Page 2 of 4 · complaints 51–100 of 153

2016 GMC Terrain complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2016 record →

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jun 5, 2023TX

A severe rain down pour started, I turned on my front windshield wipers, and they swiped about twice, than stopped completely, in a vertical position. I could not see, and had to try to get to the side of the road, to pull over to safety. This was extremely dangerous, and from what I am reading, happens frequently to GMC Terrains. Apparently, there was a recall for 2013-2015, seems the 2016 needs added!! No warning lights are on in the car. No failure report via my GMC app.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 17, 2023MI

Multiple brake lines have corroded out of the gas tank. This caused gas to slowly leak from the vehicle . Not available for inspection - currently being fixed. Dealer confirmed multiple lines corroding. It has been inspected by a certified dealer, Golling in Chelsea, Michigan. There was no warning. Initially smelled gas, but could not pinpoint where it was coming from. Eventually the leak became so large that gas usage was excessive and smell was very strong.

Engine
Filed Mar 31, 2023MO

Thermostat/coolant sensor malfunctioning causing engine fan to constantly run as if the engine is over heating. Some engine exhaust door/flap is stuck open or closed causing check engine light to come on. And or the actuators doors are broken causing windows to fog and obstruct view. Not sure what would cause this issue but I have had to have work done on my vehicle twice for this issue within 3 years.

Engine
Filed Mar 18, 2023WI

While just starting on my way home on a cold 9 degree day,I have an 2016 GMC Terrain that I had since 2018 and bought from a dealer. After driving for about 12 miles on the interstate the Terrain engine light came on and there was a vibration coming from the front of my GMC. There was an exit ramp about 1/4 mile so i pulled off the interstate and my vehicle showed loss of power and steering and shut down, barely made it on the exit ramp. Very dangerous not having steering with little notice. I noticed alot of oil dripping from the undercarriage so I called a local automobile shop to get my vehicle towed. They diagnosed that I needed a new engine and comented that the 2.4 engine had many issues. I recently had it towed to my house and currently going to have a local chevy dealer give me a second opinion and cost for repairs since I still have a loan on the vehicle.I believe that this is a very unsafe vehicle and needed to be reported so nobody gets hurt. Thank You

Engine
Filed Mar 8, 2023PA

Was driving home from work and the engine light came on. Shortly after the stabilitrak warning light came on followed by the reduced engine power warning. I had a GM dealer work on why the engine light came on while the car was still under warranty and i thought that would have fixed it. I have been reading on articles how the engines in these models are defective and consumes a lot of oil. I always have to add oil in between changes. I had a mechanic look at my car and run a diagnostic and basically the pistons need replacing...due to the defective engine. I feel the engine repairs that will be needed should be covered.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 28, 2023IA

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Engine
Filed Feb 9, 202367,496 milesOH

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, an abnormal oil odor was present inside the cabin of the vehicle, causing the driver to experience a headache. Additionally, while driving the vehicle was shaking and vibrating. The vehicle was later towed to the local service center diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,496

Engine
Filed Jan 23, 2023MI

Timing chain went out, at 80,000 miles, causing vehicle to stall.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 17, 2023SC

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Engine
Filed Jan 17, 202392,600 milesWV

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The oil warning light was illuminated, and an unknown message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the lower engine seal and bearing were faulty. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,600. The VIN was unavailable.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 14, 2022AR

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted twice. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Power Train
Filed Oct 14, 202266,780 milesAL

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in a driveway on a hill, the contact heard an abnormal snap and the vehicle started to roll down the hill through the neighbor’s yard, and then into the woods. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed from the scene. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,780.

Steering
Filed Sep 25, 2022CO

Power steering failure and don't walk anymore, had to push my GMC Terrain. The light came on that says POWER STEERING FAILED. Contact service. It can't go any further.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 24, 2022GA

It was raining so turned on the windshield wipers while driving home and they just stopped working. I had to stop driving until the rain stopped.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 19, 2022MI

Both windshield wipers completely stopped without any warning in a heavy down pour while driving. I could not see to pull over or continue driving.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Sep 15, 2022150,000 milesAL

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed in inclement weather, the windshield wipers failed to operate. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a screw was replaced; however, the failure recurred. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 15, 2022WI

Seats ripped at seams. Seat belts came unattached at base and at buckel with a newborn baby in seat

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 12, 2022MD

I turned my wipers on when it started raining. And noticed that my wipers were not working.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 16, 2022MI

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms remedy not yet available.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 8, 2022FL

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 3, 2022TX

The contact's wife owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights were inoperable. The contact's wife was unable to see the roadway ahead. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 25, 2022FL

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 10, 2022FL

Driver's side windshield wiper inoperable when turned on during a pouring rain while traveling at 70 MPH!!! Passenger side worked but drivers did not.

