Vehicle Speed Control Problems of GMC Terrain - part 1

Vehicle struggles to shift from low gears; seems to completely miss 3rd gear. Codes from maintenance indicate tcc slip.

See all problems of the 2019 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.

On 6/22/2025, brakes stopped working while trying to make a turn. Next multiple engines light came and car went into reduced speed mode. As I tried to find a safe place to stop, the vehicle went into limp mode and shut down in the middle of the road. The dealership said the issue was the vacuum pump which caused the timing chains to break. There have multiple recalls for this exact issue but my car is not on the list. My manufacture warranty ended on 5/21/2025. When I spoke to a gm representative I was told there was nothing they can do because there is not a recall for my vehicle. They explained even though I had the same problem the recall is for other vehicles. Gm also issued a warranty extention on the vacuum pump to 10 years 150,000 miles. However my vehicle is not on the list for the extention. This issue is a safety hazard regardless of the vehicle type. I was lucky that no one was behind me or they would have hit me.

See all problems of the 2020 GMC Terrain 🔎.

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 🔎.

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 70-71 mph, the vehicle suddenly decelerated. There was a red flashing light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle then accelerated. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated, and the message that the sensor was dirty was displayed. The contact stated that the windshield was clean and clear but utilized the windshield wipers, and the warning light disappeared. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 6,912.

See all problems of the 2023 GMC Terrain 🔎.

Hello. As I come to a complete stop the car will go into auto-stop. After releasing the brake pedal the car will jerk forward . As I press the gas pedal the car jerks and shakes . The rpm jumps way up and the mph say low. . There's been times I try to accelerate and the car with jerk and put itself into park. . In the middle of traffic. . Heart pounding to say the lease. I also notice theres alot of black liquid dripping for the front right side under the front bumper. There were no problems with the car or lamp indicating there were before this. I went to where I brought the car and they told me my warranty expired and that I will need to pay $265 just to diagnose the issue. I didnt have that money. I do have a car code reader and I did my best to find a solution. Codes p0700, p171d, and p187d all appear on my device. I then looked up recalls and my VIN wasn't confirmed. . But I am certain it is the same issue . You do have a open recall for this very particular issue for my particular model . I love my car and GMC. Please remedy this situation and have me driving safely and free minded again and soon ! please reach back with any feedback as soon as possible. Thanks !.

See all problems of the 2018 GMC Terrain 🔎.

Unintended acceleration in forward and reverse: the vehicle experiences unintended acceleration both in forward and reverse. While driving in heavy traffic, the vehicle continues to maintain throttle position for approximately two seconds after releasing the throttle, creating a dangerous situation where the vehicle continues to accelerate towards other cars. This defect requires emergency braking to prevent a collision. In reverse , the vehicle also holds throttle position after the accelerator is released. This results in the vehicle unintentionally accelerating in reverse at a rapid pace. This requires the driver to depress the brake moderately to control the reverse speed. During this event the driver is fighting against the motor with the brake pedal until the vehicle decided to stop accelerating on its own.

Was driving along and transmission downshifted (?) wouldn't change gears. Tachometer was like a race car. Just went wild. Limped it along to a dealership. They informed us it was probably the transmission. It was determined it was indeed the transmission. They also stated that they had 7 more waiting in the service area waiting for parts to repair. Ours was to be #8. We called the dealer we bought it from, they sent a tow truck and towed it to their service area. Luckily, I wasn't out on the interstate going 70 mph as I would have been in just a few more minutes. Very scary situation as I was in 3 lanes of traffic. It was in town, so traffic wasn't moving fast. I was 2 hours into my vacation. Needless to say, that put a damper on things. Had to rent a vehicle, unpack my vehicle and repack the rental. Oh, and by the was it is a 2024 Terrain with only 2400 miles!.

