POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2018 GMC Terrain
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 227 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 GMC Terrain, most frequently naming the brakes, engine and powertrain (other) categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 1,344 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 2020 | 1 | 65 |
| Jan 2021 | 3 | 68 |
| Feb 2021 | 1 | 69 |
| Mar 2021 | 4 | 73 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 74 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 75 |
| Oct 2021 | 3 | 78 |
| Nov 2021 | 1 | 79 |
| Dec 2021 | 3 | 82 |
| Jan 2022 | 1 | 83 |
| Feb 2022 | 1 | 84 |
| Mar 2022 | 2 | 86 |
| Apr 2022 | 4 | 90 |
| May 2022 | 2 | 92 |
| Jun 2022 | 2 | 94 |
| Jul 2022 | 2 | 96 |
| Aug 2022 | 3 | 99 |
| Sep 2022 | 4 | 103 |
| Oct 2022 | 3 | 106 |
| Dec 2022 | 3 | 109 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 110 |
| Mar 2023 | 1 | 111 |
| Apr 2023 | 1 | 112 |
| May 2023 | 4 | 116 |
| Jul 2023 | 6 | 122 |
| Sep 2023 | 5 | 127 |
| Oct 2023 | 2 | 129 |
| Dec 2023 | 8 | 137 |
| Jan 2024 | 3 | 140 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 141 |
| Mar 2024 | 4 | 145 |
| Apr 2024 | 3 | 148 |
| May 2024 | 3 | 151 |
| Jun 2024 | 2 | 153 |
| Jul 2024 | 4 | 157 |
| Aug 2024 | 4 | 161 |
| Sep 2024 | 1 | 162 |
| Oct 2024 | 4 | 166 |
| Dec 2024 | 7 | 173 |
| Jan 2025 | 2 | 175 |
| Feb 2025 | 3 | 178 |
| Mar 2025 | 1 | 179 |
| Apr 2025 | 2 | 181 |
| May 2025 | 2 | 183 |
| Jun 2025 | 1 | 184 |
| Jul 2025 | 3 | 187 |
| Aug 2025 | 3 | 190 |
| Oct 2025 | 4 | 194 |
| Nov 2025 | 2 | 196 |
| Dec 2025 | 2 | 198 |
| Jan 2026 | 2 | 200 |
| Feb 2026 | 3 | 203 |
| Mar 2026 | 5 | 208 |
| May 2026 | 3 | 211 |
| Jun 2026 | 1 | 212 |
| Jul 2026 | 2 | 214 |
| Aug 2026 | 5 | 219 |
| Sep 2026 | 4 | 223 |
| Oct 2026 | 3 | 226 |
| Nov 2026 | 1 | 227 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Brakes8327.3%
- Engine5618.4%
- Powertrain (other)4113.5%
- Electrical3511.5%
- Driver assistance258.2%
- Fuel system185.9%
- Airbags144.6%
- Steering72.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
5 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. The contact stated that gasoline was leaking from the engine while refueling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V358000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The failure mileage was 106,727.
- NHTSA ID
- 11776063
- Incident
- Nov 3, 2026
- Mileage
- 106,727 mi
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle unexpectedly stopped. The contact exited the vehicle and there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed and the tow truck operator stated that there was gasoline leaking underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with high-pressure fuel pump failure. The mechanic referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V358000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); as the possible cause of the failure. However, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the “Engine Power Reduced" message was displayed. The mechanic associated the failure with the fuel system. The failure mileage was 92,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11773034
- Incident
- Oct 19, 2026
- Mileage
- 92,000 mi
This car was my daily driver to work it's been serviced regularly and well maintained, in XXX I've had the car for 8 years and driving home from work on the [XXX] it started to Rev very high and I wasn't able to speed up past 55 so I got in the slow lane and the car was not shifting gears and the transmission light came on, I took it to a garage who said the error code was P0700 and I would need a whole new transmission which would cost 8k the trade in value for the 2018 GMC terrain is about that price, having a transmission fail after just 8 years is unacceptable, I've read there is a recall for the transmission in these cars in other states but not in [XXX] where I live INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11772507
- Incident
- May 15, 2026
