2023 GMC Terrain Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
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What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2023 GMC Terrain, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system2033.9%
- Engine1423.7%
- Powertrain (other)711.9%
- Driver assistance711.9%
- Electrical711.9%
- Visibility11.7%
- Body & structure11.7%
- Steering11.7%
- Airbags11.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I was driving the vehicle on the highway the cruise control was on. All of a sudden I got a warning on vehicle info panel that stated vehicle power is reduced. The vehicle decelerated on its own and I could not accelerate past 55. The check engine light came on. I pulled off the road and turned the vehicle off. After about 10 minutes, I started the car back up and proceeded down the highway at normal speed. The check engine light remained on. I stopped at a Chevrolet dealer service center in Ft Stockton, TX, to have the vehicle looked at. They could find no error codes and could not duplicate the problem. I was sent on my way. This has happened multiple times while driving on roads in my area. Mostly while on the highway.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Out of nowhere and driving this morning, my engine reduced power came on. Then I started losing power in the car then it died on me once out of nowhere. I managed to make it home an hour and a half later, but that could’ve got me killed stopped by AutoZone since dealerships closed today and it tells me that it’s code P228C, P0089 fuel pump. And then last night my emergency service calling came on which one I looked it up so something to do with OnStar and could be a module so I’m not sure what that is. And then you add on the fact all the sudden in the last 24 hours, my screen keeps going in and out are not working last week. My volume wasn’t working. I love this car, but it seems to have a lot of issues all of a sudden and I’m fixing to be at 60,000 miles which is a big problem considering warranty will be expired. I’ve already had issues with squeaking and squealing from the windows that they claim they can’t find nothing and I’ve had to listen to it for almost 60,000 miles. I had to get this car because my other car blew up on me and I can’t afford another new car. I’ll be taking it to the dealership first thing in the morning and I hope to God that something can be fixed cause we’re in one car Family.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 70-71 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated. There was a red flashing light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle then accelerated. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated, and the message that the sensor was dirty was displayed. The contact stated that the windshield was clean and clear but utilized the windshield wipers, and the warning light disappeared. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 6,912.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
My son was making a left onto a freeway on ramp after traffic cleared and the steering wheel completely locked up resulting in him going over the curb and rolling completely over in a steep ditch. This occurred at a low speed (no more than 25mph), confirmed by the Life369 app. My son's description was that it felt like the wheels were against a wall and the wheel wouldn't turn even though he was using both hands in an attempt to turn. My son said there was no warning lights or any other indication that he noticed, other than the complete locking up of the steering. The resulting rollover into the ditch has totaled the vehicle so it was not inspected by any collision shop. I attempted to check the steering in the tow yard but the vehicle had no power.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Please let me
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .