2012 GMC Terrain

364 complaints on file, page 1 of 19.

1. Filed Jun 2, 2026Failure May 29, 2026Mayflower, AREngine, Fuel/propulsion system

   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 problem, and I was told that there was a recall about that because of engine oil clogging it up. My car has been using more oil than usual here lately and im guessing thats why. Now, im afraid to drive anywhere because I don't feel like it safe and the fact that my car doesn't run good enough to drive. I was told by more than 1 person that knows mechanics, that its a issue with the catalyst and that it had a recall on it but I never received one. This is a very concerning safety issue, and one that needs immediate attention before someone gets badly hurt (or worse) because of a bad car part . My car is literally just a lawn ornament now until I can get this issue resolved. I need my car to make a living and support my family. PLEASE, get the recall letters out and get this fixed before someone loses a life.

   NHTSA complaint 11741552
2. Filed Mar 9, 2026Failure Dec 15, 2023Faribault, MNEngine

   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
3. Filed Feb 25, 2026Failure Feb 13, 2020San Antonio, TXEngine

   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
4. Filed Nov 16, 2025Failure Feb 12, 2025Kansas City, MOElectrical system, Engine, Power train

   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 occurred. 5. As the vehicle slowed and came to a complete stop at an intersection, it remained unresponsive. When the traffic light turned green, the vehicle would not accelerate at all.

   NHTSA complaint 11699710
5. Filed Oct 15, 2025Failure Aug 1, 2025Creve Coeur, MOUnknown or other

   Liftgate automatically closing and failure to remain open causing a safety hazard for anyone standing at the liftgate.

   NHTSA complaint 11693545
6. Filed Oct 6, 2025Failure Oct 6, 2020100,000 milesCincinnati, OHEngine

   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 vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11691643
7. Filed Sep 15, 2025Failure Sep 7, 2025Rochester, NYPower train, Suspension, Wheels

   GMC Consumer Relations Subject: Structural Undercarriage Safety Defect – 2012 GMC Terrain SLE Vehicle Information: Year/Make/Model: 2012 GMC Terrain SLE VIN: [XXX] Mileage at Purchase: 148,305 Date of Purchase: [XXX] Location: Rochester, New York I am filing a complaint regarding a severe undercarriage safety defect in my 2012 GMC Terrain SLE. The rear undercarriage of this vehicle shows heavy structural corrosion on suspension brackets and mounts. The condition produces clanging noises during normal driving, and an independent licensed mechanic has refused to work on the vehicle because the suspension integrity is unsafe. When I returned the vehicle to the dealer, I observed additional brackets being attached under the rear subframe area, suggesting reinforcement of compromised structural points. This confirms that the corrosion directly affects suspension geometry, alignment, and stability. This corrosion is not cosmetic. It is advanced structural deterioration affecting the mounting points for trailing arms and lateral links. These components are critical to safe turning, stability, and control. The corrosion compromises the ability of the suspension to keep the wheels aligned, creating serious risks of loss of control or wheel separation. What makes this more alarming is that the vehicle passed a New York State safety inspection on 07/13/2025, yet within days a mechanic refused to perform unrelated service because of the undercarriage condition. This raises questions not only about inspection validity, but also about the underlying durability and corrosion. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11687398
8. Filed May 21, 2025Failure May 16, 2025148,116 milesForest Grove, ORAir bags

   The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the front driver's side air bag unexpectedly deployed without an impact to the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 148,116.

   NHTSA complaint 11662388
9. Filed Mar 19, 2025Failure Mar 1, 2024Topeka, KSEngine

   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 prove to GM that they owe me a new engine. I didn't understand what he meant until I saw a lawsuit my vehicle was part of.