Exterior LightingCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 2, 2022100,000 milesAL

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while the wife was driving approximately 45 MPH she accidentally hit an animal due to visibility issues with the headlights. There were no warning lights. The police arrived on the scene; however, no reports were filed. The front passenger headlight was damaged, along with the front grill and tie end rod. There were no air bags deployed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic and repaired. The driver had minor back injuries, no medical treatments applied, and just a few days off work. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting). The approximate failure mileage was 100,000

Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 21, 2022MI

2016 GMC Terrain front windshield wipers failed completely during a major rainstorm downpour event. Visibility during 05/21/2022 drive on Interstate 94 was immediately compromised and my son had to pull over to avoid potential collision. Diagnosis indicates wiper motor is still operational, both front wipers are still coupled/ganged-together and move in unison, but can now be moved freely by hand, indicating wipers are de-coupled from motor. This is the same failure mode that prompted NHSTA to push for a GM recall of 2013, and then later 2014 & 2015 GMC Terrain vehicles. There is a growing list of 2016 GMC Terrain owners reporting this same failure mode online. NHTSA & GM should take a serious look at this before someone is seriously injured.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 16, 2022GA

While driving in rain, I turned wipers on. The rain turned heavy and I put wiper setting to faster mode. The wipers suddenly failed and stayed on windshield. The wipers failed to work in any setting. I pulled car to the side of road waited for the rain to pass before driving.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 16, 2022PA

Wipers failed during storm they became disconnected and i had to use my 4 ways and pull over in traffic

Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 10, 2022145,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH in inclement weather, the windshield wipers stopped working as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and waited until the rain slowed down and drove home safely. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with a wiper module failure. The contact was informed that the wiper module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Exterior LightingCrash1 injured
Filed May 4, 202276,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH his vehicle inadvertently and unknowingly crashed into the vehicle in front. The contact was unable to see the vehicle in front of him due to the glare of headlights. The air bags did deploy. There were no warning lights. The vehicle was damaged in the front, but drivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed with a failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. There were no police reports or medical treatments. The contact has minor injuries to the jaw. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting). The approximate failure mileage was 76,000

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Mar 23, 2022MI

Upon traveling west on M50 in Monroe county the vehicles windshield wipers stopped working during a heavy storm. My visibility was gone. I had to veer off onto the shoulder of the road. I was unable to see out of my windshield during the windshield wiper failure. I got out of the vehicle and smoke was coming near the windshield wiper arms at the cowl vents. My windshield wipers were completely off as if the wiper transmission arm had broke. The windshield wiper motor was dead and the ball joint for the transmission had fallen off. This is a major safety concern. HIGH RISK of a head on collision and/or accident involving a pedestrian, structure and environment off road.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Feb 17, 2022KY

When I purchased the vehicle (2/2021), wipers were one thing indicated that was fixed, since then, they have gone out 3 more times, the first time (3/2021) the motor was replaced, the second time (10/2021) the wiper transmission was replaced, now they are not working again (2/2022), and I'm at a loss on what to do.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Feb 7, 2022TX

Windshield wiper broke.

Engine
Filed Feb 2, 2022MO

At approximately 75000 miles the car began leaking oil. Took it in to gym certified dealer. Was told the pcv froze causing a pressure build up, and blew out the rear main seal. They stated this engine has this as a common occurrence. Searching online this appears to be true. Many years prior to mine were recalled. Apparently the recall needs extended.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Dec 28, 202140,000 milesSC

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the stability track warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle however, the warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the electronic brake control module replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 26, 2021CA

Transmission, hesitates when your at stop and try to accelerate, cars starts shaking, felling like your driving on cobblestone

Engine
Filed Nov 10, 2021ND

I have to put oil in my car every 2 weeks. There are no leaks. The engine is burning oil.

Engine
Filed Nov 4, 2021GA

I was leaving the area of Hiram and my car started running different and you could hear a taping noise. I drove it to the GMC dealer down the street and they said it was the timing chain. I recently had an oil change and I was wondering if that could be the problem. The dealer gave me no recommendations or indications that I needed to change belts or components and my service engine light has never came on.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Nov 2, 202138,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving in the rain, the windshield wipers failed to operate as needed without warning. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that an abnormal, cracking sound was coming from the windshield wipers when she attempted to activate them. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where he repaired the windshield wipers. The contact notified the manufacturer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

Engine
Filed Oct 8, 2021FL

2016 GMC Terrain SLT, service engine light came on, vehicle stalled many times, restarted but drove and misfired, stalled again, was able to get it to repair garage who I trust. He checked code and said I had to put a complete timing chain kit. Total cost came to $992.36 and didn't have a vehicle for a week due to weekend and a holiday. The vehicle only had 30,763 miles on it at the time but was out of factory warrantee. Reading other customer complaints, this looks like an ongoing problem and I feel should warrant a recall. Additional info such as repair invoice is attached. Please reply when received and thank you for your time.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Oct 6, 2021KY

While driving in heavy rain and traffic the front wipers quit working. Lives were put at risk by being unable see because of the heavy rain. This just happen about 5 hours ago and I have not had time to look at the problem. I almost had a panic attack !!!!!!!!!!!This is not fun, this is dangerous !!!!!!!!!!!

