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2011 GMC Terrain engine problems

199 complaints (52% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 85,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
199
of this car's complaints
52%
typical mileage
85,000
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
    2
  • Engine
    2
  • Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor
    1
  • Engine: crank/camshaft position sensor
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

GMC Terrain engine problems in other years

2010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2011 GMC Terrain engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Stalling 72Oil consumption 44Check engine light 42Engine failure 30Loss of power 28Knocking 11Misfire 10Won't start 9Overheating 6

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2011 GMC Terrain owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 20, 2025 · Engine · OH

We have 2011 GMC Terrain. We bought it used so we have only had it a couple years. We noticed it seemed to be using a little more oil but then we were told to keep watch on it. My husband did. Then one day while I was driving it I thought I had heard a faint clicking noise. I said that car isn’t going anywhere until it’s fixed. Little did we know it wouldn’t ever start again. We didn’t know about a so call recall or not a recall. Still until we had to have it towed in to be fixed, I heard it mentioned. By then the car was repaired at our expense of $8000+. We are retired and don’t have or didn’t have money for that repair. The only reason we had a little money was because my husband got paid for back (lump sum) payment just a couple of days before this. We still owe on the car. Without it we only have an old 2001GMC SIERRA 1500. We live paycheck to paycheck. I called one of GMC’s phone numbers today and I was told if we didn’t have it done at a GMC FACILITY we get NO reimbursement. I cried. My husband is a real stickler when it comes to our vehicles and maintenance and logs and also keeps receipts.Please tell me there is some to help us.

Filed Jul 25, 2025 · Engine · 110,714 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2011 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking engine oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated while driving at undisclosed speeds. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who confirmed there was no warranty or recall coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine might be blown. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 110,714.

Filed Jun 27, 2025 · Engine · 114,114 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2011 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact pulled over to the right side of the roadway and waited for towing assistance. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and two separate auto body shops, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was consuming engine oil, and the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the second time the vehicle was driven to the independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 114,114.

Filed Jul 31, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

SUV gets a slow down warning and it stops shuts off , it’s happened several times now I’m scared!!you wait few minutes it turns back on , mechanic said this a complain about this vehicle all the time , it has not been repaired I’m disabled with no money , I was on the highway and thank God I was on the slow lane if not I would have been killed by an eighteen wheeler. GMC is waiting for someone to die and probably address this issue

Filed Mar 1, 2024 · Engine · IA

Two of the valves failed and the dealership told me it was likely due to a manufacturer’s defect.

Filed Feb 12, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

Engine Failure: Timing chain had excessive slack causing guide to be sheared off. Timing chain guide bolt was completely stripped requiring both the timing chain and cylinder head to be replaced. Safety: The vehicle stalled while driving Problem: Problem was confirmed by a dealer Warnings: The check engine light came on as the vehicle stalled

Filed Jan 18, 2024 · Engine · MN

continuous excessive oil issues burns and uses 3-5 quarts of oil every week to 2 weeks causing engine issues slow acceleration lurching and chugging issues with engine won’t downshift or upshift correctly transmission seizing issues have spent 1000s of dollars trying to fix this issue and mechanic has said it’s just a commen issues with this make and model and year range just have to keep pouring oil in each week which is costly and eventually will cause my engine and transmission to fail.

Filed Oct 25, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · NE

My car wouldn’t start, later found out it was due to timing chain issue which ended up blowing up my engine. I live 40 minutes from work and am consistently driving on the interstate for at least an hour a day. GM said there’s nothing they can do even though there’s been class action lawsuits for the engine. My car has also had oil consumption problems. I bought my car in March of 2022. The engine blew up by November 2022. I barely got my car back in September 2023. After the engine replacement, still wouldn’t turn on, over heated immediately when I did get it back. After paying $7440 for the engine replacement I had to fork over snother $650 to replace the fuel pump control module, and an engine control unit. My car overheated AGAIN just 2 weeks ago!!!!

Filed Oct 12, 2023 · Engine · 175,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2011 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign making a left turn, the vehicle started sputtering. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the timing belt being loose. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

Filed Jul 7, 2023 · Engine · FL

I was driving my vehicle down the road and the vehicle just shut off. This was dangerous and could have cost my son and I our lives. I have spoken with many mechanics and they state that this car has issues with oil consumption This model vehicle has been reported to have a major oil consumption issues. The oil is dissolved within the engine.

Questions about the 2011 GMC Terrain engine

Does the 2011 GMC Terrain have engine problems?

Owners have filed 199 complaints about the engine of the 2011 GMC Terrain, 52% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2011 GMC Terrain engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 85,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2011 GMC Terrain engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

Other 2011 GMC Terrain problems

Transmission 76Fuel system 48Visibility 35Electrical 29Airbags 25Driver assistance 22Acceleration 18Steering 15Body 11Seats 10Brakes 7Lights 7Seat belts 7Suspension 5Tires 3Locks 2Wheels 1

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