   NHTSA complaint 11649255
10. Filed Feb 3, 2025Failure Jan 28, 2025Janesville, WIEngine

    Car burns oil bad . Got an oil change and it only took 12 days to go dry with no oil

    NHTSA complaint 11640255
11. Filed Jan 31, 2025Failure Jul 31, 202468,000 milesVersailles, MOBack over prevention

    The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse out of a parking space, upon putting shifting into reverse, the rearview camera screen turned off. The contact stated that the display screen went blank, and due to the failure, the vehicle bumped another vehicle that was also reversing. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that it was a minor impact and that there was no cosmetic damage to either vehicle. The Police was not called. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the center console display was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11639980
12. Filed Dec 30, 2024Failure Feb 2, 2023Clarksville, TNSeat belts

    Issues with the passenger side seatbelt not pulling to lock. It's jammed off and on. Doesn't work.

    NHTSA complaint 11633244
13. Filed Dec 13, 2024Failure Dec 13, 2024Bowling Green, KYEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Unknown or other

    I think the manifold on GMC Terrain need to be on a recall because mine already cracked.

    NHTSA complaint 11630541
14. Filed Sep 4, 2024Failure Feb 11, 2021Pembroke, GAFuel/propulsion system

    Evap emission control leak detected As the check engine light comes on, when hooking a computer up to the car for a scan it pulls a code stating there is an evap leak. The gas cap has been replaced along with a sensor and no gas is seen leaking but you can smell gas vapors when the car is running and fuel mileage is terrible. Also the stabilitrak has been an underlying issue since owning the vehicle

    NHTSA complaint 11612482
15. Filed Aug 14, 2024Failure Aug 2, 2024Lake Alfred, FLEngine

    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
16. Filed Jul 31, 2024Failure Jul 31, 2024191,843 milesFoley, ALEngine

    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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 191,843.

    NHTSA complaint 11605673
17. Filed May 31, 2024Failure Mar 1, 2024Deltona, FLEngine

    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
18. Filed Apr 27, 2024Failure Apr 12, 2024Joliet, ILFuel/propulsion system

    Took vehicle into dealer for a recall on October 17, 2023 with the recall being [Primary]: RECALL : C/S: N192268181 -TAILPIPE EMISSIONS - EXHAUST COMPONENTS: C/S: N192268181 -TAILPIPE EMISSIONS - EXHAUST COMPONENTS. The dealership did an excellent job on the work providing a video to show work being done. Now this month of April, I received another check engine light stating the P0013 code stands for “Exhaust “B” Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open (Bank 1).” There is not a recall from the manufacturer but according to dealership they've received a bulletin in regards to this issue. According to the dealership it will cost in excess of $500 to repair. Absolutely not true. There are a thousand videos on what causes this and even how to repair it from the same mechanics that work within these dealerships. This issue is a safety issue because if not repaired it causes damage to your engine. This code lets you know that you will start experiencing loss of power, trouble starting your vehicle, the stalling/picking up speed all at the same time. Some of these issues have been caused from the issue of the oil consumption problem associated with the Terrain's.

    NHTSA complaint 11585551
19. Filed Apr 10, 2024Failure Apr 10, 2024Colon, MIEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Power train

    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 seems to me GM likes to fix the cheap stuff on these cars and make customers pay for the expensive parts must people can't afford this and junk the vehicle i will not i'm going to fight for what is right the dealer ship even told me when i took it back in to see what the code was for that GM is well aware of it and not worth putting the money into the car this is not right for customers to spend this kind of money GM needs to handle this.

    NHTSA complaint 11582154
20. Filed Apr 8, 2024Failure Mar 25, 2024Anchorage, AKEngine, Unknown or other

    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 oil leaks coming form engine and serious internal issues w/engine we recommend replacing the engine. Est cost, 11,061. I had no reason to think my car was in any trouble, as it was driving fine with no problems. I received no such recall letter or phone call and no mention from the dealership i bought the car from back in 2018 that this was an issue or that it was "taken care of" if I had i wouldn't have paid over $20,000. into my car. Reading several complaints online about this exact issue is all new to me. Knowing i could have been driving a vehicle and it could have started a fire in my engine is crazy to think. Because I may have been driving a car with a serious recall on it. I am at a loss right now, financially i am screwed.

    NHTSA complaint 11581750