2016 GMC Terrain: sudden loss of power

Filed Apr 18, 2026 · Engine · SC

I check my oil every time I get gas as to ensure that i don't go below the threshold for the oil, as I know these engines have an oil consumption issue. My terrain started having a loud grinding sound after losing power on the highway and I was able to pull off before the car died completely over 60 miles from home. I have since changed the upstream, and downstream O2 sensors (they needed it), VVT solenoids, and now going to be required to change my catalytic converter because the excessive oil consumption has clogged it almost completely. Why will GM not issue a recall for this engine and get it fixed, when they have knowledge that there is an issue. A recall was issued for previous years (on the same model) having the same issue, but yet we are left to "figure it out" at our own expense? Come on GM and the federal safety agency, get it together and issue a recall already, you have all the complaints, and history you need to start one.

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 Jan 18, 2024 · Engine · MD

Driving down the road yesterday and outta nowhere I lost power and got a low oil pressure warning then the car just shut off merging onto a busy highway. Blown rear main seal and locked up the engine with no warning. Only 65k miles on the car. Dealership wants to charge me 11k to replace the engine. This is a very common occurrence with this vehicle I’m reading now. This could’ve caused a major accident

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 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 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.

Filed May 21, 2019 · Driver assistance, Engine · 51,000 miles · MD

I have been driving my vehicle when on three seperate occasions the service stabilitrak message flashed on the dic and I lost engine power. One of the times this happened I was on a road where the speed limit was 55 and the issue almost caused a vehicle to crash into me. The message goes away after about 5 minutes. I tried taking it to the dealership twice and was told they cant replicate the problem so now I dont even bother trying to have them fix it. How can a major safety issue like this not be fixed by gm!!

Filed Aug 22, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · WV

When driving the car will not respond correctly to the accelerator, delayed response. The car will also not shift correctly (as thought you are shifting manually). While driving the vehicle's gauges will jump up and down followed by the check engine lights coming on. Car will then go into reduced power mode. When pressing on the accelerator the engine will rev and then the car slams down into 2nd gear. The car has been in a gmc certified garage 7 times and out of service while in the garage 40 days and counting. Numerous attempts at repair have obviously been unsuccessful. Gm is refusing to by the car back because I bought it at premier chevrolet gmc in morgantown, wv used with 27,768 miles on 2/5/17.