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2017 GMC Terrain problems

The most common problem on the 2017 GMC Terrain is engine and cooling, typically around 85,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Terrain model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
81/100
Owner complaints
135
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
1,0641 warranty
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
18-25mpg

The worst 2017 GMC Terrain problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    81
  • Transmission
    24
  • Airbags
    12
  • Electrical
    9
  • Body
    7
  • Lights
    7
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Seat belts
    4
  • Visibility
    4
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Brakes
    2
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Wheels
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 GMC Terrain

Oil consumption 30Engine failure 20Stalling 16Check engine light 15Loss of power 11Tire blowout 8Fire or smoke 6Jerking 6No deployment 5

Recalls 1

Exterior lighting: headlightsReported March 8, 2022 · 740,581 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles. A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N222363740.

Recall number 22V137000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2017 GMC Terrain

Technical service bulletins for the 2017 GMC Terrain 1,064

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,064 bulletins for the 2017 GMC Terrain

2017 GMC Terrain fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 4‑cylFWD213125
2.4L 4‑cylAWD202823
3.6L 6‑cylFWD172420
3.6L 6‑cylAWD162318

What 2017 GMC Terrain owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Engine · OH

Timing Chain driving, clanging noise while driving on I-475 expressway near Perrysburg exit

Filed Sep 28, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · IN

I bought this 2017 used on XXX I have had to put 1 quart of oil in the car every 500 miles. Because it burns oil like crazy. And now at this point, the transmission has just quit. I believe they call it the drive train. I am taking it to D and D auto repair in [XXX] on Thursday of this week. GMC knows about the drive train problem as it is common well known problem INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 22, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · WI

The head unit quit working around 98k. The head unit is the radio, and screen which includes the back up camera. From what we have been told and find online, this is a known problem with them and affects other models as well. For the most part the head unit doesn't work but once in a while, once a month, it comes on but shows the Chevy logo on the screen which is odd because it is a GMC. Once you turn the car off, it will be gone again until it decides to come back. We took it into a dealer who tried to hook up to it and reprogram or update it, but he had no luck. Now we are without a backup camera that is a safety issue. I do not know why this isn't a recall as it is well known about issue.

Filed Mar 29, 2026 · Engine · IL

Have had to replace the VVT solenoids several times within a year spam. Had to replace the rear main seal because it blew out due to carbon build up. Having issues with excessive oil consumption. Now the vehicle just started with: going from a stop position to accelerating at low speeds the vehicle stalls and dies. I want GM to take accountability and fix this issue as it is a safety issue to myself and everyone on the road.

Filed Mar 18, 2026 · Visibility · WI

Wiper blades transmission plastic parts keep popping or breaking this is the THIRD time this has happened at a cost of $350. Why would you use plastic parts for this knowing that it will break easily? Who can afford to keep replacing this? 12

Filed Feb 27, 2026 · Engine · 104,750 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to a local car wash, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence; however, the next day, the vehicle hesitated while starting. The message "Stabilizer - Power to Engine Reduced" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine possibly needed to be replaced because the engine failed to turn over. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine was blown. The contact was informed that the engine and the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost and remained with the local dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,750. The VIN was not available.

Filed Feb 20, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · OH

I had a message flash that said the power to the engine was reduce. Next message said check stabilink ( or something similar).. it said drive with caution. I live 2 mins from my job I drove home and pulled in the driveway I then felt the car act like it wanted to shake. This was on 2-10-26 I contacted onstar asked them to run a diagnostic. The codes that came back P0016 p0089 p228D are very well known codes with many people with the same vehicle/engine that have had to replace the engine. The engines have known issues had I known that maybe I could have replaced a part or two or three or four to have a stable vehicle now my vehicle is currently at GMC DEALER since Tuesday morning actually had it towed there monday night. I called Wednesday evening they still wasn't sure the "issue". Thursday I wait until about 1pm spoke with John he said well we are pretty sure you need a new engine the mechanic is checking a few more things the car has no pressure. About a hr later I get a email and a call saying the timing chain skipped and something about the pistons and the valves and I need a new engine . John called me and said well.Ill tell you what we will offer you a brand new Engine for the same price as a rebuild plus you get 3yrs 300 thousand warranty for 10,944. Give or take a few dollars. We'll first I paid like 15,500 for the car that I just litetally paid off like Jan 12026. I really feel like had GMC Made buyers aware that the vehicle has defective parts/engines buyers could replace parts or GMC should be held accountable. I started googling the engine and found out that there is a class action lawsuit and a recall on " certain" 2017 terrains depending on the vin. Same issues my car is having but its saying my car has no recall.

Filed Feb 5, 2026 · Engine · IA

Rear main seal blow out

Filed Feb 4, 2026 · Engine · IL

Traveling on the expressway, engine made wearing noise, reduced engine power and complete engine failure while driving. Rear main seal blowout due to a defective PCV system freezing. It is a known issue for GM2.4L engine especially in cold weather leading to massive oil loss and catastrophic engine damage. This has been confirmed by a GM authorized dealer.

Filed Feb 4, 2026 · Engine · ME

On January 31, 2026, while driving on the highway, my 2017 GMC Terrain suddenly began shaking as if it was going to stall. Thankfully, I managed to exit the interstate before the vehicle lost power. Luckily, when this happened, it "only" blocked traffic on a side road. The Terrain was towed to my garage. The mechanic called to inform me that the vehicle was out of oil -even though it was not due for servicing, nor did a “check oil" warning appear. He noted that this was not the first time he had seen this problem occur with this particular make and model: the PCV valve had frozen due to recent cold weather, which led to the rear main seal fracturing, causing oil leaking. In addition, the manifold had also cracked. He explained that repairs would be costly given the labor needed to remove the transmission and perform other related tasks. He recommended that I "Google" the problem to gain an understanding of the time involved to complete this repair. My research corroborated that this was a very labor-intensive undertaking. More concerning was discovering an abundance of cases documenting this failure -as well as class action lawsuits- which underscores the fact that GM knows about this issue but refuses to address it. I am not sure why there hasn't been a recall—though perhaps that's a question for people much smarter than I am. Now, after spending thousands of dollars, I have a vehicle with an oil life monitoring system that doesn't function as intended—and worse, I know this could happen again.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2017 GMC Terrain before you buy

Compare the 2017 GMC Terrain

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Other model years

201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024202520262027

Questions about the 2017 GMC Terrain

Is the 2017 GMC Terrain reliable?

Owners have filed 135 complaints about the 2017 GMC Terrain, fewer than a typical Terrain model year.

What is the 2017 GMC Terrain year score?

The 2017 GMC Terrain scores 81 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the GMC Terrain: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2017 GMC Terrain?

Engine and cooling, with 81 complaints, typically around 85,000 miles. Next is transmission (24).

How many recalls does the 2017 GMC Terrain have?

1 recall, covering exterior lighting.

What gas mileage does the 2017 GMC Terrain get?

Official estimates for the 2017 GMC Terrain range from 18 to 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21 city and 31 highway.

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