2012 GMC Terrain Problems

My car has started stalling and dying when i slow down, take off or when idling. No power when accelerated, and the smell of exhaust comes into my car. I was making a turn from a red light and my car spit, sputtered, and died right in the middle of the busy intersection. I was almost hit from the rear and another car had to go into on coming traffic to avoid T boning me. I took it to 2 different places to get a diagnosis reading and both places said it was a catalyst problem, and I was told that there was a recall about that because of engine oil clogging it up. My car has been using more oil than usual here lately and im guessing thats why. Now, im afraid to drive anywhere because I don't feel like it safe and the fact that my car doesn't run good enough to drive. I was told by more than 1 person that knows mechanics, that its a issue with the catalyst and that it had a recall on it but I never received one. This is a very concerning safety issue, and one that needs immediate attention before someone gets badly hurt (or worse) because of a bad car part . My car is literally just a lawn ornament now until I can get this issue resolved. I need my car to make a living and support my family. PLEASE, get the recall letters out and get this fixed before someone loses a life.

The engine blew. This was already the 2nd engine in the car. Oil consumption. Metal in the oil. No signs. Needs new engine

I was driving while it was raining. The wipers stopped working. The driverside wiper jumped partially off the windshield. I had my mechanic inspect it. The fuses, relay, and wiper motor are operational. The bushing on the wiper transmission failed. I found the following recall. Special Coverage Adjustment N192266181 Wiper Transmission Arm Linkage Failure – USA Only Release Date: July 2022. However, my VIN does not have this as an applicable recall.

Wiper motor went out on me no warning

1. The engine suddenly lost power while driving during evening rush hour and the vehicle would no longer accelerate. 2. Because the vehicle could not maintain speed, I was unable to keep up with traffic, creating a serious safety hazard that could have resulted in a major accident. 3. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center for diagnosis. 4. During the incident, the “Engine Power Reduced” warning indicator illuminated just before the loss of power occurred. 5. As the vehicle slowed and came to a complete stop at an intersection, it remained unresponsive. When the traffic light turned green, the vehicle would not accelerate at all.

GMC Consumer Relations Subject: Structural Undercarriage Safety Defect – 2012 GMC Terrain SLE Vehicle Information: Year/Make/Model: 2012 GMC Terrain SLE VIN: [XXX] Mileage at Purchase: 148,305 Date of Purchase: [XXX] Location: Rochester, New York I am filing a complaint regarding a severe undercarriage safety defect in my 2012 GMC Terrain SLE. The rear undercarriage of this vehicle shows heavy structural corrosion on suspension brackets and mounts. The condition produces clanging noises during normal driving, and an independent licensed mechanic has refused to work on the vehicle because the suspension integrity is unsafe. When I returned the vehicle to the dealer, I observed additional brackets being attached under the rear subframe area, suggesting reinforcement of compromised structural points. This confirms that the corrosion directly affects suspension geometry, alignment, and stability. This corrosion is not cosmetic. It is advanced structural deterioration affecting the mounting points for trailing arms and lateral links. These components are critical to safe turning, stability, and control. The corrosion compromises the ability of the suspension to keep the wheels aligned, creating serious risks of loss of control or wheel separation. What makes this more alarming is that the vehicle passed a New York State safety inspection on 07/13/2025, yet within days a mechanic refused to perform unrelated service because of the undercarriage condition. This raises questions not only about inspection validity, but also about the underlying durability and corrosion. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

1. The engine suddenly lost power while driving during evening rush hour and the vehicle would no longer accelerate. 2. Because the vehicle could not maintain speed, I was unable to keep up with traffic, creating a serious safety hazard that could have resulted in a major accident. 3. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center for diagnosis. 4. During the incident, the “Engine Power Reduced” warning indicator illuminated just before the loss of power occurred. 5. As the vehicle slowed and came to a complete stop at an intersection, it remained unresponsive. When the traffic light turned green, the vehicle would not accelerate at all.

