How many problems does the 2016 GMC Terrain have?

The 2016 GMC Terrain currently has 140 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2016 GMC Terrain?

The most common problems reported for the 2016 GMC Terrain are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2016 GMC Terrain problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2016 GMC Terrain comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

2016 GMC Terrain Problems

VISIBILITY/WIPER

44 complaints

The windshield wipers quit working while driving during a down pour; some piece to the motor broke. This can cause severe injuries and even death due to the fact that it caused me to not be able to see where I was going and what was around me and could have driven off a high ramp. It hasn’t been inspected by anyone yet. There were no signs, warnings, or messages stating a failure may occur. This issue is available for review if requested until I get the car in for repairs. Will request to keep the part that is repaired Incase it’s needed for review after the fact.

Sep 10, 2025

The windshield wipers became inoperable due to a ball joint failure within the wipers. The parts are available for inspection. The safety of myself and others were put at risk as it was raining heavily after sundown and I could no longer see through my windshield due to the rain not being cleared off by windshield wipers. The visibility issue could have caused an accident, especially if the car in front of me had slammed on breaks. The problem has not been addressed by a dealer but I will be doing that in the following weeks. No one has inspected the component. I did not get any warning lamps or messages. The wipers just immediately stopped.

Jul 28, 2025

I was driving on an interstate highway. I entered a construction zone restricted to two lanes.(one each way). It began to rain very hard, after a short time of starting the front windshield wipers; both stopped. There was a total failure of both wipers with out any warning and a total loss of vision due to a rain covered windshield. Due to the restricted traffic lanes in the interstate construction zone there was no shoulder on either side to pull off onto and no way to exit the interstate traffic flow for several miles. I was able to avoid a crash and exit the interstate after several miles. With a different driver, slightly different circumstances or a little less luck it would have resulted in LOSS of LIFE!!!! The cause was failure of the wiper arm linkage more specifically the ball broke off of the wiper motor arm. THIS APPEARS TO BE THE SAME FAILURE THAT CAUSED A RECALL TO BE ISSUED FOR PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS OF THE GMC TERAIN. The parts are available for inspection.

Jun 24, 2025

Windshield wipers stopped working during a downpour. Lucky I was able to make it home safely but took time. Checked fuses, nothing wrong there. Can hear something running so assume motor is OK, but linkage may have broken. Will have to take to mechanic

Jun 14, 2025

The front windshield wipers suddenly stopped working while I was driving on the freeway in moderate rainfall on [XXX]. I wasn't able to see through the windshield. I will call GMC in Roseville MN on Monday, June 9, 2025 to request a service date. I waited until the rain was lighter, so I could drive from Willow River Rest Area to Moose Lake, 19 miles. It was inspected at the repair shop, Federated Co-Ops Moose Lake 017, 100 Arrowhead Ln, Moose Lake, MN 55767. (218) 485-4409. He didn't have the part to make the repair on June 6, 2025. His note: Removed engine plastic trim and wiper transmission. socket on wiper transmission popped off. reinstalled. recommend new wiper transmission. There were no prior indications or issues with the wipers not functioning properly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Jun 08, 2025

+ 39 more complaints for this component

ENGINE

28 complaints

Excess Oil consumption

Jul 07, 2025

My vehicle started shaking & stalling really badly out of nowhere on April 18, 2025. Had to have it towed to GMC dealership. They said the engine was showing low compression. Got timely oil changes and everything on this engine. The check engine light nor any other warning light ever came on when this happened. After some research, the engine in my car, the 2.4 L engine on the 2014 - 2017 models of the GMC Terrain has known defects which although GMC has known about, they have done nothing to address the issue. There was no prior warning that the engine was failing. It was very sudden and I was in traffic when this happened putting both my safety and the safety of other drivers and pedestrians in danger.

