Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 GMC Terrain owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed white smoke coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who confirmed the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 125,000.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated after stopping and shifting into park(P), the ignition switch could not be turned off and the key could not be removed from the ignition switch. While the contact was inspecting the rear of the vehicle, the vehicle started to roll backwards, almost injuring the contact. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the control shifter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.
We have had many GM vehicles my husband worked at GM retired now. Our complaint is we have a GMC Denali 2017 only 79000 miles on it. All upto date changes regularly all. Other like Transmission oil changed all upkeep to date. Transmission needs rebuilt. We are in our 80's And don't beat up our cars. Replace or rebuild transmission 3500 to 4500 bucks. That is a lot of money for us. No longer covered. It shudders when you drive at any speed and feels so unsafe. Took it to GM garage and they couldn't find anything wrong. No warning lights came on and we paid over 150 to have it checked out so with the shuddering getting worse and not feeling safe to drive we took it to a Transmission shop and he took it out and said the Shuddering was caused by something in the transmission. I have seen on google where GM is having a lot of problems in this area. We just need help with the repairs. …
We have been keeping up with all maintenance and oil changes. We have only driven the car for less than a year. At time of oil change; the oil has been low, resulting in OVER oil consumption; Requiring an extra quart of oil to be added between oil changes. When we purchased the vehicle, there was an strong exhaust smell; The shop that we bought the vehicle stated there were no issues and we have taken it to them multiple times an hour away from our home. The car completely shut off while my minor son and I were driving. Placing both of our lives at risk! It would never start back up. Now the car has seized and requires an engine replacement. It is sitting at a local garage while we wait for the dealership to help us, to no avail.
I was on the interstate, heading out of town. I heard a loud noise from under the car. The car started slowing down and would not accelerate. This could have been very dangerous if I had been in the middle of 5:00 traffic. I took the next exit in front of me and pulled into a gas station. Looked under car and seen no obvious damage. Got back in and the car and put it back into drive. It would barely pull and then quick pulling all together within a few feet. The D/drive light started flashing. No warnings at all before this happened. I was 200 miles away and had to have it towed back home. Put it in the GMC shop and was told it needed a transmission.
While driving on the highway with my child, vehicle suddenly went into reduced power mode. 5 minutes later after exiting the highway, the low oil pressure Alert came on. The vehicle was parked two minutes later then towed home. After towing it to my local certified dealership, it was determined the pcv was clogged with ice resulting in a blown rear main seal. There was a recall for a defect in earlier terrains for this same issue (See SB 14882). Currently GM will not cover repair costs under this specific recall despite this vehicle apparently having the same 2.4L Ecotek engine. Apparently this a known cold weather issue for this vehicle.
My vehicle only has 78,000 miles on it and the timing chain needs to be replaced?! This is no longer under warranty because it's been over 5 years but this should last a life time. Now I have a car that doesn't start or run that I have to make payments on and no one wants to do the work on my car! I looked online and a bunch of people are having the same issue with the same exact car at similar mileage and the same issue! GMC needs to do a recall on this issue, many people are losing money and it's a financial crisis.
We have had 4 transmissions since we bought the vehicle. It slows down to almost a stop after it hits 30 mph and makes weird noises all throughout the vehicle. The back right tire sticks to the pavement and jerks when i start to drive. The key ignition has been fixed several times and still sometimes won't turn with the key or come out. Yes Warranty told the repaid service company to fix whatever, and they did but it still after 2 more transmission hasn't fixed the issues. Engine light and not sure what else.
1. The car started making a noise then started surging and jerking. I'm not a mechanic, so I don't know what happened but it will not crank now. Yes, someone can come inspect the vehicle, by appointment only. 2. I was afraid that the car was going to blow up or the brakes would not hold. 3. No, the problem has not been reproduced or inspected. 4. No, the vehicle or component has not been inspected. 5. NO, there were no warning lights to let me know there was a problem.
I bought this 2017 used on [redacted] I have had to put 1 quart of oil in the car every 500 miles. Because it burns oil like crazy. And now at this point, the transmission has just quit. I believe they call it the drive train. I am taking it to D and D auto repair in [redacted] on Thursday of this week. GMC knows about the drive train problem as it is common well known problem
Transmission complaints in other Terrain years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2017 GMC Terrain?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2017 GMC Terrain, 18% of the model year's 135 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2017 GMC Terrain transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2017 GMC Terrain, though it has 1 recall 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 2017 GMC Terrain transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles, and 20% 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.