Owners have filed 385 complaints
about the 2014 GMC Terrain with NHTSA between 2014 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 17 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 75
Against the median year of the GMC Terrain. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 20
3.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 40
23% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
197.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
93.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
135.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2710.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4819.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
6927.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
5622.7%
150,000+ miles
62.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2014peak 11Feb 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2014 GMC Terrain
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA19005Opened 13 Dec 2019Closed 28 Nov 2022VISIBILITY
Front Wiper Transmission Inoperative
On December 13, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) upgraded RQ18-002 to an Engineering Analysis (EA19-005) to further assess the MY2010-2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain windshield wiper failures. Due to a prior recall, 16V-582, addressing this issue in the MY2013 subject vehicles, MY2013 was not included in the analysis. To date, ODI had received 998 complaints with allegations of the front windshield wiper failing in adverse whether conditions, while the vehicle was in motion.General Motors (GM) initiated Safety Recall 16V-582 on August 3, 2016 to address windshield wiper f...
RQ18002Opened 2 Nov 2018Closed 19 Dec 2019VISIBILITY
Windshield Wiper Transmission Failure
On November 2, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ18-002) to assess the scope of Recall 16V-582.General Motors (GM) initiated Safety Recall 16V-582 on August 3, 2016 to address windshield wiper failure in the Model Year (MY) 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. Failures were attributed to water and debris intrusion into the windshield wiper assembly ball joints, leading to excessive wear and eventual detachment of the affected ball joint with an attendant loss of windshield wiper function. The recall remedy addressed these conditions with the installati...
Recalls on the 2014 GMC Terrain
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201813715,611 units in Canada
Visual System
In certain vehicles, water may drain from the windshield cowl area onto the windshield wiper transmission link joints. Over time, this could result in corrosion and/or wear to the joint, which could result in the separation of the wiper link ball from its corresponding socket. If separation were to occur, the windshield wipers could become inoperative, which could limit the driver's visibility under certain operating conditions and increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will relocate drain holes in the windshield cowl and install a wiper module with revised joints. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2016-318 to include vehicles originally sold or registered in the province of British Columbia.
Recall 2016318141,407 units in Canada
Visual System
In certain vehicles registered and operated in areas where road salt is used on the roadways during winter months for extended time periods (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland-Labrador), water may drain from the windshield cowl area onto one of the windshield wiper transmission link joints. Over time, this could result in corrosion and/or wear to the joint, which could result in the separation of the wiper link ball from its corresponding socket. If separation were to occur, the windshield wipers could become inoperative, which could limit the driver’s visibility under certain operating conditions which may increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will relocate drain holes in the windshield cowl and install a wiper module with revised joints.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 80,000 milesAugusta, GACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light a vehicle one rear-ended the vehicle. This caused the contact to crash into in front of her. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact sustained back and neck injuries. Medical attention was needed. Additionally, the driver of vehicle three received medical attention with unknown injuries. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11541344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianola, IACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
None of the Airbags deployed in my 2014 GMC TERRIAN when I was in an accident.was struck very hard on rear passenger side spun around and hit a tree head one.
NHTSA complaint #11463700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Peru, INCrash3 injured
SEAT BELTS
I was in a pretty nasty single vehicle accident. I had my seatbelt on and it DID NOT LOCK on impact as should. It was like I didn’t even have a seatbelt on. I had free range of motion which meant I was pretty much just being bounced around with the airbags and could of went through the windshield it was that bad.
NHTSA complaint #11461745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarkton, NCFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlights- melted plug causing fire damage on both headlights, replaced with new headlights and bulbs as well as a new wire harness plug. Was driving smelt smoke/wires burning. Wipers- stop preforming during rain storm Southeastern NC on hwy 701 south on 3-24-22. And still does not work. Maybe be associated with older model terrain recall. Same happen to this model.
NHTSA complaint #11458141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarkton, NCFire
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Headlights- melted plug causing fire damage on both headlights, replaced with new headlights and bulbs as well as a new wire harness plug. Was driving smelt smoke/wires burning. Wipers- stop preforming during rain storm Southeastern NC on hwy 701 south on 3-24-22. And still does not work. Maybe be associated with older model terrain recall. Same happen to this model.
NHTSA complaint #11458141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raymore, MOCrash
AIR BAGS
The front passenger airbag activated but did not deploy during a front end crash. There was a puff of smoke and it smelled like the airbag deployed but it did not. The vehicle also showed “service air bag” on the information area of the dash display. The hazards came on and would not turn off as well.
