2016 GMC Terrain: check engine light

Filed Aug 14, 2026 · Engine · WI

The timing chain snapped and caused the engine to seize on our 2016 GMC Terrain 2.4L SLC-1 SUV/Truck. Since this has occurred multiple times on the 2.4L engines in this model from 2012 - 2016, we believe that there should be a recall as this issue could cause a major accident if the timing chain snaps or breaks while traveling. It had 101000 miles on it when we bought it used from Klein Automotive, on April 12, 2024. We have only had it for 2 years and 4 months and kept it in good repair. We took it in for its oil change, brought it home, went to dinner 4 days after and the very next day it wouldn't start. We thought it was most likely the starter/solenoid, but the mechanic said those were both fine and that's when we got the bad news that the motor was shot because the timing chain broke which caused some engine rods to break. The GMC dealer, in Marinette, WI, we brought our used 2016 GMC Terrain to, told us that the timing chain stretched and broke the rods in the engine and therefore both the timing chain and engine need to be replaced. The check engine light was turning on all of the time, and we were told that it was because it needed the 88 fuels (medium grade). As long as we put in the 88, the light check engine light stayed off. We believe there should be a recall for the 2012 - 2016 GMC Terrain SLC-1 2.4L timing chain and engine. We also need assistance with the cost of the repairs because I'm on a limited income and cannot afford the $10,000 cost of getting this repaired, while I still owe $7800 on it.

Filed Jan 15, 2026 · Engine · WI

I bought the vehicle in November of 2025. No warning lights or problems running. Check the engine oil upon purchase and have the dealership sticker showing oil change was recently done and oil showed that it was full. Approximately 3 weeks after purchasing, the car starting idling rough and stalled a few times during my commute to work. The check engine light came on and it showed that the vvt was a possible solution for the code P0014 this was on December 12th 2025. I replaced the suspected part with no change in vehicle condition. I checked the oil and found that it was empty/no oil on dipstick. I had to add 5 quarts of oil and then it showed it was in the safe zone on the dip stick. Today (January 15th 2026) I checked the oil again and it showed no oil on the dipstick. I had to add 2 quarts for it to be at the bottom of the safe zone on the dipstick.

Filed May 16, 2025 · Engine · GA

My vehicle started shaking & stalling really badly out of nowhere on April 18, 2025. Had to have it towed to GMC dealership. They said the engine was showing low compression. Got timely oil changes and everything on this engine. The check engine light nor any other warning light ever came on when this happened. After some research, the engine in my car, the 2.4 L engine on the 2014 - 2017 models of the GMC Terrain has known defects which although GMC has known about, they have done nothing to address the issue. There was no prior warning that the engine was failing. It was very sudden and I was in traffic when this happened putting both my safety and the safety of other drivers and pedestrians in danger.

Filed Jun 20, 2024 · Engine · KY

When starting the vehicle, I received a “reduced power” warning and then the check engine light came on. I was afraid to drive it to the service center, so It was towed. The repair center informed me that the timing chain failed and that engine will no longer start at all. I cannot afford to have the engine repaired no matter the cost because I’m still responsible for almost $6k of the loan for this vehicle, in addition to full coverage insurance required by the lender. Also, probably taxes as well because I now have a very expensive lawn ornament. Oh, and towing fees to deliver the ornament to the lawn. And then there’s the cost of finding transportation so I can actually work to throw money at all of those costs. Being buried financially because I put faith in this product is an injury and an expensive lesson.

Filed Mar 31, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · MO

Thermostat/coolant sensor malfunctioning causing engine fan to constantly run as if the engine is over heating. Some engine exhaust door/flap is stuck open or closed causing check engine light to come on. And or the actuators doors are broken causing windows to fog and obstruct view. Not sure what would cause this issue but I have had to have work done on my vehicle twice for this issue within 3 years.

