Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2017 GMC Terrain submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 79 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 79, in the owner's own words
Have had to replace the VVT solenoids several times within a year spam. Had to replace the rear main seal because it blew out due to carbon build up. Having issues with excessive oil consumption. Now the vehicle just started with: going from a stop position to accelerating at low speeds the vehicle stalls and dies. I want GM to take accountability and fix this issue as it is a safety issue to myself and everyone on the road.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to a local car wash, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence; however, the next day, the vehicle hesitated while starting. The message "Stabilizer - Power to Engine Reduced" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine possibly needed to be replaced because the engine failed to turn over. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine was blown. The contact was informed that the engine and the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost and remained with the local dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,750. The VIN was not available.
I had a message flash that said the power to the engine was reduce. Next message said check stabilink ( or something similar).. it said drive with caution. I live 2 mins from my job I drove home and pulled in the driveway I then felt the car act like it wanted to shake. This was on 2-10-26 I contacted onstar asked them to run a diagnostic. The codes that came back P0016 p0089 p228D are very well known codes with many people with the same vehicle/engine that have had to replace the engine. The engines have known issues had I known that maybe I could have replaced a part or two or three or four to have a stable vehicle now my vehicle is currently at GMC DEALER since Tuesday morning actually had it towed there monday night. I called Wednesday evening they still wasn't sure the "issue". Thursday I wait until about 1pm spoke with John he said well we are pretty sure you need a new engine the mechanic is checking a few more things the car has no pressure. About a hr later I get a email and a call saying the timing chain skipped and something about the pistons and the valves and I need a new engine . John called me and said well.Ill tell you what we will offer you a brand new Engine for the same price as a rebuild plus you get 3yrs 300 thousand warranty for 10,944. Give or take a few dollars. We'll first I paid like 15,500 for the car that I just litetally paid off like Jan 12026. I really feel like had GMC Made buyers aware that the vehicle has defective parts/engines buyers could replace parts or GMC should be held accountable. I started googling the engine and found out that there is a class action lawsuit and a recall on " certain" 2017 terrains depending on the vin. Same issues my car is having but its saying my car has no recall.
Rear main seal blow out
Traveling on the expressway, engine made wearing noise, reduced engine power and complete engine failure while driving. Rear main seal blowout due to a defective PCV system freezing. It is a known issue for GM2.4L engine especially in cold weather leading to massive oil loss and catastrophic engine damage. This has been confirmed by a GM authorized dealer.
On January 31, 2026, while driving on the highway, my 2017 GMC Terrain suddenly began shaking as if it was going to stall. Thankfully, I managed to exit the interstate before the vehicle lost power. Luckily, when this happened, it "only" blocked traffic on a side road. The Terrain was towed to my garage. The mechanic called to inform me that the vehicle was out of oil -even though it was not due for servicing, nor did a “check oil" warning appear. He noted that this was not the first time he had seen this problem occur with this particular make and model: the PCV valve had frozen due to recent cold weather, which led to the rear main seal fracturing, causing oil leaking. In addition, the manifold had also cracked. He explained that repairs would be costly given the labor needed to remove the transmission and perform other related tasks. He recommended that I "Google" the problem to gain an understanding of the time involved to complete this repair. My research corroborated that this was a very labor-intensive undertaking. More concerning was discovering an abundance of cases documenting this failure -as well as class action lawsuits- which underscores the fact that GM knows about this issue but refuses to address it. I am not sure why there hasn't been a recall—though perhaps that's a question for people much smarter than I am. Now, after spending thousands of dollars, I have a vehicle with an oil life monitoring system that doesn't function as intended—and worse, I know this could happen again.
