General Motors’ lineup of utility vehicles might get a bit confusing at times due to the brand’s practice of rebadging vehicles, and the GMC Terrain was launched as a replacement for the Pontiac Torrent. After its launch, the Terrain faced a lesser number of complaints for a newly-launched vehicle and managed to sell in good numbers as well. For the 2011 model year, the SUV saw 365 complaints along with 4 recalls. The SUV has also been investigated three times for windscreen wiper transmission failures and power steering malfunctions. The recalls were issued to address problems with safety belt anchors, seat height adjuster bolts, excessive headlight glare, and the ability to remove the key while the transmission is not in Park mode. The SUV faced the highest number of complaints against its powertrain, which is followed by airbag and wiper issues. The Terrain competes with the Honda CR-V, the Ford Escape, and the Toyota RAV4.
GMC Terrain user complaints and problems
Engine problems
- Excessive oil consumption: Several owners of the 2011 GMC Terrain reported an excessive amount of oil consumption. Due to the heavy oil burning, the engines are required to be refilled with engine oil frequently. There have been cases of catastrophic engine failures due to no engine oil. A few cases where the engine oil leaked were also among the reported complaints.
- Timing chain failure: Apart from the heavy oil burning issue, the timing chain failures posed a serious issue with the 2011 Terrain’s powertrain. The timing chain failures occurred suddenly and without any prior symptom or warning. Some of the affected engines were required to be rebuilt completely due to the failures.
- Engine stalling: In a few instances, the engines of the affected vehicles stalled suddenly. Some complainants reported that the issues recurred several times and the dealerships were unable to detect any reason for the problem as well.
Interior problems
- Seat bolt unscrewing: The driver’s seat bolt unscrewed in a few models of the 2011 GMC Terrain, resulting in the seats moving independently. As a result, there was a significant safety risk while driving. The carmaker issued a recall to address the problem, but some owners were denied the service due to the unavailability of parts.
Safety problems
- Non-deployment of airbags: On a few occasions, the airbags of the vehicles involved in crashes failed to deploy. As a result, the occupants and the drivers were injured and required medical attention.
- ABS control module malfunction: The ABS control module of some 2011 GMC Terrain SUVs malfunctioned while the vehicles were being driven. Due to the failures, the vehicles shuddered while braking and the ABS warning light came on along with the StabiliTrak warning light as well.
Miscellaneous problems
- Abnormal noises from the power steering system: In some instances, there were abnormal noises and vibrations from the steering wheels while taking a turn. Moreover, some complainants expressed fear about losing control of the vehicles while driving. The rack and pinion of one affected model were required to be replaced despite the vehicle being only a few months old.
2011 GMC Terrain recalls
|
S.No. |
Recall Date |
NHTSA Campaign ID |
Issues noticed |
Additional remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
December 15, 2010 |
10V623000 |
Safety belt buckle anchor |
The safety belt system may not restrain the occupant(s) as designed and could increase the risk of injury. |
The dealers will modify the passenger and/or the driver safety belt buckles as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before January 18, 2011. |
|
2 |
July 23, 2014 |
14V447000 |
Seat Height Adjuster Bolt may Fall out |
If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the driver's control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. |
|
3 |
July 5, 2016 |
16V502000 |
Key May Be Removed When Not In Park |
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may roll away as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury. |
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. |
|
4 |
March 8, 2022 |
22V137000 |
Headlight Reflection May Cause Glare |
The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The remedy is currently under development. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on April 25, 2022 Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 29, 2022. |
Should you buy a used GMC Terrain?
The GMC Terrain offers a chunky and distinctive American styling along with lots of features and practicality as well. Moreover, General Motors has managed to keep the issues of the SUV in check with timely rectifications and issuing recalls but several owners are left without any resolution from the dealerships. To go ahead with a used GMC Terrain, a thorough inspection of the used model is required, especially for the powertrain problems, steering problems, and the seat bolts unscrewing problems.
