6.5

fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
10,788 miles

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problem #57

Mar 082025

Terrain

  • miles
I am writing to formally express my dissatisfaction with my 2017 GMC Terrain, which has experienced severe engine failure due to excessive oil consumption. I purchased this vehicle with the expectation of reliability and durability, yet at only 80,000 miles, the engine seized without warning, rendering my vehicle completely inoperable. I have consistently maintained my Terrain according to the manufacturer-??s recommended service schedule. However, I recently discovered that the engine was consuming oil at an alarming rate of 1 quart per 1,000 miles, which ultimately led to catastrophic failure. There were no warning lights or clear indicators of low oil, making it impossible for me to prevent the damage. After researching, I have found that numerous other GMC Terrain owners have reported similar excessive oil consumption issues, indicating a potential widespread defect in this engine design. As a loyal GM customer, I am extremely disappointed that a well-maintained vehicle would suffer such a failure at a relatively low mileage. Given the severity of this issue, I request that GM take responsibility for this defect by covering the full cost of engine repair or replacement. A vehicle should not require a complete engine overhaul at 80,000 miles due to a known design flaw. Please provide a prompt resolution to this matter. If GM is unwilling to address this issue, I will have no choice but to explore other options, including filing a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and seeking legal counsel. I hope to resolve this matter amicably and look forward to your timely response.

- Warrenville, IL, USA

problem #56

Feb 182025

Terrain

  • miles
As per several other complaints on the GMC terrain of particular years my vehicle has had a rear main seal leak, a blown engine terrible amounts of oil consumption and now the second engine has malfunctioned. And made the vehicle inoperable. The safety of myself and others was put at risk as the vehicle lost all power and cut off. The problem has had class action lawsuits filed. The first time the engine failed no warnings came on the second time a reduced engine power came on that we had no idea existed. The vehicle consumed oil very quickly, with in days the oil could need replaced. Oil consumption has been going on for years. Even after replacing engine.

- Keota, IA, USA

problem #55

Jan 212025

Terrain

  • miles
DETAILS: Frozen/clogged PCV in the intake manifold caused the rear main seal to burst due to crankcase pressure, leading to complete engine failure. The 2.4 EcoTech engine must be entirely replaced. GMC refuses to act despite being well aware of this consistent issue. There is a class action lawsuit, service bulletins and multiple examples of this scenario all over the internet. RESOLUTION NEEDED ASAP. - 1/20/25: While driving home from my night shift at highway speeds, exhaust fumes entered the cabin, followed by a loud pop and sudden engine failure. The check engine light never came on and the vehicle would not restart. After towing to the dealership, they confirmed what occurred and noted that it happened on the coldest night of the year, consistent with the well-documented defect in the 2.4L EcoTech engine. They estimated replacement cost can run up to $10,000 and is my responsibility, advising that GM takes no liability for this known issue. This is not an isolated incident for this engine. GM is fully aware of this defect evidenced by multiple service bulletins, including TSB GMC 19-NA-021, which explicitly states this issue is known for ALL 2010-2017 GMC Terrains. Despite this when I called GM for a resolution, I was told my VIN is somehow excluded, making me ineligible for assistance. Instead of taking responsibility, GM directed me to NHTSA, claiming they alone can update affected VINs. This is NHTSA and GM-??s failure, not mine. - This situation is completely unacceptable. GM must immediately resolve this issue in one of the following ways: 1. Full engine replacement at no cost to me. 2. Complete payoff of my remaining loan balance. Additionally, NHTSA must provide an explanation for why my VIN is not included in their list of affected vehicles and correct this oversight immediately. - I will not accept further delays, deflection, or excuses. GM must take full responsibility for this failure and respond immediately with a resolution.

- Youngstown, OH, USA

problem #54

Jan 202025

Terrain

  • miles
While driving on a county highway during an extreme cold front, the vehicle experienced catastrophic engine failure due to low oil pressure. There was traffic that was impacted by this issue and the occupants (mother and child) were stranded in dangerous temps. This issue has been confirmed by a mechanic shop the vehicle was towed to. No warning from vehicle given, regular oil changes and vehicle maintenance performed. It is my understanding this is a known issue with this motor as far as oil consumption, faulty piston and piston ring assemblies and there have been class actions filed for these vehicles.