May 16, 2025

My 2016 GMC Terrain exhibited the excessive oil consumption outlined in both of the following Special Coverage Adjustment bulletins. In addition to the excessive oil consumption, the oil light and oil pressure warnings never gave any indication that there was an issue or that the oil was low. This ended in the engine shaking the whole car, jerking it forward when stopped, and causing the engine to seize and need replacing. GMC customer service has refused to acknowledge this issue, stating that until the government tells them to issue a recall, they can't do anything to fix my vehicle. GM acknowledged the issue for model years 2010 - 2013 (+2014 later) and alleged that they made production changes in 2013 that fixed the issue. From the experience with my vehicle and the posts on multiple consumer websites by other GM owners, it is clear that they did NOT fix the issue and that there are hundreds of owners of GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox vehicles with the 2.4L engines that have had this problem and have lost all the value in their vehicles as a result (or had to pay up to $10,000 for a new engine.) [XXX] [XXX] Class action lawsuit about previous model years: [XXX] v. General Motors INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

May 06, 2025

I am reporting excessive oil consumption in my 2016 GMC Terrain with the 2.4L Ecotec engine. The vehicle burns through an abnormal amount of oil between routine oil changes, often requiring additional oil changes without any visible leaks or dashboard warnings until the oil level is dangerously low. This issue has been diagnosed by a certified GMC dealership, but the repair was not covered under warranty. I’ve learned this is a known and widespread defect related to faulty piston rings and PCV system issues in this engine model, which has led to engine damage or failure in many cases. GMC has not issued a recall for my VIN, and my request for goodwill assistance was denied despite the safety risk of low oil pressure and potential engine failure while driving. I believe this issue poses a safety concern and warrants formal investigation and potential recall expansion.

May 06, 2025

I was driving my vehicle to the gym when I noticed it was driving weird, it would not accelerate like normal, was having a hard time getting going and was making a weird noise. I had just put some oil in the car because we had known for a little while that it had a problem with burning oil because of the make and model (as told by other mechanics previously), when I got to the gym I heard a pop noise and the car stalled on me, I eventually got it started up again after 2 hours of being stranded at the gym. The next day I had to drive 40 minutes away for nursing school Clincial where on the way home it was back to driving weird and making a loud horrible noise from the engine. I was only 5 minutes from home when it was really bad and once there I noticed the burning smell from the engine. When I checked the oil level after an hour and half of cooling down I could not get any oil reading on the dipstick, after adding almost 4 quarts there was still no reading on the dipstick. We finally drove the car to my mechanic (8 minutes away) and it was already back to making the loud noise, having trouble accelerating, and producing the foul odor. I was told the PCV was restricted and caused the engine to over pressurize and that lead to the Main Rear bursting and all the oil in my car being thrown over the entire underside and probably the roads. They also checked the oil filter in the car to see if the engine itself was salvageable, where they found metal flakes in the oil filter and deemed the engine failed and are saying the engine needs replaced in order to fix the car I’ve had for 15 months… I’m still paying this car off and I have only driven it for less than 17,000 miles. It is a 2016 GMC terrain that only has 91k miles, I truly hope GM makes this right seeing as so many have come with the same exact problem due to poor design and vehicle quality. My car has had regular oil changes and I check the oil every week because of the prior burning problem.

Jan 16, 2025

+ 23 more complaints for this component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

9 complaints

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Feb 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Jan 17, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted twice. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Nov 14, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms remedy not yet available.

Aug 16, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Aug 08, 2022

+ 4 more complaints for this component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 complaints

the radio / back up camera and close object display goes on and off intermittently. If backing up all vision and warnings are lost. Unit is no longer available and is obsolete and discontinued by GMC. This was determined and tested at the dealer Cappalino GMC.

Jun 05, 2024

Transmission, hesitates when your at stop and try to accelerate, cars starts shaking, felling like your driving on cobblestone

Nov 26, 2021

AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM HAS WATER AND FREEZES IN THE WINTER CAUSING IT TO FREEZE AND PRESSURE BUILDS UP IN THE ENGINE

Feb 15, 2021

TRANSMISSION FIRST TO SECOND HAS A HARD SHIFT, THIS HAPPENS A LOT WITH THE SUV HAVING 33,106 MILES

Sep 14, 2020

THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SCREEN HAS WENT BLACK AND SAYS REBOOTING AS I WAS DRIVING. THEN ONE DAY AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE AND PUT IT IN DRIVE TO GO, THE SCREEN WENT BLACK AND STAYED BLACK ALL THE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. WHEN I PUT IT IN PARK, SHUT IT OFF AND RESTART IT GOES BACK TO NORMAL. I HAVE HAD ISSUES USING THE USB PORT INSIDE THE ARMREST AS WELL. IF I PLUG IN MY MP3 PLAYER AND THE CORD GETS BUMPED IT SHUTS OFF AND SOMETIMES I CANNOT GET IT TO COME BACK ON.

Jan 27, 2019

+ 2 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS

5 complaints

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, a second vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle. During the crash, the vehicle sustained severe damage to the front passenger side, but no air bags inside the cabin of the vehicle deployed. The driver of the other vehicle reported no injuries, and the air bags in her vehicle did deploy. The contact was transported from the scene of the crash to the local hospital with multiple injuries that included a head contusion and burn, left knee contusion, right hand, and right foot contusions. A police report was taken at the scene, and the vehicle was towed to the local collision center. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 129,000.

Dec 17, 2025

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

The contact owned a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while making a right turn, a Dodge Ram truck ran through a stop sign causing the contact to crash into the truck head-on. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact's daughter arrived at the scene and transported him to the local hospital to be evaluated for brain, neck, left-hand fingers, swollen right leg, and back pain injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed but the police report number was not available. The vehicle was towed to a salvage junkyard. The dealer was not contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000.

Jun 11, 2024

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

The OBD airbag deployment sensor is displayed. The GM dealership service center advised the airbag may not deploy in the event of an accident. The service center advised that we would need to pay for the airbag and sensor to be replaced / repaired regardless of the ACRO agreement to replace and repair airbags. This is unacceptable and a danger to all drivers or passengers of the vehicle. It appears several other complaints have been filed where drivers or passengers were injured due to this issue.

Feb 13, 2024

Got into a collision where I T-boned the other vehicle at 40 mph and NO airbags deployed. Passenger was thrown into the dash and knees went into the glove box and driver hit the steering wheel

Aug 15, 2021

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR BEGAN FLASHING. WEBSMART AUTO CREDIT (1225 W RIDGE RD, ROCHESTER, NY 14615, 585-349-3713) INDICATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.

May 02, 2019

POWER TRAIN

4 complaints

On or around August 15th I was in traffic and my 2016 GMC TERRAIN just shut off in the middle off traffic almost causing the car behind me to hit me is the rear. I got it started and then slowed down for a car that was turning in frount of me and it shut off again almost causing another car to rear end me. There where no warning light no warning at all just shut off I called a flat bed and it was taken to Clintscales Chevrolet in Belton Sc. They have informed me that it is a problem with the timing chain causing me to need a new motor. I have done research and it shows Gm has had problems with this problem in numerous engines in this year. This is so dangerous it puts life's in danger by shutting of in traffic with no warning at all.

Aug 28, 2025

Code p0700 was indicated at a professional transmission shop. My vehicle started driving different. It is a scary feeling. I have a ten year old daughter who I commute to school and safety is the utmost of importance. I don't want to have a accident in a vehicle I recently purchased for safety and end up having to look for another vehicle because of a total loss accident or a transmission problem that would cost a lot of money I don't have. My fear is the gears slipping as I drive my daughter to school. I got a quote of close to 3,000 $ to have the transmission rebuild or fixed. Money that I don't have to give a shop for a vehicle I purchased to not have problems like this. I called GMC to make an appointment to perform a transmission flush. The p0700 code indicates TCM failure. This is a very nerve wrecking situation. Please help me .

Sep 28, 2024

NEEDS A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER OR POSSABLY THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION

May 04, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL INDEPENDENTLY AND FAILED TO CHANGE GEARS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50. UPDATED 08/17/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WENT INTO NEUTRAL AND SHE HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHEN THE CONSUMER PARKED THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. UPDATED 10/26/16.*JB

Jun 23, 2016

STEERING

4 complaints

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.

Sep 09, 2024

Power steering failure and don't walk anymore, had to push my GMC Terrain. The light came on that says POWER STEERING FAILED. Contact service. It can't go any further.