NHTSA complaint #11429548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Wyoming, MI
ENGINE
My husband just did an at home oil change on the car not long before the incident. Unfortunately my car was barely under 3,000 miles since the oil change and we were going to change the oil again when my engine died mid drive on the way home. There was no oil in the car due to high oil consumption and no coolant either. High oil consumption was not reported and not disclosed to me before and a broken guide for my timing chain leading to total engine failure just after I started to exit the highway. Had my car died any sooner I would have crashed. Or wrecked with another vehicle. GMC and the dealership I got the car from did not properly disclose this safety risk to me when I purchased the car and no recall information was ever sent out. The high oil consumption causing engine failure has been a part of a class action lawsuit for these vehicles before and THAT was not disclosed to me either at any point. No notifications of low oil or other issues aside from a check engine light came on for my vehicle when I was driving. I dont know how fast I was going as I was applying the brakes to my car for a traffic light.
NHTSA complaint #11718808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lobelville, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ABS Brake problem and have tried to get it repaired for over 3 months and cannot seem to be able to get the part and call GM with no help. Can not tell me when or where to buy the part. Nobody seems to be able to get a new part and no help from GM. If there is this many problems that there is no part left available it should be a national recall.
NHTSA complaint #11682242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lobelville, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS Brake problem and have tried to get it repaired for over 3 months and cannot seem to be able to get the part and call GM with no help. Can not tell me when or where to buy the part. Nobody seems to be able to get a new part and no help from GM. If there is this many problems that there is no part left available it should be a national recall.
NHTSA complaint #11682242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Dorado Sprin, MO
ENGINE
I purchased this in March of 2025. 2 or 3 weeks after I bought this I took it to an oil lube shop and they said there was not any oil on the.dip stick. Also I started noticing the car being jerky while driving and when shutting it off it sputters. I took it to Max motors, a GMC dealer for a diagnostic check because it uses a quart of oil a week. They told me the high pressure fuel pump is bad and the piston rings were no good. This was on the 18th of June. I had taken it to the dealer I bought it from and complained about the problems, but he wouldn't do anything about it . The warranty was good at that time. Max motors told me it would cost me about $5000 to fix it which I don't have. I read that there was a recall on these cars with a 2.4L engine for these problems.
NHTSA complaint #11675197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Dorado Sprin, MO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I purchased this in March of 2025. 2 or 3 weeks after I bought this I took it to an oil lube shop and they said there was not any oil on the.dip stick. Also I started noticing the car being jerky while driving and when shutting it off it sputters. I took it to Max motors, a GMC dealer for a diagnostic check because it uses a quart of oil a week. They told me the high pressure fuel pump is bad and the piston rings were no good. This was on the 18th of June. I had taken it to the dealer I bought it from and complained about the problems, but he wouldn't do anything about it . The warranty was good at that time. Max motors told me it would cost me about $5000 to fix it which I don't have. I read that there was a recall on these cars with a 2.4L engine for these problems.
NHTSA complaint #11675197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesEl Dorado Springs, MO
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started jerking and hesitating abnormally. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the piston rings were damaged, the high-pressure fuel pump had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11673778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesPrior Lake, MN
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of an abnormal odor coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine failed due to excessive oil consumption. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #11671932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orleans, IN
POWER TRAIN
Tensioner issues keeps breaking the timing chain. . Replaced twice at own cost. Fuel pump/ loss of power while driving. Back up camera doesn't work sometimes. Screen goes black. If key is left in the ignition it starts itself. If you try to use a car charger for a phone the AC shuts off and a "systems error" message pops up. This happens alot. It's an ongoing issue since I bought the car in Feburary this year.
NHTSA complaint #11670432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orleans, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Tensioner issues keeps breaking the timing chain. . Replaced twice at own cost. Fuel pump/ loss of power while driving. Back up camera doesn't work sometimes. Screen goes black. If key is left in the ignition it starts itself. If you try to use a car charger for a phone the AC shuts off and a "systems error" message pops up. This happens alot. It's an ongoing issue since I bought the car in Feburary this year.
NHTSA complaint #11670432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orleans, IN
ENGINE
Tensioner issues keeps breaking the timing chain. . Replaced twice at own cost. Fuel pump/ loss of power while driving. Back up camera doesn't work sometimes. Screen goes black. If key is left in the ignition it starts itself. If you try to use a car charger for a phone the AC shuts off and a "systems error" message pops up. This happens alot. It's an ongoing issue since I bought the car in Feburary this year.