The display screen of GPS/Radio is blackout combined intermittent control button illuminating light went off( include emergency, A/C control), backup camera stopped working, turning signal lost click sound. Safety concern: 1. Emergency and A/C control buttons lost illuminating light(Causing night driving difficult.). 2. AC vent the temperature control lost visual status cause distraction of normal driving. 3. Lost Backup camera function which is supposed to be an assisted safety feature. 4. Lost turning signal click sound which leads to missing alert of turning signal malfunction. 5. Complete audio loss create unsafe for long trip driving. 6. GM doesn't provide genuine replacement part. This problem started from 2018 till now. I've contacted GM with no meaningful resolution. I visited the dealer and the only thing they could do is replace non guaranteed refurbished head unit with hefty price. I did some research online and found there are a lot of same problems happened to this vehicle and similar models of GM. After driving this vehicle for several years without incurring any accident, I realized that the losses of the some vital control functions and safety alert are actually very serious concerns and should be addressed and resolved by GM.

My car has started stalling and dying when i slow down, take off or when idling. No power when accelerated, and the smell of exhaust comes into my car. I was making a turn from a red light and my car spit, sputtered, and died right in the middle of the busy intersection. I was almost hit from the rear and another car had to go into on coming traffic to avoid T boning me. I took it to 2 different places to get a diagnosis reading and both places said it was a catalyst problem, and I was told that there was a recall about that because of engine oil clogging it up. My car has been using more oil than usual here lately and im guessing thats why. Now, im afraid to drive anywhere because I don't feel like it safe and the fact that my car doesn't run good enough to drive. I was told by more than 1 person that knows mechanics, that its a issue with the catalyst and that it had a recall on it but I never received one. This is a very concerning safety issue, and one that needs immediate attention before someone gets badly hurt (or worse) because of a bad car part . My car is literally just a lawn ornament now until I can get this issue resolved. I need my car to make a living and support my family. PLEASE, get the recall letters out and get this fixed before someone loses a life.

I think the manifold on GMC Terrain need to be on a recall because mine already cracked.

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the front driver's side air bag unexpectedly deployed without an impact to the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 148,116.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, WHEN TWO VEHICLES IN FRONT OF HIM CRASHED. THE CONTACT STATED HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND REAR ENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED STERNUM DUE TO THE SEAT BELT AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL AND STAYED OVER NIGHT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 136,000. *DT

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse out of a parking space, upon putting shifting into reverse, the rearview camera screen turned off. The contact stated that the display screen went blank, and due to the failure, the vehicle bumped another vehicle that was also reversing. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that it was a minor impact and that there was no cosmetic damage to either vehicle. The Police was not called. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the center console display was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

I still have more to add to my other complaint. The fire started with alternator apparently there were crossed wires took alternator back to Orielys where I got it warrented out fixed the expanded wiring and replaced a hose and other things damaged by the little fire. Then after that things kept getting worse. Then it was spark plugs that were rusted that I replaced eventually I complained back to the dealership I got the car from and they agreed to help repair it after a posting by me on fb that I wasent a happy customer basically and that I literally had a sitting duck. Turns out the timing chain needed to be replaced and other little things. I've replaced O2 sensors camshaft sensors gaskets in catalytic converter had it inspected thinking it was a clogged exhaust the excessive oil usage was insane I would be going through 5quarts twice a month! I'm just tryna have a DECENT WORKING VEHICLE for my kids and I. I literally can't keep a job because I DONT HAVE RELIABLE transportation....I've put sooooo much money into this vehicle and now I might have a blown gasket!!! And that's because I haven't even been driving the vehicle. I got the car on Jan 7th 2021 with 129,043 miles on it as of today it has a total of 164,627 miles on it meaning in between the two years that I've owned the vehicle I have only put a total of 35,584 miles on it.....for it to have this many problems for so little mileage is INSANE!!! my kids were in the car with me today when the car started smoking like crazy from under hood and exhaust I pulled over turned the car off and took my baby off car seat in all and got away from vehicle thinking it was on fire again. I popped the hood and notice it was coming from under manifold.....meaning its probly a blown gasket after I just replaced the camshaft sensor AGAIN......it's ridiculous all the stuff thats going wrong with this vehicle with so little mileage that's been put on it.

