3.7

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
34,350 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2016 GMC Terrain engine problems

engine problem

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2016 GMC Terrain Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #32

Jun 172024

Terrain

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When starting the vehicle, I received a -??reduced power-?? warning and then the check engine light came on. I was afraid to drive it to the service center, so It was towed. The repair center informed me that the timing chain failed and that engine will no longer start at all. I cannot afford to have the engine repaired no matter the cost because I-??m still responsible for almost $6k of the loan for this vehicle, in addition to full coverage insurance required by the lender. Also, probably taxes as well because I now have a very expensive lawn ornament. Oh, and towing fees to deliver the ornament to the lawn. And then there-??s the cost of finding transportation so I can actually work to throw money at all of those costs. Being buried financially because I put faith in this product is an injury and an expensive lesson.

- Ezel, KY, USA

problem #31

Feb 242024

Terrain

  • 84,394 miles
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking noise heard coming from the front of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle was towed to the residence and then to the local mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed. The local mechanic stated that the rear main seal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,394.

- Suring, WI, USA

problem #30

Jan 192024

Terrain 4-cyl

  • 104,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 104,000. The contact was instructed to take it and have it diagnosed by the dealership he bought it from so I spent more money to have the garage take it on their roll back and drop it off at the dealership. The email stated I needed an engine with a $9000 estimate.

- Wapwallopen, PA, USA

problem #29

Jan 172024

Terrain

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Driving down the road yesterday and outta nowhere I lost power and got a low oil pressure warning then the car just shut off merging onto a busy highway. Blown rear main seal and locked up the engine with no warning. Only 65k miles on the car. Dealership wants to charge me 11k to replace the engine. This is a very common occurrence with this vehicle I-??m reading now. This could-??ve caused a major accident

- Emmitsburg , MD, USA

problem #28

Oct 242023

Terrain

  • miles
This is a 2016 GMC all wheel Terrain. Over the past several years when accelerating the car would shake violently, because we could not reenact dealership could not diagnose the problem, however as the issue has gotten worse we have been able to recreate and diagnose AND we are looking at a $2,000 repair based on a known ISSUE which DID NOT lead to a recall. The ACTUAL ENGINE IN ITS ENTIRETY SHAKES VIOLENTLY when accelerating!! How in the hell is this possible that these cars are allowed on the street without a recall. You should be ashamed!

- Negaunee, MI, USA

problem #27

Oct 052023

Terrain

  • miles
The engine - My engine blew because oil evaporated out of the #1 cyclinder, which drained the oil. No warning lights went on and the vehicle stalled in the middle of rush hour traffic. The dealership told me it was because of a factory defect, but no recall on that part of the vehicle. This could have been much worse if the vehicles behind me were going faster than they were and not able to stop before rear ending me. Because this was a factory defect it should have been recalled and I should have been notified of this problem when I bought the vehicle.

- Forest Lake, MN, USA

problem #26

Mar 112023

Terrain

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Thermostat/coolant sensor malfunctioning causing engine fan to constantly run as if the engine is over heating. Some engine exhaust door/flap is stuck open or closed causing check engine light to come on. And or the actuators doors are broken causing windows to fog and obstruct view. Not sure what would cause this issue but I have had to have work done on my vehicle twice for this issue within 3 years.

- Ferguson, MO, USA

problem #25

Dec 182022

Terrain

  • miles
While just starting on my way home on a cold 9 degree day, I have an 2016 GMC Terrain that I had since 2018 and bought from a dealer. After driving for about 12 miles on the interstate the Terrain engine light came on and there was a vibration coming from the front of my GMC. There was an exit ramp about 1/4 mile so i pulled off the interstate and my vehicle showed loss of power and steering and shut down, barely made it on the exit ramp. Very dangerous not having steering with little notice. I noticed alot of oil dripping from the undercarriage so I called a local automobile shop to get my vehicle towed. They diagnosed that I needed a new engine and comented that the 2.4 engine had many issues. I recently had it towed to my house and currently going to have a local chevy dealer give me a second opinion and cost for repairs since I still have a loan on the vehicle.I believe that this is a very unsafe vehicle and needed to be reported so nobody gets hurt. Thank You

- Mauston, WI, USA

problem #24

Mar 062023

Terrain

  • miles
Was driving home from work and the engine light came on. Shortly after the stabilitrak warning light came on followed by the reduced engine power warning. I had a GM dealer work on why the engine light came on while the car was still under warranty and i thought that would have fixed it. I have been reading on articles how the engines in these models are defective and consumes a lot of oil. I always have to add oil in between changes. I had a mechanic look at my car and run a diagnostic and basically the pistons need replacing...due to the defective engine. I feel the engine repairs that will be needed should be covered.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #23

Jan 312023

Terrain

  • 67,496 miles
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, an abnormal oil odor was present inside the cabin of the vehicle, causing the driver to experience a headache. Additionally, while driving the vehicle was shaking and vibrating. The vehicle was later towed to the local service center diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,496

- Toledo, OH, USA

problem #22

Jan 062023

Terrain

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Timing chain went out, at 80,000 miles, causing vehicle to stall.