NHTSA complaint #11670432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesJamesville, NY
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil; however, there were no oil leaks evident. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who informed the contact that the frame near the rear wheel on the driver's side was completely rusted. The mechanic stated that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The vehicle was not diagnosed for the oil consumption failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
NHTSA complaint #11661246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesJamesville, NY
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil; however, there were no oil leaks evident. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who informed the contact that the frame near the rear wheel on the driver's side was completely rusted. The mechanic stated that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The vehicle was not diagnosed for the oil consumption failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
NHTSA complaint #11661246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesAyden, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was adding approximately 3-4 quarts of oil every 1,000 miles. The contact was informed by a mechanic that the failure might be related to a defective oil sending unit or piston oil ring. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11658263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kincaid, IL
ENGINE
It has nothing to do with the headlights. I was told by a couple different technicians that there's an issue with there being a slow oil leak with the GMC Terrains causing the motor/engine to lock up. I get my oil changed religiously! I even have files/reports showing so. It was NOT time for an oil change and my motor locked up. I still have 3 years to pay on my vehicle and it's my primary ride. So after having it towed 4 times...I have to get it towed 1 more time back to the shop to get a used motor/engine installed for $6700 (that's what they estimated me). On top of not having a vehicle for 3 months and making payments on top of it.
NHTSA complaint #11653601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mariposa, CA
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle is consuming excessive amount of oil in short drive time up to 3qt in less than 1000 miles. With no oil leaks. Vehicle only has 139840 miles. Has regular oil changes and services done.
NHTSA complaint #11651372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Massillon, OH
ENGINE
My motor blew out of nowhere. I took it to a shop and there was no explanation as to why. I barely drive my car and keep up with oil changes. Please help asap!
NHTSA complaint #11640451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesLatrobe, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the oil reservoir was constantly needing to be refilled. The contact stated that he had to have the oil changed and added every 4 weeks. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had been illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed due to engine oil deposits and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, he saw the check engine warning light was illuminated and was again having to add oil due to excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken back to the same independent mechanic who advised that the catalytic converter was going to fail again due to oil deposits. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11635285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,680 milesLansing, MI
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH in a snowstorm, the windshield wipers became inoperable. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V165000 (Visibility). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair could not be performed due to a Salvage Title. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that the repair could be covered because the Salvage Title was not related to the windshield wipers; however, the manufacturer called the contact and informed the contact that the repair could no longer be covered due to the Salvage Title. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 149,680.
NHTSA complaint #11630036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lansing, MI
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Wipers stop working In snow storm
NHTSA complaint #11630012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lansing, MI
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Wipers stop working In snow storm
NHTSA complaint #11630012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mabank, TX
ENGINE
Oil consumption issue caused timing chain to go causing catastrophic damage to the engine resulting in over 3000$ in repairs the oil light does not come on nor does it have a low oil pressure warning
NHTSA complaint #11621702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,500 milesFort Worth, TX
STEERING
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while at a complete stop at a red light, the doors were making locking and unlocking sounds. The contact stated upon depressing the accelerator pedal to resume driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH. The messages "Service Stabili-trak" and "Service Power Steering" were displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,500.
NHTSA complaint #11621543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,500 milesFort Worth, TX
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while at a complete stop at a red light, the doors were making locking and unlocking sounds. The contact stated upon depressing the accelerator pedal to resume driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH. The messages "Service Stabili-trak" and "Service Power Steering" were displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,500.
NHTSA complaint #11621543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesFront Royal, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that his wife was not aware of any warning lights being illuminated. The contact stated that his wife was unable to restart the vehicle, and had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact called an independent mechanic to the residence who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was oil leaking into the engine block and cylinders. The mechanic determined that the positive crankcase valve (PCV) had failed and needed to be replaced and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
NHTSA complaint #11612606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Louis, MO
ENGINE
On May 10, 2024 while driving my 2014 GMC Terrain driving at about 65mph my car cut off while driving to the point that the car started slowing down which had med confused as to what was going on but thankfully I was able to safely move over to the side of the of the highway in order to be in safer position to start the car back up. There was no warrant signs that the car had cut off but I had the air conditioning on do it stop blowing. At this point I knew the car was not safe to drive but I had to get off the highway. So I was about 5 miles from my exit which I was able to get to the exit without the car cutting off again on the highway but the car cut off once again on the exit as my speed was decelerating. I took my car to Meineke Car Care a few days later and was told that my car needed to have the solenoid replaced and the timing chain kit which was what the diagnostic was showing. Once they were able to fully inspect the car I was told that the timing chain kit was broken and I had medal in my oil which was suggested that I replace my engine. This put me at risk of being in an accident that could have injured myself or someone. There were no warning indications. My check engine light was not on. I had to pay to have the engine replaced which before I had it replaced I took my car to another shop just to get a second opinion in which I had the engine replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11607122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.