ON FEB 10, 2020 I WAS INVOLVED IN A SIDE IMPACT CRASH WHEN A LARGE TRUCK FAILED TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS AS THE FRONT QUARTER PANEL AND WHEEL WERE DAMAGED. THE COLLISION SHOP CALLED TODAY AND STATED THAT ALL FOUR OF MY IMPACT SENSORS ARE "DEAD". HE SAID I WAS VERY LUCKY BECAUSE THERE IS NO WAY I WOULD'VE KNOWN THAT MY AIRBAGS WOULDN'T HAVE DEPLOYED AND I VERY LIKELY WOULD'VE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH, AND NO CODE. THEY FOUND IT BY ACCIDENT ON A MORE INTENSIVE DIAGNOSTIC. THIS IS SCARY BECAUSE HOW MANY OTHER 2012 TERRAIN OWNERS WON'T KNOW UNTIL ONE OF THEIR LOVED ONES ARE INJURED OR KILLED!?!? YOU NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. I GOT LUCKY BUT YOU HAVE NOW 23 COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE BAGS NOT DEPLOYING. PLEASE DO SOMETHING!!!

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RAIN ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND SOAKED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PENSKE BUICK GMC OF CERRITOS (18400 STUDEBAKER RD, CERRITOS, CA 90703), BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE WHERE THE RAIN WAS ENTERING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,644. *TT*JB

My 4 cyl. AWD GMC Terrain has had excessive oil use which caused premature failure of the timing chain, loss of power/compression, blown engine, damage to exhaust manifold, cellinoids, and melted the catalytic converter. Its was a road safety, poor emissions due to failed catalytic converter. Headlights are too bright for oncoming traffic at night. Another road & safety hazard. Auto warranty is refusing to cover parts listed above caused by the timing chain and excessive oil consumption problems.

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the passenger's side headlamp failed to provide proper illumination. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Issues with the passenger side seatbelt not pulling to lock. It's jammed off and on. Doesn't work.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG BUSTED OPEN, SMOKED AND EMITTED DEBRIS BUT DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT AND A NINE-YEAR OLD CHILD IN A BOOSTER SEAT, IN THE BACK SEAT OF THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE STAN MCNABB CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM DEALER, LOCATED AT 200 N. JACKSON ST, TULLAHOMA, TN 37388 AND WAS TOLD THAT THE INFORMATION WOULD BE ENTERED IN THE CONTACT'S FILE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 125,000.

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Steering wheel locks and hard to steer while driving. System light comes on stating check power Steering. Also stabilizer light comes as well.

The check emissions light for the engine light came up on the dashboard. Without prior warning or other signs the vehicle lost engine power in the middle of the road. The entire electrical power and engine stopped working and the brakes jammed. This causes the vehicle to become unstoppable in the middle of the road causing a safety hazard to the vehicle, driver, passengers and fellow vehicles on the road. The only way to stop the vehicle is somehow use the gears to shift to parking position, turn the engine again on and try to remove the vehicle from the middle of the road.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, WHEN TWO VEHICLES IN FRONT OF HIM CRASHED. THE CONTACT STATED HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND REAR ENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED STERNUM DUE TO THE SEAT BELT AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL AND STAYED OVER NIGHT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 136,000. *DT

