Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 GMC Terrain owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service stabili-trak and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to O'Reilly Auto Parts, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that there was no compression in cylinder #3. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that several oil consumption tests were performed by the dealer over the past three years. …
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated the vehicle would not exceed 15 MPH and was consuming a significant amount of engine oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the rings needed to be replaced. The contact stated the vehicle was not repaired; however, the engine oil was refilled. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer who replaced the rings, the catalytic converter, and the actuator under an unknown recall. The contact stated after the recall repair, the vehicle would inadvertently make abnormal sounds and shudder while driving. The check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the piston was rubbing against the motor and the engine needed to be replaced. …
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a reduction in engine power with the check engine and traction control warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle intermittently failed to start and the passenger's side rear tire made knocking sounds and lifted up off the roadway while making turns. The contact also stated that the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of oil, causing the contact to refill the oil reservoir every three days. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and depressing the acceleration pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated the vehicle was restarted several times and the gear shifter was shifted several times before the vehicle started operating as needed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, 5 months later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.
I bought my 2010 GMC Terrain SLE at 160,000. It had a rough start up but the dealer said it was because it was an older car and been sitting for a while. The rough start up never stopped even after replacing the catalytic converter because of code P0420. The mechanic informed of this specific vehicle oil composition so I was consistently checking the oil. A month after the NEW catalytic converter was installed. I stalled out on the interstate with traffic going 65 mph minimum, the wheel locked and I was almost rear ended. I take the vehicle to an automotive shop and I need a new timing chain with numerous new codes. P0325 P0326 P0327 P0016 P0017 P0014.
Twice had to have wiring repaired because animals ate the wiring. Both were caused by GM using soy based insulation on wiring that made it a delicacy to the animals and caused them to eat through two wiring harnesses, one of which GM no longer makes. The other complaint is the timing belt has stretched and is now in need of replacement at a cost of $4500 to $5000.
I bought this car and the mileage said 120K, but the title says when it was tagged 157K. the car has been tampered with and the some of the lights for the car on the dash are missing, such as the check engine light. Also, it misses so bad that it will die at times
My 2010 Terrain had been been intermittent dash warnings for "Service StabiliTrac" and "Engine Power Reduced" which would force the engine to reduce the speed itself down to about 30 MPH. After turning off car and restarting, warnings would go away. Yesterday, while driving on a secondary road, with no check engine light on, the engine stalled while traveling at approx 35 MPH. I was able to drop the vehicle into neutral and coast onto a side street, while also attempting to restart the engine. I was able to pull over without causing an accident. After letting the car sit for a few minutes I attempted to restart the engine, but only got a strange noise from the area of the upper cylinders. At his point the check engine light was now on. While waiting for a tow truck, and independent mechanic pulled up to ask if I needed help. …
Takata recall - bought vehicle used,in past 2 years have gone to start truck an it stutters when trying to turn ignition over.all lights on dash flash and upon starting a 2nd time engine light comes on. I work in auto collision industry and read with my scan tool. Every time its listed as faulty start.didn't think any major wrong,till I rear ended someone at about 35 direct hit. I hit my chest hard on steering wheel & have wanted to get rid of truck since. I knew the bags should've deployed an felt unsafe since they did not. No recall listed,but then I saw cobalt major recall and it seems identical to my vehicles issue. Contacted GMC to fix,not covered. But since we do so much business and it seems connected they will be repairing tomorrow however cobalts recall requires. Unfortunately others might not be so lucky as I.
Engine - slows down and speed up and jolt as it accelerate in speed. Heated seats - a month after purchase they stopped worked oil pump - the filter gets clogged with metal shaving and would not allow the oil to get to the engine. As a result, I had to get oil changes 3 times in a month. Dash board and stereo light would flicker and dim. Stereo would repeat words and get stuck in one place. The wind shield wipers stopped working during a rain storm and were wiping in two separate directions at the same time.
Engine complaints in other Terrain years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2010 GMC Terrain?
NHTSA has 117 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2010 GMC Terrain, 40% of the model year's 290 complaints. The component named most often is engine (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 GMC Terrain engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2010 GMC Terrain, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2010 GMC Terrain engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.