346 of the
4,355 complaints filed about the GMC Terrain
are about the electrical system —
8% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2010.
Subject: Urgent: Unresolved Ongoing Vehicle Issues - Request for Contact To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to express my strong frustration regarding ongoing and unresolved issues with my vehicle. Ever since I purchased it, I have been plagued by constant alerts regarding various vehicle failures. My vehicle has already been reset and updated twice to address these issues. I just picked it up after it was supposedly fixed at the dealership this past Thursday. However, today, Sunday, [XXX], the exact same warning alerts have started popping up once again. This situation is unacceptable, and I need someone to reach out to us immediately to discuss a permanent resolution. Please contact us at either of the following numbers: Primary Phone: [XXX] Secondary Phone: [XXX] I expect a prompt reply to arrange the next steps. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11758926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On Saturday, August 15th we were driving on the freeway when with no warning the check engine light came on and the vehicle began to run poorly, and then the vehicle lost electrical power and it became difficult to steer and the brake pedal became stiff, making it difficult to stop and pull over. The vehicle would not start on command but kept running very poorly, it also became impossible to shut the vehicle off until it seized. It was later towed to a local repair shop, and today, Friday August 21st the shop confirmed that the vacuum pump on the brake assist failed and it would need a total engine replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11758591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after a software update was performed, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Departure Lane Limited due to the Trailer" was displayed. The failure affected the blind spot warning system. The warning light failed to display while approaching a vehicle on the blindside and erroneously operated while there were no vehicles on the side of the vehicle. Additionally, the "Rear Cross Traffic Warning" light was affected by the failure. The vehicle experienced hard braking while there was no other vehicle nearby. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with sensor failure caused by an impact to the sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,350.
NHTSA complaint #11755239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The back passenger seat exploded and caught fire, burning the back of the seat in front and burning the ceilings. Inside the whole vehicle is black from smoke damage. Incident assessed by fire marshal who has ruled as electrical issue. No warning lights or systems displayed anything.
NHTSA complaint #11751287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2022 GMC Terrain after experiencing a sudden infotainment system failure that also disabled my backup camera functionality. The infotainment screen in my vehicle suddenly went completely black without warning and without any physical damage to the vehicle. The screen failure caused the backup camera to stop functioning as well, creating a significant safety concern while reversing and parking. The vehicle currently has approximately 50,000 miles. When I contacted the GMC dealership regarding the issue, I was informed that this is a common problem with GMC Terrains. However, because my factory warranty expired only weeks before the failure occurred, GMC declined to provide any financial assistance or goodwill repair coverage despite acknowledging the issue is commonly seen. This defect directly impacts federally required rear visibility safety equipment and creates unnecessary risk to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and surrounding vehicles. Backup cameras are an essential safety feature, and the sudden failure of the infotainment system removes access to that safety function entirely. I believe this may be a widespread defect involving the infotainment and electrical systems in the 2022 GMC Terrain and request that NHTSA investigate this issue further for potential recall or manufacturer accountability.
NHTSA complaint #11739556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11733049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Took dealer 3/26 for Sam issue Engine Power reduced after already cause me hit curb. Got it out 4/1/26 Now 4/5/26 it happened again same codes after they claimed they fixed it. Also keep having Emergency services come on a caused my dashboard out. My issues is car keeps stalling losing power. Same codes as week ago after dealer fix. Also 4 time took for noises in my car from passenger side. They keep telling me they can’t replicate it, but you can clearly see where the door is not lined up. This has been going on for over 30,000 miles for that. Like some of these issues have been going on since the 36,000 but now I’m having issues where I’m losing power like this is insane all before 60,000 miles which I’m about to hit. It’s gonna end up getting me killed on the interstate.
