My car has started stalling and dying when i slow down, take off or when idling. No power when accelerated, and the smell of exhaust comes into my car. I was making a turn from a red light and my car spit, sputtered, and died right in the middle of the busy intersection. I was almost hit from the rear and another car had to go into on coming traffic to avoid T boning me. I took it to 2 different places to get a diagnosis reading and both places said it was a catalyst problem, and I was told that there was a recall about that because of engine oil clogging it up. My car has been using more oil than usual here lately and im guessing thats why. Now, im afraid to drive anywhere because I don't feel like it safe and the fact that my car doesn't run good enough to drive. I was told by more than 1 person that knows mechanics, that its a issue with the catalyst and that it had a recall on it but I never received one. This is a very concerning safety issue, and one that needs immediate attention before someone gets badly hurt (or worse) because of a bad car part . My car is literally just a lawn ornament now until I can get this issue resolved. I need my car to make a living and support my family. PLEASE, get the recall letters out and get this fixed before someone loses a life.
2012 GMC Terrain engine problems
173 complaints (48% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 87,228. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 173
- of this car's complaints
- 48%
- typical mileage
- 87,228
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor2
- Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1
- Exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
GMC Terrain engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 GMC Terrain engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Oil consumption 75Check engine light 48Stalling 47Engine failure 24Loss of power 21Knocking 11Won't start 11Misfire 7
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2012 GMC Terrain owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The engine blew. This was already the 2nd engine in the car. Oil consumption. Metal in the oil. No signs. Needs new engine
The oil is depleting every month from the vehicle. Every 2-3 weeks I have to put oil in the vehicle because the oil is being absorbed. Is there a recall on this problem.
1. The engine suddenly lost power while driving during evening rush hour and the vehicle would no longer accelerate. 2. Because the vehicle could not maintain speed, I was unable to keep up with traffic, creating a serious safety hazard that could have resulted in a major accident. 3. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center for diagnosis. 4. During the incident, the “Engine Power Reduced” warning indicator illuminated just before the loss of power occurred. 5. As the vehicle slowed and came to a complete stop at an intersection, it remained unresponsive. When the traffic light turned green, the vehicle would not accelerate at all.
The contact's uncle owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 34-35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool down. The contact drove to the residence under 15 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the variable valve timing chain was bent, and the dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
I have excessive oil consumption. I noticed the issue after getting my 3000-mile oil change. The technician said I only had 1 quart of oil, which I thought was extremely low. Every 2000 miles, my oil dipstick reports abnormally low oil levels. I am concerned that when I go on an extended road trip, I will have engine issues that will leave me and my family stranded on the side of the road. The GM technician started tracking my oil consumption. He said he was doing that to prove to GM that they owe me a new engine. I didn't understand what he meant until I saw a lawsuit my vehicle was part of.
Car burns oil bad . Got an oil change and it only took 12 days to go dry with no oil
I think the manifold on GMC Terrain need to be on a recall because mine already cracked.
It appears the timing chain is bad. The vehicle only has 84000 miles and currently the engine turns off and you just coast to a stop in the middle of driving.
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but a diagnostic test was not performed. The contact was informed that the engine control module and the camshaft actuator solenoid were replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 191,843.
Questions about the 2012 GMC Terrain engine
Does the 2012 GMC Terrain have engine problems?
Owners have filed 173 complaints about the engine of the 2012 GMC Terrain, 48% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2012 GMC Terrain engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 87,228 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2012 GMC Terrain engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
Other 2012 GMC Terrain problems
Visibility 81Transmission 37Electrical 32Fuel system 29Airbags 25Driver assistance 16Body 12Acceleration 11Lights 10Seat belts 9Steering 7Brakes 5Wheels 5Seats 4Suspension 4Tires 1
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