RoadVitals

2023 GMC Terrain Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
14
Latest Aug 5, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
38%
of 37 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

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 2023 GMC Terrain submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 14 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.

Owner reports naming engine

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 5, 2026

adaptive cruise disengaging alert on dash- no cars or weather conditions to induce this. loss of power and bucking on highway( near accident caused) catostostrophic sudden loss of power engine/transmission failure while mechanic driving resulting in car towed back to dealer. loss of power multiple times causing near accidents. sudden jolting at stop light causing car to propel forward requiered both feet on brake pedal to stop. 4 episodes of near collision 1st altert started 04/4/2024 adaptive cruise light on dash 14,700 miles on vehicle 5 episodes continued and now car is still at dealership for emissions failure, loss of power x 4 weeks. ALL PHOTOS OF DASH LIGHTS, REPAIR INVOICES AND VIDEO OF DASH AVAILABLE BUT I AM NOT ABLE TO UPLOAD ALL.

NHTSA ID
11755131
Incident
Apr 4, 2024
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated and failed to properly accelerate. The service transmission and service fuel management system messages were displayed, and the check engine warning light was flashing with several other unknown warnings illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and while test-driving the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and an engineer was sent to the dealer to inspect the vehicle. No further information was available. The contact stated that the transmission module was previously replaced, but the failure persisted. The failure mileage was 27,000.

NHTSA ID
11754923
Incident
Jun 1, 2026
Mileage
27,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Jun 2, 2026

I have had 2 different instances where my vehicle stops in the middle of a busy intersection or traffic and have no warning what so ever. Vehicle just shuts off and I am not able to turn back on to move out of the way. First time I got it repaired it was related to the fuel pump and now I am waiting to hear back from my mechanic to see what the issue is but so far it is an indication of the fuel pump as well. Both times I required help from law enforcement because vehicle shut off in the middle of the road and safety to myself and other drivers was an issue until tow truck arrived to move my vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11741516
Incident
May 16, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed May 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and the engine stalled. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the road, the engine seized. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed fuel pump. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed fuel injector. The contact was informed that the fuel injector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed Number 3 fuel injector. The contact was informed that the fuel injector needed to be replaced. The parts were ordered, and the vehicle was being repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ID
11740826
Incident
Oct 11, 2025
Mileage
45,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Apr 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed, and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle stalled on three separate occasions. The vehicle was able to restart each time after approximately 15 minutes of waiting, but the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and DTC: P228C, P0089, and P006C were retrieved, and the contact was informed that the fuel pump and fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11731486
Incident
Mar 6, 2026
Body & structureEngine
Filed Apr 6, 2026

Took dealer 3/26 for Sam issue Engine Power reduced after already cause me hit curb. Got it out 4/1/26 Now 4/5/26 it happened again same codes after they claimed they fixed it. Also keep having Emergency services come on a caused my dashboard out. My issues is car keeps stalling losing power. Same codes as week ago after dealer fix. Also 4 time took for noises in my car from passenger side. They keep telling me they can’t replicate it, but you can clearly see where the door is not lined up. This has been going on for over 30,000 miles for that. Like some of these issues have been going on since the 36,000 but now I’m having issues where I’m losing power like this is insane all before 60,000 miles which I’m about to hit. It’s gonna end up getting me killed on the interstate. My vin also says it’s fwd it’s awd AT4 . Called dealer said only to update software clearly not the issue. My doors are off and they have refused to fix those for over 30,000 miles now. It won’t let me attach any pics for some reason I’ve tried since yesterday

NHTSA ID
11729391
Incident
Apr 5, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed Mar 4, 2026

1st Failure. August 28, 2025. Vehicle stalled out while driving with NO warning. Check engine light stayed on. Could not drive. Car towed to dealership. Scanned codes found: p0089, p00c6 and p228c. Cause: Internal failure. Bulletin pertaining to this issue performed. Program of ecm per bulletin. 2nd Failure. February 19, 2026 Vehicle stalled out a 2nd time while driving with NO warning. Check engine light stayed on. Could not drive. Towed in a 2nd time. Scanned codes found: p0089, p00c6, p228c and p2c1f. Cause: internal Fault. Fuel pump power control module replacement. Fuel pump replacement. 3rd Failure. March 4th, 2026. Vehicle stalled out a 3rd time while driving with NO warning. Check engine light stayed on. Could not drive. Towed in again to dealership. Currently sitting at dealership waiting on repairs a 3rd time for the same thing. Wife is 76 years old and is terrified to drive this car. What if this stalls out on the freeway in traffic. Car is unsafe to drive.

