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2019 GMC Terrain

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2019 GMC Terrain do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 182.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

50 reports with mileage · 132 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 67 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 62 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 50 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports3 fire reports6 injury reports

Power Train complaints

50 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2022
Electrical SystemForward Collision AvoidancePower Train

The autoshutoff of the vehicle should be optional this vehicle goes on and off so many times and after it starts is acting up on braking and transmission deeler says no dtc all good but still doin it

NHTSA ODI #11453140

Mileage unknown · Dec 7, 2021
Power TrainService Brakes

I received a "service brake assist" message which came on then off. Took the car to a local mechanic who looked it over and said to see dealer as they saw nothing obvious. internet search revealed that many people with terrain said this warning came on when battery was low. Made a service appt for NJ dealer for 12/6/21. on 12/3/…

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I received a "service brake assist" message which came on then off. Took the car to a local mechanic who looked it over and said to see dealer as they saw nothing obvious. internet search revealed that many people with terrain said this warning came on when battery was low. Made a service appt for NJ dealer for 12/6/21. on 12/3/21, began a 1200 mile drive from Florida to NJ, after 2 hours, check engine light came on. Took the exit ramp from I 75 and at end of ramp, there was a total braking failure. I had to press very hard to eventually stop. Shut off car, attempted to restart but it would not. Towed to a mechanic who found fluid leakage and a repair bulletin on GM site involving vacuum seal camshaft. #pip5598A diagnostic tip. Internet search reveals many anecdotal instances of same problem. On Monday, 12/6/21, I received an email from GMAC saying that the on board diagnostics had shown a "low battery" concern. The catastrophic loss of braking seems to be connected to a low battery situation. This needs to be looked into by NHTSA.

NHTSA ODI #11442967

Mileage unknown · Dec 1, 2021
EnginePower Train

My 2019 GMC Terrain has 21K miles and noticed a oil or transmission leak this morning. I see recalls for other vehicles but none for mine. Linking from a bolt just as the other recall is for.

NHTSA ODI #11442292

Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2021
Power Train

TRANSMISSION WOULD REV UP BETWEEN 4TH AND 5TH GEAR ONLY IN THE ON THE FIRST DRIVE. AFTER THAT IT WOULD SHIFT NORMALLY . WENT INTO DEKALB GMC ILLINOIS AND WAS TOLD IT WAS SOME PISTONS AND OTHER PARTS. THEY HAD IT FOR A WEEK OR TWO BECAUSE OF OTHER TRANS JOBS AHEAD ON MINE. GOT CAR BACK AND IT WAS WORKING FINE FOR A MONTH OR SO AN…

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TRANSMISSION WOULD REV UP BETWEEN 4TH AND 5TH GEAR ONLY IN THE ON THE FIRST DRIVE. AFTER THAT IT WOULD SHIFT NORMALLY . WENT INTO DEKALB GMC ILLINOIS AND WAS TOLD IT WAS SOME PISTONS AND OTHER PARTS. THEY HAD IT FOR A WEEK OR TWO BECAUSE OF OTHER TRANS JOBS AHEAD ON MINE. GOT CAR BACK AND IT WAS WORKING FINE FOR A MONTH OR SO AND THEN IT STARTED TO SHIFT BAD AGAIN BETWEEN THE SAME TWO GEARS ONLY LONGER GAP BETWEEN SHIFTS THIS TIME. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE TECH ORDERED MORE PARTS TO REPAIR THE TRANS AND SAID I WOULD POSSIBLY GET IT BACK ON OCTOBER 19TH BY END OF DAY. IS THIS GOING TO BE AN ONGOING PROBLEM? IF SO WHAT IS THE LAW ABOUT 3 OR MORE REPAIRS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS THE SECOND REPAIR SO FAR.