While driving my 2022 1. 5l turbo GMC Terrain at 65 mph with the air temperature at -2 degrees below zero fahrenheit the check engine light came on with the error message "engine power is reduced. " I coasted to the side of the road and put the car into park. I was 200 miles from home and after working with my insurance roadside assistance, I wasn't able to get a tow truck after 3 hours of waiting in sub zero temperatures. I called the local gm dealership in my home town to ask if I could drive the SUV and they said I could at less than 35mph. I drove 100 miles to a town where a tow truck was available. I brought the SUV to the gm dealership and they said the issue is ice and condensation in the inner cooler cac system. They said my SUV wasn't updated for the cold weather package. I was told my engine needed a cold weather package in order to drive it in sub zero temperatures. After reviewing this issue online, I found there was a recall for 2018-2022 1. 5l turbo GMC Terrain vehicles that experience these issues but my VIN number wasn't included in the recall. I called GMC to report the issue with my SUV and after speaking with multiple people was told that it wouldn't be covered under the recall due to the "numerous factors" that determine what VIN numbers fall into a recall. My SUV has the same engine, is the correct year, and has the same engine problem as the GMC Terrains that were included in the recall. I now have to pay out of pocket for repairs and the engine fix of installing a cold weather package that is covered under the recall. I believe the recall needs to be expanded to additional VIN numbers.

See all problems of the 2022 GMC Terrain 🔎.

On October 13, 2023, I was driving on the highway when my 2014 GMC Terrain power was reduced. Suddenly, the engine light came on and car began throttling. Second, an error message appeared on my dashboard indicating “ engine power is reduced. ” then it stopped in the middle of the highway. I was able to restart my vehicle and drove it to a nearby mechanic shop. The mechanic said the problem was my timing chain and that my vehicle was not drivable. I left my vehicle at the mechanic shop because it was the weekend and it needed it to be towed to the dealership. On Monday, October 16, 2023, I had my vehicle towed to Buick classic service center. After waiting for two days, I received a call from the service center stating that my 2014 GMC Terrain timing chain and pressure gas pump was the cause of the problem - with my vehicle. After, reading other owners similar complaints ; why is there not a recall to address this problem? now, I am stuck without a vehicle and the company has no idea how long it will take to get the parts needed to fix my vehicle. I was told that the timing chain and a tension is on back order due to the employees of GMC being are on strike.

See all problems of the 2014 GMC Terrain 🔎.

While on highway service brake system warning light came on,brake became hard to apply almost causing an accident. Vehicle had to be towed to a repair shop(dealer). After paying over $1600 the problem was not resolved and found there are numerous complaints about issues with the Terrain and no recall issued. Are they waiting til someone dies before a recall?.

My vehicle begin stalling when accelerating (mostly after stopping) June 2023. My vehicle has almost cause me to have two accidents because it intermittently stalls when I try to cross an intersection. This is my fourth time taking my vehicle to the GMC dealership, and they tell me they can't find anything wrong if there is not a code. I have reached out to corp, and I'm waiting to see if they can help get to the bottom of my problem. My car has been sitting at the dealership since June 30th 2023. . . . I call the dealership periodically, and they never reach out to let me know what's going on. I am afraid to drive my vehicle at this time because next time another car may not be able stop and give me time to get across the road. I'm filing this complaint because I seriously think someone is gonna get killed. . Thank you.

I was backing out of a parking spot when I came in contact with a vehicle going east bound in the parking lot the contact was on the rear right side of my vehicle before I could do anything my vehicle sped up and proceeded to go forward jump a curb I had my foot on the brakes when I realized I wasn’t stopping and heading for a garage I turned right trying to avoid the garage but still hit the corner of garage causing damage then vehicle stopped and shut down. The vehicle is still being repaired the mechanic said there was damage to a box and cable going to transmission but couldn’t say if it was the fault reported to police end insurance but haven’t gotten any response reported it to general motors but haven’t gotten a response.

See all problems of the 2021 GMC Terrain 🔎.

On 4/10/2023, I took my vehicle to a local GMC dealership because it was stalling and didn't have any power. Upon accelerating the vehicle it would stall and take off at a high speed. The dealership has had my vehicle periodically from April 2023 and it presently sets at the dealership because they ain't getting a code, but after the dealership drove the truck for over 200 miles, they were finally able to duplicate the stalling yet are not able to diagnose the problem!! this vehicle is very dangerous to be on the road and I have almost gotten hit twice and I'm not driving the vehicle anymore at this time. I have previously reached out to you all and I would be most thankful if you could get in touch with me. Thank you.

Timing chain issues resulting in a loss of power of the vehicle while driving. The vehicle stalls out and shuts off. Or it will go into power saving mode and slow down to only 20mph. It did this to me one a major highway and I almost was in an accident. Way to many issues with GMC owners and the timing chain on their vehicles.

See all problems of the 2017 GMC Terrain 🔎.

