What is the 2010-2017 GMC Terrain 2.4L I4 Excessive Oil Consumption and Piston Ring Failure?

The 2.4L LEA and LE9 four-cylinder engines in 2010-2017 Terrain are among the most reported excessive oil consumption issues in GM's lineup. Many owners consume 1 quart of oil every 1,000-2,000 miles. The root cause is inadequate piston ring tension combined with piston ring land… Repairs typically run $1,200-$6,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2018-2025 GMC Terrain 1.5L Turbo PCV System Failure and Coolant/Oil Intrusion?

The 2018+ Terrain with the 1.5L turbocharged engine (LFV/LYX) experiences PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) diaphragm failure inside the valve cover. The integrated PCV diaphragm tears, causing excessive crankcase pressure that forces oil into the intake manifold and intercool… Repairs typically run $400-$2,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2014 GMC Terrain Ecotec 2.4L Timing Chain and Tensioner Failure?

The GM Ecotec 2.4L in the 2010-2014 Terrain has the same timing chain stretch and tensioner failure as the Equinox and Malibu. GM Special Coverage Adjustment SCA 12313C covers some vehicles. The 2010-2011 models are worst affected. Improperly hardened piston rings on 2010-2013 mo… Repairs typically run $1,000-$3,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2012 GMC Terrain Electric Power Steering Sticking / Increased Steering Effort?

First-generation Terrains (shared with the Chevy Equinox) develop a "sticky" power-steering condition where the wheel binds on-center - most often after long straight-highway driving - and requires noticeably higher effort to turn. NHTSA investigated roughly 781,000 2010-2012 uni… Repairs typically run $600-$1,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2021-2023 GMC Terrain High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure Causing Engine Stall (Recall)?

On 1.5L turbo Terrains, a component inside the high-pressure fuel pump can fracture prematurely, generating metallic debris that migrates through the fuel line and blocks the injector inlets, starving the engine of fuel and causing sudden stalling and loss of power while driving… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: high.

What is the 2021-2022 GMC Terrain Hankook Tire Tread Separation - Insufficient Curative Agent Recall (21V612)?

GM recalled 2021-2022 Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox vehicles fitted with specific Hankook tires that were manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent. Under-cured rubber can allow the tread to separate from the carcass at speed, producing a sudden loss of vehicle c… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2017 GMC Terrain 6T40/6T45 6-Speed Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifts?

The 2010-2017 Terrain uses the GM 6T40 (2.4L) and 6T45 (V6) 6-speed automatic transmissions, both of which suffer from torque converter shudder, harsh shifts, and solenoid failures. The shudder occurs at light throttle between 30-50 mph when the torque converter clutch locks up. Repairs typically run $150-$2,800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2010-2017 GMC Terrain Water Pump Failure and Coolant Leak?

The engine-driven water pump develops bearing/impeller wear or seal leaks, allowing coolant to weep (often visible as dried Dex-Cool on the timing-chain cover or flung from the pump pulley) and eventually causing overheating. On both the 2.4L Ecotec and 3.6L V6, the pump is timin… Repairs typically run $1,008-$1,443. Severity: medium.

What is the 2018-2022 GMC Terrain Electronic Shifter Fault - Vehicle Stuck in Park / "Shift to Park" Message?

Second-generation Terrains with the electronic precision (push-button/monostable) shifter throw a persistent "Shift to Park" warning and refuse to shift out of (or fully into) park even when correctly positioned. GM traced it to build-up/contamination on the Park switch contacts… Repairs typically run $150-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2010-2017 GMC Terrain Throttle Body / Throttle Position Sensor Failure - 'Reduced Engine Power' Warning?

First-generation Terrains (2010-2017) are prone to a sudden 'Reduced Engine Power' warning caused by a failing electronic throttle body. Carbon and grime build up inside the bore and the internal throttle position sensor (TPS) fails or reads erratically, causing the ECM to enter… Repairs typically run $250-$650. Severity: medium.

