Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 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.
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
As i went to drive my terrain we bought back in June or July. But for the absolute first time we needed to use the defrost/defogger button last week on OCTOBER 20, 2022 and it wouldn't work. No lights came on to say it was defaulty. It also started to make our radio screen flicker when i tried to turn defrost on and it's continuously flickering and defrost doesn't engage on front windshield at all won't even melt snow or help defog when it's been raining or it's cold out. I almost wrecked my terrain due to this problem. Now on my instrument panel says camshaft/crankshaft sensor says service stabilitrack and something about my AWD System. All these happened within a week from trying to use my defrost. Also my instrument panel where it shows how fast i go flickers and it flickers on the RPM side as well. Noone has touched or looked it over since i have owned my 2010 terrain. …
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.
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. …
The problem(s) that I have had or currently have with my vehicle are as follows: 1. Vehicle hesitates 2. Jolts forward 3. Stutters 4. Excessive oil consumption 5. The car has been undrivable since 01/27/20
While driving at about 5 miles an hour, turning vehicle around a cul-de-sac the vehicle completely turns off. I have contacted the GMC dealership about this and the only recall I was told was the fuel pump. I was told they would order my parts and they would call me; I never received a call. I have towed the vehicle to two repair shops and I have been told by both that it is a timing chain issue and I need to install a new engine! I called the GMC dealership and asked if the recall could be a direct result of my timing chain issue, and if I had any other recalls? I was told I would have to pay for them to look at my vehicle if not apart of the recall. I do not have the extra money to pay multiple times for my car to be looked at or to put an engine in a vehicle that has less than 85K miles. …
2010 GMC Terrain I bought off a dealership lot in March 2019 not knowing all the reported issues! Being a single mother I thought I was buying a fairly priced,gas eff. Reliable car.from day 1 I have had countless oil changes, my tire pressure warning light will not turn off after replacing stems,tires nothing turns the light off! It lacks pick up speed and rough gear changes. While driving and coming to a stop it would hesitate and chug like it was going to die. I returned to dealership where I bought it from replaced the timing chain. Upon taking it home,2 days later check engine light came on. I returned to the dealership that replaced the chain they informed me I lost 2.5qts of oil in those 2 days and that id need to replace or rebuild the engine! …
Problem with GMC products I purchased a brand new 2010 GMC Terrain from star GMC . Since 2013 I've having problems with the stbilitrak light comes, car will not move and the engine is running but not power. This has happened to me three times since I have had this car. One time the dealer told me it was because the gas cap was not tight. That is the error code they got, which is not true, I always tighten till I hear it click.3 times since I have had the automobile, the stabiltrak light would come on, the engine was running, but no power, the car would not move. Now the last time I brought it in for this problem, service tells me they found an electronic link switch which was no good and they replaced it,mean time I go on google and find there are many same such problems out there, and the dealers do not know how to deal with this problem. …
We were almost rear end when travelling down the highway the car just stops moving with engine running. The driver who almost hit us and other drivers got out to assist us in getting my car off the highway. We travel alot in this car what if we were on interstate we would probably been killed. Thank god that did not happen. The dealer had the car over a week trying to find the problem first they said it was a crank shaft sensor now they are saying it's the plates in the transmission. The cost between $3150 and $4000. We can't afford that with only 5 payments left on a car we purchased new kept up with all the services including a transmission service the dealer said we needed to cover any future problems we May incur. Why in the world would a transmission go out at 87,000 miles. I just want the governing authority to look into this problem to save someone life. …
Transmission complaints in other Terrain years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2010 GMC Terrain?
NHTSA has 51 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2010 GMC Terrain, 18% of the model year's 290 complaints. The component named most often is axle assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 GMC Terrain transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.