I still have more to add to my other complaint. The fire started with alternator apparently there were crossed wires took alternator back to orielys where I got it warrented out fixed the expanded wiring and replaced a hose and other things damaged by the little fire. Then after that things kept getting worse. Then it was spark plugs that were rusted that I replaced eventually I complained back to the dealership I got the car from and they agreed to help repair it after a posting by me on fb that I wasent a happy customer basically and that I literally had a sitting duck. Turns out the timing chain needed to be replaced and other little things. I've replaced O2 sensors camshaft sensors gaskets in catalytic converter had it inspected thinking it was a clogged exhaust the excessive oil usage was insane I would be going through 5quarts twice a month! I'm just tryna have a decent working vehicle for my kids and I. I literally can't keep a job because I dont have reliable transportation. . . . I've put sooooo much money into this vehicle and now I might have a blown gasket!!! and that's because I haven't even been driving the vehicle. I got the car on Jan 7th 2021 with 129,043 miles on it as of today it has a total of 164,627 miles on it meaning in between the two years that I've owned the vehicle I have only put a total of 35,584 miles on it. . . . . For it to have this many problems for so little mileage is insane!!! my kids were in the car with me today when the car started smoking like crazy from under hood and exhaust I pulled over turned the car off and took my baby off car seat in all and got away from vehicle thinking it was on fire again. I popped the hood and notice it was coming from under manifold. . . . . Meaning its probly a blown gasket after I just replaced the camshaft sensor again. . . . . . It's ridiculous all the stuff thats going wrong with this vehicle with so little mileage that's been put on it.

See all problems of the 2012 GMC Terrain 🔎.

I have a 2018 GMC Terrain which I bought brand new from general motors. In may 2022, the vehicle started jerking/hoping and trying to stall when the speed gets to 55 miles per hour or higher. I have taken it to the dealership on three different occasions for repair and I still have this issue. General motors engineers were involved in every step of the repairs. They just do not know what is going on with the car or fix it and they are too stubborn. The dealership told me today that they cannot do anything else to the car. They also said they had a code from the engine last week and general motors said they do not know what that code means. They are forcing me to accept/drive the car in this unsafe condition. I have contacted them multiple times and they do not care.

My 2010 Terrain had been been intermittent dash warnings for “service stabilitrac” and “engine power reduced” which would force the engine to reduce the speed itself down to about 30 mph. After turning off car and restarting, warnings would go away. Yesterday, while driving on a secondary road, with no check engine light on, the engine stalled while traveling at approx 35 mph. I was able to drop the vehicle into neutral and coast onto a side street, while also attempting to restart the engine. I was able to pull over without causing an accident. After letting the car sit for a few minutes I attempted to restart the engine, but only got a strange noise from the area of the upper cylinders. At his point the check engine light was now on. While waiting for a tow truck, and independent mechanic pulled up to ask if I needed help. After listening to the noice from the upper engine he asked if he could get tools and look in the engine. I said yes. He quickly pulled parts off the upper engine and opened and removed the upper cylinder cover. This revealed that the timing chain had no tension, as well as shards of shattered plastic all over the place, in and around the upper cylinders. After pointing this out he put everything back together and suggested I contact the dealership I got the vehicle from, which I have done already. He then stated that it appears that the engine would need to be replaced or rebuilt, due to catastrophic engine failure. He said my quick thinking of putting the vehicle into neutral probably avoided causing an accident and allowed me to get myself to a safe spot before stopping the vehicle. He also stated that this particular gm motor is known for catastrophic failure, which gm has failed or refused to acknowledge.

See all problems of the 2010 GMC Terrain 🔎.

Dash had gone black intermittently, did not know what speed I was going. Onstar called oor phone multiple to notify us that our airbags we're offline for ten days no warning light on dash until one to two days later . Took to service was informed that gear shift control, engine control module, passenger presence module and airbag sensor needed replaced. All within a month of purchase of said used vehicle. Vixed under warranty. Then another monther later, got warning on dash saying "conditions not current for shifting", park break light came on, and a p in a yellow circle with a wrench under it came on. Serive did fix vehicle, but could not verify message on dash about conditions not favorable. . . Also recalibrated breaker. Complained numerous times to dealer about these issues and was told "live with it".

