2016 GMC Terrain

152 complaints on file, page 1 of 8.

1. Filed Aug 14, 2026Failure Jul 11, 2026Suring, WIEngine

   The timing chain snapped and caused the engine to seize on our 2016 GMC Terrain 2.4L SLC-1 SUV/Truck. Since this has occurred multiple times on the 2.4L engines in this model from 2012 - 2016, we believe that there should be a recall as this issue could cause a major accident if the timing chain snaps or breaks while traveling. It had 101000 miles on it when we bought it used from Klein Automotive, on April 12, 2024. We have only had it for 2 years and 4 months and kept it in good repair. We took it in for its oil change, brought it home, went to dinner 4 days after and the very next day it wouldn't start. We thought it was most likely the starter/solenoid, but the mechanic said those were both fine and that's when we got the bad news that the motor was shot because the timing chain broke which caused some engine rods to break. The GMC dealer, in Marinette, WI, we brought our used 2016 GMC Terrain to, told us that the timing chain stretched and broke the rods in the engine and therefore both the timing chain and engine need to be replaced. The check engine light was turning on all of the time, and we were told that it was because it needed the 88 fuels (medium grade). As long as we put in the 88, the light check engine light stayed off. We believe there should be a recall for the 2012 - 2016 GMC Terrain SLC-1 2.4L timing chain and engine. We also need assistance with the cost of the repairs because I'm on a limited income and cannot afford the $10,000 cost of getting this repaired, while I still owe $7800 on it.

   NHTSA complaint 11756995
2. Filed Aug 9, 2026Failure Feb 1, 2025Butte, MTUnknown or other

   For an undetermined amount of time- many months for certain, I have been unable to get the key removed from the ignition when the car is shut off and placed in the locked position. I am forced to start and shut off the car for multiple times before I am finally able to remove the key. There is no rhyme no reason as to why the key finally decides to come out. This is obviously caused no accidents, however, it has become a constant source of frustration as it happens constantly. I have taken it to the dealership, and other than charging me for their exam, they had no answers as to the problem or how to resolve it. That was an absolute waste of time, and certainly my money. I have also taken it to a couple of other places without any diagnosis of the problem. I am finally taking it to someone who I know to be reputable, and hope the diagnosis can be made, without tremendous expense on my part.

   NHTSA complaint 11755777
3. Filed Jul 23, 2026Failure Jul 18, 2026Hanover, MIBody

   My cousin thought I had a trailing arm bushing was bad on the driver's side. The subframe holding the trailing arm rusted out completely. He was able to put his thumb through it with little pressure when trying to see if it can be fixed.

   NHTSA complaint 11752313
4. Filed Jun 5, 2026Failure Apr 22, 2026Clayton, NCEngine, Power train

   My 2016 GMC Terrain 2.4L Ecotec first stalled while idling at a red light in Raleigh, NC. I restarted it and it sounded different, so I drove it home. The next morning it would not start. The failure occurred at approximately 69,939 miles with no meaningful warning. The dealer’s diagnostic report states there were no current relevant codes and no relevant codes in history. The dealer documented major timing-system failure: timing chain tensioner failure, timing chain guide failure, a timing chain guide bolt pulled out of the cylinder head, aluminum contamination in the cylinder head/oiling system, and engine replacement recommended. The vehicle was found unsafe to operate. This vehicle regularly transported my family, including my children. If the stall/no-start failure had occurred at highway speed, while merging, or in heavier traffic, it could have created a serious crash risk. The oil was maintained outside the dealership network and had been serviced before failure. I also topped off the oil shortly before this occurred. The 2.4L Ecotec engine family is known for oil-consumption issues, yet this vehicle gave me no direct warning that oil consumption had reached a dangerous level. A reasonable owner would not know to check oil every day when there were no relevant stored warning codes. Other NHTSA complaints involving 2016 GMC Terrain vehicles describe similar patterns: oil consumption, no warning lights, sudden stalling or no-start conditions, timing-chain failure, and engine replacement recommendations. I am filing because this appears to be an ongoing safety risk involving oil consumption without adequate warning, timing-chain/timing-guide failure, internal contamination, and sudden engine failure. I request NHTSA review this issue for investigation or recall expansion before this failure mode causes a preventable serious crash, injury, or fatality. The vehicle was inspected by a GMC dealer and remains unrepaired.