- Tecumseh , MI, USA

problem #21

Dec 242022

Terrain

  • 92,600 miles
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The oil warning light was illuminated, and an unknown message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the lower engine seal and bearing were faulty. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,600. The VIN was unavailable.

- New Creek, WV, USA

problem #20

Jan 172022

Terrain

  • miles
At approximately 75000 miles the car began leaking oil. Took it in to gym certified dealer. Was told the pcv froze causing a pressure build up, and blew out the rear main seal. They stated this engine has this as a common occurrence. Searching online this appears to be true. Many years prior to mine were recalled. Apparently the recall needs extended.

- Trenton, MO, USA

problem #19

Aug 012021

Terrain

  • miles
I have to put oil in my car every 2 weeks. There are no leaks. The engine is burning oil.

- Mandan, ND, USA

problem #18

Sep 222021

Terrain

  • miles
I was leaving the area of Hiram and my car started running different and you could hear a taping noise. I drove it to the GMC dealer down the street and they said it was the timing chain. I recently had an oil change and I was wondering if that could be the problem. The dealer gave me no recommendations or indications that I needed to change belts or components and my service engine light has never came on.

- Union City, GA, USA

problem #17

Sep 022021

Terrain 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2016 GMC Terrain SLT, service engine light came on, vehicle stalled many times, restarted but drove and misfired, stalled again, was able to get it to repair garage who I trust. He checked code and said I had to put a complete timing chain kit. Total cost came to $992.36 and didn't have a vehicle for a week due to weekend and a holiday. The vehicle only had 30,763 miles on it at the time but was out of factory warrantee. Reading other customer complaints, this looks like an ongoing problem and I feel should warrant a recall. Additional info such as repair invoice is attached. Please reply when received and thank you for your time.

- The Villages, FL, USA

problem #16

May 172021

Terrain

  • miles
On May 17,2021 I took my 2016 GMC Terrain for a oil change I have only had my vehicle for about 2 months and I have noticed that it burns way too much engine oil on May 17th 2020 it had a full 100% engine oil now today is June 22 of 2021 and it has 60% oil engine

- Wilmington, CA, USA

problem #15

Mar 312021

Terrain

  • 98,000 miles
When driving the stabiltrak service light will come on and the engine light. The car will loss acceleration immediately then seems wont go out of 2nd gear. I stop turn off car a few minutes and it will start again and the engine light will go out after while. Last time the car would not start again. It finally did after 20 minutes or so. And light went out layer. Took it to dealer once and they could not duplicate problem. This is worrying me.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #14

Feb 282019

Terrain

  • 15,000 miles
I purchased this car with 12,000-15000 miles still relatively new (V6). Every time its time to get my oil change, there is 0 oil left. My car burns all the oil before the next oil change every time. I consistently got my oil changed on time, my most recent oil change was yesterday at 58K miles. Before its even time to get my oil changed I'm forced to buy an extra quart of oil because its bone dry empty. There is also a knocking sound. The last person to change my oil told me they had another GMC Terrain they were working on with a siezed engine from the same problem.

- Sylvania, OH, USA

problem #13

Sep 142020

Terrain

  • 111,000 miles
Vehicle since purchase shows no signs of leak but goes through oil at about 1 quart every 1000 miles max. Check engine light always on, sensors indicate possible faulty piston rings. All were problems in later model GMC Terrains. When low on oil while driving and stationary all lights will light up and engine will go into reduced power mode saying to service stabilitrack. Car will not go above 10 mph when in this mode, sometimes unable to move at all. Goes away after more oil added. GMC Terrain had recalls on years 2010-2013 for all engine failure problems/repairs due to faulty piston rings/oil consumption issues. Numerous 2014-2016 GMC Terrains have claims of the reduced power/stabilitrack problem with no solution, I believe both problems are directly related.

- Bound Brook, NJ, USA

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