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2017 GMC Terrain engine problems

81 complaints (60% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 85,000.

owner complaints
81
of this car's complaints
60%
typical mileage
85,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Engine: oil/lubrication: seals/gaskets
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

GMC Terrain engine problems in other years

2010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 GMC Terrain engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Oil consumption 30Engine failure 20Stalling 16Check engine light 15Loss of power 11

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

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 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 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.

Filed Jan 29, 2026 · Engine · IN

The PCV valve froze which caused pressure to build up in the rear main seal to fail. Causing oil to leak out of the motor. Hence the motor won't hold oil.

Filed Jan 26, 2026 · Engine · NY

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the engine diagnostic result was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that two years prior to the failure, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and the vehicle stalled. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Questions about the 2017 GMC Terrain engine

Does the 2017 GMC Terrain have engine problems?

Owners have filed 81 complaints about the engine of the 2017 GMC Terrain, 60% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2017 GMC Terrain engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 85,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2017 GMC Terrain engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

Other 2017 GMC Terrain problems

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

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