2017 GMC Terrain transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 28, 2026INEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I bought this 2017 used on XXX I have had to put 1 quart of oil in the car every 500 miles. Because it burns oil like crazy. And now at this point, the transmission has just quit. I believe they call it the drive train. I am taking it to D and D auto repair in [XXX] on Thursday of this week. GMC knows about the drive train problem as it is common well known problem INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint #11767582 · source
2. Filed Jan 21, 2026OHElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I am filing this complaint to report a catastrophic engine failure involving my 2017 GMC Terrain equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec engine, which I believe is the result of a known manufacturing defect related to excessive oil consumption and premature internal engine wear. At approximately 88,000 miles, my vehicle experienced severe engine failure, including excessive oil consumption, timing chain failure, and complete engine failure, which has been confirmed in writing by a…

   NHTSA complaint #11712537 · source
3. Filed Sep 20, 2025TXElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   We have been keeping up with all maintenance and oil changes. We have only driven the car for less than a year. At time of oil change; the oil has been low, resulting in OVER oil consumption; Requiring an extra quart of oil to be added between oil changes. When we purchased the vehicle, there was an strong exhaust smell; The shop that we bought the vehicle stated there were no issues and we have taken it to them multiple times an hour away from our home. The car completely…

   NHTSA complaint #11688652 · source
4. Filed Jun 19, 2025MIEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Throttle position system all of a sudden went bad. My 2017 Terrain started shaking. I was holding up traffic. The sun couldn't go over 5mph. I've read online where this is happening alot in 2010'2017 GMC Terrains.

   NHTSA complaint #11667967 · source
5. Filed Jan 27, 2025NYTransmission & Drivetrain

   My car lost oil while I was driving. I also lost power. I had my car over to a garage and the mechanic diagnosed it was a ruptured rear main seal caused by a frozen PCV system. GM knows about the problem but has not recalled it. It is very expensive to repair. And because the manufacturer knows about it but never told the consumer, is fraudulent.

   NHTSA complaint #11638924 · source
6. Filed Nov 9, 2024CTTransmission & Drivetrain

   My vehicle only has 78,000 miles on it and the timing chain needs to be replaced?! This is no longer under warranty because it’s been over 5 years but this should last a life time. Now I have a car that doesn’t start or run that I have to make payments on and no one wants to do the work on my car! I looked online and a bunch of people are having the same issue with the same exact car at similar mileage and the same issue! GMC needs to do a recall on this issue, many people…

   NHTSA complaint #11624318 · source
7. Filed Oct 3, 2024INEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   We have had 4 transmissions since we bought the vehicle. It slows down to almost a stop after it hits 30 mph and makes weird noises all throughout the vehicle. The back right tire sticks to the pavement and jerks when i start to drive. The key ignition has been fixed several times and still sometimes won't turn with the key or come out. Yes Warranty told the repaid service company to fix whatever, and they did but it still after 2 more transmission hasn't fixed the issues.…

   NHTSA complaint #11617850 · source
8. Filed Jan 22, 2024TXEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   It's a known problem with gmc with a lawsuit for the PVC pipes clogging and blowing the main rear oil seal causing the vehicle to quit running

   NHTSA complaint #11567067 · source
9. Filed Dec 19, 2023125,000 miIATransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed white smoke coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who confirmed the…

   NHTSA complaint #11560970 · source
10. Filed Sep 13, 2023ALEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

    1. The car started making a noise then started surging and jerking. I'm not a mechanic, so I don't know what happened but it will not crank now. Yes, someone can come inspect the vehicle, by appointment only. 2. I was afraid that the car was going to blow up or the brakes would not hold. 3. No, the problem has not been reproduced or inspected. 4. No, the vehicle or component has not been inspected. 5. NO, there were no warning lights to let me know there was a problem.

    NHTSA complaint #11544332 · source
11. Filed Jun 30, 2023OHOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

    We have had many GM vehicles my husband worked at GM retired now. Our complaint is we have a GMC Denali 2017 only 79000 miles on it. All upto date changes regularly all. Other like Transmission oil changed all upkeep to date. Transmission needs rebuilt. We are in our 80’s And don’t beat up our cars. Replace or rebuild transmission 3500 to 4500 bucks. That is a lot of money for us. No longer covered. It shudders when you drive at any speed and feels so unsafe. Took it to GM…

    NHTSA complaint #11529747 · source
12. Filed May 17, 2023SCTransmission & Drivetrain

    I was on the interstate, heading out of town. I heard a loud noise from under the car. The car started slowing down and would not accelerate. This could have been very dangerous if I had been in the middle of 5:00 traffic. I took the next exit in front of me and pulled into a gas station. Looked under car and seen no obvious damage. Got back in and the car and put it back into drive. It would barely pull and then quick pulling all together within a few feet. The D/drive…

    NHTSA complaint #11522471 · 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