Sep 25, 2022

MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO CHECK AND FORA OUR 6 MONTHS BEFORE THAT THE TIRES ALWAYS NEEDED AIR. I TOOK THE CAR TO BE EXAMINE AND THEY SAID IT WAS MY TIRES, CHANGED THEM AND THE WHEEL WAS SEMI BETTER, HAD A FULL EXAMINATION DONE , ALIGNMENT , ROTATION AND BRAND NEW TIRES. PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHEEL STILL REMAIN AND I AM WORRY FOR MY SAFETY AND THE PEOPLE IN THE CAR WITH ME. I DRIVE A LOT ON HIGHWAYS FOR WORK. *TR

Jun 11, 2020

STEERING WILL NOT RETURN TO CENTER UNDER HARD ACCELERATION. TESTED CHEVEY EQUINOX WITH V-6 AND HYDRAULIC STEERING SYSTEM PRODUCED THE SAME RESULTS. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY PROBLEM WHEN INEXPERIENCED DRIVER OPERATES VEHICLE AS THE VEHICLE CONTINUES IN THE DIRECTION OF THE TURN. THESE VEHICLES ARE VERY QUICK ADD CAN CAUSE SEVERE DAMAGE TO VEHICLES/PEDESTRIANS IF NOT AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. AT PRESENT DEALER HAS NOT REPAIRED/SOLVED PROBLEM AND STATED IT IS NOT THAT SEVERE.OF A PROBLEM

Apr 03, 2018

VISIBILITY

3 complaints

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield became foggy. The driver rolled down the windows to clear the windshield and the glass; however, the windshield became foggier. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and clear the windshield by hand. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the windshield was collecting excessive moisture from the air inside the vehicle but was unable to provide a specific diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.

Aug 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed in inclement weather, the windshield wipers failed to operate. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a screw was replaced; however, the failure recurred. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Sep 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving in the rain, the windshield wipers failed to operate as needed without warning. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that an abnormal, cracking sound was coming from the windshield wipers when she attempted to activate them. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where he repaired the windshield wipers. The contact notified the manufacturer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

Nov 02, 2021

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

3 complaints

2016 GMC Terrain SLT, service engine light came on, vehicle stalled many times, restarted but drove and misfired, stalled again, was able to get it to repair garage who I trust. He checked code and said I had to put a complete timing chain kit. Total cost came to $992.36 and didn't have a vehicle for a week due to weekend and a holiday. The vehicle only had 30,763 miles on it at the time but was out of factory warrantee. Reading other customer complaints, this looks like an ongoing problem and I feel should warrant a recall. Additional info such as repair invoice is attached. Please reply when received and thank you for your time.

Oct 08, 2021

WHEN DRIVING THE CAR WILL NOT RESPOND CORRECTLY TO THE ACCELERATOR, DELAYED RESPONSE. THE CAR WILL ALSO NOT SHIFT CORRECTLY (AS THOUGHT YOU ARE SHIFTING MANUALLY). WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE'S GAUGES WILL JUMP UP AND DOWN FOLLOWED BY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS COMING ON. CAR WILL THEN GO INTO REDUCED POWER MODE. WHEN PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR THE ENGINE WILL REV AND THEN THE CAR SLAMS DOWN INTO 2ND GEAR. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN A GMC CERTIFIED GARAGE 7 TIMES AND OUT OF SERVICE WHILE IN THE GARAGE 40 DAYS AND COUNTING. NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS AT REPAIR HAVE OBVIOUSLY BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. GM IS REFUSING TO BY THE CAR BACK BECAUSE I BOUGHT IT AT PREMIER CHEVROLET GMC IN MORGANTOWN, WV USED WITH 27,768 MILES ON 2/5/17.

Aug 22, 2018

2016 GMC TERRAIN WILL SHOW THE CHECK ENGINE, TRACTION CONTROL AND SERVICE STABILITRAK LIGHTS AFTER GAUGES JUMP UP AND DOWN. VEHICLE WILL THEN GO INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN SUDDENLY SLAM INTO 2ND GEAR. THIS OCCURS AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED ON THE INTERSTATE, AS WELL AS, NORMAL ROADS. THE VEHICLE WILL THEN STAY IN 2ND GEAR AND WILL NOT GO INTO ANOTHER GEAR WHEN IT IS PLACED IN MANUAL EITHER. SOMETIMES, AFTER RESTARTING SEVERAL TIMES, IT WILL DRIVE NORMALLY. OTHER TIMES, IT WILL NOT START ONCE IT IS TURNED OFF. I HAVE HAD IT TO THE GARAGE FIVE TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH. THE STARTER WIRE AND STARTER RELAY HAVE BEEN REPLACED, LOOSE GROUND WIRE TIGHTENED, AND THE ECM REPLACED YET THE CAR CONTINUES TO REPEAT THE SAME CYCLE. CAR CURRENTLY HAS 53,300 MILES ON IT.

Jun 06, 2018

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaints

HUSBAND WAS TRAVELING UNDER 25 MPH UP HILL AND TWO VEHICLES AHEAD OF HIM ABRUPTLY STOPPED FOR UNKNOWN REASON WHICH RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT DOING THE SAME CAUSING MY HUSBAND HAVING TO HARD BRAKE. AS HE TRIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE THE BRAKES WOULDN'T RESPOND AND CAR KEPT ROLLING RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. THE ABS CONTROLLER FAILED

Dec 20, 2019

Crash: 1

WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE VEHICLE TAKES EXTREMELY LONG TIME TO PROPERLY STOP. BRAKES FEEL SOFT AND FADE WHEN APPLIED AND I HAVE NEARLY STRUCK VEHICLES FROM THE REAR SEVERAL TIMES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT, NO OBVIOUS DEFECT WERE FOUND BY THE MECHANIC. I FEAR THAT THE BRAKES ARE NOT PROPERLY FUNCTIONING IN THIS VEHICLE AND IT IS A FACTORY DEFECT.

Sep 16, 2019

I HAD A TEMPORARY BRAKE FAILURE AT 25MPH WITH A HARD BRAKE. I HAD A CAR PULL OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND I HAD TO HARD BRAKE. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOFT AND WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WITH NO BRAKING UNTIL IT WAS ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND IT FINALLY WORKED WITH A SUDDEN STOP/JOLT. WHEN THIS HAPPENED IT MADE A LOW SORT OF ALMOST VIBRATION SOUND. I DID NOT FEEL A VIBRATION IN THE BRAKE PEDAL THOUGH. THE BRAKES WORKED WELL BEFORE THAT AND AFTER THAT. IF THE BRAKE WOULD HAVE NOT SUDDENLY GRABBED WHEN THE PEDAL WAS TO THE FLOOR I WOULD HAVE HIT THE CAR. I WAS GOING ABOUT 25MPH. I KNOW WHAT IT SOUNDS AND FEELS LIKE TO HAVE WORN BRAKES AND ROTORS. THIS WAS NOT IT. AGAIN IT WAS A TEMPORARY FAILURE AND AFTER THAT THE BRAKES ARE THEIR NORMAL FIRMNESS AND RESPONSIVENESS. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD AS IT VERY UNPREDICTABLE.

Apr 15, 2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO ED RINKE CHEVROLET BUICK GMC ON 12/27/18, BECAUSE MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW SOMETIMES HESITATES WHEN I TRY TO ROLL IT UP AND DOWN OR JUST GETS STUCK AND DOES NOT MOVE AT ALL. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR PARKED. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS ISSUE WAS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 47,455 MILES ON IT AND IT WOULD BE $99 FOR THEM TO CHECK IT OUT. I PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED A 2006 GMC ENVOY WHICH I STILL OWN AND THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS DOING THE SAME THING PRETTY EARLY AFTER I PURCHASED IT. I ENDED UP HAVING TO PAY OVER $400 TO GET IT FIXED AND LATER ON FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THAT ISSUE (DRIVER'S DOOR CONTROL PANEL.) I BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT IN THE TERRAIN AND L THINK IT SHOULD BE REPAIRED WITH NO COST TO ME. PLEASE CHECK AND SEE IF OTHER VEHICLE OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM AS WELL. I AM HOPING THIS ISSUE CAN BE REPAIRED AND I AM ABLE TO PROPERLY ROLL MY WINDOW UP AND DOWN IN THE COLD WEATHER WE ARE EXPERIENCING NOW......THAN YOU

Jan 04, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC TERRAIN. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE, IT FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (SULLER GMC LOCATED IN FARMINGTON HILLS, MICHIGAN) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT RODENTS HAD EATEN THE ELECTRICAL WIRES. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS PRODUCED USING SOY BASED MATERIALS, WHICH ATTRACTED RODENTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000. UPDATED 09/06/17*LJ *JS

