2010 GMC Terrain: engine failure

Filed Dec 15, 2025 · Engine · 120,000 miles · TX

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 stated that after each oil consumption test was performed, the oil pressure was always a quart or more lower when checked; however, the contact was informed that it was not an issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed May 15, 2022 · Acceleration, Engine · MA

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. After listening to the noice from the upper engine he asked if he could get tools and look in the engine. I said yes. He quickly pulled parts off the upper engine and opened and removed the upper cylinder cover. This revealed that the timing chain had no tension, as well as shards of shattered plastic all over the place, in and around the upper cylinders. After pointing this out he put everything back together and suggested I contact the dealership I got the vehicle from, which I have done already. He then stated that it appears that the engine would need to be replaced or rebuilt, due to catastrophic engine failure. He said my quick thinking of putting the vehicle into neutral probably avoided causing an accident and allowed me to get myself to a safe spot before stopping the vehicle. He also stated that this particular GM motor is known for catastrophic failure, which GM has failed or refused to acknowledge

Filed Jun 4, 2018 · Engine · 85,000 miles · MA

Just like so many others that have complained, the engine seized with just 85,000 miles on it. It was always well maintained and out of the blue, while driving on the highway at about 45mph (in light traffic), the check engine light came on and it died. I've had two mechanics look at it and both say it needs a new engine. They both also say that this is one of the worst engines that has ever been manufactured. I now have to decide if I want to pay $6000 for a new (used) motor, or if I want to walk away and eat the balance of my loan. Thanks gmc!

Filed Feb 5, 2018 · Engine · 75,000 miles · NY

75k miles on vehicle which was maintained regularly and engine seized due to oil consumption. No sort of low oil, replace oil or any type of indicator light illuminated to warn me of any sort of issue. Vehicle was in motion, engine light came on then car died. Informed by gmc that there was likely nothing they can do because the car will not start to evaluate the issue and I did not do my maintenance at the dealership

Filed Apr 14, 2017 · Engine · 90,000 miles · OK

Had to replace engine which cost over $4300 and I think it was due to some recall parts (timing chain and cadillac converter) I should not have had to pay for a new engine because this company had some faulty parts. I would like to be reimbursed for this.

Filed Apr 4, 2017 · Engine, Fuel system · 85,000 miles · MD

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. I purchased this vehicle in late december of 2015 and have not be able to drive the vehicle since about september of 2016. I have gotten at least two oil changes in that time frame (dec-sept) from the same gmc dealership and was never told about any recalls or any issues with my vehicle besides needing tires/brakes. One of the mechanics that I took the vehicle to said I have other recalls. I was not able to locate any others online and that is my reason for writing this. I am very unsatisfied and do not know how to proceed.

Filed Mar 17, 2017 · Engine · IN

I have a vehicle that has excessive oil consumption. It uses a quart every 900 miles. The dealerships say it is not covered because my vehicle VIN is not included in the special coverage of 10 years, 120000 mi. However, my vehicle engine was completely replaced by a dealership for the same issue. This new engine is not the original engine. I asked the dealership if they can trace the engine serial number back and see if it was built in the same timeframe as the suspect engine. However they will not do that. Dealership is changing the timing chain for special coverage though. I will probably have the dealership fix the oil consumption problem out of my own pocket since the they have to take the engine apart for the timing chain issue. It's cheaper than doing it by itself or changing the engine.

Filed Feb 20, 2017 · Engine · 70,707 miles · GA

While coming to a stop on a highway exit ramp, the timing chain of my 2010 gmc terrain with 70,707 miles became disengaged resulting in a catastrophic engine failure. The consumer stated the vehicle failed without warning. The manufacturer offered the consumer $2,000 towards a new vehicle. The consumer declined the offer.

Filed Jan 24, 2017 · Engine, Steering · 140,000 miles · MD

"takata recall" so far at 140,000 miles on my 2010 terrain I have had to put a new engine in, all 3 catalytic converters and now a power steering pump and rack. I could have bought a brand new car by now. No recalls on any of these??? There should be. The engine just stopped on the highway and once replaced then the steering became tight and barely made it to the shop

Filed Aug 24, 2016 · Engine · 114,688 miles · AR

I bought this car 12/2014 in 01/15 I took it in for a noise coming from the engine. It turned out to be the timing chain. It was replaced. In 12/2015 I had engine problems the engine was replaced with help of the warranty I was out of pocket $850.00. Now 08/16 it ran hot while on the free. I got off a the next exit and took it to firestone they couldn't tell what was wrong. I had it towed to a mechanic and he replaced the thermostat that didn't work. Had it towed back to the dealership who said something about a battery. That didn't even apply. They sent it back to the people they bought the engine from in 12/2015. They said the timing chain was broke again. They fixed it but it's still running hot. They warranty was voided b/c I drove it off the freeway and the temp reached higher than 280 degrees. They are going to replace the gaskets for $1000.00 that I have to pa out of pocket and it still might have problems and need another engine. All in less than a year. I refuse to believe this. I believe the dealership either didn't install the engine correctly or the engine was already no god

Filed May 14, 2016 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 110,616 miles · TX

I purchased this vehicle last may 2015 with no warning indicators working my vehicle loss excessive oil and now needing a new engine, how does a vehicle lose 4.5 quarts between a oil changes. Now I'm stuck with the cost of repairs for installing a new engine and the extended warranty and gm motors refused to help me with repairs. I have six children at home I provide for and now will be eating a new engine at the dinner table for the next four years! Thanks a lot gm for not living up to your name im going to toyota next vehicle. The good thing I was parked at a store when the vehicle gave out with no warning!!!!!!!

Filed Apr 27, 2016 · Engine, Steering · 166,000 miles · PA

Engine burning oil rapidly making loud noise had to get a new engine from gmc and had it installed at the dealership. Power steering locked twice took it to dealership they stated that the battery cable was not connecting properly and made the adjustment. Was working fine for 1 month and now the power steering locked again and I almost hit a wall and pedestrian while entering a parking garage, I am taking it back to the dealership