2012 GMC Terrain engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jun 2, 2026AREngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   My car has started stalling and dying when i slow down, take off or when idling. No power when accelerated, and the smell of exhaust comes into my car. I was making a turn from a red light and my car spit, sputtered, and died right in the middle of the busy intersection. I was almost hit from the rear and another car had to go into on coming traffic to avoid T boning me. I took it to 2 different places to get a diagnosis reading and both places said it was a catalyst…

   NHTSA complaint #11741552 · source
2. Filed Mar 9, 2026MNEngine

   The engine blew. This was already the 2nd engine in the car. Oil consumption. Metal in the oil. No signs. Needs new engine

   NHTSA complaint #11722888 · source
3. Filed Feb 25, 2026TXEngine

   The oil is depleting every month from the vehicle. Every 2-3 weeks I have to put oil in the vehicle because the oil is being absorbed. Is there a recall on this problem.

   NHTSA complaint #11720511 · source
4. Filed Nov 16, 2025MOElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   1. The engine suddenly lost power while driving during evening rush hour and the vehicle would no longer accelerate. 2. Because the vehicle could not maintain speed, I was unable to keep up with traffic, creating a serious safety hazard that could have resulted in a major accident. 3. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center for diagnosis. 4. During the incident, the “Engine Power Reduced” warning indicator illuminated just before the loss of power…

   NHTSA complaint #11699710 · source
5. Filed Oct 6, 2025100,000 miOHEngine

   The contact's uncle owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 34-35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool down. The contact drove to the residence under 15 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the variable valve timing chain was bent, and the dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11691643 · source
6. Filed Mar 19, 2025KSEngine

   I have excessive oil consumption. I noticed the issue after getting my 3000-mile oil change. The technician said I only had 1 quart of oil, which I thought was extremely low. Every 2000 miles, my oil dipstick reports abnormally low oil levels. I am concerned that when I go on an extended road trip, I will have engine issues that will leave me and my family stranded on the side of the road. The GM technician started tracking my oil consumption. He said he was doing that to…

   NHTSA complaint #11649255 · source
7. Filed Aug 14, 2024FLEngine

   It appears the timing chain is bad. The vehicle only has 84000 miles and currently the engine turns off and you just coast to a stop in the middle of driving.

   NHTSA complaint #11608613 · source
8. Filed Jul 31, 2024191,843 miALEngine

   The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but a diagnostic test was not performed. The contact was informed that the engine control module and the camshaft actuator solenoid were replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11605673 · source
9. Filed May 31, 2024FLEngine

   I have a 2012 GMC Terrain!! I am the 2nd owner of this vehicle purchased in 2014-2015 there is an engine oil consumption issue with this vehicle that I have to add 2 quarts of oil every week!!! I have not been notified of any recalls or any information from GM in regards to the issue!!! Took it to dealer to have it checked and got told it’ll cost me over 5000 for the repairs!!! Is GM or will GM take care of this issue

   NHTSA complaint #11591801 · source
10. Filed Apr 10, 2024MIEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    hello i'm writing this letter to inform you about my 2012 Terrian i have had nothing but problems with the motor and now the muffler system i have had all recalls done on this and GM is well aware of this problem i have a dealer ship to replace the timing in this motor and still uses oil and still have all the problems after the recalls have been fixed now they want me to pay over $3,000 to have new catalytic converters fixed on it now after paying $2800 for a new timing…

    NHTSA complaint #11582154 · source
11. Filed Apr 8, 2024AKEngineOther / Unknown

    My vehicle is 2012 GMC Terrain. Oil changes on my vehicle we kept up and i had no major issues with this vehicle. I had an oil change done about a month before i went to start my car and all the lights came on and my car would rumble and wouldn't stay started and was longer drivable. After towing it a service shop they stated the following: The timing chains are damaged, skipped teeth, metal debris found in oil and screen of intake and exhaust camshaft solenoids due to many…

    NHTSA complaint #11581750 · source
12. Filed Mar 18, 2024MIEngine

    hello i'm writing you today in concern of my 2012 chevy terrian i have had all the recalls done on this car and still have problems with the motor this car has a new timing chain in it and still uses oil the recall for the o2 sensors i have had fixed now the light is back on and now the complete system is bad from my understanding this is a well known problem with these cars when you spend that kind of money on a vehicle you wouldn't think there would be the same problem…

    NHTSA complaint #11578063 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology