2018 GMC Terrain Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary
The 2018 GMC Terrain has 302 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve service brakes and engine.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 302 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
SERVICE BRAKES
60 19.9%
ENGINE
47 15.6%
POWER TRAIN
38 12.6%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
33 10.9%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
31 10.3%
Quick Insights
The top category is SERVICE BRAKES, accounting for 19.9% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 36 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
Subscribe to Recall Alerts
Get notified when a new recall or important ownership update lands for the 2018 GMC Terrain.
Free alerts based on U.S. recall data. Unsubscribe anytime.
What owners keep reporting on the 2018 GMC Terrain
The 2018 GMC Terrain has 302 owner complaints in this dataset. SERVICE BRAKES is the most common complaint category, representing about 20% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2018 GMC Terrain are SERVICE BRAKES (60), ENGINE (47), POWER TRAIN (38).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 187 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2018 GMC Terrain?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 33 of 33 systems
SERVICE BRAKES
49 Reports20% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE FIRST TIME WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHTS ACTIVATED AND GAUGES FLUCTUATED FOLLOWED BY ACCELERATION, BRAKING AND STEERING MOVEMENT. THEN THE INFORMATION PANEL DISPLAYED STABILITRAK UNAVAILABLE, COLLISION WARNING UNAVAILABLE, LANE CHANGE ALERT UNAVAILABLE AND TRANSMISSION SERVICE. THE CAR THEN STARTED SHIFTING ERRATICALLY. THE 2ND TIME SAME SITUATION WHILE DRIVING 30-40 MPH.
12/28/2017
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.
1/31/2018
ENGINE
36 Reports14% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
PURCHASED A BRAND NEW GMC TERRAIN. 12 DAYS AND 460 MILES LATER THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP FOR A P050F. THIS IS CODE FOR A LEAK IN THE BOOSTER. THEY DID NOT REPAIR ANYTHING, JUST CHECKED FOR LEAK AND RESET ENGINE LIGHT. AS I READ MORE, THE PROBLEM AFFECTS THE BRAKES ABILITY TO FUNCTION PROPERLY INCREASING DANGER TO DRIVER. THERE IS ALSO DEFECTIVE STOP/IDLE ON THE ENGINE THAT NO LONGER WORKS. I WAS JUST DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN TOWN WHEN IT POPPED ON. GM AND YOUNG'S HAVE REFUSED TO REFUND THIS DEFECTIVE VEHICLE.
4/16/2018
FIRST ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE WAS A SEPARATION OF THE DASH NEAR AND AROUND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME IF THE AIRBAG HAS BEEN COMPROMISED. I WON'T KNOW UNTIL THE VEHICLE WOULD BE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE SECOND ISSUE INVOLVES THE VEHICLE WHILE IN PARK. I AM ABLE TO PUSH THE VEHICLE AND IT WILL ACTUALLY MOVE FORWARD. THERE IS ALSO A VERY HARD SHIFT WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THIS OCCURS USUALLY BETWEEN 2K AND 3 K RPMS. THE VEHICLE WILL ACTUALLY JERK AS IT IS TRYING TO SHIFT.
6/22/2018
POWER TRAIN
32 Reports13% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
STOPPED AT A LIGHT TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. THE VEHICLE JERKED, THEN SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO PARK. THE INFO SYSTEM GAVE ME THE FOLLOWING MESSAGES: TRANSMISSION, STABILITRAK AND PARKING ASSIST. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND TRIED TO RESTART IT. I GOT A MESSAGE THAT SAID "THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.:" AT THIS TIME NON OF THE GEAR OPTIONS WERE AVAILABLE. A ROSEVILLE, MICHIGAN POLICE OFFICER HAD TO POSITION HERSELF BEHIND ME BECSUSE CARS WERE GOING AROUND ME ON BOTH SIDES (MY FOUR WAY BLINKERS WERE ON).THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL, THUS MY VEHICLE HAD TO BE DRAGGED ONTO THE TRUCK. AT THE DEALER THEY WERE UNABLE TO CHANGE GEARS AND ONCE AGAIN MY VEHICLE WAS DRAGGED OFF THE TOW TRUCK PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. I REPORTED TO THE DEALER THE ROCKY, BOUNCY, PULLING RIDE WHICH MADE THE VEHICLE HARD TO CONTROL. I ALSO REPORTED THE JERKING WHILE DRIVING AND IN THE AUTO STOP. DESPITE ALL OF MY VERBALIZATIONS OF THE CONCERNS, THEY, WROTE THE WORK ORDERS IN DEALER LANGUAGE AND ONLY ADDRESSED WHAT THEY WANTED.
