Check a VIN

2011 GMC Terrain steering problems

15 complaints (4% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 37,800. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
15
of this car's complaints
4%
typical mileage
37,800
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

Owners did not name a specific part.

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 steering problems in other years

2010201520202026

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Related investigations

Momentary Increased Steering EffortOpened June 1, 2020, closed June 3, 2022

On June 1, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-009 to investigate instances of a momentary increase in steering effort after the vehicle is driven in a straight line for a period of time due to an issue with the steering gear in model year (MY) 2010 through 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain SUVs.If the electric power steering system fails to operate as intended, the driver will experience momentary increased effort when attempting to turn the steering wheel from the straight-ahead position. For this condition to occur, the driver would need to have traveled in a straight line at a sustained high speed, without turning the steering wheel, for approximately 30 minutes or longer. The steering gear contains a servo unit that includes a worm gear with a worm and a worm wheel. General Motors (GM) stated that the primary root cause of the increased steering effort is the supplier's inconsistent application of grease in the interface between the worm and the worm wheel. The grease may have been applied in a location on the worm wheel that didn't interface with the worm, depriving the worm gear of proper lubrication.On November 1, 2014, GM issued Special Coverage 14232 to address the power steering stick-slip issue in MY 2010-2014 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain; MY 2011-2014 Chevrolet Cruze and Volt; MY 2012-2014 Buick Verano; and MY 2013-2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. GM notified consumers via mail.The Special Coverage repair includes the replacement of the steering gear with an improved internal worm gear greasing process for MY 2010-2012 vehicles. For the MY 2013-2014 vehicles, the Special Coverage repair includes a reprogramming of the steering gear control module. The new software has an anti-stick feature which senses and reduces the friction between the worm and worm wheel by oscillating the worm gear. GM stated that the difference in remedy is due to the inability of the MY 2010-2012 steering gear control module to accept the new software.The remedy implemented in GM Special Coverage 14232 appears to be sufficient in addressing the safety-related concerns of this issue. Considering the low complaint and warranty rates of steering rack replacement as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. ODI has not identified a safety defect or defect-related failure trend in the subject vehicles. In view of the Special Coverage, low rate of failure, and low potential hazard to drivers, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at under the following identification numbers:11424633,11421725,11229647,11101375,10919921,10689932,10671557,10664687,10663350, 10593429,10592065,10585476,10585365,10576237,10575693,10532766,10490295,10434128, 10417845,10412535,10403168,10395532,10395171,10391948,10384211,10375515,10366297, 10360999,10360599,10345626,10319530,10305569,10304769,10299745

PE20009

What 2011 GMC Terrain owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 17, 2022 · Engine, Steering · PA

The 2.4l ecotec motor has had so many complaints not only for gmc terrain but also the Chevy equinox. The motor just stops and lose everything while driving! I was in traffic and it stop almost causing an accountant God I wasn't hurt! Now I have this car with a blown motor because it's a no tolerance motor. We spend so much money on these vehicles and spend so much to keep them safe for driving on the road and yet when it comes to the company cutting corners to save money they don't get faulted for putting faulty equipment in these vehicles. I have a 2011 terrain and I bought it in 2019 for 9000 and drove it a month before the motor blew it has less then 100000 miles on it and for me to get a new motor it's another 5000. I just don't understand why if the equipment is faulty and so many complaints have been posted about the same issue why it's not being recalled or why we can't get the company to give us new motors or a new car! We are expected to pay insurance registration inspections test every year and pay for the normal wear on the vehicles to make sure they are safe but they can't recall faulty parts! I foster children and can't afford to make expensive purchases that weren't caused by neglect on my part

Filed Sep 30, 2020 · Acceleration, Steering · 86,927 miles · MI

I was driving back home from the store friday night and my wheels start squeaking and increasingly became hard to then the wheel whenever I turned. When I got home tried to park the wheels locked up and I couldn't turn the wheels anymore. Diver the car again monday it was fine until I was my way home again the wheels locked up, car wouldn't accelerate part 2nd gear, then I wasn't able to reverse and my engineer light came on. I just bought the car 5 months ago from a dealership. No I don't have a warranty and there is 86927 miles on it. No accidents whatsoever. I recently found out that this vehicle is known to have transmission failure.

Filed Apr 24, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · MO

My terrain has used so much oil since it was purchased and we keep the oil changed every time it's needed now the timing chain is messing up and is going to be expensive to fix I have read online where the 2011s have the same issue, the repairs are too expensive my fianc got laid off due to covid-19 I'm the only one working I need help and don't know where to turn to, the truck stoped going in the middle of me turning into a gas station I was almost rear ended.

Filed Jan 31, 2019 · Driver assistance, Engine · IL

Car has been a nightmare since we purchased it. Constantly breaking down and having to result in expensive repairs. 3 catalytic converters, engine used to shut off due to overheating. Engine reduce sign, stabilitrak problems. This has been the worst car to ever be created in the history of vehicles. I'd rather take the [xxx] bus parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Sep 28, 2017 · Steering · 120,000 miles · AZ

Steering groans at low speeds and when stationary. There is also sporadic vibration in the steering wheel.

