Home · 2014 GMC Terrain · Complaints

What 301 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 GMC Terrain

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (301)Crash / fire / injury (9)Engine (124)Visibility & wipers (89)Transmission & drivetrain (33)Electrical system (32)Lights (17)Fuel system (16)Airbags (11)Brakes (10)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (9)Engine & cooling (6)

124 of 301 complaints match · Engine · clear filters · page 1 of 5

Feb 18, 2026Engine

My husband just did an at home oil change on the car not long before the incident. Unfortunately my car was barely under 3,000 miles since the oil change and we were going to change the oil again when my engine died mid drive on the way home. There was no oil in the car due to high oil consumption and no coolant either. High oil consumption was not reported and not disclosed to me before and a broken guide for my timing chain leading to total engine failure just after I started to exit the highway. Had my car died any sooner I would have crashed. Or wrecked with another vehicle. GMC and the dealership I got the car from did not properly disclose this safety risk to me when I purchased the car and no recall information was ever sent out. The high oil consumption causing engine failure has been a part of a class action lawsuit for these vehicles before and THAT was not disclosed to me either at any point. No notifications of low oil or other issues aside from a check engine light came on for my vehicle when I was driving. I dont know how fast I was going as I was applying the brakes to my car for a traffic light.

NHTSA ODI 11718808

Jul 21, 2025EngineFuel system

I purchased this in March of 2025. 2 or 3 weeks after I bought this I took it to an oil lube shop and they said there was not any oil on the.dip stick. Also I started noticing the car being jerky while driving and when shutting it off it sputters. I took it to Max motors, a GMC dealer for a diagnostic check because it uses a quart of oil a week. They told me the high pressure fuel pump is bad and the piston rings were no good. This was on the 18th of June. I had taken it to the dealer I bought it from and complained about the problems, but he wouldn't do anything about it . The warranty was good at that time. Max motors told me it would cost me about $5000 to fix it which I don't have. I read that there was a recall on these cars with a 2.4L engine for these problems.

NHTSA ODI 11675197

Jul 15, 2025Engine

The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started jerking and hesitating abnormally. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the piston rings were damaged, the high-pressure fuel pump had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11673778

Jul 8, 2025Engine

The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of an abnormal odor coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine failed due to excessive oil consumption. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.

NHTSA ODI 11671932

Jul 1, 2025Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

Tensioner issues keeps breaking the timing chain. . Replaced twice at own cost. Fuel pump/ loss of power while driving. Back up camera doesn't work sometimes. Screen goes black. If key is left in the ignition it starts itself. If you try to use a car charger for a phone the AC shuts off and a "systems error" message pops up. This happens alot. It's an ongoing issue since I bought the car in Feburary this year.

NHTSA ODI 11670432

May 15, 2025Body & structureEngine

The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil; however, there were no oil leaks evident. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who informed the contact that the frame near the rear wheel on the driver's side was completely rusted. The mechanic stated that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The vehicle was not diagnosed for the oil consumption failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

NHTSA ODI 11661246

Apr 9, 2025Engine

It has nothing to do with the headlights. I was told by a couple different technicians that there's an issue with there being a slow oil leak with the GMC Terrains causing the motor/engine to lock up. I get my oil changed religiously! I even have files/reports showing so. It was NOT time for an oil change and my motor locked up. I still have 3 years to pay on my vehicle and it's my primary ride. So after having it towed 4 times...I have to get it towed 1 more time back to the shop to get a used motor/engine installed for $6700 (that's what they estimated me). On top of not having a vehicle for 3 months and making payments on top of it.

NHTSA ODI 11653601

Feb 3, 2025Engine

My motor blew out of nowhere. I took it to a shop and there was no explanation as to why. I barely drive my car and keep up with oil changes. Please help asap!

NHTSA ODI 11640451

Oct 24, 2024Engine

Oil consumption issue caused timing chain to go causing catastrophic damage to the engine resulting in over 3000$ in repairs the oil light does not come on nor does it have a low oil pressure warning

NHTSA ODI 11621702

Oct 23, 2024SteeringEngine

The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while at a complete stop at a red light, the doors were making locking and unlocking sounds. The contact stated upon depressing the accelerator pedal to resume driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH. The messages "Service Stabili-trak" and "Service Power Steering" were displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,500.