5/4/2018
ADDITION TO REPORT 11091743. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR WARNING OF TRANSMISSION, STABILITRAK, PARKING ASSIST AND NOTIFICATION THAT VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE (MAY 2, 2018). VEHICLE PICKED UP (MAY 11, 2018) AFTER SERIES OF REPAIRS. I DROVE APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING AND STALLING. AT THE FINAL JERK THE VEHICLE WENT FROM 35 MPH TO 5MPH AND WOULD NOT ACCELLERATE. THERE WERE SEVERAL LOUD NOISES AND A BURNING SMELL. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO MY RESIDENCE. WHEN I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE FROM JIM CAUSLEY I ASKED IF IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. I RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. I ASKED ABOUT THE REPAIRS AND I WAS TOLD THERE WERE SOME LOOSE WIRES AND MINOR ADJUSTMENTS. ONCE AGAIN MY LIFE WAS PUT IN JEOPARDY BECAUSE OF A VEHICLE FAILING TO OPERATE WHILE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC.
5/12/2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
29 Reports12% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC TERRAIN. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVER'S ALERT WARNING SYSTEM FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING AS INTENDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *BF LANE CHANGE ALERT NOT WORKING. UPDATED 9/18/18*JB
12/12/2017
THE FIRST TIME WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHTS ACTIVATED AND GAUGES FLUCTUATED FOLLOWED BY ACCELERATION, BRAKING AND STEERING MOVEMENT. THEN THE INFORMATION PANEL DISPLAYED STABILITRAK UNAVAILABLE, COLLISION WARNING UNAVAILABLE, LANE CHANGE ALERT UNAVAILABLE AND TRANSMISSION SERVICE. THE CAR THEN STARTED SHIFTING ERRATICALLY. THE 2ND TIME SAME SITUATION WHILE DRIVING 30-40 MPH.
12/28/2017
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
28 Reports11% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
DRIVING OVER A BRIDGE OVER WATER,A LOUD EXPLOSION HAPPENED.AT FIRST I DID NOT KNOW WHAT IT WAS,UNTIL I HEARD WIND BLOWING FROM THE MOON ROOF AREA.THE GLASS ON THE ROOF EXPLODED AND SENT GLASS DOWN WARD.LUCKILY I HAD THE MOON ROOF SHADE CLOSED OR THE GLASS WOULD HAVE CAME DOWN ON ME.I NEARLY LOST CONTROL. THE WEATHER WAS DRY WITH A OVERCAST SKY. THE TRAFFIC WAS VERY LIGHT.IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE FOR ANY FOREIGN MATTER TO HIT THE GLASS.I AMMEDIATELY DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE GMC,WHERE I PURCHASED IT.( DIXIE BUICK GMC).MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 2040 MILES ON IT.THIS WAS A SATURDAY AND THE SERVICE DEPT. WAS CLOSED. SPOKE TO THE SALES MANAGER,WHO SAID HE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. HE GAVE ME A LOANER CAR TO USE. THE SERVICE DEPT. CALLED ON MONDAY,AND STATED THAT THE WAS NO DEFECT,AND I OR MY INSURANCE CO, WOULD HAVE TO PAY. I CALLED GMC CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD DO WHAT THE SERVICE DEPT. SAID.SO THEY WILL NOT COVER IT.FINALLY TODAY I CALLED MY INSURANCE CO. AND LOOKS LIKE THEY ALSO WILL NOT COVER IT.I'AM STILL WAITING FOR A FINAL DECISION FROM STATE FARM INS.MY VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON INTERSTATE 75 IN SOUTH WEST FLORIDA IN FT. MYERS.
2/14/2018
PURCHASED A BRAND NEW GMC TERRAIN. 12 DAYS AND 460 MILES LATER THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP FOR A P050F. THIS IS CODE FOR A LEAK IN THE BOOSTER. THEY DID NOT REPAIR ANYTHING, JUST CHECKED FOR LEAK AND RESET ENGINE LIGHT. AS I READ MORE, THE PROBLEM AFFECTS THE BRAKES ABILITY TO FUNCTION PROPERLY INCREASING DANGER TO DRIVER. THERE IS ALSO DEFECTIVE STOP/IDLE ON THE ENGINE THAT NO LONGER WORKS. I WAS JUST DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN TOWN WHEN IT POPPED ON. GM AND YOUNG'S HAVE REFUSED TO REFUND THIS DEFECTIVE VEHICLE.
