Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 GMC Terrain owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 104,000. The contact was instructed to take it and have it diagnosed by the dealership he bought it from so I spent more money to have the garage take it on their roll back and drop it off at the dealership. The email stated I needed an engine with a $9000 estimate.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking noise heard coming from the front of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle was towed to the residence and then to the local mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed. The local mechanic stated that the rear main seal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,394.
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.
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
My 2016 GMC Terrain exhibited the excessive oil consumption outlined in both of the following Special Coverage Adjustment bulletins. In addition to the excessive oil consumption, the oil light and oil pressure warnings never gave any indication that there was an issue or that the oil was low. This ended in the engine shaking the whole car, jerking it forward when stopped, and causing the engine to seize and need replacing. GMC customer service has refused to acknowledge this issue, stating that until the government tells them to issue a recall, they can't do anything to fix my vehicle. GM acknowledged the issue for model years 2010 - 2013 (+2014 later) and alleged that they made production changes in 2013 that fixed the issue. …
The timing chain snapped and caused the engine to seize on our 2016 GMC Terrain 2.4L SLC-1 SUV/Truck. Since this has occurred multiple times on the 2.4L engines in this model from 2012 - 2016, we believe that there should be a recall as this issue could cause a major accident if the timing chain snaps or breaks while traveling. It had 101000 miles on it when we bought it used from Klein Automotive, on April 12, 2024. We have only had it for 2 years and 4 months and kept it in good repair. We took it in for its oil change, brought it home, went to dinner 4 days after and the very next day it wouldn't start. We thought it was most likely the starter/solenoid, but the mechanic said those were both fine and that's when we got the bad news that the motor was shot because the timing chain broke which caused some engine rods to break. …
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 check my oil every time I get gas as to ensure that i don't go below the threshold for the oil, as I know these engines have an oil consumption issue. My terrain started having a loud grinding sound after losing power on the highway and I was able to pull off before the car died completely over 60 miles from home. I have since changed the upstream, and downstream O2 sensors (they needed it), VVT solenoids, and now going to be required to change my catalytic converter because the excessive oil consumption has clogged it almost completely. Why will GM not issue a recall for this engine and get it fixed, when they have knowledge that there is an issue. A recall was issued for previous years (on the same model) having the same issue, but yet we are left to "figure it out" at our own expense? …
I am reporting excessive oil consumption in my 2016 GMC Terrain with the 2.4L Ecotec engine. The vehicle burns through an abnormal amount of oil between routine oil changes, often requiring additional oil changes without any visible leaks or dashboard warnings until the oil level is dangerously low. This issue has been diagnosed by a certified GMC dealership, but the repair was not covered under warranty. I've learned this is a known and widespread defect related to faulty piston rings and PCV system issues in this engine model, which has led to engine damage or failure in many cases. GMC has not issued a recall for my VIN, and my request for goodwill assistance was denied despite the safety risk of low oil pressure and potential engine failure while driving. I believe this issue poses a safety concern and warrants formal investigation and potential recall expansion.
I bought the vehicle in November of 2025. No warning lights or problems running. Check the engine oil upon purchase and have the dealership sticker showing oil change was recently done and oil showed that it was full. Approximately 3 weeks after purchasing, the car starting idling rough and stalled a few times during my commute to work. The check engine light came on and it showed that the vvt was a possible solution for the code P0014 this was on December 12th 2025. I replaced the suspected part with no change in vehicle condition. I checked the oil and found that it was empty/no oil on dipstick. I had to add 5 quarts of oil and then it showed it was in the safe zone on the dip stick. Today (January 15th 2026) I checked the oil again and it showed no oil on the dipstick. I had to add 2 quarts for it to be at the bottom of the safe zone on the dipstick.
Engine complaints in other Terrain years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2016 GMC Terrain?
NHTSA has 46 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2016 GMC Terrain, 30% of the model year's 153 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 GMC Terrain engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2016 GMC Terrain, though it has 2 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 2016 GMC Terrain engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
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.