Aug 04, 2017

THE DIGITAL CLOCK DOES NOT KEEP ACCURATE TIME, EVEN WHEN IT IS RESET. EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS STARTED THE CLOCK IS SEVERAL HOURS OFF. THE DEALER THAT SOLD US THE VEHICLE CLAIMS THIS IS DUE TO THE FACT WE DO NOT HAVE AN ONSTAR SUBSCRIPTION. I CONTACTED BOTH GM AND ONSTAR, AND BOTH STATED THE CLOCK ISSUE IS NOT RELATED IN ANY WAY TO ONSTAR

Oct 10, 2016

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

Fuil tank is leaking from the top of the fuil tank.

Dec 06, 2024

Multiple brake lines have corroded out of the gas tank. This caused gas to slowly leak from the vehicle . Not available for inspection - currently being fixed. Dealer confirmed multiple lines corroding. It has been inspected by a certified dealer, Golling in Chelsea, Michigan. There was no warning. Initially smelled gas, but could not pinpoint where it was coming from. Eventually the leak became so large that gas usage was excessive and smell was very strong.

May 17, 2023

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

2 complaints

The contact owned a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while at a red light, the vehicle was struck from the rear which resulted in the vehicle being pushed forward and crashing into the vehicle in front. None of the air bags deployed. The front driver side seatbelt did not retract however the front passenger side did function as designed during the impact. In addition, the driver hit their head on the steering wheel during the impact. After the impact, the "reset airbag" warning message was displayed. The contact and his wife sustained bruising and contusions. Both injured sought medical treatment and went to the Emergency Room. A police report was filed and the vehicle was towed to a tow lot, then the following day the insurance towed it to an insurance lot where it was determined to be destroyed. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

Jul 28, 2021

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

WE OWN A 2016 GMC TERRAIN. MY WIFE REAR ENDED A FORD EXPEDITIONS. THIS LOW SPEED IMPACT CAUSED ALMOST 17000 DOLLARS OF DAMAGE AND THE SEAT BELT OR AIR BAGS NEVER WENT OFF. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS IS NORMAL OR IS GM COVERING UP FAULTY SAFETY EQUIPMENT.

Oct 14, 2016

Crash: 1

WHEELS

2 complaints

I'VE BEEN NOTICING THAT DRIVING IN THE SNOW THE THE WHEELS LOCK UP UP ESPECIALLY WHEN I AN TAKING A TURN. I BROUGHT THIS BACK TO CARMAX WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHIC AND THEY STATED THAT THIS IS NORMAL AND THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY ANTILOCK BRAKES.

Mar 20, 2019

THE TIRES ON THE CAR LOSE AIR PRESSURE VERY QUICKLY, EVEN WHEN THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF AIR PRESSURE IS ADDED. THE CAR CAN SET IN THE GARAGE FOR A FEW DAYS AND ONE TIRE MAY HAVE LOW AIR PRESSURE AND I FILL IT UP TO 32 PSI. A WEEK OR LESS LATER, ANOTHER TIRE WILL HAVE LOW AIR PRESSURE AND SO ON. THIS IS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE WITH OTHER GM SUV'S I'VE OWNED.

Jul 27, 2018

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

RANDOM AND UNPREDICTABLE FROZEN PASSENGER DOOR. WILL NOT OPEN MANUALLY OR ELECTRICALLY. CAN NOT OPEN !!!!!. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF CONSTANT LOCKING AND UN-LOCKING DOOR HAS RELEASED. HAS HAPPEN FOUR TIMES SINCE PURCHASE IN 2016

Jan 10, 2019

NOTICED BLACK FLUID ON LIFTGATE FRAME. SEVERAL DAYS LATER I HAD GREAT DIFFICULTY RAISING THE HATCH. WHEN I RELEASED IT THE GATE FELL VIOLENTELY INJURING MY HAND. IT APPEARS BOTH PISTONS FAILED. MY CONCERN IS THAT HAD THE GATE BEEN IN THE RAISED POSITION AND IT FELL, MYSELF OR A FAMILY MEMBER WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE GATE IS EXTREMELY HEAVY. MY DEALER DID NOT RECOGNIZE THE URGENCY OF THIS PROBLEM NOW MAKING ME WAIT NEARLY A WEEK FOR REPAIR. VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVE AT THE TIME.