Bought my 2013 GMC Terrain with 84,000 miles for $16,000. At 97,774 miles had to have it serviced for excessive oil consumption with timing cover and front crank seal cleaned and timing cover gasket replaced. Cost over $700. Then at 100333 miles had to have a new timing chain put in and water pump also the camshaft and cam phasers cost over $2,000. Now it is around 121000 miles and the lights on dash light up while driving to service stability track and I can not go faster then about 30 miles an hour. It then goes off and randomly comes back on while driving at any speed. Also there is a huge oil problem with oil not just dripping like a small leak but spewing basically from underneath vehicle. I have to literally put oil in my car before I drive it anywhere because it all leaks out while I drive. Was told by a macanic I have a leak where the engine meets the transmission and my options for fixing it are to totally replace the engine hahaha or get a new vehicle. Wtf GMC this is not ok!.

See all problems of the 2013 GMC Terrain 🔎.

As I was driving on the highway in new york on route 17 south near exit 111, I tried to accelerate but when I did the car went slower and the check engine light and traction control lights came on. I was right in front of a huge truck and thank god I was in the right lane that I was able to quickly get on the shoulder and turn the car off. I was able to make it to where I was going, but it was very nerve wracking. I took the car to the dealer service center and was told that it was probably a fuse issue. It turns out my entire engine has to be rebuilt. I have approximately 25,000 on my car, how could it require an entire engine rebuild? the dealer has gotten me two rentals cars that only last 5 days at a time each time and now I’m driving a dealer loaner. It’s been 3 weeks and still nothing. I’m still making payments on my car.

Once again, timing chain incident, this time while driving, wasn't expecting it, suddenly my Terrain steering when became stiff to turn, and happened to realize the car motor had shut off and rolling to the right, nearly hitting parked car. I tried to start vehicle, but made a whining sound, but did not start, yet check engine light was on. I had my obd reader handy, and got p0011, p0017 codes, which tell me it was the timing chain again in this car. This very dangerous because we could of collided with a parked vehicle, if not for me struggling so hard to steer vehicle while steering wheel was stiff.

Not long after I bought my 2020 GMC Terrain my adaptive cruise started disengaging. There are never any warning lights, except the noise and vibration of the seat before it shuts off then tells you it's disengaging. I didn't think anything of it until it's became a regular occurrence in the last month or two. I tell my dealership about it and they drive it but it never disengages on them, so they say nothing is wrong with my vehicle. I have a picture of the "adaptive cruise disengaging" and video of where I can't reset it until after about 15 or so minutes or letting my car set for a while or turning off the engine then it works again. I also have noticed that my auto start/stop hasn't been turning on & off anymore.

We have had 4 transmissions since we bought the vehicle. It slows down to almost a stop after it hits 30 mph and makes weird noises all throughout the vehicle. The back right tire sticks to the pavement and jerks when I start to drive. The key ignition has been fixed several times and still sometimes won't turn with the key or come out. Yes warranty told the repaid service company to fix whatever, and they did but it still after 2 more transmission hasn't fixed the issues. Engine light and not sure what else.

First off before I got the car it had gone through a tune up. About a couple months after I got the car little things started to happen it would rock back and forth while idling I thought it was kind of an indicator that it needed oil but the percentage was still at a decent range and telling me it didn't need oil plus I hadent driven it 3000-5000 miles. Then engine light came on had it inspected codes ran came back telling me something about throttle body so I purchased a whole new throttle body in prosser at dealership costing me some booko buks and swapped it out when I got back home I then took it for test drive along with my 4 kids in the vehicle with me and then a little ways about 20 mins driving engine power reduced light came on along with stabilitrak and eventually lost power I was stranded in the middle of summer in the middle of nowhere with my kids windows rolled down ppl drove by and asked if I needed help and eventually came back with jumper cables tried to jump me but the car wouldn't budge I then left the car there overnight and took battery out to have it inspected the next day it was fried (over 4 yrs old) so I had to purchase a new one costing me roughly 150 buks then took it back to where my car was stranded put it in and alarm went off and I clicked the button on key ring stuck it in ignition shit the door behind me locking keys in car while vehicle was still running and had to bust a window out to get to em. Got into car drove off made it back to my apt left it running outside while I went inside to get some stuff before I thought the problem was solved it shut off again. . . . . I then had to replace the alternator costing me another pretty penny. . . . About a couple weeks later I was starting a new job at a assisted living facility and arrived 10 mins early shit car off a noticed smoke coming from under hood I was confused because where the smoke was coming from couldn't have been it overheating I popped the hood and my car was on fire!!!!.