The PCV valve froze which caused pressure to build up in the rear main seal to fail. Causing oil to leak out of the motor. Hence the motor won't hold oil.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the engine diagnostic result was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that two years prior to the failure, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and the vehicle stalled. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
I am filing this complaint to report a catastrophic engine failure involving my 2017 GMC Terrain equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec engine, which I believe is the result of a known manufacturing defect related to excessive oil consumption and premature internal engine wear. At approximately 88,000 miles, my vehicle experienced severe engine failure, including excessive oil consumption, timing chain failure, and complete engine failure, which has been confirmed in writing by a licensed repair facility. The shop determined that the engine failure was caused by oil starvation resulting from excessive oil consumption, leading to internal engine damage and timing chain failure. This failure occurred without warning and rendered the vehicle unsafe to operate. Sudden engine failure creates a serious safety risk, including loss of power while driving, inability to accelerate, and increased risk of collision. This engine failure matches a well-documented defect pattern involving General Motors’ 2.4L Ecotec engines, which have been the subject of class-action lawsuits, settlements, and jury verdicts related to premature piston ring wear, excessive oil consumption, and resulting engine damage or failure. These issues have been widely reported in Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles within my model year range. My vehicle was properly maintained, and this failure was not the result of neglect, misuse, or normal wear and tear, but rather a latent manufacturing defect that manifested after the warranty period but well within the reasonable life expectancy of the engine. I am requesting that NHTSA formally document and investigate this defect, as it presents a significant safety concern for drivers operating vehicles equipped with this engine. I also request that General Motors be required to address this defect to prevent additional engine failures and potential safety incidents.
[XXX], our 2017 Terrain Denali displayed code: “Low Oil/Shut Engine Off” so had it towed to Laura Buick/GMC Colllinsville, IL. Laura confirmed the issue was blown rear seal due to design of intake cover and PCV. They checked with aftermarket warranty for VIN [XXX] , warranty contract number [XXX] who said it was not a covered issue. We called Warranty folks also and were told it was an “external issue” and not covered. Appealed to GM Customer Service who said VIN was not covered. The vehicle has approximately 83,000 miles and we referenced PIP5093B and Special Coverage Program number SB-10057977, and Special Coverage Adjustment 16118 Excessive Engine Oil Consumption. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
This car burns 1 quart of 5w-30 synthetic blend oil every 200 miles! The pcv valve has been cleaned numerous times and this does not affect the burning oil issue and yes this can be inspected upon request. Safety put at risk you ask, this is a ticking timebomb ready to ruin the engine due to burning oil, leaves me stranded in my rural town for fear of mechanical breakdown, need to carry two 5 quart containers of oil, and dipstick needs to be checked every 100 miles. I have scheduled appt with GMC dealer in Chadron NE for mid January 2026. There are no warning lamps or messages that appear and this problem has been going on since August 2025, bought the car February 2025 from Chevy dealer in above mentioned town. KBB has a trade in value for this car at 1500 and private sale at 1900 for a 2017 Terrain SLT! Unbelievable!!!!!!
For a year we have had to check to the oil weekly and add oil due to the vehicle burning oil so quickly. The past month we have had to check it daily and add oil. We do regular routine oil changes and have had to get them before the next one is due. Recently when driving the “oil pressure low stop engine” light has been coming on almost daily. The oil change company has reported to us that it is due to the 2.4 Eco tech motor. You can smell the oil burning through the vents inside the car.
The power steering assembly failed and caught on fire. This then caused the engine to malfunction and no longer work. This happened while driving on the interstate at a speed of approximately 80mph. No prior check engine lights were visible
We have been keeping up with all maintenance and oil changes. We have only driven the car for less than a year. At time of oil change; the oil has been low, resulting in OVER oil consumption; Requiring an extra quart of oil to be added between oil changes. When we purchased the vehicle, there was an strong exhaust smell; The shop that we bought the vehicle stated there were no issues and we have taken it to them multiple times an hour away from our home. The car completely shut off while my minor son and I were driving. Placing both of our lives at risk! It would never start back up. Now the car has seized and requires an engine replacement. It is sitting at a local garage while we wait for the dealership to help us, to no avail.
I was driving back from out of state and all the sudden the engine just got loud. So I pulled over and check oil levels. Except there is no access to the transmission oil. The only way to check this is to remove the front driverside tire, take a bolt out and see if any oil drips out. This is insane that there is no dip stick. I am taking it to a mechanic on Monday but to not have quick access to this is wild.