Filed Mar 18, 2023 · Engine · WI

While just starting on my way home on a cold 9 degree day,I have an 2016 GMC Terrain that I had since 2018 and bought from a dealer. After driving for about 12 miles on the interstate the Terrain engine light came on and there was a vibration coming from the front of my GMC. There was an exit ramp about 1/4 mile so i pulled off the interstate and my vehicle showed loss of power and steering and shut down, barely made it on the exit ramp. Very dangerous not having steering with little notice. I noticed alot of oil dripping from the undercarriage so I called a local automobile shop to get my vehicle towed. They diagnosed that I needed a new engine and comented that the 2.4 engine had many issues. I recently had it towed to my house and currently going to have a local chevy dealer give me a second opinion and cost for repairs since I still have a loan on the vehicle.I believe that this is a very unsafe vehicle and needed to be reported so nobody gets hurt. Thank You

Filed Mar 8, 2023 · Engine · PA

Was driving home from work and the engine light came on. Shortly after the stabilitrak warning light came on followed by the reduced engine power warning. I had a GM dealer work on why the engine light came on while the car was still under warranty and i thought that would have fixed it. I have been reading on articles how the engines in these models are defective and consumes a lot of oil. I always have to add oil in between changes. I had a mechanic look at my car and run a diagnostic and basically the pistons need replacing...due to the defective engine. I feel the engine repairs that will be needed should be covered.

Filed Nov 4, 2021 · Engine, Transmission · GA

I was leaving the area of Hiram and my car started running different and you could hear a taping noise. I drove it to the GMC dealer down the street and they said it was the timing chain. I recently had an oil change and I was wondering if that could be the problem. The dealer gave me no recommendations or indications that I needed to change belts or components and my service engine light has never came on.

Filed Oct 8, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · FL

2016 GMC Terrain SLT, service engine light came on, vehicle stalled many times, restarted but drove and misfired, stalled again, was able to get it to repair garage who I trust. He checked code and said I had to put a complete timing chain kit. Total cost came to $992.36 and didn't have a vehicle for a week due to weekend and a holiday. The vehicle only had 30,763 miles on it at the time but was out of factory warrantee. Reading other customer complaints, this looks like an ongoing problem and I feel should warrant a recall. Additional info such as repair invoice is attached. Please reply when received and thank you for your time.

Filed Oct 6, 2021 · Brakes, Steering · IL

The engine light comes on, then "service stabiltrak light" comes on. It starts by making it difficult to accelerate at a red stop light when it changes green. When turning a corner, because there is no quick acceleration, it has caused near miss accidents. As time goes on it becomes worse. I have lost power on the expressway and have to pull over. I have brought this car in several times and GMC has not made any repairs. It is scary when a semi is rolling behind you and you can't accelerate to get out of the way. This is a safety issue. I have received no help from GMC.

Filed Apr 1, 2021 · Acceleration, Engine · 98,000 miles · TX

When driving the stabiltrak service light will come on and the engine light. The car will loss acceleration immediately then seems wont go out of 2nd gear. I stop turn off car a few minutes and it will start again and the engine light will go out after while. Last time the car would not start again. It finally did after 20 minutes or so. And light went out layer. Took it to dealer once and they could not duplicate problem. This is worrying me.

Filed Feb 24, 2021 · Acceleration, Electrical · 111,000 miles · NJ

Vehicle since purchase shows no signs of leak but goes through oil at about 1 quart every 1000 miles max. Check engine light always on, sensors indicate possible faulty piston rings. All were problems in later model gmc terrains. When low on oil while driving and stationary all lights will light up and engine will go into reduced power mode saying to service stabilitrack. Car will not go above 10 MPH when in this mode, sometimes unable to move at all. Goes away after more oil added. Gmc terrain had recalls on years 2010-2013 for all engine failure problems/repairs due to faulty piston rings/oil consumption issues. Numerous 2014-2016 gmc terrains have claims of the reduced power/stabilitrack problem with no solution, I believe both problems are directly related.