On XXX while driving my 2018 GMC Terrain SLE 1.5L turbo on the highway at approximately 70 MPH near [XXX]. I experienced a sudden loss of power brake assist without any prior dashboard warning lights or messages. I was traveling with children to [XXX] for a youth wrestling tournament, approximately 5 hours from my residence. The brake pedal became extremely hard to press, requiring excessive force to slow the vehicle while traveling at highway speeds. I was transporting children at the time, creating a serious safety concern. Because I was away from home and needed to get the children to their scheduled wrestling weigh-ins, I arranged alternative transportation through Enterprise. I was unable to have my vehicle inspected by a GMC dealership until XXX, after returning home. At approximately 93,614 miles, Ed Martin Buick GMC diagnosed an internally failed, engine-driven brake vacuum pump. The service advisor confirmed in writing that the pump had come apart internally and explained that a seized pump can strip the exhaust camshaft gear. The dealership documented missing metal material from the vacuum pump and camshaft gear, raising concerns about metal debris entering the engine. Diagnostic trouble codes included P0014, P0017, and P0556. The dealership estimated repairs at $5,960.79 but advised that the proposed repairs might not remove all internal metal debris. The service advisor stated that replacing the engine would be the only way to guarantee complete debris removal. GM has published technical service information, including PIP5835 and Bulletin 21-NA-268, addressing similar vacuum pump failures and associated damage. The vehicle remains unrepaired. I am reporting this incident because an unexpected loss of power brake assist at highway speeds, without advance warning, creates a significant collision risk for drivers, passengers, and other motorists. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11771162
- Incident
- Sep 25, 2026
Without any type of warning, I was driving down the road when my car started making a knocking/ticking type noise then my engine light came on. I attempted to hit my brakes and stop, and I had no control. There was no brakes without pushing it all the way to the floor it was very hard to get my car to stop. I managed to get off the road and into a parking lot and now told that I have $5000 worth of repairs, including the vacuum pump, camshaft timing and guides. After reading information I see there is complaints filed regarding this failed vacuum pump and I would just like to report this.
- NHTSA ID
- 11767937
- Incident
- Sep 28, 2026
Dear [Manufacturer], I am writing to report a serious safety concern with my [year, make, model]. A bolt from the idler arm/undercarriage came off after becoming severely rusted. I had the vehicle inspected by a repair shop, but they could not determine why the bolt failed or why it had rusted to this extent. This is extremely concerning because a failure of this component while driving could potentially result in loss of control and a serious accident. I am asking the manufacturer to investigate this issue and determine whether this is a known defect or corrosion-related problem. Please let me know if you would like to inspect the vehicle or failed component. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Year/Make/Model] [VIN] Sent from my iPhone
- NHTSA ID
- 11767009
- Incident
- Sep 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage at the residence, there was fuel leaking from the vehicle from the fuel line. The contact stated that the fuel pump was replaced. There was a strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V358000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure but stated that the repair was not covered because the VIN was not included in the recall.
- NHTSA ID
- 11766614
- Incident
- Dec 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the brake pedal was firm and the "Service Brake Assist" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact used excessive force to depress the brake pedal while stopping the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the destination and parked. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a vacuum pump recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was scheduled for repair with an independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11764014
- Incident
- Sep 11, 2026
- Mileage
- 116,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3
This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PI to help diagnose A/C concern
This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
This preliminary information discusses a condition that may arise from the drivers window switch sending an errant message causing the vehicle to enter manual fob learn mode.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2026 | 34 | 1 | 0 | 48.2 |
| 2025 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 47.0 |
| 2024 | 55 | 1 | 0 | 47.1 |
| 2023 | 41 | 2 | 0 | 55.5 |
| 2022 | 61 | 2 | 0 | 53.1 |
| 2021 | 36 | 2 | 0 | 59.3 |
| 2020 | 198 | 2 | 0 | 56.3 |
| 2019 | 187 | 3 | 0 | 56.0 |
| 2018Viewing | 227 | 5 | 0 | 58.1 |
| 2017 | 135 | 1 | 0 | 52.1 |
| 2016 | 153 | 2 | 2 | 60.4 |
| 2015 | 299 | 3 | 2 | 55.6 |
| 2014 | 297 | 2 | 2 | 50.7 |
| 2013 | 365 | 3 | 0 | 49.8 |
| 2012 | 364 | 4 | 3 | 59.0 |
| 2011 | 386 | 4 | 3 | 57.3 |
| 2010 | 290 | 3 | 3 | 56.3 |
| 2009 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.