   NHTSA complaint 11742386
5. Filed May 17, 2026Failure May 17, 2026Salem Lakes, WIVisibility/wiper

   Windshield wiper mechanism broke while driving in heavy heavy rain near [XXX] . Extremely dangerous situation and almost resulted in a crash but I was able to make my way off of the interstate safely. Huge inconvenience because we had to wait out the rain! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11738415
6. Filed Apr 29, 2026Failure Apr 29, 2026Onaway, MIVisibility/wiper

   During heavy rainfall in the mountains at dawn, my windshield wipers suddenly have stopped working. We can manually move the wipers with ease and can hear the motor engaging but both front wipers suddenly stopped. We were 1200 miles from home on what was supposed to be a vacation. Carvana reports 2 recalls for my reports but the dealerships have no recalls for my year of vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint 11734710
7. Filed Apr 22, 2026Failure Mar 2, 2026Linden, IAEngine

   My vehicle started turning off suddenly when stopped and then when starting to move. I replaced my rear seal. A week later, I have oil in my timing and my engine no longer works. I have had it checked by a shop. No warning was given. I have my oil checked regularly and changed on time. I had a car full of people, adults and children, in rush hour traffic. The car is sitting in my driveway as I will need to negotiate with the lender on money owed. I am currently without a safe vehicle to drive, and I need that as I am a caregiver and home aid.

   NHTSA complaint 11733070
8. Filed Apr 18, 2026Failure Dec 8, 2025Cowpens, SCEngine

   I check my oil every time I get gas as to ensure that i don't go below the threshold for the oil, as I know these engines have an oil consumption issue. My terrain started having a loud grinding sound after losing power on the highway and I was able to pull off before the car died completely over 60 miles from home. I have since changed the upstream, and downstream O2 sensors (they needed it), VVT solenoids, and now going to be required to change my catalytic converter because the excessive oil consumption has clogged it almost completely. Why will GM not issue a recall for this engine and get it fixed, when they have knowledge that there is an issue. A recall was issued for previous years (on the same model) having the same issue, but yet we are left to "figure it out" at our own expense? Come on GM and the NHTSA, get it together and issue a recall already, you have all the complaints, and history you need to start one.

   NHTSA complaint 11732086
9. Filed Feb 17, 2026Failure Jan 3, 2026Randallstown, MDEngine

   Carr paused, and then stopped in the middle of the highway, without any warning lights or identifiers. Other vehicles had to come to abrupt stops or even veer to avoid hitting me the manufacturer is aware, and has had a large lawsuit settlement due to a faulty rear seal causes massive internal oil consumption without any warning to the operator of of the vehicle. My research has shown that it is a catastrophic common issue with this vehicles model and year a certified GMC dealership has identified this as the reason for the sudden shut down without warning, not one warning light illuminated to indicate low or any other issue. The car has had regular oil changes and maintenance. This well-known defect should normally be caused for alarm and the safety of drivers would also for a mass recall.

   NHTSA complaint 11718490
10. Filed Feb 3, 2026Failure Jan 3, 2026Randallstown, MDEngine

    excessive oil consumption....caused engine to fail....yes, car is available for inspection ...caused the car to lag and initially break down without any warning lights ...confirmed form dealer new engine needed...law suits in other states have proven that this seal problem has been known to GMC for years and they haven't repaired these faulty parts...again, no warning lights came on...please assist

    NHTSA complaint 11715195
11. Filed Jan 15, 2026Failure Dec 12, 2025Kenosha, WIEngine

    I bought the vehicle in November of 2025. No warning lights or problems running. Check the engine oil upon purchase and have the dealership sticker showing oil change was recently done and oil showed that it was full. Approximately 3 weeks after purchasing, the car starting idling rough and stalled a few times during my commute to work. The check engine light came on and it showed that the vvt was a possible solution for the code P0014 this was on December 12th 2025. I replaced the suspected part with no change in vehicle condition. I checked the oil and found that it was empty/no oil on dipstick. I had to add 5 quarts of oil and then it showed it was in the safe zone on the dip stick. Today (January 15th 2026) I checked the oil again and it showed no oil on the dipstick. I had to add 2 quarts for it to be at the bottom of the safe zone on the dipstick.