GMC Consumer Relations Subject: Structural Undercarriage Safety Defect – 2012 GMC Terrain SLE Vehicle Information: Year/Make/Model: 2012 GMC Terrain SLE VIN: [XXX] Mileage at Purchase: 148,305 Date of Purchase: [XXX] Location: Rochester, New York I am filing a complaint regarding a severe undercarriage safety defect in my 2012 GMC Terrain SLE. The rear undercarriage of this vehicle shows heavy structural corrosion on suspension brackets and mounts. The condition produces clanging noises during normal driving, and an independent licensed mechanic has refused to work on the vehicle because the suspension integrity is unsafe. When I returned the vehicle to the dealer, I observed additional brackets being attached under the rear subframe area, suggesting reinforcement of compromised structural points. This confirms that the corrosion directly affects suspension geometry, alignment, and stability. This corrosion is not cosmetic. It is advanced structural deterioration affecting the mounting points for trailing arms and lateral links. These components are critical to safe turning, stability, and control. The corrosion compromises the ability of the suspension to keep the wheels aligned, creating serious risks of loss of control or wheel separation. What makes this more alarming is that the vehicle passed a New York State safety inspection on 07/13/2025, yet within days a mechanic refused to perform unrelated service because of the undercarriage condition. This raises questions not only about inspection validity, but also about the underlying durability and corrosion. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

We received a notice in the mail regarding our vehicle with our VIN #. And it mentioned our particular size engine had a recall for potential emissions part condition of degraded catalytic converter and/or oxygen sensors caused by excessive engine oil consumption affecting some vehicle from our year, make, and model. We were surprised to receive this notice because we always park in reverse and we had noticed how it was turning the curb side black coming from the tail pipe. We did receive one other notice before and took it to the dealership to have it maintenance but my honest opinion I do believe they did anything to our vehicle because it was running the same and also took it to Midas after taking it to the dealership because it ran the same. Anyhow I hope upon receiving this other notice we can actually maybe get reimbursed and actually get it fixed finally.

I am having trouble with these things now. The powertrain especially I have not had accident yet but it keeps going dead on me in the middle of driving down road. Causing me to have to put in neutral and restart. At this time the steering goes out. This needs to be repaired before an accident does happen. The drivers seat does not move forward or backwards. The tire pressure warning does not warn until it is at 20 psi.

RECENT PROBLEMS WITH MY 2012 GMC TERRAIN ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE PVC VALVE CAUSED REAR MAIN SEAL TO CONSUME OIL AND GASKET BLEW OUT DRIVERS SEAT WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS VISOR ON DRIVERS SIDE WILL NOT STAY UP ALSO ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

GMC Consumer Relations Subject: Structural Undercarriage Safety Defect – 2012 GMC Terrain SLE Vehicle Information: Year/Make/Model: 2012 GMC Terrain SLE VIN: [XXX] Mileage at Purchase: 148,305 Date of Purchase: [XXX] Location: Rochester, New York I am filing a complaint regarding a severe undercarriage safety defect in my 2012 GMC Terrain SLE. The rear undercarriage of this vehicle shows heavy structural corrosion on suspension brackets and mounts. The condition produces clanging noises during normal driving, and an independent licensed mechanic has refused to work on the vehicle because the suspension integrity is unsafe. When I returned the vehicle to the dealer, I observed additional brackets being attached under the rear subframe area, suggesting reinforcement of compromised structural points. This confirms that the corrosion directly affects suspension geometry, alignment, and stability. This corrosion is not cosmetic. It is advanced structural deterioration affecting the mounting points for trailing arms and lateral links. These components are critical to safe turning, stability, and control. The corrosion compromises the ability of the suspension to keep the wheels aligned, creating serious risks of loss of control or wheel separation. What makes this more alarming is that the vehicle passed a New York State safety inspection on 07/13/2025, yet within days a mechanic refused to perform unrelated service because of the undercarriage condition. This raises questions not only about inspection validity, but also about the underlying durability and corrosion. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC TERRAIN. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE TPMS WARNING LIGHT FOR THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. ON A LATER DATE, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TPMS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO MADE AN UNKNOWN ADJUSTMENT; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.