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2017 GMC Terrain transmission problems

24 complaints (18% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 46,580.

owner complaints
24
of this car's complaints
18%
typical mileage
46,580
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

Owners did not name a specific part.

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 transmission problems in other years

2010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 GMC Terrain transmission

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

Jerking 6

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2017 GMC Terrain owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

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 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 Jun 19, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · MI

Throttle position system all of a sudden went bad. My 2017 Terrain started shaking. I was holding up traffic. The sun couldn't go over 5mph. I've read online where this is happening alot in 2010'2017 GMC Terrains.

Filed Jan 27, 2025 · Transmission · NY

My car lost oil while I was driving. I also lost power. I had my car over to a garage and the mechanic diagnosed it was a ruptured rear main seal caused by a frozen PCV system. GM knows about the problem but has not recalled it. It is very expensive to repair. And because the manufacturer knows about it but never told the consumer, is fraudulent.

Filed Nov 9, 2024 · Transmission · CT

My vehicle only has 78,000 miles on it and the timing chain needs to be replaced?! This is no longer under warranty because it’s been over 5 years but this should last a life time. Now I have a car that doesn’t start or run that I have to make payments on and no one wants to do the work on my car! I looked online and a bunch of people are having the same issue with the same exact car at similar mileage and the same issue! GMC needs to do a recall on this issue, many people are losing money and it’s a financial crisis.

Filed Oct 3, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · IN

We have had 4 transmissions since we bought the vehicle. It slows down to almost a stop after it hits 30 mph and makes weird noises all throughout the vehicle. The back right tire sticks to the pavement and jerks when i start to drive. The key ignition has been fixed several times and still sometimes won't turn with the key or come out. Yes Warranty told the repaid service company to fix whatever, and they did but it still after 2 more transmission hasn't fixed the issues. Engine light and not sure what else.

Filed Jan 22, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · TX

It's a known problem with gmc with a lawsuit for the PVC pipes clogging and blowing the main rear oil seal causing the vehicle to quit running

Filed Dec 19, 2023 · Transmission · 125,000 miles · IA

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed white smoke coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who confirmed the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 125,000.

Filed Dec 6, 2023 · Transmission · NY

I have to replace my rear drive shaft.

Questions about the 2017 GMC Terrain transmission

Does the 2017 GMC Terrain have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 24 complaints about the transmission of the 2017 GMC Terrain, 18% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2017 GMC Terrain transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 46,580 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2017 GMC Terrain transmission?

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

What year does the GMC Terrain have bad transmission?

The GMC Terrain model years with the most transmission complaints are 2011 (76 complaints), 2019 (53 complaints) and 2010 (51 complaints).

Other 2017 GMC Terrain problems

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

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