    NHTSA complaint 11711301
12. Filed Jan 14, 2026Failure Jan 14, 2026Oneida, TNVehicle speed control

    the car is having stability control issues

    NHTSA complaint 11711023
13. Filed Dec 17, 2025Failure Dec 13, 2025129,000 milesLittle Rock, ARAir bagsCrash1 injured

    The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, a second vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle. During the crash, the vehicle sustained severe damage to the front passenger side, but no air bags inside the cabin of the vehicle deployed. The driver of the other vehicle reported no injuries, and the air bags in her vehicle did deploy. The contact was transported from the scene of the crash to the local hospital with multiple injuries that included a head contusion and burn, left knee contusion, right hand, and right foot contusions. A police report was taken at the scene, and the vehicle was towed to the local collision center. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 129,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11705536
14. Filed Sep 10, 2025Failure Sep 8, 2025Wichita, KSVisibility/wiper

    The windshield wipers quit working while driving during a down pour; some piece to the motor broke. This can cause severe injuries and even death due to the fact that it caused me to not be able to see where I was going and what was around me and could have driven off a high ramp. It hasn’t been inspected by anyone yet. There were no signs, warnings, or messages stating a failure may occur. This issue is available for review if requested until I get the car in for repairs. Will request to keep the part that is repaired Incase it’s needed for review after the fact.

    NHTSA complaint 11686230
15. Filed Sep 5, 2025Failure Sep 4, 2025Montgomery, ALAutomatic emergency braking, Service brakesCrash1 injured

    I was driving my morning commute to work, when I came upon a stop light. I was pressing the brakes and the brakes failed to engage which caused me to hit a car in front of me. I did not have any warnings that the brakes were defective. The warning on the dash did not indicate that there was anything wrong with brakes. I had my set belt, was going the speed limit and my brakes just gave out. I have injury’s to my arms, shoulder, neck, and head. The other vehicle driver was not hurt. Thank the Lord.

    NHTSA complaint 11685259
16. Filed Aug 28, 2025Failure Aug 15, 2025Belton, SCPower train

    On or around August 15th I was in traffic and my 2016 GMC TERRAIN just shut off in the middle off traffic almost causing the car behind me to hit me is the rear. I got it started and then slowed down for a car that was turning in frount of me and it shut off again almost causing another car to rear end me. There where no warning light no warning at all just shut off I called a flat bed and it was taken to Clintscales Chevrolet in Belton Sc. They have informed me that it is a problem with the timing chain causing me to need a new motor. I have done research and it shows Gm has had problems with this problem in numerous engines in this year. This is so dangerous it puts life's in danger by shutting of in traffic with no warning at all.

    NHTSA complaint 11683566
17. Filed Aug 20, 2025Failure Aug 20, 202593,000 milesAkron, OHDefroster/defogger/hvac system

    The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield became foggy. The driver rolled down the windows to clear the windshield and the glass; however, the windshield became foggier. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and clear the windshield by hand. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the windshield was collecting excessive moisture from the air inside the vehicle but was unable to provide a specific diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11681961
18. Filed Jul 28, 2025Failure Jul 19, 2025Raleigh, NCVisibility/wiper

    The windshield wipers became inoperable due to a ball joint failure within the wipers. The parts are available for inspection. The safety of myself and others were put at risk as it was raining heavily after sundown and I could no longer see through my windshield due to the rain not being cleared off by windshield wipers. The visibility issue could have caused an accident, especially if the car in front of me had slammed on breaks. The problem has not been addressed by a dealer but I will be doing that in the following weeks. No one has inspected the component. I did not get any warning lamps or messages. The wipers just immediately stopped.

    NHTSA complaint 11676629
19. Filed Jul 7, 2025Failure Jul 6, 2023Chicago, ILEngine

    Excess Oil consumption

    NHTSA complaint 11671706
20. Filed Jun 24, 2025Failure Jun 23, 2025Le Mars, IAVisibility/wiper

    I was driving on an interstate highway. I entered a construction zone restricted to two lanes.(one each way). It began to rain very hard, after a short time of starting the front windshield wipers; both stopped. There was a total failure of both wipers with out any warning and a total loss of vision due to a rain covered windshield. Due to the restricted traffic lanes in the interstate construction zone there was no shoulder on either side to pull off onto and no way to exit the interstate traffic flow for several miles. I was able to avoid a crash and exit the interstate after several miles. With a different driver, slightly different circumstances or a little less luck it would have resulted in LOSS of LIFE!!!! The cause was failure of the wiper arm linkage more specifically the ball broke off of the wiper motor arm. THIS APPEARS TO BE THE SAME FAILURE THAT CAUSED A RECALL TO BE ISSUED FOR PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS OF THE GMC TERAIN. The parts are available for inspection.

    NHTSA complaint 11669047