2017 GMC Terrain: engine failure

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 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 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.

Filed Jan 21, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OH

I am filing this complaint to report a catastrophic engine failure involving my 2017 GMC Terrain equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec engine, which I believe is the result of a known manufacturing defect related to excessive oil consumption and premature internal engine wear. At approximately 88,000 miles, my vehicle experienced severe engine failure, including excessive oil consumption, timing chain failure, and complete engine failure, which has been confirmed in writing by a licensed repair facility. The shop determined that the engine failure was caused by oil starvation resulting from excessive oil consumption, leading to internal engine damage and timing chain failure. This failure occurred without warning and rendered the vehicle unsafe to operate. Sudden engine failure creates a serious safety risk, including loss of power while driving, inability to accelerate, and increased risk of collision. This engine failure matches a well-documented defect pattern involving General Motors’ 2.4L Ecotec engines, which have been the subject of class-action lawsuits, settlements, and jury verdicts related to premature piston ring wear, excessive oil consumption, and resulting engine damage or failure. These issues have been widely reported in Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles within my model year range. My vehicle was properly maintained, and this failure was not the result of neglect, misuse, or normal wear and tear, but rather a latent manufacturing defect that manifested after the warranty period but well within the reasonable life expectancy of the engine. I am requesting that the federal safety agency formally document and investigate this defect, as it presents a significant safety concern for drivers operating vehicles equipped with this engine. I also request that General Motors be required to address this defect to prevent additional engine failures and potential safety incidents.

Filed Sep 20, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TX

We have been keeping up with all maintenance and oil changes. We have only driven the car for less than a year. At time of oil change; the oil has been low, resulting in OVER oil consumption; Requiring an extra quart of oil to be added between oil changes. When we purchased the vehicle, there was an strong exhaust smell; The shop that we bought the vehicle stated there were no issues and we have taken it to them multiple times an hour away from our home. The car completely shut off while my minor son and I were driving. Placing both of our lives at risk! It would never start back up. Now the car has seized and requires an engine replacement. It is sitting at a local garage while we wait for the dealership to help us, to no avail.

Filed Apr 27, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · MN

1st time - rear main seal blew out & engine lost all of its oil causing rocker arm to break & chains to slip-vehicle sputtered & DIED while driving down busy street & would not restart - my safety & safety of others driving behind me were at risk for causing a rear end accident and/or pile up crash - no warning lights or sounds alerted me - dealership told us General Motors is aware this is/has been a problem with 2017 Terrain vehicles especially those driven in Midwest states due to colder temperatures - the intake manifold vent hole is not large enough to let air out, so it plugs up & causes pressure to blow out rear seal, which causes oil to leak out and engine dies. When replaced with a remanufactured engine intake manifold vent hole was not drilled out causing it to happen again 2nd time - when leaving parking spot at work noticed oil puddles underneath my vehicle, I checked my oil, it showed full, I was concerned, drove to nearby last place I got my oil change. They informed me that all the oil had leaked out and showed me the bottom of my vehicle oil covered the front to the back of my vehicle. They also said that I was extremely lucky to get to shop before engine blew and stopped dead. AGAIN my safety and safety of others behind me could have been a rear end accident and/or car pileup crash - again no warning lights or sounds alerted me - shop personal told me General Motors is aware this is/has been a problem with 2017 Terrain vehicles especially those driven in Midwest states due to colder temperatures - even though the repairs where done by a certified dealership the first time they replaced with a remanufactured engine but failed to drill out the intake manifold vent hole bigger so this would not happen again BUT IT DID. General Motors cannot just sell vehicles it has to stand behind what they sell which in my case they have not. Due to GM lack of concern, recalls, reimbursements, lives have been and continue to be at risk

Filed Mar 8, 2025 · Engine · IL

I am writing to formally express my dissatisfaction with my 2017 GMC Terrain, which has experienced severe engine failure due to excessive oil consumption. I purchased this vehicle with the expectation of reliability and durability, yet at only 80,000 miles, the engine seized without warning, rendering my vehicle completely inoperable. I have consistently maintained my Terrain according to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. However, I recently discovered that the engine was consuming oil at an alarming rate of 1 quart per 1,000 miles, which ultimately led to catastrophic failure. There were no warning lights or clear indicators of low oil, making it impossible for me to prevent the damage. After researching, I have found that numerous other GMC Terrain owners have reported similar excessive oil consumption issues, indicating a potential widespread defect in this engine design. As a loyal GM customer, I am extremely disappointed that a well-maintained vehicle would suffer such a failure at a relatively low mileage. Given the severity of this issue, I request that GM take responsibility for this defect by covering the full cost of engine repair or replacement. A vehicle should not require a complete engine overhaul at 80,000 miles due to a known design flaw. Please provide a prompt resolution to this matter. If GM is unwilling to address this issue, I will have no choice but to explore other options, including filing a complaint with the federal safety agency and seeking legal counsel. I hope to resolve this matter amicably and look forward to your timely response.

Filed Feb 21, 2025 · Engine · IA

As per several other complaints on the GMC terrain of particular years my vehicle has had a rear main seal leak, a blown engine terrible amounts of oil consumption and now the second engine has malfunctioned. And made the vehicle inoperable. The safety of myself and others was put at risk as the vehicle lost all power and cut off. The problem has had class action lawsuits filed. The first time the engine failed no warnings came on the second time a reduced engine power came on that we had no idea existed. The vehicle consumed oil very quickly, with in days the oil could need replaced. Oil consumption has been going on for years. Even after replacing engine.

Filed Feb 8, 2025 · Engine · OH

DETAILS: Frozen/clogged PCV in the intake manifold caused the rear main seal to burst due to crankcase pressure, leading to complete engine failure. The 2.4 EcoTech engine must be entirely replaced. GMC refuses to act despite being well aware of this consistent issue. There is a class action lawsuit, service bulletins and multiple examples of this scenario all over the internet. RESOLUTION NEEDED ASAP. - 1/20/25: While driving home from my night shift at highway speeds, exhaust fumes entered the cabin, followed by a loud pop and sudden engine failure. The check engine light never came on and the vehicle would not restart. After towing to the dealership, they confirmed what occurred and noted that it happened on the coldest night of the year, consistent with the well-documented defect in the 2.4L EcoTech engine. They estimated replacement cost can run up to $10,000 and is my responsibility, advising that GM takes no liability for this known issue. This is not an isolated incident for this engine. GM is fully aware of this defect evidenced by multiple service bulletins, including TSB GMC 19-NA-021, which explicitly states this issue is known for ALL 2010-2017 GMC Terrains. Despite this when I called GM for a resolution, I was told my VIN is somehow excluded, making me ineligible for assistance. Instead of taking responsibility, GM directed me to the federal safety agency, claiming they alone can update affected VINs. This is the federal safety agency and GM’s failure, not mine. - This situation is completely unacceptable. GM must immediately resolve this issue in one of the following ways: 1. Full engine replacement at no cost to me. 2. Complete payoff of my remaining loan balance. Additionally, the federal safety agency must provide an explanation for why my VIN is not included in their list of affected vehicles and correct this oversight immediately. - I will not accept further delays, deflection, or excuses. GM must take full responsibility for this failure and respond immediately with a resolution.

Filed Feb 4, 2025 · Engine · WI

While driving on a county highway during an extreme cold front, the vehicle experienced catastrophic engine failure due to low oil pressure. There was traffic that was impacted by this issue and the occupants (mother and child) were stranded in dangerous temps. This issue has been confirmed by a mechanic shop the vehicle was towed to. No warning from vehicle given, regular oil changes and vehicle maintenance performed. It is my understanding this is a known issue with this motor as far as oil consumption, faulty piston and piston ring assemblies and there have been class actions filed for these vehicles.

Filed Apr 24, 2024 · Engine · MI

The 2.4-liter engine contains a defect that causes them to improperly burn off and consume abnormally high amounts of oil. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Excessive oil consumption cannot be reasonably anticipated or predicted and causes the engine to run while low on engine oil, putting me and other drivers at risk due to engine fire, unexpected engine failure, vehicle jerking, power loss, etc. Yes, both certified dealers, independent service centers, and myself have observed and noted the low levels of engine oil as soon as 500 miles after an oil change. I have spoken with GM representatives via phone about the issue, but they are not interested in inspecting the vehicle or offering driver support. They have consistently denied awareness of an issue despite hundreds of documented complaints and a pending class action lawsuit in the state of Missouri. There are no warnings, messages, or symptoms prior to discovering low engine oil levels. This issue requires drivers to self-monitor the issue every 500-1000 miles and requires an excessive number of oil changes to keep the vehicle at a safe level of engine oil for operation.