- Beaver Dam, WI, USA

problem #53

Feb 032025

Terrain

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the contact was informed that the engine oil levels were low, and oil was added to the engine by the mechanic. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed the failure persisted. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact stated that the oil level was low, and the engine was not consuming oil. The contact also noticed oil leaking from the bottom of the engine compartment. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- Youngstown, OH, USA

problem #52

Jan 122025

Terrain

  • miles
Hole for timing chain guide bolt damaged by failed guide bolt

- Arcata, CA, USA

problem #51

Jan 202025

Terrain

  • miles
While driving home from work in single digit temperatures on Monday 01/20/25 the engine of my 2017 GMC Terrain stalled without warning at a traffic light. I was able to restart the vehicle and drive it the 1.5 miles home. When I exited the vehicle I noticed a trail of oil leading up the driveway into the garage. Oil continued to leak from the vehicle in the garage, and we had it towed the next day. Righter-??s Auto Repair found the rear main seal had blown due to a frozen PCV system that GMC is well aware of and subject to TSB 5093c.The vehicle only has 64,856 miles.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #50

Jan 152025

Terrain

  • 115,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact discovered that there was an oil leak. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence and the contact self-diagnosed the vehicle and was able to confirm that there was an oil leak, and the oil leak was coming from the rear main seal. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

- Massillon, OH, USA

problem #49

Jun 102021

Terrain

  • miles
We have had 4 transmissions since we bought the vehicle. It slows down to almost a stop after it hits 30 mph and makes weird noises all throughout the vehicle. The back right tire sticks to the pavement and jerks when i start to drive. The key ignition has been fixed several times and still sometimes won't turn with the key or come out. Yes Warranty told the repaid service company to fix whatever, and they did but it still after 2 more transmission hasn't fixed the issues. Engine light and not sure what else.

- Bedford, IN, USA

problem #48

Jun 252024

Terrain

  • miles
Vehicle repeatedly stalled while on highway, there were no warning lights on dash or anything indicating of an issue prior. Took vehicle to repair shop and after thorough investigation they reported that there was no oil in engine despite dashboard monitor registering oil life was fine. Oil changes are always completed regularly and on time for vehicle. Mechanic said that this is a known issue with GMC for this specific model where oil is consumed at an irregular rate. There is a lawsuit against gmc for oil consumption that includes years 2010-2014 where gmc was at fault however the lawsuit was filed before the 2017 model came out. It was later discovered that years,2014-2017 also have this known defect however a recall has yet to be placed. Being a common symptom of this issue is frequent vehicle stall this really should be a recall. After speaking with a couple of other gmc dealerships they were aware it was a frequent issue as well but are uncooperative when it comes to the cost of repairs, an entirely new motor is needed to be replaced now for the vehicle being driven without oil. After several calls with a GMC representative I was advised to file a complaint with NHTSA to have you guys complete an investigation into the issie

- Sherburne , NY, USA

problem #47

Feb 292024

Terrain

  • miles
The 2.4-liter engine contains a defect that causes them to improperly burn off and consume abnormally high amounts of oil. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Excessive oil consumption cannot be reasonably anticipated or predicted and causes the engine to run while low on engine oil, putting me and other drivers at risk due to engine fire, unexpected engine failure, vehicle jerking, power loss, etc. Yes, both certified dealers, independent service centers, and myself have observed and noted the low levels of engine oil as soon as 500 miles after an oil change. I have spoken with GM representatives via phone about the issue, but they are not interested in inspecting the vehicle or offering driver support. They have consistently denied awareness of an issue despite hundreds of documented complaints and a pending class action lawsuit in the state of Missouri. There are no warnings, messages, or symptoms prior to discovering low engine oil levels. This issue requires drivers to self-monitor the issue every 500-1000 miles and requires an excessive number of oil changes to keep the vehicle at a safe level of engine oil for operation.

- Williamston, MI, USA

problem #46

Apr 152024

Terrain

  • miles
Car stalls out suddenly after stopping. The engine oil was changed as required and there were no warning lights on the dash. Took the car to a mechanic and the mechanic said there was no oil and metal shavings in the engine, and that the engine would need to be replaced for $10,000. The car is out of its warranty and slightly over 100,000 miles.