4/16/2018
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
9 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THIS CAR, A 2018 GMC TERRAIN IS EQUIPPED WITH AUTO START / STOP, A STANDARD FEATURE THAT TURNS OFF THE ENGINE WHEN BRAKE IS APPLIED, SUCH AS AT A STOP LIGHT. THE ENGINE TURNS OFF WHILE BRIEFLY STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND A SAFETY ISSUE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PULL INTO A TRAFFIC LANE WITH THE ENGINE OFF, I HAVE EXPERIENCED AN UNSAFE LAG BEFORE THE ENGINE RESTARTS. GM HAS STATED, THE ENGINE CAN BE TURNED BACK ON BY REMOVING YOUR FOOT BRIEFLY FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL. SERIOUSLY ??? WHILE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE, I WILL NOT FOLLOW THIS PROCEDURE. I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE THE ENGINE WILL RESTART AND LUNGE FORWARD, STRIKING THE VEHICLE AHEAD. I WANT GM TO PROVIDE THE CAPABILITY TO PROVIDE THE DRIVER THE ABILITY TO ENABLE OR DISABLE AUTO START / STOP. THE FEATURE IS ALSO TOUTED AS SAVING FUEL WHILE STOPPED. PERHAPS A TINY AMOUNT WHILE AT A LONG LIGHT OR TRAIN CROSSING. CERTAINLY NOT AT A STOP SIGN OR STOPPED BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE.
1/11/2018
LEAKING DIESEL FUEL LINE WHILE RUNNING, PARKED AND IN GEAR. SECOND DIESEL TERRAIN FLEET VEHICLE TO LEAK FUEL; OTHER COLLEAGUE HAD THE SAME ISSUE RECENTLY AND WAS ASKED IF SOMEONE CUT THE FUEL LINE. NOW, MINE IS LEAKING.
11/18/2018
AIR BAGS
9 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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.
1/31/2018
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.
6/22/2018
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
8 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
MY VEHICLE IS STALLING AND STUTTERING WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE. IT ALSO DOES THE SAME WHEN DECELERATING. THE TRUCK WILL JERK AND STUTTER. ALSO MAKING NOISE LIKE A VACUUM CLEANER WHILE THIS IS GOING ON. I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN SEPTEMBER 2018 AND IT HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE NOVEMBER 2018
1/14/2019
WAS LEAVING A PARKING SPOT. VEHICLE REVERSED FINE, PUT IT IN DRIVE AND IT BEGAN TO JERK AND DID NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY. MADE IT TO THE NEXT AISLE TO PARK IT AND GET OUT OF WAY. ONCE PARKED, SHUT OFF VEHICLE. STARTED IT. REVERSED IT AND IT WOULD ONLY REV UP, DID NOT REVERSE. PUT IT IN DRIVE AND IT JERKED FORWARD, HARD AND KEPT JERKING AS I PULLED FORWARD. PARKED IT AGAIN AND TURNED IT OFF. CALLED DEALERSHIP, WHO CALLED A TOW SERVICE TO TOW IT TO THEM. ATTEMPTED TO SHOW TOW GUY THE ISSUE AT HIS REQUEST, UPON HIS ARRIVAL, PUT IT IN REVERSE AND IT REVVED UP BRIEFLY THEN JERKED INTO REVERSE. HAD TO MOVE VEHICLE TO CLEAR AREA TO GET IT ON THE TOW TRUCK SO I PUT IT IN DRIVE AND IT BEGAN TO JERK CONSTANTLY AND BARELY ACCELERATING AS I DROVE AND FELT AND SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO SHUT OFF (BUT DIDN'T) BEFORE I MADE IT TO WHERE I COULD PARK AGAIN. LUCKILY I WAS IN A PARKING LOT AND NOT ON THE ROAD. I'VE HAD THIS VEHICLE EXACTLY A MONTH. VERY SCARY.
