2018 GMC Terrain Complaints

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 09/28/2026

Without any type of warning, I was driving down the road when my car started making a knocking/ticking type noise then my engine light came on. I attempted to hit my brakes and stop, and I had no control. There was no brakes without pushing it all the way to the floor it was very hard to get my car to stop. I managed to get off the road and into a parking lot and now told that I have $5000 worth of repairs, including the vacuum pump, camshaft timing and guides. After reading information I see there is complaints filed regarding this failed vacuum pump and I would just like to report this.

STEERING,SUSPENSION — Filed 09/05/2026

Dear [Manufacturer], I am writing to report a serious safety concern with my [year, make, model]. A bolt from the idler arm/undercarriage came off after becoming severely rusted. I had the vehicle inspected by a repair shop, but they could not determine why the bolt failed or why it had rusted to this extent. This is extremely concerning because a failure of this component while driving could potentially result in loss of control and a serious accident. I am asking the manufacturer to investigate this issue and determine whether this is a known defect or corrosion-related problem. Please let me know if you would like to inspect the vehicle or failed component. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Year/Make/Model] [VIN] Sent from my iPhone

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — Filed 12/15/2024

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage at the residence, there was fuel leaking from the vehicle from the fuel line. The contact stated that the fuel pump was replaced. There was a strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V358000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure but stated that the repair was not covered because the VIN was not included in the recall.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 09/11/2026

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the brake pedal was firm and the "Service Brake Assist" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact used excessive force to depress the brake pedal while stopping the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the destination and parked. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a vacuum pump recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was scheduled for repair with an independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

Carry Handle, Shell, Base,Tether, Lower Anchor (on car seat or vehicle) — Filed 08/14/2026

I purchased an Evenflo Shyft Intuiti Travel System with a Revolve180 LiteMax NXT infant car seat. The car seat was manufactured on 03/27/2025, model TS100212542. I was notified by Amazon that the car seat was recalled due to a calibration issue with the level indicator that caused the product not to meet applicable federal performance requirements. I contacted Evenflo ParentLink regarding the recall and was informed that Evenflo would provide only a repair kit and would not provide a replacement or refund. Evenflo's proposed interim solutions include using the car seat without the rotating base, using a non-rotating base, or using the rotating base with a modified recline or a load leg. These alternatives do not provide an equivalent remedy for the product I purchased. I specifically purchased this infant seat because the base is designed to rotate. Both parents in our household have back problems, and the rotating feature was an important safety and usability consideration when placing our infant into the seat. Removing the rotating functionality or changing the installation configuration does not provide an equivalent product. Because I did not consider the proposed alternatives acceptable for safely and practically transporting my infant, I purchased a replacement rotating car seat. Amazon ultimately agreed to refund the recalled travel system and arrange pickup of the product. I am submitting this complaint because I believe the recall remedy should be evaluated to determine whether it provides an effective and reasonably equivalent solution to affected consumers, particularly when the recalled product's primary functionality is lost under the proposed interim solutions. I am not reporting a crash or injury.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 08/19/2026

Approximately 3 miles from my residence my car display flashed "Reduced Engine Power" and slowed down. When I reached a stop sign and tried to stop, my brakes were stiff and I was unable to stop. I went through the stop sign. I continued to my residence at 10mph and backed into a parking space with a curb to help stop my vehicle. I turned the car off and called a mechanic to come look at my car. I explained the events and let him know it would not start. He checked the codes after hooking it up. The error codes were for Cam shaft and crank shaft, etc. I was instructed to not try and start the car because further damage could occur and it would need the camshaft pulled to determine the extent of damage.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 08/19/2026

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while her son was driving 45 MPH, the brake pedal was firm while depressed. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, excessive force was needed on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The following day, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with an inoperable vacuum pump that was shredded and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 07/29/2026

While driving my 2018 GMC Terrain, the vehicle suddenly displayed an “Engine Power Reduced” warning and the brakes became extremely hard to press. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of normal power-brake assist while it was in motion, creating a serious safety risk because significantly greater pedal force was required to stop the vehicle. I was able to pull over safely. After stopping, the vehicle would crank but would not start. The vehicle was towed to a GMC dealership for inspection. The dealership documented that the vehicle had a suspected failed/broken vacuum pump, a damaged exhaust camshaft, and a damaged exhaust camshaft actuator. The dealership subsequently documented that the engine was severely sludged and stated that the sludge caused the vacuum pump to fail, which then caused the exhaust camshaft to twist and damage the exhaust camshaft actuator. The dealership’s written diagnosis recommends replacement of the exhaust camshaft, exhaust camshaft actuator, vacuum pump, and associated one-time-use parts. The dealership has also documented diagnostic trouble codes P0014 and P0017. The failed vacuum pump and related components should be available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has been inspected by a GMC dealership, which has documented the suspected vacuum pump failure and resulting engine damage. The sudden loss of power-brake assist occurred while the vehicle was being driven and created a potentially dangerous loss of braking capability. I am reporting this because I believe the failure of the vacuum pump and resulting loss of brake assist may represent a safety-related defect requiring investigation, particularly because the vehicle experienced a hard brake pedal without prior warning.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 08/02/2026