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 6, 2021IL

The engine light comes on, then "service stabiltrak light" comes on. It starts by making it difficult to accelerate at a red stop light when it changes green. When turning a corner, because there is no quick acceleration, it has caused near miss accidents. As time goes on it becomes worse. I have lost power on the expressway and have to pull over. I have brought this car in several times and GMC has not made any repairs. It is scary when a semi is rolling behind you and you can't accelerate to get out of the way. This is a safety issue. I have received no help from GMC.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 28, 2021TX

Passenger seat occupied sensor not sensing passenger. Have light come on saying service air bag. Was told that if in an accident and I have a passenger in the front. The airbags would not deploy.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 15, 2021IN

Got into a collision where I T-boned the other vehicle at 40 mph and NO airbags deployed. Passenger was thrown into the dash and knees went into the glove box and driver hit the steering wheel

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Jul 28, 202146,000 milesMI

The contact owned a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while at a red light, the vehicle was struck from the rear which resulted in the vehicle being pushed forward and crashing into the vehicle in front. None of the air bags deployed. The front driver side seatbelt did not retract however the front passenger side did function as designed during the impact. In addition, the driver hit their head on the steering wheel during the impact. After the impact, the "reset airbag" warning message was displayed. The contact and his wife sustained bruising and contusions. Both injured sought medical treatment and went to the Emergency Room. A police report was filed and the vehicle was towed to a tow lot, then the following day the insurance towed it to an insurance lot where it was determined to be destroyed. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

Engine
Filed Jun 22, 2021CA

On May 17,2021 I took my 2016 GMC Terrain for a oil change I have only had my vehicle for about 2 months and I have noticed that it burns way too much engine oil on May 17th 2020 it had a full 100% engine oil now today is June 22 of 2021 and it has 60% oil engine

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jun 7, 2021MS

Wipers stop working during a storm. You can hear the motor but the blades do not move.?

Power Train
Filed May 4, 202155,128 milesNJ

NEEDS A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER OR POSSABLY THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Apr 7, 202163,248 milesKY

THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN 3 MONTHS THAT MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAVE COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING IN A TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR. I AM NOT SURE WHY THE 2016 TERRAINS HAVE NOT BEEN RECALLED IN THE US, ONLY IN CANADA! THIS IS ABSOLUTELY ABSURD! WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE, SOMEONE SENSELESSLY DYING IN ORDER FOR GMC TO REPAIR/REPLACE THEIR DEFECTIVE PARTS OR FOR THE NHTSA TO MANDATE A RECALL??????

Engine
Filed Apr 1, 202198,000 milesTX

WHEN DRIVING THE STABILTRAK SERVICE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND THE ENGINE LIGHT. THE CAR WILL LOSS ACCELERATION IMMEDIATELY THEN SEEMS WONT GO OUT OF 2ND GEAR. I STOP TURN OFF CAR A FEW MINUTES AND IT WILL START AGAIN AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WILL GO OUT AFTER WHILE. LAST TIME THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. IT FINALLY DID AFTER 20 MINUTES OR SO. AND LIGHT WENT OUT LAYER. TOOK IT TO DEALER ONCE AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. THIS IS WORRYING ME.

Engine
Filed Mar 9, 202115,000 milesOH

I PURCHASED THIS CAR WITH 12,000-15000 MILES STILL RELATIVELY NEW (V6). EVERY TIME ITS TIME TO GET MY OIL CHANGE, THERE IS 0 OIL LEFT. MY CAR BURNS ALL THE OIL BEFORE THE NEXT OIL CHANGE EVERY TIME. I CONSISTENTLY GOT MY OIL CHANGED ON TIME, MY MOST RECENT OIL CHANGE WAS YESTERDAY AT 58K MILES. BEFORE ITS EVEN TIME TO GET MY OIL CHANGED I'M FORCED TO BUY AN EXTRA QUART OF OIL BECAUSE ITS BONE DRY EMPTY. THERE IS ALSO A KNOCKING SOUND. THE LAST PERSON TO CHANGE MY OIL TOLD ME THEY HAD ANOTHER GMC TERRAIN THEY WERE WORKING ON WITH A SIEZED ENGINE FROM THE SAME PROBLEM.

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2016 GMC Terrain → · Every Terrain year → · How the figures are calculated →