7/4/2019
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
7 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE FIRST TIME WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHTS ACTIVATED AND GAUGES FLUCTUATED FOLLOWED BY ACCELERATION, BRAKING AND STEERING MOVEMENT. THEN THE INFORMATION PANEL DISPLAYED STABILITRAK UNAVAILABLE, COLLISION WARNING UNAVAILABLE, LANE CHANGE ALERT UNAVAILABLE AND TRANSMISSION SERVICE. THE CAR THEN STARTED SHIFTING ERRATICALLY. THE 2ND TIME SAME SITUATION WHILE DRIVING 30-40 MPH.
12/28/2017
STOPPED AT A LIGHT TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. THE VEHICLE JERKED, THEN SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO PARK. THE INFO SYSTEM GAVE ME THE FOLLOWING MESSAGES: TRANSMISSION, STABILITRAK AND PARKING ASSIST. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND TRIED TO RESTART IT. I GOT A MESSAGE THAT SAID "THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.:" AT THIS TIME NON OF THE GEAR OPTIONS WERE AVAILABLE. A ROSEVILLE, MICHIGAN POLICE OFFICER HAD TO POSITION HERSELF BEHIND ME BECSUSE CARS WERE GOING AROUND ME ON BOTH SIDES (MY FOUR WAY BLINKERS WERE ON).THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL, THUS MY VEHICLE HAD TO BE DRAGGED ONTO THE TRUCK. AT THE DEALER THEY WERE UNABLE TO CHANGE GEARS AND ONCE AGAIN MY VEHICLE WAS DRAGGED OFF THE TOW TRUCK PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. I REPORTED TO THE DEALER THE ROCKY, BOUNCY, PULLING RIDE WHICH MADE THE VEHICLE HARD TO CONTROL. I ALSO REPORTED THE JERKING WHILE DRIVING AND IN THE AUTO STOP. DESPITE ALL OF MY VERBALIZATIONS OF THE CONCERNS, THEY, WROTE THE WORK ORDERS IN DEALER LANGUAGE AND ONLY ADDRESSED WHAT THEY WANTED.
5/4/2018
STEERING
6 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHEN I AM DRIVING THE POWER STEERING DOESNT WORK WELL AND THE STEERING IS HARD TO TURN AND KEEP VEHICLE IN ITS LANE IT ALSO DOES NOT COME BACK TO THE STRAIT POSITION OR CENTER IF ITS TURNING LEFT YOU HAVE TO BRING IT STRAIGHT AND IT IS HARD TO TURN SO IT GOES BACK AND FORTH ROUGHLY I FEEL IT LOOKSLIKE I AM DRUNK DRIVING OR SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE OPERATOR BUT ITS IN THE STEERING MAYBE THE SPEED SENSING PART OR SOMETHING BUT THE SERVICE CENTER AT THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT DRIVES THE WAY IT IS SUPPOSED TO IT IS WHEN I AM DRIVING WITH THE GAS ON SO IT SEEMS TO BE SPEED SENSING
12/20/2018
WHILE DRIVING ON A SNOW- COVERED ROAD WITH ANY AMOUNT OF SNOW, THE SNOW GETS PACKED INSIDE OF THE WHEELS AND THROWS THE WHEEL BALANCE OFF CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO SHIMMY BADLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I HAVE TO REMOVE THE SNOW PACK EVVERY DAY, AND I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS AN AERODYNAMIC DESIGN FLAW WITH THE WHEELS WHERE THE SNOW DOESN'T GET BLOWN OUT OF THE WHEEL WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION.
3/29/2019
VISIBILITY/WIPER
4 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC TERRAIN. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT AND ATTEMPTING TO BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE BACK UP CAMERA WAS TOO BRIGHT AND WAS DIFFICULT TO SEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS DID NOT HELP DUE TO THE TINTED WINDOWS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SCHEPEL BUICK GMC (219-472-1449, LOCATED AT 3209 LINCOLN HWY, MERRILLVILLE, IN 46410) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 300. *TT*JB
12/11/2018
AT NIGHT WHILE STOPPED, AS YOU SHIFT THE CAR INTO REVERSE, THE REAR VIEW CAMERA DISPLAY IS BLINDING BRIGHT. ITS BRIGHT LIGHT IS BEING REFLECTED BY THE WINDOWS BACK INTO THE CAR, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE OUT THE WINDOWS OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE OTHER CAR FUNCTIONS - RADIO, PHONE, AND NAVIGATION - WHICH ALL USE THE SAME DISPLAY SCREEN AS THE BACKUP CAMERA, DIM THEMSELVES FOR NIGHT USE, THE REAR VIEW CAMERA DISPLAY IS AS BRIGHT AT NIGHT AS IT IS DURING THE DAY, CAUSING THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A PERMANENT, REPEATABLE ISSUE.