NHTSA ID
11722113
Incident
Aug 28, 2025
EngineFuel system
Filed Feb 21, 2026

GM Flier PIP6071A - continued engine misfire/chugging/buck/skip under load, going up hills, trying to pass, etc. Was taken to shop January 2025 ~90,000 with these symptoms. Charged for spark plug replacement (visit 1). Taken back January 2026 ~150,000 miles, charged for ignition coil 1 and spark plugs. Immediately returned as problem persisted, spark plugs replaced (visit 3). February 6 2026, same problem as before, spark plugs replaced (visit 4). February 18 2026, currently in shop, problem persisting, trying to say it is the other 3 ignition coils, even after I requested they check O2 sensor and inspect catalytic converter.

NHTSA ID
11719589
Incident
Jan 21, 2025
EngineFuel system
Filed Jan 2, 2026

The high pressure fuel pump, the car randomly goes into limp mode and stalls and then when cranking it back up in the middle of 635 it hesitates to start, done this 3 times already

NHTSA ID
11708368
Incident
Jan 2, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Nov 7, 2025

GMC Terrain with 12,564 total miles had experienced an engine failure. Under normal driving conditions, the car was sluggish and would not accelerate properly when pulling out into traffic or when getting on the freeway/interstate causing fear for driver safety and causing traffic slowdowns or congestion with a significantly increased risk of crash. While driving to work, the vehicle service engine light turned on and displayed "reduced engine power". Upon investigation the dealership found codes P0011, P0014, P0016, P0017, and quoted "Cylinder 4 intake rocker had fallen off and laying on head, found excessive debris and metal material around rocker 4, Found cylinder 2 intake rocker to be worn sideways. Found heavy damage to intake camshaft. Removed oil filter - found excessive metal in oil filter". Secondary issue, infotainment screen would randomly flash bright white on the right half, causing a major driver distraction. Engine, turbo, and infotainment system were all replaced, and vehicle returned 11.06.2025

NHTSA ID
11698105
Incident
Oct 13, 2025
EngineFuel system
Filed Jun 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the message "Engine Power Reduced” was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle the lost motive power in the middle of the roadway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the high-pressure fuel pump, causing fuel to leak into the oil, resulting in damages to the catalytic converter and Oxygen sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 41,000.

NHTSA ID
11669569
Incident
Jun 22, 2025
Mileage
41,000 mi
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Mar 16, 2025

At stop light turning right, the car stalled, cut on and cut back off, cut on and back off with about 30 cars behind me. Sputtering. On the dash board it said “Engine power reduced”. I had to be pushed out a main highway by police, and thankfully my [XXX] daughter wasn’t in the back seat. I have had this car 12 days with 48256 miles on it. I’m extremely concerned with the safety of this car. And when towed was leaking gas like fluid. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11648545
Incident
Mar 15, 2025
Engine
Filed Jan 24, 2025

Rear main seal leak car has been with dealer since 12/30/24 until present day. No updates other than I may need a engine.

NHTSA ID
11638191
Incident
Dec 12, 2024
ElectricalEngine
Filed Apr 19, 2024

I bought a 2023 GMC Terrian SLE brand new 14 months ago. It has 30,000 miles on it. I was driving down [XXX] and the car turned off. No warning signs! Not to mention The car had no power! I couldn’t even put on my emergency flashers! Me and my 3 year old son luckily were able to make it through a lane of traffic and up the embankment to call for help! I had the car towed to the dealership and they can’t find anything wrong with it! The car is acting normal now but I don’t feel safe in it! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11584019
Incident
Apr 15, 2024

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.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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