What is the 2018-2024 GMC Terrain Charge Air Cooler Moisture Freeze-Up - Misfire, Underboost and Reduced Engine Power in Cold Weather?

On the second-generation Terrain (2018+) with the turbocharged 1.5L LYX or 2.0L LTG engine, the air-to-air charge air cooler (intercooler) accumulates condensate from humid or rainy driving plus PCV-borne moisture. In cold ambient temperatures that water freezes inside the CAC co… Repairs typically run $150-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2023 GMC Terrain Rear Seat LATCH Child-Restraint Anchor Bars Over-Coated - Child Seat Cannot Be Properly Attached (23V339)?

GM recalled 2020-2023 Terrain vehicles because excessive powder coating on the four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars can prevent a child restraint from being properly installed or securely latched. A child seat that will not seat fully on the anchor may not restrai… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.

What is the 2010-2017 GMC Terrain Sunroof Drain Hose Clogging and Disconnection - Water on the Cabin Floor and Headliner Staining?

Sunroof-equipped first-generation Terrains use a drain trough around the glass panel with four hoses routed down the A-pillars and out through the rear body-side extensions. The original-design hoses are small in diameter and prone to clogging with debris and factory sealant resi… Repairs typically run $100-$800. Severity: medium.

GMC · Known Issues

2010-2025 GMC Terrain Problems: 26 Known Issues

2010-2025 model years · 3,010+ owner reports · Updated August 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 3,010+ owner reports, the 2010-2025 GMC Terrain has 26 documented known issues, with 13 rated critical. The most serious are 2.4L I4 Excessive Oil Consumption and Piston Ring Failure ($1,200-$6,500 repair), 1.5L Turbo PCV System Failure and Coolant/Oil Intrusion ($400-$2,800 repair), Start/Stop Transmission Accumulator Endcap Missing Bolts - Fluid Leak & Loss of Propulsion (Recall), Ecotec 2.4L Timing Chain and Tensioner Failure ($1,000-$3,000 repair), Door Striker Fracture Allowing a Door to Open While Driving (Recall 23V869000), Windshield Wiper Module Ball Joint Corrosion Causing Inoperative Wipers (Recall 16V582000), Electric Power Steering Sticking / Increased Steering Effort ($600-$1,500 repair), Engine-Driven Brake Vacuum Pump Failure - Sudden Loss of Power Brake Assist (Hard Pedal) ($400-$1,500 repair), . at .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common GMC Terrain problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,010+ owner reports, the 2010-2025 GMC Terrain has 26 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2.4L I4 Excessive Oil Consumption and Piston Ring Failure, 1.5L Turbo PCV System Failure and Coolant/Oil Intrusion, Start/Stop Transmission Accumulator Endcap Missing Bolts - Fluid Leak & Loss of Propulsion (Recall). Of these, 13 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the GMC Terrain reliable?

The 2010-2025 GMC Terrain has 26 known issues documented across 3,010+ owner reports. 13 issues are rated critical: 2.4L I4 Excessive Oil Consumption and Piston Ring Failure and 1.5L Turbo PCV System Failure and Coolant/Oil Intrusion and Start/Stop Transmission Accumulator Endcap Missing Bolts - Fluid Leak & Loss of Propulsion (Recall) and Ecotec 2.4L Timing Chain and Tensioner Failure and Door Striker Fracture Allowing a Door to Open While Driving (Recall 23V869000) and Windshield Wiper Module Ball Joint Corrosion Causing Inoperative Wipers (Recall 16V582000) and Electric Power Steering Sticking / Increased Steering Effort and Engine-Driven Brake Vacuum Pump Failure - Sudden Loss of Power Brake Assist (Hard Pedal) and High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure Causing Engine Stall (Recall) and High Feature V6 (3.0L LF1 / 3.6L LFX) Timing Chain Stretch - P0008 / P0009 Cam-Crank Correlation and Hankook Tire Tread Separation - Insufficient Curative Agent Recall (21V612) and Occupant Classification System Fails to Suppress Front Passenger Airbag in Ventilated Seats (22V929) and Charge Air Cooler Outlet Duct Disconnecting at the Throttle Body - Sudden Power Loss and Stall. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common GMC Terrain problems?