Aug 17, 2017

Injuries: 1

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

I was driving my morning commute to work, when I came upon a stop light. I was pressing the brakes and the brakes failed to engage which caused me to hit a car in front of me. I did not have any warnings that the brakes were defective. The warning on the dash did not indicate that there was anything wrong with brakes. I had my set belt, was going the speed limit and my brakes just gave out. I have injury’s to my arms, shoulder, neck, and head. The other vehicle driver was not hurt. Thank the Lord.

Sep 05, 2025

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

AIR BAGS,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

consumption of oil! I got my oil changed January 1, 2025. It is now February 1. I have driven less than 500 miles. I had no oil. I have no Leaks or anything wrong. The car just consumes . I have had to have 6 oil changes in the past 3 months. Shop after shop. Has said it just consumes oil and this vehicle is trash. I noticed there was also a lawsuit against it. If you do not put a recall out on my vehicle ASAP, I am going to file a personal lawsuit and sue the hell out of you! For your scam! Somebody better give me a call immediately. Or set me up at my local GMC dealer to fix this issue. I better be expecting a notice in my mailbox or an appointment for a free fix and this better be a recall immediately! Or you’re asking for another lawsuit! I was told my car could blow up. With my kids and it could kill us! You better fix this immediately!!!!!!!

Feb 01, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

Back right tail light filling with water when it rains. Affecting electrical wires and water dripping into back cargo. No cracks or damage found on tail light.

Aug 26, 2024

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

While the key is still in the ignition (first time, vehicle was running; second time, vehicle was off), the car doors locked without any one pushing the button to lock the doors.

May 17, 2024

ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE

1 complaint

The engine - My engine blew because oil evaporated out of the #1 cyclinder, which drained the oil. No warning lights went on and the vehicle stalled in the middle of rush hour traffic. The dealership told me it was because of a factory defect, but no recall on that part of the vehicle. This could have been much worse if the vehicles behind me were going faster than they were and not able to stop before rear ending me. Because this was a factory defect it should have been recalled and I should have been notified of this problem when I bought the vehicle.

Oct 16, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

1 complaint

Thermostat/coolant sensor malfunctioning causing engine fan to constantly run as if the engine is over heating. Some engine exhaust door/flap is stuck open or closed causing check engine light to come on. And or the actuators doors are broken causing windows to fog and obstruct view. Not sure what would cause this issue but I have had to have work done on my vehicle twice for this issue within 3 years.

Mar 31, 2023

PARKING BRAKE,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in a driveway on a hill, the contact heard an abnormal snap and the vehicle started to roll down the hill through the neighbor’s yard, and then into the woods. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed from the scene. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,780.

Oct 14, 2022

SEAT BELTS,SEATS

1 complaint

Seats ripped at seams. Seat belts came unattached at base and at buckel with a newborn baby in seat

Sep 15, 2022

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the stability track warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle however, the warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the electronic brake control module replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Dec 28, 2021

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

I was leaving the area of Hiram and my car started running different and you could hear a taping noise. I drove it to the GMC dealer down the street and they said it was the timing chain. I recently had an oil change and I was wondering if that could be the problem. The dealer gave me no recommendations or indications that I needed to change belts or components and my service engine light has never came on.

Nov 04, 2021

STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

The engine light comes on, then "service stabiltrak light" comes on. It starts by making it difficult to accelerate at a red stop light when it changes green. When turning a corner, because there is no quick acceleration, it has caused near miss accidents. As time goes on it becomes worse. I have lost power on the expressway and have to pull over. I have brought this car in several times and GMC has not made any repairs. It is scary when a semi is rolling behind you and you can't accelerate to get out of the way. This is a safety issue. I have received no help from GMC.

Oct 06, 2021

AIR BAGS,SEATS

1 complaint

Passenger seat occupied sensor not sensing passenger. Have light come on saying service air bag. Was told that if in an accident and I have a passenger in the front. The airbags would not deploy.

Sep 28, 2021

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

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.

Apr 01, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

1 complaint

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.