NHTSA ODI 11621543

Aug 7, 2024Engine

On May 10, 2024 while driving my 2014 GMC Terrain driving at about 65mph my car cut off while driving to the point that the car started slowing down which had med confused as to what was going on but thankfully I was able to safely move over to the side of the of the highway in order to be in safer position to start the car back up. There was no warrant signs that the car had cut off but I had the air conditioning on do it stop blowing. At this point I knew the car was not safe to drive but I had to get off the highway. So I was about 5 miles from my exit which I was able to get to the exit without the car cutting off again on the highway but the car cut off once again on the exit as my speed was decelerating. I took my car to Meineke Car Care a few days later and was told that my car needed to have the solenoid replaced and the timing chain kit which was what the diagnostic was showing. Once they were able to fully inspect the car I was told that the timing chain kit was broken and I had medal in my oil which was suggested that I replace my engine. This put me at risk of being in an accident that could have injured myself or someone. There were no warning indications. My check engine light was not on. I had to pay to have the engine replaced which before I had it replaced I took my car to another shop just to get a second opinion in which I had the engine replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11607122

Jul 26, 2024Engine

The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shaking and vibrating and then stalled. The vehicle was examined by a local mechanic, who determined that the engine was damaged due to a lack of engine oil. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 147,623.

NHTSA ODI 11604702

Jul 1, 2024Engine

The contact's daughter owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the timing chain had fractured, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11597939

Jun 12, 2024Engine

Was driving from home to my job in Novi, MI. While driving at 70 mph on [XXX] [XXX] miles west of Grand Rapids the motor suddenly stopped. There was never any warnings on dashboard instruments, no audio signs, and no physical signs this was about to happen. Had 16% remaining oil life before next oil change per computer. Dealership is telling me there is no oil in motor and it has suffered a catastrophic motor failure after timing jumped. This almost caused a major accident at highway speeds. Motor only has just over 77,000 miles on it. Of course it is out of warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11593997

Jun 3, 2024Engine

The oil leaks out of pan!! Oil consumption

NHTSA ODI 11592285

Mar 12, 2024Electrical systemEngine

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ODI 11576781

Jan 25, 2024Engine

While driving oil blew out of engine of 2.4 eco tech. Single digit temperatures. Very little warning caused engine to lock up cost over 5,000 to replace engine.

NHTSA ODI 11567761

Jan 18, 2024Engine

Vehicle started leaking oil with no indicator. Didn't realize it for at least a few days. When I smelled a burned oil smell took it to the repair shop. Was told my oil gasket blew and the engine is about shot. I also only a month earlier replaced the battery. These vehicles apparently have known battery, oil and engine issues that were known since 2010. The following class action lawsuit in Missouri is pending: [XXX] , on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. GENERAL MOTORS LLC, Defendant. _____________________________________ Our vehicle is not even at 100,000 miles! This will cost thousands of dollars to fix or we will need to purchase a new vehicle which we didn't plan on for a few years at least! This has been devastating. Please help. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11566335

Jan 3, 2024Engine

2 and a 1/2 months after I bought my 2014 GMC Terrain used. It had no oil in it. I had to put pretty much a whole new engine in that cost me $5000

NHTSA ODI 11563303

Aug 24, 2023Engine

Vehicle shut down and turned off while being operated. No warning lights were on at any point before the incident. I was driving down the road and without warning, it just turned off. My safety as well as the safety of the drivers on the road around me were compromised by this sudden failure as the vehicle was in motion when the incident occurred and I was unable to properly operate the vehicle. When I tried to re-start the vehicle the engine would not turn over and several warning lights were suddenly on. Vehicle was towed to dealership and the service department said the timing chain jumped and the engine needs to be replaced. Multiple complaints have been made against GM for the faulty 2.4L Ecoboost Engine that causes excessive oil consumption with no appropriate monitoring or warning system in place leading to timing chain issues/failure that destroys the engine without warning, often while the vehicle is being operated. No recall has been made and no warning is given to customers who purchase vehicles with these engines. I have owned this vehicle less than a year and the repair invoice I was given quotes over $10,000.

NHTSA ODI 11540651

Aug 12, 2023Engine

Pcv system plugged up pressure in engine when remove oil cap have cleaned it my self

NHTSA ODI 11538071

Aug 4, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and inadvertently lost power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with Timer Change failure that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11536560

Jul 20, 2023Engine

Vehicle's 3.6L engine is consuming excessive amounts of oil. Over 2 QT oil every 2,000 miles. Issue confirmed by GMC certified dealer and independent mechanic. Vehicle showed signs of it at 138,000 miles with independent mechanic. Independent mechanic said to contact GMC customer service. GMC customer service required certified dealer to validate issue. Certified dealership validated issue. GMC not taking responsibility for engine defect.

NHTSA ODI 11533419

Jul 15, 2023Engine

There's an oil consumption issue that requires you to constantly refill the engine with oil between oil changes. It's so bad that it causes buildup and eventually interferes with the timing. Causing significant, unacceptable repairs! Now I'm forking out money for a constant issue that shouldn't exist! My car cut off in traffic! That's a major safety issue! I will provide costs of repair when I get the final estimate! My timing chain, tensioner and pistons may need to be replaced because of this issue!

NHTSA ODI 11532516

May 4, 2023EngineFuel system

Car engine light coming on because of codes P0010, constant oil changes, acceleration slows. Turns off a low idle. No low oil warning lights at all.

NHTSA ODI 11520389

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Working with the data? Download all 301 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 10, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2014 GMC Terrain verdict →