Repair costs for known GMC Terrain issues range from $0 to $6,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 2.4L I4 Excessive Oil Consumption and Piston Ring Failure, typically costs $1,200-$6,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

All 26 Known Issues

Other GMC Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common GMC Terrain problems?

Is the GMC Terrain reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common GMC Terrain problems?

What year GMC Terrain is the most reliable?

2.4L I4 Excessive Oil Consumption and Piston Ring Failure#

1.5L Turbo PCV System Failure and Coolant/Oil Intrusion#

Ecotec 2.4L Timing Chain and Tensioner Failure#

High Feature V6 (3.0L LF1 / 3.6L LFX) Timing Chain Stretch - P0008 / P0009 Cam-Crank Correlation#

Charge Air Cooler Outlet Duct Disconnecting at the Throttle Body - Sudden Power Loss and Stall#

Throttle Body / Throttle Position Sensor Failure - 'Reduced Engine Power' Warning#

Charge Air Cooler Moisture Freeze-Up - Misfire, Underboost and Reduced Engine Power in Cold Weather#

Hankook Tire Tread Separation - Insufficient Curative Agent Recall (21V612)#

Occupant Classification System Fails to Suppress Front Passenger Airbag in Ventilated Seats (22V929)#

Rear Seat LATCH Child-Restraint Anchor Bars Over-Coated - Child Seat Cannot Be Properly Attached (23V339)#

Driver's Seat Height-Adjust Pivot Bolt Stripped or Loose - Seat Can Shift Under Load (22V724)#

Windshield Wiper Module Ball Joint Corrosion Causing Inoperative Wipers (Recall 16V582000)#

Electronic Shifter Fault - Vehicle Stuck in Park / "Shift to Park" Message#

IntelliLink Infotainment Freezing/Rebooting and Backup Camera Black Screen#

Start/Stop Transmission Accumulator Endcap Missing Bolts - Fluid Leak & Loss of Propulsion (Recall)#

6T40/6T45 6-Speed Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifts#

Door Striker Fracture Allowing a Door to Open While Driving (Recall 23V869000)#

Sunroof Drain Hose Clogging and Disconnection - Water on the Cabin Floor and Headliner Staining#

Engine-Driven Brake Vacuum Pump Failure - Sudden Loss of Power Brake Assist (Hard Pedal)#

Wheel Bearing / Hub Assembly Magnetic Encoder Ring Failure - ABS and Traction Lights Without Bearing Noise#

High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure Causing Engine Stall (Recall)#

Fuel Level Sender Card Fouling - Gauge Sticks, Reads Low or Never Reaches Full#

Electric Power Steering Sticking / Increased Steering Effort#

Water Pump Failure and Coolant Leak#

Headlight Housing Veiling Glare - FMVSS 108 Noncompliance Recall (22V137)#

HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure (Clicking Noise, No Temperature Control)#

What is the 2010-2017 GMC Terrain 2.4L I4 Excessive Oil Consumption and Piston Ring Failure?

What is the 2018-2025 GMC Terrain 1.5L Turbo PCV System Failure and Coolant/Oil Intrusion?

What is the 2018-2020 GMC Terrain Start/Stop Transmission Accumulator Endcap Missing Bolts - Fluid Leak & Loss of Propulsion (Recall)?

What is the 2010-2014 GMC Terrain Ecotec 2.4L Timing Chain and Tensioner Failure?

What is the 2024 GMC Terrain Door Striker Fracture Allowing a Door to Open While Driving (Recall 23V869000)?

What is the 2013 GMC Terrain Windshield Wiper Module Ball Joint Corrosion Causing Inoperative Wipers (Recall 16V582000)?