2017 GMC Terrain Complaints

ENGINE — Filed 04/04/2025

Timing Chain driving, clanging noise while driving on I-475 expressway near Perrysburg exit

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 09/25/2002

I bought this 2017 used on XXX I have had to put 1 quart of oil in the car every 500 miles. Because it burns oil like crazy. And now at this point, the transmission has just quit. I believe they call it the drive train. I am taking it to D and D auto repair in [XXX] on Thursday of this week. GMC knows about the drive train problem as it is common well known problem INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 09/01/2025

The head unit quit working around 98k. The head unit is the radio, and screen which includes the back up camera. From what we have been told and find online, this is a known problem with them and affects other models as well. For the most part the head unit doesn't work but once in a while, once a month, it comes on but shows the Chevy logo on the screen which is odd because it is a GMC. Once you turn the car off, it will be gone again until it decides to come back. We took it into a dealer who tried to hook up to it and reprogram or update it, but he had no luck. Now we are without a backup camera that is a safety issue. I do not know why this isn't a recall as it is well known about issue.

ENGINE — Filed 03/25/2026

Have had to replace the VVT solenoids several times within a year spam. Had to replace the rear main seal because it blew out due to carbon build up. Having issues with excessive oil consumption. Now the vehicle just started with: going from a stop position to accelerating at low speeds the vehicle stalls and dies. I want GM to take accountability and fix this issue as it is a safety issue to myself and everyone on the road.

VISIBILITY/WIPER — Filed 03/15/2026

Wiper blades transmission plastic parts keep popping or breaking this is the THIRD time this has happened at a cost of $350. Why would you use plastic parts for this knowing that it will break easily? Who can afford to keep replacing this? 12

ENGINE — Filed 02/16/2026

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to a local car wash, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence; however, the next day, the vehicle hesitated while starting. The message "Stabilizer - Power to Engine Reduced" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine possibly needed to be replaced because the engine failed to turn over. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine was blown. The contact was informed that the engine and the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost and remained with the local dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,750. The VIN was not available.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 02/10/2026

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.

ENGINE — Filed 01/28/2026

Rear main seal blow out

ENGINE — Filed 01/31/2026

On January 31, 2026, while driving on the highway, my 2017 GMC Terrain suddenly began shaking as if it was going to stall. Thankfully, I managed to exit the interstate before the vehicle lost power. Luckily, when this happened, it "only" blocked traffic on a side road. The Terrain was towed to my garage. The mechanic called to inform me that the vehicle was out of oil -even though it was not due for servicing, nor did a “check oil" warning appear. He noted that this was not the first time he had seen this problem occur with this particular make and model: the PCV valve had frozen due to recent cold weather, which led to the rear main seal fracturing, causing oil leaking. In addition, the manifold had also cracked. He explained that repairs would be costly given the labor needed to remove the transmission and perform other related tasks. He recommended that I "Google" the problem to gain an understanding of the time involved to complete this repair. My research corroborated that this was a very labor-intensive undertaking. More concerning was discovering an abundance of cases documenting this failure -as well as class action lawsuits- which underscores the fact that GM knows about this issue but refuses to address it. I am not sure why there hasn't been a recall—though perhaps that's a question for people much smarter than I am. Now, after spending thousands of dollars, I have a vehicle with an oil life monitoring system that doesn't function as intended—and worse, I know this could happen again.

ENGINE — Filed 01/19/2026

Traveling on the expressway, engine made wearing noise, reduced engine power and complete engine failure while driving. Rear main seal blowout due to a defective PCV system freezing. It is a known issue for GM2.4L engine especially in cold weather leading to massive oil loss and catastrophic engine damage. This has been confirmed by a GM authorized dealer.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 01/26/2026

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.

ENGINE — Filed 09/26/2023

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the engine diagnostic result was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that two years prior to the failure, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and the vehicle stalled. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 12/20/2025

I am filing this complaint to report a catastrophic engine failure involving my 2017 GMC Terrain equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec engine, which I believe is the result of a known manufacturing defect related to excessive oil consumption and premature internal engine wear. At approximately 88,000 miles, my vehicle experienced severe engine failure, including excessive oil consumption, timing chain failure, and complete engine failure, which has been confirmed in writing by a licensed repair facility. The shop determined that the engine failure was caused by oil starvation resulting from excessive oil consumption, leading to internal engine damage and timing chain failure. This failure occurred without warning and rendered the vehicle unsafe to operate. Sudden engine failure creates a serious safety risk, including loss of power while driving, inability to accelerate, and increased risk of collision. This engine failure matches a well-documented defect pattern involving General Motors’ 2.4L Ecotec engines, which have been the subject of class-action lawsuits, settlements, and jury verdicts related to premature piston ring wear, excessive oil consumption, and resulting engine damage or failure. These issues have been widely reported in Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles within my model year range. My vehicle was properly maintained, and this failure was not the result of neglect, misuse, or normal wear and tear, but rather a latent manufacturing defect that manifested after the warranty period but well within the reasonable life expectancy of the engine. I am requesting that NHTSA formally document and investigate this defect, as it presents a significant safety concern for drivers operating vehicles equipped with this engine. I also request that General Motors be required to address this defect to prevent additional engine failures and potential safety incidents.

