2018 GMC Terrain electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Dec 11, 2025CTElectrical System

   The infotainment system will just randomly start going haywire and when it happens, you cannot use the touchscreen. It will try to randomly delete app icons such as the camera, it will try to delete connected phones, it will try to delete radio favorites and it will move app icons all around. These are just a few examples of things that happen.

   NHTSA complaint #11704389 · source
2. Filed Nov 7, 2025130,000 miDEBody & StructureElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the transmission was shifting gear erratically. The contact stated that the doors were locking and unlocking independently, and the instrument cluster was blank. There was an abnormal beeping sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that while at a traffic light, the Auto START/STOP feature delayed to respond. OnStar was alerted, but the contact declined to perform the service. The contact…

   NHTSA complaint #11698239 · source
3. Filed Aug 28, 202577,000 miOHElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the infotainment system screen and radio inadvertently switched stations from AM to FM. On other occasions, while driving and using the GPS system, the screen went blank. The contact stated that on several occasions the screen was turned off, and on other occasions, the screen was turned off and on however, the failure was temporally fixed. The vehicle was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11683657 · source
4. Filed Jul 14, 2025WVBrakesElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   Component Affected: Service Brakes, Hydraulic – Brake Vacuum Pump Summary of the Problem: I am reporting a serious safety issue involving the brake vacuum pump on my 2018 GMC Terrain. The brake pump failed catastrophically ("blew up"), resulting in a sudden loss of braking power. This occurred without warning and posed a significant risk to my safety and others on the road. We were traveling to vacation in Florida and thankfully had just gotten off the interstate. Details:…

   NHTSA complaint #11673291 · source
5. Filed Aug 27, 2024SCElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the horn was inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

   NHTSA complaint #11611189 · source
6. Filed May 13, 2024KSBrakesElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   Safety was put at risk when brakes went out without warning, and unable to use emergency brake at that time. Car was serviced for over $1700, with the mechanics stating that the piece “blew up.”

   NHTSA complaint #11588585 · source
7. Filed Feb 25, 2024CABody & StructureElectrical SystemEngine

   Rear side windows in hatch area leaked filled up spare tire compartment with about 3-4 gallons of water. Now navigation doesn't want to work, sunroof not working, electric systems are not working right

   NHTSA complaint #11573881 · source
8. Filed Jan 7, 2024OHElectrical System

   The door locks began to have issues; the locks started to work only occassionally for no apparent reason. I've been locked out of the car several times and had to use the auxiliary key. Plus I couldn't lock the car while I was inside as the interior door lock button wouldn't lock or unlock the doors either. It's not a kefob or battery issue and no lights on the dashboard. The dealer reports that they couldn't reproduce the issue. However they found corrision on the…

   NHTSA complaint #11563980 · source
9. Filed Dec 12, 2023AZElectrical System

   On Wed., Dec. 6 around 3:15 pm during heavy traffic on FWY [XXX], cars slowed down to a brief complete stop. When I went to start slowly as traffic began to move, engine completely shut down. I could not open windows or my door to get out of vehicle. Immediately called 911 and was transferred to DPS. It took approximately 65 minutes before I had help and was finally towed from the dangerous freeway lane where I was stuck and with vehicle completely stalled and locked down, I…

   NHTSA complaint #11559752 · source
10. Filed Dec 4, 2023ILElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    There is an has been an issue with my electrical system says I purchased this car in 2017. Myself believe that the issues have not been documented until 2020. When my racy begins to run out, my engine light has been coming on and I’ve been getting the same code P1101 I took my vehicle to GMC and they told me that the engine light came on because the tape came loose. I brought this vehicle and there’s no way there should be no tape on it. The service tech also told me that if…

    NHTSA complaint #11558439 · source
11. Filed Apr 11, 2022INElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    1. 2018 Terrain would not start in a parking lot. Remote was used after several attempts to start with push button failed, and after a slight hesitation , engine started. Vehicle was driven about 6 miles without incident. 2. Vehicle was driven about 10 miles the next day and start/stop engaged at a stop light but would not restart. After about 3 minutes of cycling throught the starting procedure, the vehicle started. Drove another 8 miles without incident. 3. Next morning,…

    NHTSA complaint #11460372 · source
12. Filed Nov 16, 2021MDElectrical SystemSteering

    Multiple warning lights are appearing at once (Automatic brake assist, forward collision assist, parking brake released) When the car is put in reverse, the radio turns off for a brief moment and the steering assist warning shows on the dash. The steering wheel snatches back in the opposite direction causing a safety concern. The car also completely cuts off after the auto-stop takes effect at red lights causing me to have to pump the brakes at least twice to re-ignite and…

    NHTSA complaint #11440697 · 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