2019 GMC Terrain engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 24, 2026ARBrakesElectrical SystemEngine

   While driving on an interstate, vehicle became sluggish when accelerating. Took off on exit, engine was reduced to 50% power, attempted to drive to large parking lot, lost brakes, got the vehicle stopped in an intersection, would not shut off, go into neutral. Finally shut off, had to call tow truck, holding up traffic in a busy intersection. Was told it would be just $900 to fully diagnose problem, but it appeared the vacuum pump failed, threw broken metal into engine and…

   NHTSA complaint #11766640 · source
2. Filed Sep 17, 2026KYBrakesEngine

   On 9/15/2026, my wife drove her car, a 2019 GMC Terrain, to a doctor's appointment. She reported no known issues with the way the car operated during her drive nor had she or I experienced issues prior to this event. After she finished her appointment, she attempted to start her car and was unable to get the car to start. She also noticed that the brake pedal was stiff and hard to depress. When I arrived, I tried to assist her, thinking that an electrical issue was the…

   NHTSA complaint #11764910 · source
3. Filed Sep 4, 2026MABrakesEngine

   While driving my 2019 GMC Terrain with three children as passengers, the vehicle developed a braking/engine problem. The brake pedal became very hard, and the vehicle subsequently became undrivable and would not start. I received no advance warning through the GMC app indicating that the vacuum pump was failing. The vehicle was towed to a GMC dealership. The dealership diagnosed a failed vacuum pump and advised that the engine requires replacement, with an estimate of…

   NHTSA complaint #11762176 · source
4. Filed Aug 21, 2026PABrakesElectrical SystemEngine

   On Saturday, August 15th we were driving on the freeway when with no warning the check engine light came on and the vehicle began to run poorly, and then the vehicle lost electrical power and it became difficult to steer and the brake pedal became stiff, making it difficult to stop and pull over. The vehicle would not start on command but kept running very poorly, it also became impossible to shut the vehicle off until it seized. It was later towed to a local repair shop,…

   NHTSA complaint #11758591 · source
5. Filed Aug 18, 2026NJBrakesEngine

   The car’s brakes hardened on the highway, posing a life-threatening danger, right before the engine died. Following a tow to the dealership’s service center, an initial inspection revealed a broken vacuum pump and broken camshaft. The dealership stated that there was evidence that camshaft debris may be scattered throughout the engine. No further inspection has been done at this time due to the probability of major engine damage and/or potential repairs.

   NHTSA complaint #11757612 · source
6. Filed Aug 9, 2026MIBrakesEngine

   While driving my 2019 GMC Terrain on local roads, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete failure of the braking system. The brake pedal became extremely hard to press, and the dashboard displayed a critical error message stating 'Engine Power is Reduced.' during this frightening safety incident i felt lucky to bring the car to a stop without an accident. The vehicle had to be flatbed towed to a repair facility. This sudden loss of power braking is a known, documented…

   NHTSA complaint #11755772 · source
7. Filed Jul 5, 2026MSEngineOther / Unknown

   While driving the vehicle became extremely difficult to stop I was advised that the Vacuum booster pump was broken and it needed to be replaced. This was first completed 09/24/25 by Gateway tire and service center. I was advised that there was a service bulletin for the issue. Then I have had the same thing happen and I returned the vehicle to the same repair shop and I was advised that the Vacuum booster pump was broken and it caused the exhaust camshaft to break, as well…

   NHTSA complaint #11748359 · source
8. Filed Jun 10, 2026TNEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The turbo went completely out at around 105k miles while I was driving to work. I had to coast into a repair shop because it was smoking and wouldn’t go over 20mph and then have it towed to the place that repaired it. Since then, the transmission is having trouble shifting gears. The car struggles to accelerate and I have to go abnormally slow after coming to a complete stop in order for the car to get into gear. The onstar diagnostic says everything is fine but it is…

   NHTSA complaint #11743318 · source
9. Filed May 13, 202676,000 miMIBrakesEngine

   The contact owns a 2019 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while stopped and attempting to turn to exit a highway ramp, he observed a loud banging noise emanating from the engine compartment. An "engine reduced power" message appeared. The vehicle then went into limp mode, and when the brake pedal was depressed, it was stiff as a rock. The vehicle coasted while he continued attempting to depress the brake pedal, and it eventually slowed down. The vehicle was steered to the…

   NHTSA complaint #11737591 · source
10. Filed Apr 20, 2026MEEngine

    Engine breakdown 1.5turbo in 11/28/25 with 16820 miles on it. It is not available i heard a bang and smoke out of back lost power while driving on the high way damage was confirmed buy a dealer goodwin chevrolet in brunswick me yes buy gm dealer. No there were no warning lamps or other symptoms before failure. Car was check on 3/30/2023 at 10383 miles for shaking and losing power.car did come out it took it to lee gm dealer in auburn me could not duplicate problem.

    NHTSA complaint #11732575 · source
11. Filed Mar 16, 2026COBrakesEngineOther / Unknown

    Vacuum pump exploded into camshaft and engine area, causing me to lose brakes completely on the highway. Costly repairs to clear out metal shrapnel and replace camshaft.

    NHTSA complaint #11724591 · source
12. Filed Feb 11, 2026WIBrakesEngine

    I am driving a 2019 GMC Terrain SLT, and I have a serious concern regarding a recent service experience. On 02/10/2026, I had an oil change and a complete vehicle inspection performed at Kunes GMC Greenfield, Wisconsin. After the service was completed and I returned home, I noticed an unusual noise coming from under the engine hood. I immediately went back to the dealership and informed them of the issue. I was asked to return the following day (02/11) for further…

    NHTSA complaint #11717369 · 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