STEERING,ENGINE — Filed 10/06/2025

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

AIR BAGS — Filed 12/22/2021

Driver side head curtain airbags failed to properly deploy during rollover accident Not my vehicle, this is vehicle accident I responded to, Captain Fire Dept

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 02/24/2021

PURCHASED GMC 2017 TERRAIN 1 MONTH AGO TODAY. THE FIRST WEEK I HAD IT THE ENGINE KEPT STALLING WHILE IDLING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THEM TO FIX. I GOT IT BACK AND IT SEEMED TO RUN HARD. 3 DAYS LATER I FOUND THAT NOT ONE BUT BOTH KEY FOBS WOULD NOT WORK. THE BATTERY IS BRAND NEW. WHEN I SPOKE TO SERVICE MAN AT DEALERSHIP, HE STATED THAT ONE FOB WAS FAULTY AND THEY WOULD ORDER A NEW ONE. I HAVEN'T HEARD BACK FROM THEM...TODAY I GOT INTO A FRONT END COLLISION WHERE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING ME INJURY. ONLY AFTER THE FACT DID THE ALARM SOUND AND DASH MESSAGE CAME ON STATING SERVICE AIRBAG. THE FOUR WAY LIGHTS WOULD NOT STAY ON AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN OFF. AND THERE WAS A SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING.. NO RETURN CALL FROM GMC.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 10/02/2020

I AM THE OWNER OF A 2017 GMC TERRAIN. YESTERDAY, I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN THIS VEHICLE. SOME PERSON PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES TO AVOID A CAR ACCIDENT. HIS VEHICLE CONTINUED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION IN WHICH HE DID NOT HAVE THE RIGHT AWAY CAUSING ME TO HIT THE FRONT END OF HIS TRUCK. AS THE DRIVER STATES HE DID NOT SEE ME, I CAN CONFIRM I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES, WHICH ACTED AS THEY COULDN'T STOP. IT FELT AS THE BRAKES WERE NONEXISTENT. THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY TERRIFYING MOMENT, AS I WAS GOING 45MPH (PER THE SPEED LIMIT). AS I HAD READ EARLIER, THE 2018 TERRAINS ALSO SEEM TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.

AIR BAGS — Filed 04/10/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP THE VEHICLE WAS UNEXPECTEDLY REAR ENDED WHICH FORCED THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE FORWARD UNTO THE HIGHWAY, THE IMPACT CAUSED THE AIR BAGS TO NOT PROPERLY DEPLOY WITH THE SERVICE AIRBAGS LIGHT ILLUMINATING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION, A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP WHERE THE VEHICLE DAMAGE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, HOWEVER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 04/04/2020

I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN DURING A GREEN LIGHT MY CAR WAS IN MOTION. A WHITE VAN WAS SPEEDING TOWARDS ME FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE GOING STRAIGHT AT ME AT HIGH SPEED WITH A RED LIGHT. THEY HIT THE FRONT DRIVERS END OF MY CAR WHICH MADE MY CAR SPIN OUT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE WHOLE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS RUINED.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) — Filed 07/18/2019

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 55 MPH WHEN A DEER RAN OUT AND HIT THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY VEHICLE. IT BOUNCED AND ROLLED OFF THE DRIVERS SIDE. I PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. ALL OF THE ELECTRIC COMPONENTS IN THE VEHICLE WERE ON. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE ON, THE HAZARD LIGHTS WERE FLASHING AND THE CONSOLE WAS LOCKED UP. I PUSHED THE BUTTONS, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY THERE WAS A MESSAGE ON THE SCREEN THAT SAY SERVICE AIRBAG (BUT THEY HADN'T DEPLOYED). I COULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING, THE VEHICLE WAS SMOKING AND I COULD HEAR SOMETHING POPPING, I GOT OUT TO ASSESS THE DAMAGE AND MY VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE ENDED UP BEING A TOTAL LOSS.. THIS IS HAPPENED IN GA AND THE STATE PATROL DID THE POLICE REPORT.

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE — Filed 07/26/2019

WHILE CHECKING THE REAR VIEW MIRROR A 1998 CHEVY TRUCK CAME TP A SUDDEN STOP ON THE HIGHWAY, AND I COULD NOT MISS THE TRUCK THE DRIVER CLAIMED HE THOUGHT HE HAD MISSED HIS TURN, WHEN MY SUV COLLIDED WITH THE TRUCK. THE POWDER CAME OUT BUT THE AIRBAGS NEVER DID COME OUT,AND THE PASSENGER SEATBELT LOCKED.

