GMC Terrain problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The most widely documented GMC Terrain problem is excessive oil consumption on 2010–2013 models with the 2.4L four-cylinder, traced to worn piston rings. The 3.0L V6 can stretch timing chains, 2010–2017 models have wiper and headlight recalls, and 2018–2024 Terrains carry driveshaft, transmission, air bag module and door striker recalls.

CarWhere lists 9 documented Terrain issues, including 6 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.

Terrain generations at a glance

GMC Terrain generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
1st gen2010–2017Oil consumption from worn piston rings (2.4L four-cylinder) · Timing chain stretch on the 3.0L/3.6L V6 · Windshield wipers stop working (wiper linkage ball joints) · Headlight housings reflect glare above the road (recall)
2nd gen2018–2024Right-front intermediate driveshaft can fracture (recall) · Air bag control module may stay inoperative after restart (recall) · Missing bolts on the transmission start/stop accumulator endcap (recall) · Door strikers may fracture and let a door open (recall)
3rd gen2025–presentPossible coolant leak at the water pump (1.5L turbo)

1st gen Terrain problems (2010–2017)

Oil consumption from worn piston rings (2.4L four-cylinder) (2010–2013)

Major repair
Generation:
1st gen (2010–2013)
Years:
2010–2013
Powertrain:
2.4L Ecotec I4

GM acknowledged that some 2.4L Terrain models could burn more than a quart of oil every 2,000 miles because the piston rings wore early. Special Coverage 16118 told dealers to run an oil consumption test and fit new pistons and rings at no charge, covering 2012 models for 7 years 6 months or 120,000 miles. A class settlement approved in 2019 extended similar coverage to 2013 models built before a May 2013 production change; those time limits have now run out.

Symptoms

  • Oil level well below the full mark between changes
  • Low oil pressure warning or "Oil Pressure Low – Stop Engine" message
  • Rattle or knock from the engine when oil runs low

Check before buying

  • Pull the dipstick and compare the level with the last oil-change sticker date
  • Ask for records of any piston/ring replacement under GM coverage
  • Listen for knocking on a warm idle

Sources: [1][2]

Timing chain stretch on the 3.0L/3.6L V6 (2010–2012)

Major repair
Generation:
1st gen (2010–2012)
Years:
2010–2012
Powertrain:
3.0L V6 (LF1/LFW)

GM bulletin 12-06-01-009A covers timing chain kits and chain guide replacement for 2010–2012 Terrain models with the 3.0L V6 (RPOs LF1, LFW) when cam/crank correlation codes P0008, P0009 or P0016–P0019 set. A later GM preliminary bulletin (PIP3423K) tells technicians to check for loose chains or tensioners when two or more of those codes appear. Chain wear builds gradually, so V6 models with stretched oil-change intervals are the ones to inspect most closely.

Symptoms

  • Check-engine light with P0008, P0016, P0017, P0018 or P0019
  • Rattle for a few seconds on a cold start
  • Rough running or reduced power

Check before buying

  • Scan for stored or pending cam/crank correlation codes
  • Listen to a true cold start after the vehicle has sat overnight
  • Ask for oil-change records and any timing-chain repair invoice

Sources: [3][4]

Windshield wipers stop working (wiper linkage ball joints) (2010–2017)

Safety recall
Generation:
1st gen (2010–2017)
Years:
2010–2017
Powertrain:
All engines

A ball socket in the wiper linkage can corrode, wear and separate, leaving one or both wipers dead. NHTSA recalls cover the 2013 Terrain (16V582) and 2014–2015 models (22V165). GM also opened Special Coverage N192266180 in December 2019 for 2010–2012 and 2014–2017 models (10 years or 150,000 miles from the in-service date) and later revised the population under N192266181.

Symptoms

  • Wipers stop suddenly or one wiper arm stops moving
  • Clunk from the base of the windshield when wipers run

Check before buying

  • Run the wipers at every speed during the test drive
  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and ask the dealer to check GM special coverage by VIN

NHTSA recall: 22V165 (2022-03)

Sources: [5][6][7][8]

Headlight housings reflect glare above the road (recall) (2010–2017)

Safety recall
Generation:
1st gen (2010–2017)
Years:
2010–2017
Powertrain:
All engines

GM recalled 2010–2017 Terrain models because a reflection from the headlight housings can throw excessively bright light above the vehicle and outside the driver's view, which can glare oncoming drivers. The vehicles did not comply with federal lighting standard FMVSS 108.

Symptoms

  • Oncoming drivers flashing their lights at you with low beams on
  • Bright light spilling above the normal beam pattern

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the selling dealer for the recall repair order

NHTSA recall: 22V137 (2022-03)

Sources: [9][10]

2nd gen Terrain problems (2018–2024)

Right-front intermediate driveshaft can fracture (recall) (2018)

Safety recall
Generation:
2nd gen (2018)
Years:
2018
Powertrain:
All engines

GM recalled certain 2018 Terrain models (along with 2017–2018 GMC Acadia) because the right-front intermediate driveshaft could fracture and separate while driving, causing a loss of drive power or, if parked without the parking brake, a rollaway.

Symptoms

  • Sudden loss of drive power with the engine still running
  • Clunk or vibration from the front right of the vehicle

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the selling dealer for the recall repair order

NHTSA recall: 17V516 (2017-08)

Sources: [11]

Air bag control module may stay inoperative after restart (recall) (2018)

Safety recall
Generation:
2nd gen (2018)
Years:
2018
Powertrain:
All engines

GM recalled certain 2018 Terrain models because the sensing and diagnostic module, which detects a crash and fires the air bags, may not power down correctly at shut-off and can then be inoperative after the next start.