Feb 24, 2021

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

1 complaint

LESS THAN 62,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS GONE OUT. AFTER SEARCHING TO ORDER THE PARTS, I NOTICED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS COME UP ACROSS NUMEROUS WEBSITES WHERE OWNERS STATE THAT THEIR VEHICLES TRANSMISSION HAS DIED AROUND 60,000 MILES. THIS TELLS ME GMC IS AT LEAST AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND SHOULD ENACT A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE PARTS SHOULD BE COVERED BY GMC.

Oct 19, 2020

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

I HAVE HAD A RECURRING ISSUE WITH MY ACCELERATOR ASSEMBLY ON MY 2016 GMC TERRAIN DENALI. THE GM PART NUMBER IS 84022579. THE INITIAL PEDAL ASSEMBLY BROKE AT 26,722 MILES, WHEN THE CAR WAS ONLY 18 MONTHS OLD. THE PART WAS REPLACED, UNDER WARRANTY, AT A CERTIFIED GM DEALER. THE ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN ANOTHER 18 MONTHS LATER. UNFORTUNATELY GM ONLY CERTIFIES THE PART FOR 12 MONTHS AND 12,000 MILES, SO I HAD TO PAY FOR THE SECOND PEDAL ASSEMBLY OUT OF POCKET. THE SECOND REPAIR WAS ALSO DONE AT A CERTIFIED GMC DEALERSHIP. THIS RECURRING HISTORY OF ISSUES IS A CLEAR INDICATION THAT GM IS USING A FAULTY PART IN THIS VEHICLE,WHICH CREATES A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE FOR DRIVERS. WHEN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY BREAKS DOWN, IT AUTOMATICALLY PUTS THE CAR INTO LOW ENGINE POWER MODE. IF YOU ARE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY, YOUR SPEED WILL SUDDENLY DROP FROM 70 MPH TO 25 MPH IN A MATTER OF SECONDS. FURTHER, THERE IS ESSENTIALLY NO ABILITY TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE CAR IS IN LOW POWER MODE. THE OTHER SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE IS THAT EVENTUALLY THE CAR WILL GO BACK TO NORMAL AFTER A FEW MORE DAYS/USES. THE ENGINE LIGHT WILL GO OFF AND GIVE YOU THE IMPRESSION THAT THE ISSUE NO LONGER EXISTS, OR WAS A FALSE ALARM. THEN IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING. I HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE HAPPEN TO ME ON 7 DIFFERENT OCCASSIONS, IN A VARIETY OF DRIVING CONDITIONS (HIGHWAY, CITY, FREEWAY, ETC). I'VE SPENT THE PAST 5 WEEKS WORKING WITH GMC CUSTOMER SERVICE TRYING TO GET A RESOLUTION. THEY HAVE INDICATED THAT THEY DO NOT THINK THIS IS A FAULTY PART, AND HAVE NOT PROVIDED ANY ASSISTANCE. THEY ARE IGNORING THE FACTS AND HISTORY OF MY CASES, INCLUDING MULTIPLE GMC CERTIFIED DIAGNOSES CONFIRMING THAT THE SAME PART CONTINUES TO BREAK. I WOULD ENCOURAGE NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER AND HOLD GM ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS. IT CREATES SIGNIFICANT SAFETY RISKS FOR DRIVERS, AND IMPOSES SIGNIFICANT COSTS ON DRIVERS.

Apr 01, 2020

STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

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

Jan 29, 2020

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE

1 complaint

I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MY VEHICLE WHEN ON THREE SEPERATE OCCASIONS THE SERVICE STABILITRAK MESSAGE FLASHED ON THE DIC AND I LOST ENGINE POWER. ONE OF THE TIMES THIS HAPPENED I WAS ON A ROAD WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 55 AND THE ISSUE ALMOST CAUSED A VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO ME. THE MESSAGE GOES AWAY AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES. I TRIED TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE AND WAS TOLD THEY CANT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM SO NOW I DONT EVEN BOTHER TRYING TO HAVE THEM FIX IT. HOW CAN A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE LIKE THIS NOT BE FIXED BY GM!!

May 21, 2019

SUSPENSION,WHEELS

1 complaint

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.

Aug 16, 2018

2016 GMC Terrain Problems & Complaints

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