NHTSA ODI #11437130

Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2021
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

*Check engine light on, engine power is reduced is on, vehicle is surging up and down while in idle, vehicle stalled in service while in park. Charge air cooler tube to the throttle body spring retaining clamp tension weak. Verified charge air cooler tube came off throttle body. Inspected spring retaining clamp. Found spring r…

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*Check engine light on, engine power is reduced is on, vehicle is surging up and down while in idle, vehicle stalled in service while in park. Charge air cooler tube to the throttle body spring retaining clamp tension weak. Verified charge air cooler tube came off throttle body. Inspected spring retaining clamp. Found spring retaining clamp tension weak. Installed new spring retaining clamp. Charge air cooler tube to throttle body now properly secured *Vehicle power / engine power was reduced while on the highway *Problem has been confirmed by LaFontaine of Ann Arbor, MI *Vehicle was inspected at LaFontaine of Ann Arbor, MI *Engine light came on and the Engine power is reduced message appeared on the dash.

NHTSA ODI #11424421

Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2021
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

*Check engine light on, Reduced Power Light is on, and Vehicle is surging up and down. *Driving on highway and Engine power is reduced, cars behind me honked until I could get over into the right lane because I was losing power. *Yes, confirmed by LaFontaine of Ann Arbor, MI *Yes, inspected by LaFontaine of Ann Arbor MI Custo…

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*Check engine light on, Reduced Power Light is on, and Vehicle is surging up and down. *Driving on highway and Engine power is reduced, cars behind me honked until I could get over into the right lane because I was losing power. *Yes, confirmed by LaFontaine of Ann Arbor, MI *Yes, inspected by LaFontaine of Ann Arbor MI Customer states check engine light on, reduced power light and the vehicle did have reduced power. Vehicle is surging up and down at an idel. GM assistance, submit for DMA approval to deviate on PET per Scott S DMA. N/C to customer per DMA, If an FSE is needed please submit request. Found air duct not connected to throttle body and throttle body is cause. Inspected and found air duct loose on throttle body. inspected to find throttle body edge is wore and is cause. removed and replaced throttle body to address fail code P0101. 4021510 0.8 and add 1.0 diag *yes, Engine Power is Reduced light and Engine light was on

NHTSA ODI #11424237

Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2021
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

*Service trans, check engine, stabilitrak, gas light, would not come out of 1st gear, stalled, started back up and jerked on the way to dealership, locks were flickering, lights would not light up for the PRNDL, shift to park message on, and vehicle would not start back up when pulled into service drive. *would not shift out of …

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*Service trans, check engine, stabilitrak, gas light, would not come out of 1st gear, stalled, started back up and jerked on the way to dealership, locks were flickering, lights would not light up for the PRNDL, shift to park message on, and vehicle would not start back up when pulled into service drive. *would not shift out of 1st gear while in traffic, vehicle stalled in traffic, vehicle jerked whi9le driving. *Confirmed by LaFontaine of Ann Arbor, MI *Vehicle inspected by LaFontaine of Ann Arbor, MI Service trans, check engine, stabilitrak, gas light, would not come out of 1st gear, stalled, started back up and jerked on the way to dealership, locks were flickering, lights would not light up for the PRNDL, shift to park message on, and vehicle would not start back up when pulled into service drive. TAC Case # 9-6556499036. Tech 24694 worked with Field Engineer and checked wiring, terminals, and connectors at high speed comm modules and found all passed, replaced BCM and still had concern. Tech 1235 bypassed modules and test drover to eliminate diff control module, EBCM and when EBCM was bypassed concern never returned OSYN9761769 Tech 56653 completed BCM replacement and programming, wire, terminals and connector checks with engineer. Tech 1235 replaced EBCM assembly, OP code 2410330 completed diag by bypassing modules and completed bleeding brakes.Tech 1235 total repair 3.9. Tech 56553 performed BCM replacement. 2.9 base time, 4.8 OLH. Repairs approved per DMA approval / PET Sheet. Test drove vehicle 139 miles without a concern.