12/19/2018
SEATS
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
MANUEL LEVER TO LIFT LOWER AND RAISE THE HEIGHT KEEP COMING OFF THE TRACK . THIS WILL BE THE SECOND TIME , THAT I HAVE TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE.
6/3/2018
I ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND SAT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. WHEN I SAT DOWN AND STARTED TO PUT ON MY SEAT BELT, I HEARD A LOUD POP AND THE SEAT BECAME UNSTABLE AND ROCKED BACK AND FORTH. THIS OCCURRED BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. I LOOKED UNDER THE SEAT AND NOTICED A BOLT HAD SNAPPED ON THE BOTTOM SEAT FRAME.
9/4/2019
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The "Service Brake Assist" issue in other 2018 GMC SUVs is happening in the 2018 GMC Terrain, but it is not part of the recall. Our brakes became EXTREMELY difficult to press right as we were turning onto the on ramp of an expressway. Thankfully we were smart enough to pull over and not get on the highway. Had we done so, I may not have been here to type this complaint. The brakes be come extremely difficult to press and that message shows. Dealership is going to charge me $400 to replace a vacuum pump - they were not interested in the information I have around this issue in other GMC SUVs since it isn't a formal recall on the Terrain. I could have died yesterday due to this braking issue. I've owned this car for 3 months.
6/1/2021
Vehicle stuck in emergency assist mood. Without warning I couldn't slow down/stop without putting alot of my weight on the brake breaks were so hard to press down.
9/12/2022
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brakes became inoperable. While the vehicle was in park(P), the gear shifter inadvertently shifted into an unintended gear. The brake assist warning light was flashing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the vacuum pump and brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired four times but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact to take the vehicle to a local dealer if the failure recurred. There was no additional assistance provided. The approximate failure mileage was 131,000.
9/15/2022
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the brake pedal was firm and became inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty vacuum pump. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to call NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 66,084.
10/16/2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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.
1/31/2018
Rear side windows in hatch area leaked filled up spare tire compartment with about 3-4 gallons of water. Now navigation doesn't want to work, sunroof not working, electric systems are not working right
2/25/2024
WHEELS
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHILE DRIVING ON A SNOW- COVERED ROAD WITH ANY AMOUNT OF SNOW, THE SNOW GETS PACKED INSIDE OF THE WHEELS AND THROWS THE WHEEL BALANCE OFF CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO SHIMMY BADLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I HAVE TO REMOVE THE SNOW PACK EVVERY DAY, AND I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS AN AERODYNAMIC DESIGN FLAW WITH THE WHEELS WHERE THE SNOW DOESN'T GET BLOWN OUT OF THE WHEEL WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION.
3/29/2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC TERRAIN. WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE SHOOK AND VIBRATED LOUDLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ED BOZARTH CHEVROLET (2001 S HAVANA ST, AURORA, CO 80014, (720) 746-2716) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRES WERE FAULTY. BOTH REAR TIRES WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
7/8/2019
SUSPENSION
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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.
5/21/2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC TERRAIN. WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE SHOOK AND VIBRATED LOUDLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ED BOZARTH CHEVROLET (2001 S HAVANA ST, AURORA, CO 80014, (720) 746-2716) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRES WERE FAULTY. BOTH REAR TIRES WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
7/8/2019
SEAT BELTS
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving, the seat belt restraint warning light illuminated continuously while the driverâs and passengerâs seat belts were fastened. The dealer was informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 21,700.
3/29/2022
The "Service Safety Restraint System" warning light appears on the dashboard and warning chimes continually sound. To my knowledge GMC had a recall for this in 2018. I purchased the vehicle in 2021. I contacted GMC and told them this issue and they informed me that there are no recalls on the vehicle. My concerns being that airbags are fully functional.
10/2/2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I was in a car accident
7/18/2024
The headliner fabric detached somehow from the panoramic track causing the fabric to hang down obstructing the rear and back window view causing a safety hazard. The automatic forward collision alert will come on for no reason since this has happened. The problem has not been reported to insurance or the manufacturer yet but GM is my next call. This is a safety hazard due to the obstruction of visibility to safely make turns or change lanes. This happened August 5th while driving with the windows up. It just dropped down still attached to the front of the track and the rear.