- New Albany, OH, USA

problem #45

Apr 162024

Terrain

  • miles
Oil goes back into motor blowing motor so causing you to get a new motor

- New Glarus, WI, USA

problem #44

Apr 032024

Terrain

  • miles
4/3/2024 picked my car up from the mechanics at 5pm and when driving home going 35 mph the engine shut off. This incident is is tied to my previous incident.

- Cleveland , OH, USA

problem #43

Apr 022024

Terrain

  • miles
2.4L Ecotec engines contain a defect that consumes excessive engine oil leading to: unanticipated engine shutdowns, engine stalls, engine knocking, unexpected loss of power, and vehicle jerking. The first instance I was still in a parking lot, the second on was on a local street traveling at 25 mph. During the third instance, My son and I have driven our car on 4 separate occasions and while driving on the freeway at 70 mph just after rush yesterday when the engine shut off. I took the car to my mechanic who informed me that my vehicle that has less than 88k miles is burning up the oil and soon will need the engine replaced.

- Cleveland , OH, USA

problem #42

Mar 132024

Terrain

  • miles
My car was driving without issue until I stopped at a street light. My car started rocking front to back while sitting at the light and every other time I had to make a stop. The engine light came on. I had the vehicle towed to an auto shop where they confirmed that the timing chain broke. Due to this my engine was damaged to no repair. I would need to replace it. My gmc terrain is a 2017 with only 99,000 miles. I further learned that GM is aware of this issue but failed to recall this issue or warn owners that we were at risk. This can cause a vehicle to stop in the middle of driving which could cause a death if in the wrong place.

- West Bend, WI, USA

problem #41

Feb 012024

Terrain

  • miles
Broken rear main seal broke which causes oil leak. Almost all GM vehicles around my year have the same issue resulting in blow engine. $2000 to repair and GM told me they know of this being an issue but won-??t do anything to resolve.

- Homewood, IL, USA

problem #40

Jan 182024

Terrain

  • miles
The air bags will show that they are shut off while we are driving down the road with my wife sitting in the seat and they will also does it if we are just sitting in the drive way. Also they had a recall in the older models of this car for the pvc valve getting clogged and building pressure and causing the lower seal to bust and that happed to my car but they never gave a low oil light when it happed. All that happed was my wife was driving and the lower engine power came on while she was driving in traffic causing her to freak out and feel unsafe with my kids in the car as well. I contacted them about and they said there is no recall for the car at all about it. They clearly still had the same issues in my car because the pvc valve was clogged and then now I-??m loosing all of the oil from my motor. When I went to out oil in it after work I had to add 4.5 quarts of oil to it and it only holds 5 quarts. It still never had a low oil light when I went to start it to get it to level ground so I could check it. Clearly this is a safety issue and I don-??t want it to happen to someone while they are on the Interstate during heavy traffic and potentially cause an accident.

- Georgetown, KY, USA

problem #39

Jan 212024

Terrain

  • miles
main seal blew is in dealership now. it was not running right as i drove it was afraid it would die in the middle of the road. just inspected at the dealership. i got the engine light about a mile from my home where it sat till it went to the dealership.was over 4 quarts low with oil but never had oil light or anything else before it showed engine light.

- Galion, OH, USA

problem #38

Jan 142024

Terrain

  • miles
I was driving our 2017 GMC Terrain in subzero temperatures when my vehicle started making sounds and loosing power. With in seconds I heard a pop, and then my dash went crazy with alarms. I had it towed to my local mechanic who determined that the vehicle's engine was seized do to a frozen PCV valve that caused the engines real seal to give away. If need be, the the vehicle is currently available to be examined. My family's safety was in danger because of the location and frigid temperatures that were present at the time of the breakage. The vehicle has not been examine by a GMC dealer, just an independent mechanic. There was no warning what so ever of a possible problem. The vehicle started making sounds and loosing power. With in seconds, I heard a pop and all the lights on the dash light up. We had no other issues with this vehicle leading up to the breakage.

- Claypool, IN, USA

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