2011 GMC Terrain: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Aug 20, 2021 · Engine · 170,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2011 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the stability track control warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked and hesitated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road and the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle 2-3 times before being able to proceed driving. The contact stated that while stopped at the next traffic light, the vehicle stalled again. The vehicle was restarted however, while driving the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who stated that the spark plug and coil needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle to another certified mechanic who diagnosed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced because sensors within the vehicle, due to the excessive oil consumption, were clogging up the pistons. The vehicle was repaired however the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

Filed Dec 8, 2020 · Engine · 96,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 gmc terrain. The contact stated that while attempting to drive the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vvt solenoid was replaced. The contact stated that while driving, and making a slight right turn, the vehicle hesitated but continued driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed that there was a communication failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to an authorized gmc dealer. The vehicle was later taken to coggin buick gmc in jacksonville (7245 blanding blvd, jacksonville, fl 32244) where the contact was informed that the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. Additionally, without the check engine warning light being illuminated, the mechanic was unable to retrieve a fault code. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The failure recurred twice. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

Filed Aug 17, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · FL

Hesitation and lag on acceleration after hard or quick brake application. Feels like engine momentarily stalling or trans mission not engaging for one or two seconds.. Happens when vehicle is in motion, happens in stop and go traffic, happens coming out of turns,also in straight line motion. Poses a safety risk such as when entering an intersection and not being able to accelerate through the intersection to avoid collision with other vehicles crossing that intersection.

Filed Feb 5, 2019 · Transmission · 63,400 miles · MO

Rear main seal blew. I was told that my rear main seal had blown b/c moisture can get in and freeze and since it was so cold the pressure caused the seal to blow. I started the car ahead of time b/c it was in the single digits. When I went outside to leave I noticed some smoke coming from the engine area. I immediately drove to the dealership. As I was driving I noticed some hesitation upon acceleration. Thankfully I did not have to drive the highway to get to the dealership. As soon as I got it to the service department they told me that there was oil leaking under my car to the point that they had to add 3.5 quarts of oil before they could move it to a service bay. After a short examination of the car I was told that the rear main seal had blown. I also found out that 10 other cars had the same issue at the same dealership that same day and 4 the next day. I checked for recalls and found gm service bulletin 14882 but was told that b/c my car VIN number was not the on their list and was manufactured at a different plant that mine would not fall under the recall. It should not matter where the car was manufactured it is obviously a defective part or design. If it a defective part or design it should be fixed on all cars and not just some as I was informed the same parts were used at the different plants. I was fortunate that this did not cause a major accident when the car hesitated to accelerate.

Filed Aug 7, 2017 · Transmission · MI

I purchased my car brand new in april of 2011. I didn't even have it a year and I had to take it in 3 different times for stalling. The engine light never came on therefore they couldn't pull a code to know what exactly was wrong but because it was under warranty, they just started replacing parts. The very first time it stalled they told me to watch what kind of gas I was putting it. They told me to try only going to mobil, bp or shell. I shook my head the whole time they were saying this but to rule it out for them, that's what I did. Obviously that wasn't the problem. Then, upon a cold start, the engine was very loud and made a rattling noise. Again, no engine light. The whole time I've had the vehicle it hesitates when pulling into traffic sometimes. Sometimes the kick back it gives off is so big that it actually jerks your body forward. I've had the car for 6 years and have over 10 receipts from dealerships for taking it in over the yrs.they have "replaced/fixed" cam auctor solonoids, actuator, tensioner, timing chain, catalytic converter, gasket, manifold and piston..to name a few.the other day I noticed a slight grinding noise when turning right.I went straight home and was going to have my friend listen to it so we could figure out where it was possibly coming from.within 2 hrs just sitting in the driveway the grinding became 20x worse and extremely loud! I couldn't even back it out of my driveway without it sounding like my whole entire engine was going to fall out.we were thinking it was the transfer case/transmission.I had to have it towed to the dealership where they called me a few hrs later only to confirm it was the transfer case and it will be $2,400 bc it's no long under warranty.I have numerous receipts showing ongoing issues with this and other things.I'm furious and disappointed.I bought a new car to feel safer in and I haven't felt that once!

Filed May 10, 2017 · Engine · 82,500 miles · PA

As I read through all the complaints I do not understand why there are not more recalls on this vehicle. I love the car itself but after only having the car for 15 months the motor completely failed with no warning. Our terrain has the 3.0 engine but there is an extension of warranty on the 2.4 engine. However the complaints on the 2.4 motor mirrors what happened to us. We had fuel injectors replaced a few months ago and oil changed at that time. The night the engine died it had made some strange noises but no hesitation and no warning lights. Not even a check engine light. My husband checked the oil and it was low. There is no way it could have been low. He added some because that is what we are conditioned to do but it never would register on the dipstick. We drove 1/2 mile and the without warning; no noises or warning lights the car died at a busy intersection. Thankfully my husband was able to push me in the car to safety but the car never restarted. We had it towed to the dealer we purchased it from and they said the motor seized up but are unable to tell us why unless we pay for them to take the motor apart. They are unable to find any error codes. They are telling us we need a new motor costing $7400 to purchase and put in. The car is out of warranty. We only bought the vehicle 15 months ago so we haven't had it long; we bought it used. Makes no sense but does sound like the stories on the 2.4 motors. When is someone going to take notice that there is a problem with these gmc motors whether it is the 2.4 or the 3.0 engines. Does it take someone to get killed before gmc admits there is a problem??????