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE — Filed 12/23/2018

TRAVELING ON STATE HIGHWAY 136 BETWEEN 50 AND 55MPH. THE LISTED VEHICLE STRUCK A DEER CAUSING SIGNIFICANT FRONT END DAMAGE. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THERE WAS A VERY STRONG ODOR SIMILAR TO GUN POWDER. THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND ON STAR CAME ON LINE IN THE CAR DUE TO CRASH SENSOR NOTIFICATION. HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE CAR SUSTAINED DAMAGE AS WELL AS THE RADIATOR. THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT QUARTER PANEL ALSO BUCKLED. IT IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME OF FURTHER DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED ENOUGH DAMAGE TO WHERE IT REQUIRED IT TO BE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP BODY SHOP FOR FURTHER EVALUATION. BASED ON THE FRONT END AND QUARTER PANEL DAMAGE, THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. THE LISTED VEHICLE IS THE ONLY VEHICLE INVOLVED WITH THE COLLISION. THE GEORGIA STATE PATROL INVESTIGATED AND COMPLETED A CRASH REPORT.

AIR BAGS — Filed 01/31/2018

I WAS DRIVING 9PM ON A CITY ST RD, COMING UP ON A MILE LIGHT THAT WAS RED. THE ROADS WERE DRY ON A 5 LANE RD. THERE WAS 1 CAR AHEAD OF MY CAR WITH THEIR BRAKE LIGHTS ON . ALTHOUGH NOT NOTED ON POLICE REPORT THE CAR WAS STOPPED APPROX 5 TO 7 CAR LENGTHS PRIOR TO THE RED LIGHT. I HAD BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN BUT DID NOT REALIZE THE DRIVER AHEAD WAS NOT SLOWING DOWN BUT STOPPED. I SWERVED TO THE RIGHT AND AS NOTED IN PICS BELOW THE DRIVERS SIDE OF CAR HIT THE OTHER DRIVERS PASSENGER BACK CORNER. I ENDED UP IN A PARKING LOT ON THAT CORNER. OTHER THEN THE MEDICAL TERM COOP TO COOP THAT ALSO AIDED IN MY HEAD INJURY, I ALSO HIT MY HEAD 2 TIMES AT MY HAIRLINE ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND THEN MY LEFT CHEEK. I WAS DIAGNOSED AND SUSTAINED A SEVERE CONCUSSION/ BRAIN TRAUMA. I WENT TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM TWICE FOR CARE OF WORSENING SYMPTOMS AND WAS INCAPACITATED AND OUT OF WORK FOR ABOUT 6 WKS. WHICH WAS STILL TO FAST TO RETURN, BUT I COULD NOT AFFORD BEING ON DISABILITY. FOLLOWING THE ACCIDENT THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE CITY TOW YARD, AND WAS ASSESSED WITHIN A WEEK BY THE INS ADJUSTER AS TOTAL LOSS. FROM THERE IT WAS TAKEN TO A JUNK SALVAGE BUSINESS. DUE TO MY INCAPACITATION I HAD NO MEANS TO LOOK INTO CONCERNS RELATED TO WHY THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I AM A NURSE PRACTITIONER THAT NOW HAS SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS, MIGRAINES, AND ATTENTION DEFICIT DUE TO THE BRAIN INJURY. I HAVE NO WAY OF FINDING OUT IF THE AIRBAG SENSORS WERE DEFECTIVE OR NOT BECAUSE, ALTHOUGH I'M ATTEMPTING TO TRACK THE CAR IT'S BEEN DIFFICULT, AND UNSURE OF MY RIGHTS TO THE CAR IF I CAN TRACK IT DOWN. THE BIGGER SURPRISE WAS THAT I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON MY 2018 GMC TERRAIN JUST TODAY, BUT HAVE NO ANSWERS ON THE 2017. PLEASE HELP IN ANYWAY WITH WHAT I SHOULD DO. SINCERELY *TR *JS

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 03/15/2018

VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE MOTOR RUNNING. REACHED OVER FROM THE PASSENGER SEAT AND TURNED THE MOTOR OFF. VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS. WAS ABLE TO TURN VEHICLE BUT UNFORTUNATELY BACKED INTO THE DOOR OF A PARKED TRUCK TURNING THE IGNITION OFF SHOULDN'T START THE VEHICLE TO MOVE.

AIR BAGS — Filed 03/01/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 GMC TERRAIN. WHILE DRIVING 32 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE STRUCK A PARKED VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND MOUTH, AND SUSTAINED A MILD CONCUSSION. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. IT WAS NOT DETERMINED WHETHER OR NOT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,850.