NHTSA ODI #11424233

Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2021
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

*Service Transmission message and vehicle goes into neutral. *Vehicle loses power, almost got rear ended by an 18 wheeler when trying to pull over to the shoulder of the highway. *Yes, LaFontaine of Ann Arbor, MI confirmed *Inspected by LaFontaine of Ann Arbor, MI - Cust states the service transmission message light is coming on…

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*Service Transmission message and vehicle goes into neutral. *Vehicle loses power, almost got rear ended by an 18 wheeler when trying to pull over to the shoulder of the highway. *Yes, LaFontaine of Ann Arbor, MI confirmed *Inspected by LaFontaine of Ann Arbor, MI - Cust states the service transmission message light is coming on and the vehicle goes into neutral and stalls, service ll wheel drive message coming on, traction light coming on, customer going about 74 mph and the speedo gauge dropping out, low fuel light coming on even though it has fuel. Per DMA and GM Executive the repairs will be covered 100 %, send DMA pre approval and PET. There is a broken or loose communication wire intermittently disconnecting and causing multiple modules to fault. Could not find broken wire. Request # 9-6483892482 replaced engine harness OP 4069760 ST Time. 8.3 hours Per PET, DMA Pre Auth. *Yes, warning lamps, messages were on the dash

NHTSA ODI #11424231

Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2021
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

*The service transmission message coming on and the vehicle goes into neutral and stalls, service transmission light comes on while on highway and the vehicle goes into park and loses power and stalls, All wheel drive message coming on, traction light coming on, going about 74 mph on highway and speed gauge dropping, low fuel li…

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*The service transmission message coming on and the vehicle goes into neutral and stalls, service transmission light comes on while on highway and the vehicle goes into park and loses power and stalls, All wheel drive message coming on, traction light coming on, going about 74 mph on highway and speed gauge dropping, low fuel light coming on even thought it has 3/4 tank of gas. *I almost got ran into from behind twice when the vehicle went into neutral and into park by an 18 wheeler truck as I was trying to pull over onto the shoulder of the highway. *Confirmed by LaFontaine in Ann Arbor, MI *Vehicle has been inspected by LaFontaine in Ann Arbor, MI. Found bulletin 19-NA-181 which was very close to all symptoms and stated to check for chaffed wires near the ECM. Found no spots in the tape where it was rubbed through but lost comms when wires were shook. Unwrapped main engine harness loom and inspected wires, found nothing. Started TAC Case # 9-6385087421 and was told it probably is a chaffed comms wire somewhere and gave me multiple locations to check. Found no damaged wires in those locations and shaking main harness no longer would make it fault. Put it all together and drove it down the road and faulted immediately. Unwrapped main harness again snd sprayed with saltwater to help conductivity but still couldn't get it to fault while shaking the harness. Only way it will fault is when shifting into drive the drive train bumps just right to bend the right wire. Checked every wire I could find and can't find the problem wire. Not drivable. When this vehicle faults it will not shift past 1st gear and sometimes locks out reverse. Must be towed. Needs the main wiring harness to start, recommend customer to authorize FSE to dealership CUST declined. *Yes, all the lights and messages were coming on over the dash.

NHTSA ODI #11424230

Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2021
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

*Check Engine Light on, Short to Voltage inside Hood Switch Setting P257F. Switch Must Be Replaced, Recall N192216311 Cust May be Able to Shift Out of Park OP 9104813 Reprogram ECM .3 WCC 11YN37748687 *Scared to drive vehicle when the hood switch was the problem. Did not want to driveon the road and the hood fly up and I would …

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*Check Engine Light on, Short to Voltage inside Hood Switch Setting P257F. Switch Must Be Replaced, Recall N192216311 Cust May be Able to Shift Out of Park OP 9104813 Reprogram ECM .3 WCC 11YN37748687 *Scared to drive vehicle when the hood switch was the problem. Did not want to driveon the road and the hood fly up and I would be unable to see out of the front windshield. *Yes, vehicle inspected by LaFontaine in Ann Arbor, MI. *Vehicle was inspected by LaFontaine in Ann Arbor, MI. *Engine Light was on.

NHTSA ODI #11424220

Official recalls

3

20V668000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Oct 29, 2020

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

19V184000 · Seats

Mar 7, 2019

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The rear-right seat may have insufficient welds on the head-restraint bracket.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash, the insufficient welds may result in an increased risk of injury for an occupant seated in the rear-right position.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-right seatback frame, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192209550.

18V576000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper

Aug 30, 2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.