Filed Feb 15, 2017 · Fuel system · 75,600 miles · MI

Purchased my certified 2011 gmc terrain 7/12/2016. After driving a few days noticed car was stalling while accelerating or in stop and go traffic. (1st service) took it in 7/28/2016 to be serviced, was told it was the catalytic converter-vehicle was better, but still hesitates on take off (2nd service) took it in 11/10/2016 received the recall notice about the fuel pump. Finally it seems to be driving better'for a couple of weeks (3rd service) took in 1/16/2017 to be serviced- car completely shut off on busy highway several times during morning rush hour (stop and go traffic), this time engine light came on. Was told something to do with electrical programming communicating with the fuel pump?! As of today car is starting to stall and hesitate again. My certified warranty is up in 3/2017, my fear is next few incidents will not be covered. Keep in mind I have not had this vehicle a year yet. I have a certified lemon. I deserve a refund/upgrade.

Filed Sep 11, 2015 · Transmission · 71,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 gmc terrain. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the transmission began to hesitate and jerked. In addition, the transmission slipped gears intermittently with a rapid loss of engine oil. The failure recurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to locate the failure. The transmission fluid was flushed however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000.

Filed May 7, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 2,000 miles · CT

About a month after purchasing this brand new vehicle, there were several times that after starting the car & putting it into gear, it stalled. There has also been times that after driving it for a while & coming to a stop sign, then getting ready to pull out into traffic, it either stalls or hesitates. There were a few close calls where there could have been a major accident. Taking this to the dealer did nothing. They said they have heard of this before, but unless it did it at their dealership, they couldn't fix the problem. Another issue I have had is that many times the transmission doesn't shift properly & it revs up more than it should before actually shifting & when it does, there is a major clunk. I have owned many cars in my lifetime, this car always on startup, makes a terrible noise at first which to me sounds like it's not getting any oil or that the bearings have a problem. That noise goes away after a few seconds. Another issue I have, as do all other terrain owners, is that the sticker on the window from gm when buying this car, stated that this car would get 23 mpg city, & 32 mpg highway. Most all my miles are highway miles, & the most I ever get is 22 mpg. This was the main reason for buying this car in the first place. I think gm should be held accountable for this grossly mis-representation of what I would be getting for gas mileage. I am not that wealthy where I can just go out & buy a new car every year, but am fearful that with the car stalling out whenever it feels like, that I may have an accident. I am also not thrilled with the noise it make when I start it, & wonder how long before it doesn't run. I now have 36,000 miles on it with these issues, my last vehicle that I traded in for this had 250,000 trouble free miles. Gm needs to buy this back, or lifetime warranty on motor along with free gas to make up for the 10 mpg I'm not getting.

Filed Nov 8, 2011 · Transmission · 6,000 miles · NY

2011 gmc terrain. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle's performance and request assistance with repair *tgw the consumer at about 6,000 miles, the vehicle started jerking when picking up speed. The jerking would usually occur while increasing speed when it would get to approximately 18-40 MPH. The vehicle also stalled twice; once when backing out of a parking space, and the second time when moving forward from a parking space. When driving the car for the first 2,000 miles, the consumer stated she drove the vehicle in standard mode. Thereafter, she drove in economy mode. When the vehicle started jerking and hesitating, she stopped driving in economy mode. When the consumer arrived at the dealer, she was informed a recall was issued 6-8 weeks prior. However, the consumer never received a notice. The recall was performed and the dealer stated the problem she was experiencing was an extension of the recall issue. The vehicle did not stall anymore after the recall issue was fixed. However, the jerking did continue. The consumer returned to the dealer, but they insisted there was nothing wrong with the vehicle, as it was a normal characteristic. The consumer went to the dealership where the vehicle was leased to have them inspect it. They stated the shift adaptive learns needed to be rest. The consumer stated after leaving the dealership and driving several blocks, the jerking returned.

Filed Oct 6, 2011 · Engine · 5,274 miles · MD

I was driving my new 2011 terrain I just brought in may 2011, when it started to idle roughly, the engine light came on and it cut off while at a stop light. I restarted the car and it begins to stall out and hesitate. It also started to make a rattling/ knocking sound when starting the car. It sounds like a diesel truck. I took it right to the dealer to find that there was a recall coming out 8/12 mileage 5274. I then called general motors to report this problem which shouldn't have happened to brand new car. I didn't drive the car cause I was afraid of what might happen. I took it back to the service department who reset it on 8/15, which did not fix the problem. They fixed the recall parts,didn't fix the problem, took it back on 8/24 mileage 5675, 9/2 mileage 6353 for the same problems. I had to have it towed on 9/14 mileage 7341 for the same issues that were never fixed. They continued to say the system is not reading any code and there is nothing they can do, they cant duplicate the problems,I had onstar run diagnostics and gave them the codes. To this day the problems have not been fixed and continue to exist. Gm still does not want to own up to the fact that they have mad a bad product, and don't realize that this is a safety problem that can cause a serious accident with this car hesitating and stalling out while your driving it. The rattling and knocking noise when starting the car who knows what that is? When you call gm to get then to fix this problem and if they cant fix the car, replace the car, or just buy it back, they try to offer you an inconvenience fee instead of owning up to the problem, which is their way of shutting you up. This is beyond the lemon law. Gm needs to take this serious and stop brushing this problem under the carpet. Report them to bbb and the attorneys generals office in your state they should not be allowed to get away with this.

Filed Aug 23, 2011 · Transmission · 7,000 miles · TX

The transmission shifting is erratic and creates a problem when in heavy down town traffic where there is stop and go traffic. Car will hesitate before it goes into proper gear.this is the 4 cylinder model I am driving.very had shift from 1st to 2nd gear at all times.I do not allow any of my family to drive this car because it has become a safety issue in my opinion.