8/6/2024
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC TERRAIN. WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN EXPLOSION AND COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE MOONROOF GLASS HAD SHATTERED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DIXIE BUICK GMC (AT 14565 S TAMIAMI TRAIL, FORT MYERS, FL 33912 AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY COULD NOT LOCATE A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. *TT THE CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS FIXED BY STATE FARM INSURANCE COMPANY. *TR
2/5/2018
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC TERRAIN. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT AND ATTEMPTING TO BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE BACK UP CAMERA WAS TOO BRIGHT AND WAS DIFFICULT TO SEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS DID NOT HELP DUE TO THE TINTED WINDOWS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SCHEPEL BUICK GMC (219-472-1449, LOCATED AT 3209 LINCOLN HWY, MERRILLVILLE, IN 46410) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 300. *TT*JB
12/11/2018
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC TERRAIN. WHEN DRIVING DOWNHILL, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND HAD IT TOWED TO ANCHOR BUICK GMC (1 AUTOMOTIVE BLVD, ELKTON, MD 21921, (443) 406-4623) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,200.
4/2/2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:BLINDSPOT:SENSORS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Unknown
4/20/2022
AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Started car in parking lot. Warning came on saying âservice safety restraint systemâ and airbag illumination was on. Just notified salesman as I have only had this vehicle about 10 days. Bought it used. Unfortunately.
5/9/2022
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Radio, hands free calling, and light on mirror shorting out. None of them work. Itâs like it has a short in the wiring.
6/14/2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Radio, hands free calling, and light on mirror shorting out. None of them work. Itâs like it has a short in the wiring.
6/14/2022
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
At ignition, vehicle tire pressure monitoring system indicated low tire pressure in rear right wheel of 9psi; right front tire indicated 38psi and left front and rear indicated 38psi. Driver verified pressure as good at 38psi in rear right tire with hand held gauge. While operating the vehicle on the interstate, vehicle driver experience a flat tire in the right front passenger tire. Tire Pressure monitoring system indicated 41psi in right front tire (even while flat), and indicated right rear tire at 0psi even though it was visually inflated.
7/29/2022
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and failed to accelerate over 25 MPH while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that a message was displayed on the instrument panel to âContinuously Drive Vehicle Above 30 MPHâ. The contact stated that after the vehicle decelerated into engine power mode, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) failed and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer twice where it was diagnosed that the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) needed to be unclogged. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed to contact the warranty company, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 110,696.
9/5/2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Car is losing go power when accelerating on to interstate. Itâs like the transmission loses power, the d illuminates, and then it kicks in to drive. It puts us at risk for an accident and I had a semi almost hit me because of this. This has been reproduced at the mechanic shop as well. No warnings before this happens
9/18/2023
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard without warning. The contact started driving to the dealer after the failure, and the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was inspected and diagnosed with a defective vacuum pump and cam shaft. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 89,300.
9/26/2023
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH going over a hill, the brake pedal was depressed but was firm and failed to depress as needed. The engine power reduced message was displayed and flashed on and then off. The brake assist warning light was illuminated. The service transmission message was displayed. The contact continued to depress the brake pedal until the vehicle responded as needed. The driver was able to pull into a parking lot, and the vehicle rolled to a stop. While driving, the engine misfired. Additionally, the vehicle failed to fully shutoff. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brakes had locked up and that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the cam shaft had fractured inside the engine. Additionally, the fuel injector, fuel line, and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 23V013000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the VIN was under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
10/2/2023
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH going over a hill, the brake pedal was depressed but was firm and failed to depress as needed. The engine power reduced message was displayed and flashed on and then off. The brake assist warning light was illuminated. The service transmission message was displayed. The contact continued to depress the brake pedal until the vehicle responded as needed. The driver was able to pull into a parking lot, and the vehicle rolled to a stop. While driving, the engine misfired. Additionally, the vehicle failed to fully shutoff. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brakes had locked up and that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the cam shaft had fractured inside the engine. Additionally, the fuel injector, fuel line, and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 23V013000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the VIN was under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
10/2/2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the horn was inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
8/27/2024
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2018 GMC Terrain?
Are complaints about the 2018 GMC Terrain a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2018 GMC Terrain?
Are complaints about the 2018 GMC Terrain severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
GMC Terrain: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 302
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
We may earn a commission via links on this page.