Symptoms

  • Air bag warning lamp stays on after start-up

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the selling dealer for the recall repair order
  • Watch the air bag lamp go out a few seconds after start-up

NHTSA recall: 18V340 (2018-05)

Sources: [11]

Missing bolts on the transmission start/stop accumulator endcap (recall) (2018–2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
2nd gen (2018–2020)
Years:
2018–2020
Powertrain:
Automatic transmission with engine start/stop

GM recalled a broad group of vehicles, including 2018–2020 Terrain models, because the start/stop accumulator endcap on the automatic transmission may have been built with missing bolts. That can lead to a transmission fluid leak and a loss of drive power, and leaking fluid near hot exhaust parts is a fire risk.

Symptoms

  • Transmission fluid spots under the front of the vehicle
  • Slipping, delayed engagement or loss of drive

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the selling dealer for the recall repair order
  • Look under the transmission for fresh fluid

NHTSA recall: 20V668 (2020-10)

Sources: [11][12]

Door strikers may fracture and let a door open (recall) (2024)

Safety recall
Generation:
2nd gen (2024)
Years:
2024
Powertrain:
All engines

GM recalled certain 2024 Terrain models, along with Blazer and Blazer EV, because the door strikers may fracture, allowing a door to open unexpectedly while driving.

Symptoms

  • Door that does not latch firmly or pops open
  • Door-ajar warning while driving

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the selling dealer for the recall repair order
  • Open and close every door and confirm each latches solidly

NHTSA recall: 23V869 (2023-12)

Sources: [13]

3rd gen Terrain problems (2025–present)

Possible coolant leak at the water pump (1.5L turbo) (2026)

Minor
Generation:
3rd gen (2026)
Years:
2026
Powertrain:
1.5L turbo I4 (LSD)

A March 2026 GM preliminary bulletin (PIP6106) tells technicians that some 2026 Terrain models with the 1.5L LSD engine may leak coolant from the water pump or its housing. Because there are several possible leak points, GM recommends adding tracer dye and pressure-testing hot and cold before replacing parts.

Symptoms

  • Coolant level dropping in the overflow tank
  • Sweet smell or pink/orange crust around the water pump area
  • Low-coolant warning

Check before buying

  • Check the coolant reservoir level with the engine cold
  • Look around the water pump area for residue or dampness
  • Ask whether any cooling-system warranty work has been done

Sources: [14]

Related Terrain research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints is a different question, answered in the years-to-avoid research from NHTSA complaint counts.

Confirm how a Terrain was ordered before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a GMC Terrain VIN into the factory-ordered option codes (RPOs) on record — engine, transmission, axle and packages. $9.99, instant.

GMC build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What years of GMC Terrain burn oil?

The 2010–2013 Terrain with the 2.4L four-cylinder is the documented range. GM offered piston and ring replacement through Special Coverage 16118 and a 2019 class settlement, and those coverage periods have since ended.

Does the Terrain 3.0L V6 have timing chain problems?

GM bulletin 12-06-01-009A lists the 2010–2012 Terrain with the 3.0L V6 (LF1/LFW) for timing chain and guide replacement when cam/crank correlation codes such as P0008 or P0017 set.

What is the GMC Terrain headlight recall?

Recall 22V137 covers 2010–2017 Terrain models whose headlight housings can reflect excessively bright light above the road, failing federal lighting standard FMVSS 108.

Are newer Terrains affected by recalls?

NHTSA lists recalls on 2018–2024 Terrains, including a 2018 driveshaft fracture, a 2018 air bag module issue, 2018–2020 transmission endcap bolts and 2024 door strikers.

Is the Terrain the same as the Chevy Equinox?

They share platforms and powertrains within each generation, so many recalls and GM bulletins cover both, though some campaigns list only one of the two models.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. GM Special Coverage Adjustment 16118 (N162053210): Excessive Engine Oil Consumption, 2012 Equinox/Terrain 2.4L — General Motors (via NHTSA)
  2. GM oil consumption class action settlement finalized (Berman v. General Motors) — CarComplaints.com
  3. GM Service Bulletin 12-06-01-009A: High Feature V6 timing chain kits and chain guides, DTCs P0008/P0009/P0016–P0019 — General Motors (via NHTSA)
  4. GM Preliminary Information PIP3423K: DTCs P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0008, P0009 (V6 engines) — General Motors (via NHTSA)
  5. NHTSA recalls: 2013 GMC Terrain — NHTSA
  6. NHTSA recalls: 2014 GMC Terrain — NHTSA
  7. GM Special Coverage N192266180: Wiper transmission arm linkage failure (Equinox/Terrain) — General Motors (via NHTSA)
  8. GM bulletin N192266181-01: Wiper linkage special coverage population update — General Motors (via NHTSA)
  9. NHTSA recalls: 2010 GMC Terrain — NHTSA
  10. NHTSA recalls: 2017 GMC Terrain — NHTSA
  11. NHTSA recalls: 2018 GMC Terrain — NHTSA
  12. NHTSA recalls: 2020 GMC Terrain — NHTSA
  13. NHTSA recalls: 2024 GMC Terrain — NHTSA
  14. GM Preliminary Information PIP6106: 1.5L LSD potential coolant loss, water pump area — General Motors (via NHTSA)

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