2018 GMC Terrain engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 30, 2026NYBrakesEngineOther / Unknown

   Without any type of warning, I was driving down the road when my car started making a knocking/ticking type noise then my engine light came on. I attempted to hit my brakes and stop, and I had no control. There was no brakes without pushing it all the way to the floor it was very hard to get my car to stop. I managed to get off the road and into a parking lot and now told that I have $5000 worth of repairs, including the vacuum pump, camshaft timing and guides. After reading…

   NHTSA complaint #11767937 · source
2. Filed Aug 24, 2026ALBrakesEngineOther / Unknown

   Approximately 3 miles from my residence my car display flashed "Reduced Engine Power" and slowed down. When I reached a stop sign and tried to stop, my brakes were stiff and I was unable to stop. I went through the stop sign. I continued to my residence at 10mph and backed into a parking space with a curb to help stop my vehicle. I turned the car off and called a mechanic to come look at my car. I explained the events and let him know it would not start. He checked the codes…

   NHTSA complaint #11759068 · source
3. Filed Aug 10, 2026MIBrakesEngine

   While driving my 2018 GMC Terrain, the vehicle suddenly displayed an “Engine Power Reduced” warning and the brakes became extremely hard to press. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of normal power-brake assist while it was in motion, creating a serious safety risk because significantly greater pedal force was required to stop the vehicle. I was able to pull over safely. After stopping, the vehicle would crank but would not start. The vehicle was towed to a GMC dealership…

   NHTSA complaint #11755920 · source
4. Filed Jul 17, 2026PABrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

   The vehicle has had regular maintenance, oil change, and inspection including the brakes. My boyfriend is visiting me in [XXX] from the [XXX]. OnXXX while driving the vehicle the engine started. Making a ticking noise especially during idle and when accelerating in idle. About 15 minutes after the ticking stopped and all of a sudden there's a complete loss of breaks they locked up and the driver was unable to efficiently stop while going down a hill Road. Driver had to use…

   NHTSA complaint #11751119 · source
5. Filed May 12, 2026260,000 miILTowedBrakesEngine

   The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain Denali. The contact stated while the contact's daughter was driving, the brake pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to stop as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the brake pedal was unusually hard when depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The contact stated that the service brake vacuum pump failed while the vehicle was at the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed…

   NHTSA complaint #11737294 · source
6. Filed Oct 3, 2025MNBrakesEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   April 2025, Vacuum Pump went out meaning lost breaks going 60 miles per hour down the road after engine light came on. Left me and two children stranded 2 hours from home with no way to get back except a tow. Now September 2025 Cam Shafts are out as well as Vacuum Pump. Stranded boyfriend and I two hours away again. Now metal in oil and warranty is not willing to cover it due to the vacuum pump going out. Made a post on Facebook and got lots of feedback on how their newer…

   NHTSA complaint #11691195 · source
7. Filed Jul 9, 2025AREngine

   Broken piston land and ring. car went into 'limp mode' while driving on interstate. Taken to dealer, told new engine was needed.

   NHTSA complaint #11672277 · source
8. Filed Jun 17, 2025NYBrakesEngine

   My car started experiencing a strange problem while braking on June 15. I released the parking brake leaving my parents driveway. I coasted backwards (as usual), and when I pressed the brake the car didn't stop as expected and the brake pedal was very hard to press. It eventually stopped. I put into park, then put the emergency brake on, then released all and tried again and encountered the same issue, that it was very very slow to stop and the brake pedal was hard to push…

   NHTSA complaint #11667521 · source
9. Filed May 5, 2025OHEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Timing chain. It had no warning and failed due to poor design and gm in Europe fixed/addressed the issue by installing a plate behind the tensioner a part that isn’t available in the us.

   NHTSA complaint #11659131 · source
10. Filed Apr 17, 2025MDEngine

    My vehicle’s engine was the component that failed. I was driving home from work. It is a forty-two minute commute. I was five minutes away from home when the vehicle slowed down in speed to a cruise. There were no issues prior after startup. There were no strange sounds, no start up issues, and no lights on the dashboard at all. I noticed that the vehicle had put itself into neutral gear. When I tried to stop the vehicle by hitting the break, the break did not work. I put my…

    NHTSA complaint #11655132 · source
11. Filed Feb 21, 2025ALEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    My check engine light comes on intermittently, since March 2024, after having Cabin & Engine air filters replaced. Each time, I’m told it is code P0171. This has happened too many times for my comfort. Usually, it happens around the time my gas gets below 1/2 tank or after I fill up my gas tank. Originally, I was told by the mechanic that it could be one of four things, of which I’ve now had some of things done. InIn Aug. 2024, the check engine light came in. Code was P0171.…

    NHTSA complaint #11644047 · source
12. Filed Feb 18, 2025TXBrakesEngine

    Brake vacuum pump failed causing engine damage. Camshaft on national back order. Vehicle has been in repair shop for 1.5 months waiting on part. No ETA. There has been recall for similar vehicles with same issue, failure, damage. But not for this VIN. It’s the same failure with same damage. How is this not a recall for this VIN?

    NHTSA complaint #11643291 · 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