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was abnormally firm. The brake pedal was depressed to the floor, and the vehicle came to a stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,300.

AIR BAGS — Filed 03/13/2026

My car was t-boned on the driver side and no airbags deployed. The outer door and window exploded with the force. We were also hit from behind

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS — Filed 12/16/2024

The contact owned a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving and nearly coming to a complete stop in the right lane, another vehicle driving approximately 40-50 MPH crashed into the rear of the vehicle, causing the contact to hit her face against the steering wheel, and the contact became unconscious temporarily. The contact stated that upon regaining consciousness, the contact noticed that the vehicle had moved to the grass by the left lane of the road, where traffic was going in the opposite direction. It was unknown whether the vehicle was involved in a second collision. A message advising that an accident was detected and inquiring whether 911 should be contacted was displayed. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy, and the front driver's side seat belt failed to retract as needed. A bystander opened the driver's side door to verify that the contact was safe. The contact noticed that she was bleeding significantly and was unable to move the right shoulder and the neck. The emergency units assisted the contact out of the vehicle. The emergency units placed braces on the contact's neck and placed the contact on a stretcher. The contact was transported to the hospital, where the contact underwent X-rays and CT scans. The contact was informed that she had sustained a concussion, lumbar injuries, a fractured nose, loss of taste and smell, laceration on the inner and outer side of the bottom lip, carpal tunnel on the right hand, severe whiplash, laceration on the right shoulder, and a cut behind the right ear. The contact was in the process of undergoing MRIs. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and totaled, but was still under investigation. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed; however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 07/13/2024

I was in a car accident

AIR BAGS — Filed 12/27/2023

Head on collision with a deer destroying the front head light and severely damaging the drivers side door. No airbags were deployed.

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/08/2023

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!

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 09/05/2022

When trying to brake, brake pedal became extremely hard to push and Repair brake assist notification and check engine light came on

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 01/31/2021

MY 2018 GMC TERRAIN BRAKES DID NOT WORK WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT STOP LIGHTS WHICH CAUSED ME TO REAR END THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THERE WAS NO WARNING ON MY SUV NOR DID I RECEIVE A RECALL ON THIS MATTER. THIS HAPPENED TWICE TO ME IN THIS SAME VEHICLE WHERE THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND AT A LOW SPEED CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THIS ACCIDENT JUST HAPPENED TO CAUSE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 12/02/2020

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 TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL AND MISSED 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 POST. 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. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/08/2020

THE CAR KEEPS REVVING AND DOESN'T SHIFT INTO GEAR. YOU HAVE TO LIFT YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND GIVE IT A FEW SECONDS AND THEM PRESS IT AGAIN. HOWEVER WHEN YOU PRESS THE GAS AGAIN THE CAR JUMPS INTO GEAR CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO JERK EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT. IT EITHER REVS TOO HIGH OR IT FEELS LIKE IT DOWNSHIFTS. THIS LAST TIME, 9/8/20, I JUST REVERSED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY ONTO MY RESIDENTIAL STREET, GOING ABOUT 18 MPH WHEN THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO 2ND GEAR. WHEN IT JERKED INTO GEAR IT JERKED THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT CAUSED ME TO HIT A PARKED CAR JUST 4 DOORS DOWN FROM MY HOUSE, CAUSING $6000 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO MY TERRAIN LIKELY TOTALING THE 2010 COROLLA I HIT. I HAVE HAD A CLEAN DRIVING RECORD FOR 30 YEARS UNTIL NOW. GMC WILL NOT OWN FAULT AND NOW MY INSURANCE WILL GO UP AS WELL FOR SOMETHING THAT REALLY WAS NOT MY FAULT.

AIR BAGS — Filed 06/22/2020

I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT IN THE LEFT HAND TURN LANE. A TRUCK RAN THEIR RED LIGHT HITTING ANOTHER TRUCK SENDING BOTH OF THEM CRASHING INTO MY VEHICLE. THE FIRST TRUCK STRUCK THE FRONT BUMPER AT THE HEADLIGHT & SKID ALL THE WAY DOWN THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE THEN THE OTHER TRUCK WAS SLAMMED INTO THE SIDE OF MY VEHICLE. ALL THE DAMAGE WAS ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR. MY CAR WAS MOVED OVER INTO THE NEXT LANE BUT NO AIR BAGS WENT OFF. THIS HAPPENED ON A HWY WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 65. THE TRUCK RUNNING THE RED LIGHT WAS GOING AT LEAST THAT FAST AND NEVER HIT THEIR BRAKES. *TR

AIR BAGS — Filed 01/17/2020

WHEN THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG WENT OFF IT BURNED A HOLE THROUGH MY DAUGHTER'S COAT AND SHIRT CAUSING 2ND-3RD DEGREE BURNS.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/12/2019

SCREEN WENT BLACK AND WARNING CHIMES AND SEAT VIBRATION DID NOT GO OFF WHEN BACKING UP. HAD TO FILE A CLAIM WITH INSURANCE TO FIX MY DENTED BUMPER. I ALSO EXPERIENCE ISSUES WITH THE AUDIO BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. I AM NOT ABLE TO CHANGE THE SONG IN I AM ON APPLE PLAY AND THERE IS ALWAYS A DELAY WHEN CHANGING RADIO STATIONS.

STEERING,SUSPENSION — Filed 04/23/2019

THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN AND IN THE TURN THE OPERATOR LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING HER TO STRIKE A CURB THEN HEAD FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC. WHEN IT WAS ALL SAID AND DONE IT LOOKED LIKE THE BALL JOINT HAD FAILED CAUSING THE LOSS OF CONTROL. A BYSTANDER SAID HE HEARD A LOUD POP AND LOOKED UP AND WITNESSED THE VEHICLE SLIDE INTO THE CURB AND THEN SEE THE FRONT LEFT TIRE LOCK UP AND THE VEHICLE COME TO A STOP.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 07/01/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED. THE VENTS LOCATED NEAR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL EMITTED A STRONG BURNING ODOR WHEN THE HEATING SYSTEM OR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A STRONG VIBRATION THAT CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO VIBRATE. FURTHERMORE, WHEN THE REAR HATCH DOOR WAS CLOSED, THE REAR HATCH DOOR LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE HUB CLIPS SEPARATED. ON STAR PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH DIAGNOSTIC CASE NUMBER: 109309958. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RAINBOW NORTHSHORE BUICK GMC (2925 NORTH HIGHWAY 190, COVINGTON, LA 70433, (888) 494-1484) FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER ONLY CLEARED THE ON START CONNECTIVITY CODES AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A DEFECTIVE MODULE. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT HAVE A REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.

AIR BAGS — Filed 06/17/2018

THIS IS A COMPLAINT AGAINST RECALL N182155400. MY HUSBAND A CPD POLICE SERGEANT WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON JUNE 17, 2018 NB ON 111TH STREET (PUBLIC STREET) WHEN HE WAS HIT GOING 30 MPH BY AN UNLICENSED DRIVER HITTING HIM ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE: BUMPER/TIRE/DOOR. TO HIS DISMAY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. LUCKILY HE HAD HIS TAKE HOME RADIO IN THE CAR TO CALL FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANT. WE WERE NOT AWARE OF THE RECALL UNTIL WE RECEIVED THE ONSTAR JUNE DIAGNOSTIC REPORT ON JUNE 19, 2018 AND THEN A PHONE CALL ON JUNE 20, 2018 FROM GMC HAGGERTY TO SCHEDULE SERVICE FOR THE RECALL. UNFORTUNATELY, WE CANNOT ADDRESS THE RECALL SINCE THE GMC WILL BE IN THE AUTO SHOP FOR THE NEXT 2 WEEKS BEING REPAIRED. THIS EXPLAINS WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT - WHEN THEY ARE NEEDED THE MOST. WE FILED A CLAIM ONLINE WITH OUR INSURANCE D48 1451-D03-13B STATE FARM UNDER CLAIM NUMBER 13-01F8-89B ON JUNE 17, 2018. WE DO NOT HAVE ESTIMATES FROM THE AUTO SHOP AT THIS TIME.

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 01/31/2018

I PULLED INTO OUR CARPORT. IT FELT LIKE THE CAR JUST "SPED UP AND WENT FASTER AND FASTER." IT HIT THE FRONT OF THE CAR STRAIGHT ON. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED NOR DID THE FRONT END COLLISION STOP HAPPEN.