Throttle position system all of a sudden went bad. My 2017 Terrain started shaking. I was holding up traffic. The sun couldn't go over 5mph. I've read online where this is happening alot in 2010'2017 GMC Terrains.
GM recently recalled over 500,000 car engines. The warning signs to look out for was a “knocking” sound coming from the engine. I had recently experienced the same issues that the recalled car engines were experiencing. I went to get it checked out and my mechanic said there were chunks of metal in the engine. The GM engine recall should include 2017 GMC TERRAINS SLT. If I had not got it looked at, it would have caused an accident that would have been unpreventable due to the warning signs of only the knocking sound. No other lights had came on in the car. Please consider putting this make and model in the engine recall! If someone reaches out to me, I have the name of my mechanic that can verify the engine issue of my GMC.
March 1, 2025, I was driving from Charlotte, NC east bound on highway 40 towards Wilmington and all of a sudden my car just stopped while I was in the left lane. I was able to cruise over to the right shoulder and park my car in front of a sign that read exit 298 a few feet ahead. From there I was on the highway about two hours trying to get a tow truck to tow my 2017 GMC Terrain to the nearest GMC dealership which so happened to be 10 miles away. Which the tow never came. My step father drove about 100 miles west to pick me and my daughters up. All night I was on the phone with one tow truck company after another and every one kept saying they couldn’t find my car. In the morning I called another tow and he was able to find my car in the same location I left it. It was a Sunday so I had to wait until Monday to follow up with GMC Thompson. They advised I needed engine work. I was told I needed, timing chains, compression, gear bolts. However my car had just been repaired in November 2024, because my car wouldn’t start up after work. GMC in Charlotte Liberty GMC they replaced the gasket, chains, pipes, pistons, bolts, screws, seals, valves, bearings, actuators, tensioners, manifold, I mean the engine was rebuilt basically. It Thompson GMC about month to repair the vehicle because they were waiting for parts. The last week Lisa my representative was able to get me a loner car. I’ve been driving the car for about almost 3 weeks and I’m still very Leary of it. Terrible experience and I don’t see any recalls for my year make and model but I believe I’m probably not the only one with this year make and model that has gone through this. There’s two dates so I’m not sure which date to put.
1st time - rear main seal blew out & engine lost all of its oil causing rocker arm to break & chains to slip-vehicle sputtered & DIED while driving down busy street & would not restart - my safety & safety of others driving behind me were at risk for causing a rear end accident and/or pile up crash - no warning lights or sounds alerted me - dealership told us General Motors is aware this is/has been a problem with 2017 Terrain vehicles especially those driven in Midwest states due to colder temperatures - the intake manifold vent hole is not large enough to let air out, so it plugs up & causes pressure to blow out rear seal, which causes oil to leak out and engine dies. When replaced with a remanufactured engine intake manifold vent hole was not drilled out causing it to happen again 2nd time - when leaving parking spot at work noticed oil puddles underneath my vehicle, I checked my oil, it showed full, I was concerned, drove to nearby last place I got my oil change. They informed me that all the oil had leaked out and showed me the bottom of my vehicle oil covered the front to the back of my vehicle. They also said that I was extremely lucky to get to shop before engine blew and stopped dead. AGAIN my safety and safety of others behind me could have been a rear end accident and/or car pileup crash - again no warning lights or sounds alerted me - shop personal told me General Motors is aware this is/has been a problem with 2017 Terrain vehicles especially those driven in Midwest states due to colder temperatures - even though the repairs where done by a certified dealership the first time they replaced with a remanufactured engine but failed to drill out the intake manifold vent hole bigger so this would not happen again BUT IT DID. General Motors cannot just sell vehicles it has to stand behind what they sell which in my case they have not. Due to GM lack of concern, recalls, reimbursements, lives have been and continue to be at risk
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine, especially during colder mornings. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the solenoids had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence and determined that the timing belt was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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