Filed May 22, 2017 · Steering · 80,000 miles · OH

We are experiencing a shudder, steering vibration felt through the steering wheel and vehicle structure, combined with a moan type noise. This condition is noticed in during low speed maneuvers or when car is stationary and the wheel is turned.

Filed Nov 9, 2015 · Engine, Steering · 70,000 miles · IL

Car completely shuts down and loses all power/activity after starting it up, putting gear into drive, and trying to accelerate. Wheel gets stiff and car stops moving. This first happened within a year of buying the vehicle and has happened a second time mid ownership. During these times, the car just would not start for about 30 mins to an hour. Lately and several times a week now since mid-october, the car will start but completely shut down to the point where the car is shutting down at red lights, stop signs and anywhere I have to stop. It may take 3-5 times to repeat the process of starting the car and putting it back into drive before it drives without shutting down and me making to my destination.

Filed Nov 2, 2015 · Airbags, Engine · 75,000 miles · CA

I had purhased a 2011 gmc terrian and have gotten three letters saying don't bring in to dealer until the problems happen one side -impact circuit cause-airbag-readiness light illuminate and the service air bag message to display. Gmc extened the protection for 10 years or 120,000 miles. The second that was sent the steering same protection and the third letter for oil consumption which it is doing now. This not safe for my wife and me or the any other passengers. What is your addvismentfor me.

Filed Oct 12, 2015 · Steering · 37,800 miles · FL

I purchased the vehicle (car) in feb. 2011. Attempted to start the car the other day and the yellow "engine" displayed in the speedo area. Waited one day tried again and the car started but I received a message in the red area of the dash indicating the power steering need service. Thinking I could add fluid I checked the owners manual and learned the car had electric power steering. Car started yesterday 11 oct., drove the car to walmart and returned home. No problems. Attempted to start this am 12 oct. Same thing happened as before. Called the local gmc deealer in fort walton beach, and was told the this power steering is not coverend by the warranty since I have had it for over the 3 year period even thoungh I only have 37,800 miles. I will attempt to start the car agin in a little while. If it will not start I will call aaa to tow the car to a local garage I have used before and trust. I am pretty sure the electric power steering is the culprit.

Filed Apr 6, 2014 · Airbags, Body · 24,185 miles · OH · crash · 3 injuries

I was going to a 930 am doctor appt@the cancer clinic, with my husband & father as passengers. I was in the left turn lane northbound attempting to turn into the hospital. It was 910 am. There was a lg. Delivery truck opposite me in the southbound left turn lane. As I pulled in the southbound lane,easing forward to ensure clearance the other car behind the delivery truck pulled out and around the truck and sped up to go through the intersection to make the lightthat was amber at this point. My father said that her head was down and she didn't look up until just before impact. There were no skid marks & the impact was high on the pass. Side of my vehicle rocking us up onto 2 wheels on the drivers side & then back down on all 4. My vehicle was t-boned on the front passenger side. The lady came out from behind the delivery truck at the last second, changed lanes & proceeded into the intersection at the same time I was trying to turn left. At this point the light was yellow. I have, I do believe 8 air bags, with 8 sensors in the terrain's. Also I have a full subscription to onstar which also has crash sensors in my car. **not one air bag went off nor did any sensors**. Onstar did not call me after the crash to tell me that they would be sending help, ambulance, police etc. My injuries were: contusion to left side of head above ear. Scalp wound above right ear, with permanent indentation to right side of my head,2 small cuts right side of forehead. Black eyes. Pain in neck & stiffness. Right eye socket @ eye brow swollen. Husband: seatbelt bruising, neck pain/stiffness. My father, neck pain, stiffness,scraped skin on instep of right foot. This formal complaint is with general motors, gmc terrain, & onstar for not 1 airbag having not gone off/deployed, nor did onstar make any effort to contact me. I contacted both gm & onstar & they did nothing to compensate me.

Questions about the 2011 GMC Terrain steering

Does the 2011 GMC Terrain have steering problems?

Owners have filed 15 complaints about the steering of the 2011 GMC Terrain, 4% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2011 GMC Terrain steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 37,800 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2011 GMC Terrain steering?

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

What year does the GMC Terrain have bad steering?

The GMC Terrain model years with the most steering complaints are 2011 (15 complaints), 2013 (15 complaints) and 2010 (12 complaints).

Other 2011 GMC Terrain problems

Engine 199Transmission 76Fuel system 48Visibility 35Electrical 29Airbags 25Driver assistance 22Acceleration 18Body 11Seats 10Brakes 7Lights 7Seat belts 7Suspension 5Tires 3Locks 2Wheels 1

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2011 GMC Terrain?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history