433-3120, 701 s central Ave, sidney, mt 59270) where no diagnostic failure codes were found and the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The contact was advised to call NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000. The VIN was unavailable.

We bought my daughter a brand new GMC Terrain. Her old GMC had over 200,000 miles on it. She had a blown out tire prior to this incident. She was not driving fast and there was not reason for the tire to blow out. She is on her way home from a friends house and goes over a railroad track, not speeding. Another tire blows out. Has to get car towed. The tow car to gmn dealership. Days in shop airbar issues, tire had to be replaced. Takes over 4 days to be repaired has to go back. Over $1700. 00 bill. This is second time this has happened.

When driving at very low speed there is a creaking sound which seems to be coming from the front side on the bottom. GMC has a service bulletin #pi1314:creak/poptype noise from right front of vehicle during low speed maneuvers-(sept. 17,2014). The fix involves ripping up carpet and cutting a hole approx. 1 ft. Square in front wall of interior. The seat has to be removed . The blower motor has to be removed. The right side front console trim plate and body hinge trim panel, then cutting a huge hole in the wall. I had a 2011 Terrain, which I purchased new and I never experienced this problem. The noise is unacceptable for a brand new vehicle.

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We had begun to cross an intersection and, while our speed was from a dead stop, the other driver blew through a red light and hit us at what was probably the speed limit of 40mph. Her car struck us in the right front passenger side and again on the rear passenger side. We, myself who was driving, and my wife, who was the passenger on the side hit, were both thrown hard to the right at impact, causing injuries to us both, most notably, my wife. She hit her head very hard on either the passenger door frame or the passenger window. No airbags deployed. No side airbags, no front airbags. No air bags deployed!.

The stability track gave an error and the engine now slow. The error doesn't let the vehicle to accelerate. The check engine light also went on.

?on April 16th our son was driving on fairview rd. And traveling through a green light when a car that ran a red light hit him. ?his car ? a GMC 2012 Terrain was hit multiple times ? driver's front end, front end and spun around from the force and hit on the passenger side. No airbags deployed ?[xxx] was immediately contacted by on star, they called police, his car was totaled ?on 4/21 I emailed GMC and asked what department I would contact to file a complaint about the front and side airbags not deploying call from GMC 866-790-5700 ext. 22745 said on voice mail ? the airbag did not deploy as it should have? he made a case number [xxx] GMC has since declared this was a low threshold event - no need for airbag deployment - yet the car was totaled and our son has whiplash and contusions information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I was going to a 930 am doctor appt@the cancer clinic, with my husband & father as passengers. I was in the left turn lane northbound attempting to turn into the hospital. It was 910 am. There was a lg. Delivery truck opposite me in the southbound left turn lane. As I pulled in the southbound lane,easing forward to ensure clearance the other car behind the delivery truck pulled out and around the truck and sped up to go through the intersection to make the lightthat was amber at this point. My father said that her head was down and she didn't look up until just before impact. There were no skid marks & the impact was high on the pass. Side of my vehicle rocking us up onto 2 wheels on the drivers side & then back down on all 4. My vehicle was t-boned on the front passenger side. The lady came out from behind the delivery truck at the last second, changed lanes & proceeded into the intersection at the same time I was trying to turn left. At this point the light was yellow. I have, I do believe 8 air bags, with 8 sensors in the Terrain's. Also I have a full subscription to onstar which also has crash sensors in my car. * one air bag went off nor did any sensors**. Onstar did not call me after the crash to tell me that they would be sending help, ambulance, police etc. My injuries were: contusion to left side of head above ear. Scalp wound above right ear, with permanent indentation to right side of my head,2 small cuts right side of forehead. Black eye's. Pain in neck & stiffness. Right eye socket @ eye brow swollen. Husband: seatbelt bruising, neck pain/stiffness. My father, neck pain, stiffness,scraped skin on instep of right foot. This formal complaint is with general motors, GMC Terrain, & onstar for not 1 airbag having not gone off/deployed, nor did onstar make any effort to contact me. I contacted both gm & onstar & they did nothing to compensate me.

The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact was driving approximately 25 mph, proceeded to make a right turn when the vehicle began to make a popping sound. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rear passenger side tire failed to make contact with the ground. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. The technician stated the rear passenger tire lifted off of the ground and the axle was spinning slightly. There was no recommended repair. The failure mileage was 94. The current mileage was 600. Updated 5/6/10 the dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. Updated 07/16/jb.

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