When driving the stabiltrak service light will come on and the engine light. The car will loss acceleration immediately then seems wont go out of 2nd gear. I stop turn off car a few minutes and it will start again and the engine light will go out after while. Last time the car would not start again. It finally did after 20 minutes or so. And light went out layer. Took it to dealer once and they could not duplicate problem. This is worrying me.

See all problems of the 2016 GMC Terrain 🔎.

Driving 50 mph on the highway, my car decided to 'reduce engine power' and 'service stabilitrak' came on, immediately making the car slow dance forcibly to 25 mph. The car was shaking and stepping on the gas did nothing. That's dangerous, because the person behind me has to swerve or hit into the back of me for sudden drop in speed. You guys should know better! happened twice in one day. I had to restart the car, and it happened going onto the bridge. Someone could be seriously hurt, or killed. Do better!.

Vehicle began to use excessive amount of oil and idel up and down and sometimes even shuts down. After about 3 months while driving on the interstate it began to shut down while in motion. I called for someone to check the vehicle out and he arrived called someone to check the vehicle and he actually told me it seems to be the motor gone bad but he asked would I drive it back home if he followed behind. It literally scared me and my 4 children to death when it shut down while in motion with that kind of speed so I don't trust putting my children in it now. I don't think its safe at all. The vehicle I once thought was perfect for my family is turning out to be a nightmare.

The service stabilitrak light continues to come on. When it does, almost all of the lights on the dash light up and the car puts itself in neutral and shuts off. This has happened 5 times in the past two weeks. Twice with my 15 month old in the car. The car was purchased 12/23/2020 and it first shut off with the service stabilitrak warning 12/31/2020. I've taken it to the dealership for repair. They replaced the front right wheel sensor today and immediately after leaving their lot, it shut off twice. I did a search on the VIN and found that this vehicle had issues at 11k miles and 27k miles. Now again at 55k miles. The car just shuts itself off while driving. First time it happened, I was rounding a corner in high traffic and in mid turn, the car shut off. I was almost hit by several cars. This vehicle is dangerous. It happened once while on the highway with my 15 month old in the car and today it happened twice with her in the car.

Tl- the contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while pulling into a building parking while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated, the contact turn the wheel and miss hitting the building. The contact stated that she was not able to control the vehicle while depressing the brake pedal, as a result, the contact crashed into a poste. In addition, the contact stated that she shifted into park, the vehicle continue to rolled. The contact engaged the emergency brake and the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated that she did not noticed any warning lights illuminated because the failure occurred fast. The contact did not sustained injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to don moore Chevrolet Buick GMC, 3232 villa point, owensboro, ky 42303 (270) 215-1953, but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. Aw.

Purchased new 2020 GMC Terrain w/7miles. Left dealership on my way home, and within 20 miles, received a message on dash-> service - esc - dismiss. Check engine light flashed several times, and the SUV slowed down at least 10 miles from 65miles per hour. After engine light stopped blinking, I continues home around 30 miles more with no more problems. Called my sales person the next day, and he did not know what esc was. (electronic stability control) he called me back and indicted the vehicle may need a software update. I told my wife, why would a dealership not check on vehicle software updates before releasing vehicles to the new owners, prior to leaving the dealership. This is called, "being proactive. " we were on the highway leaving the dealership after purchasing this new SUV.

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 🔎.

Vehicle since purchase shows no signs of leak but goes through oil at about 1 quart every 1000 miles max. Check engine light always on, sensors indicate possible faulty piston rings. All were problems in later model GMC Terrains. When low on oil while driving and stationary all lights will light up and engine will go into reduced power mode saying to service stabilitrack. Car will not go above 10 mph when in this mode, sometimes unable to move at all. Goes away after more oil added. GMC Terrain had recalls on years 2010-2013 for all engine failure problems/repairs due to faulty piston rings/oil consumption issues. Numerous 2014-2016 GMC Terrains have claims of the reduced power/stabilitrack problem with no solution, I believe both problems are directly related.

. In October 2019 my car needed to have extensive work done on its timing chains, variable valve timing solenoids, intake variable engine variable timing solenoid, variable valve timing sprocket, heated oxygen sensor, timing cover gasket set, valve cover gasket set, iridium spark plugs, water pump, engine oil filters, synthetic dexos motor oil, coolant. Then in July 2020 the timing chains collapsed on me while I was on my way home from work. The entire engine had to be replaced. My car was completely totaled after the engine collapsed and I was stuck owing 12000 dollars on a useless car.

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.