NHTSA complaint #11729297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Out of nowhere and driving this morning, my engine reduced power came on. Then I started losing power in the car then it died on me once out of nowhere. I managed to make it home an hour and a half later, but that could’ve got me killed stopped by AutoZone since dealerships closed today and it tells me that it’s code P228C, P0089 fuel pump. And then last night my emergency service calling came on which one I looked it up so something to do with OnStar and could be a module so I’m not sure what that is. And then you add on the fact all the sudden in the last 24 hours, my screen keeps going in and out are not working last week. My volume wasn’t working. I love this car, but it seems to have a lot of issues all of a sudden and I’m fixing to be at 60,000 miles which is a big problem considering warranty will be expired. I’ve already had issues with squeaking and squealing from the windows that they claim they can’t find nothing and I’ve had to listen to it for almost 60,000 miles. I had to get this car because my other car blew up on me and I can’t afford another new car. I’ll be taking it to the dealership first thing in the morning and I hope to God that something can be fixed cause we’re in one car Family.
NHTSA complaint #11726152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving in cold weather at various speeds; moisture accumulated and deactivated the charger, causing the vehicle to go into LIMP Mode and lose drive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the charger air cooler was defective and needed to be replaced. The dealer also wanted to place an air deflector on the vehicle. The contact was informed of a service update for the failure however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and learned that in Canada, the issue was being remedied with a bra apparatus and a thermal wrap for the engine to prevent the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the VIN was not covered. The contact was waiting to hear from a supervisor. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11716636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11712537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Towards the tail end of a nearly 2.5 hour drive, the Automatic Theft Deterrent System was activated on the interstate. I lost every display on the dash panel including my speedometer, battery, coolant, gas, turn signals, and windshield wipers. I went into the nearest parking lot and was unable to restart the vehicle. It was towed to the dealership closest to our home and was repaired for $2200. The technicians at the dealership were not sure of what caused it and had never seen an issue like this so it was “elevated” to the GM engineers at their headquarters. They replaced the electrical control module and both key FOBs. We have not experienced any similar issues.
NHTSA complaint #11707653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle has been taken to the dealership at least 4 times. Each time for the same reason: when driving at 65 or higher, it sounds like it's on a flat. My screen also glitches when foot is taken off the break after a stop. The service advisor told me that there was a shortage of mechanics and asked me to bring it back next week (this is the response I have gotten each time). I have asked for a loaner twice and was told that there were none available. Therefore, I had to pay $40 to uber to work. Today, I said that I couldn't come back because it's the same issue and I have to work next week. He then let me speak to a service manager. The service manager drove it (with me in the passenger seat) and heard the sound. He noticed that it was not all of the time and that my steering wheel was a little shifty. When it was finally "fixed" (tires being rotated and some steering update), I was told to come back if I hear it again. I left at about 2pm and heard the sound again, as well as my screen began to glitch when I get off the break after a complete stop. I took a video of the glitching and took it back for both issues. I was told that some bolts were tightened and some update was done to the screen, and if I hear it again come back. On my way home at 4:35pm, the issues were not resolved.
NHTSA complaint #11707645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the center console display intermittently malfunctioned and became inoperable. During the failure, the HVAC system was no longer blowing hot air, and the front windshield could not be defrosted, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. Additionally, the radio had become inoperable, and the audible clicking from the turn signal was muted. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V489000 (VISIBILITY). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 114,000.
NHTSA complaint #11706578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When driving vehicle, alert sounded lowered speed detection and my engine light came on. My vehicle then lagged power and it smelled like something was burning. Called dealer i bought vehicle from and i drove it in to them. I just bought the vehicle 8 months ago. I was just in to same dealer for a GPS tracker that was in my vehicle unknown to me that the Onstar stopped working and the dealer had stating they missed it in the pre certified inspection and they had to replace the telemax module do to the unknown GPS Tracker. My vehicle is now in for the lowered speed detection problem which my GM app stated it was an air induction system problem. I do not have paper work for the air induction system yet but i have sent photo of what my GM app produced.
NHTSA complaint #11704838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.