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2018 GMC Terrain airbags problems

14 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 37,650. 7 crashes reported.

owner complaints
14
of this car's complaints
6%
typical mileage
37,650
crashes
7
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • SRS malfunction warning lamp/light
    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 airbags problems in other years

2010201520202027

Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 GMC Terrain airbags

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

No deployment 5

Related recalls

Air bags: air bag/restraint control moduleReported May 24, 2018 · 88,503 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 GMC Terrain vehicles. The sensing diagnostic module (SDM) that senses a crash and deploys the necessary air bags may not power down correctly when the vehicle is shut off, causing it to be inoperative when the vehicle is restarted.
Risk
If the SDM becomes inoperative, it will not detect a crash or command the necessary air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM with updated software, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 18179.

Recall number 18V340000 · Recall details

What 2018 GMC Terrain owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 16, 2026 · Airbags · PA · crash · 2 injuries

My car was t-boned on the driver side and no airbags deployed. The outer door and window exploded with the force. We were also hit from behind

Filed Oct 29, 2025 · Airbags · WV

My car said to me this not that there is something wrong with the Service Safety Restraint system! It was fine last night when I got home! I just bought this car a month ago and everything was fine and now my air bag light is on and will not go off!

Filed Oct 17, 2025 · Airbags, Brakes · 95,100 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag and ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with air bag failure. The contact was informed that the air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN. In addition, the contact was informed that once a recall repair was completed, it would not be performed a second time free of charge. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,100.

Filed May 23, 2025 · Airbags, Seat belts · FL · crash · 1 injury

The contact owned a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving and nearly coming to a complete stop in the right lane, another vehicle driving approximately 40-50 MPH crashed into the rear of the vehicle, causing the contact to hit her face against the steering wheel, and the contact became unconscious temporarily. The contact stated that upon regaining consciousness, the contact noticed that the vehicle had moved to the grass by the left lane of the road, where traffic was going in the opposite direction. It was unknown whether the vehicle was involved in a second collision. A message advising that an accident was detected and inquiring whether 911 should be contacted was displayed. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy, and the front driver's side seat belt failed to retract as needed. A bystander opened the driver's side door to verify that the contact was safe. The contact noticed that she was bleeding significantly and was unable to move the right shoulder and the neck. The emergency units assisted the contact out of the vehicle. The emergency units placed braces on the contact's neck and placed the contact on a stretcher. The contact was transported to the hospital, where the contact underwent X-rays and CT scans. The contact was informed that she had sustained a concussion, lumbar injuries, a fractured nose, loss of taste and smell, laceration on the inner and outer side of the bottom lip, carpal tunnel on the right hand, severe whiplash, laceration on the right shoulder, and a cut behind the right ear. The contact was in the process of undergoing MRIs. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and totaled, but was still under investigation. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed; however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Oct 2, 2024 · Airbags, Seat belts · PA

The "Service Safety Restraint System" warning light appears on the dashboard and warning chimes continually sound. To my knowledge GMC had a recall for this in 2018. I purchased the vehicle in 2021. I contacted GMC and told them this issue and they informed me that there are no recalls on the vehicle. My concerns being that airbags are fully functional.

Filed Dec 27, 2023 · Airbags · IL · crash

Head on collision with a deer destroying the front head light and severely damaging the drivers side door. No airbags were deployed.

Filed Apr 11, 2023 · Airbags · 55,705 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the service restraint system message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the driver’s side front impact sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,705. The contact stated that the dealership suggested that the issue be addressed right away since it involves the airbags.

Filed Aug 18, 2022 · Airbags · TX

The Safety Restraint System warning keeps coming on and off as well as the air bag light. It happened months ago so I took it in and got it looked at and scanned. All the seatbelts were checked and the scan came back with nothing. Then it stopped for a couple months and now it has started again. Ive had 14 surgeries in the last little less than 4 years and I'm about to go into my 3rd back surgery since November. I cannot get into an accident and not have airbags as I've also had brain surgery 3 winters ago as well. I am disabled and do not have a ton of money either for fixes that aren't necessary but this safety issue is crucial to me. I see that many 2018s have been recalled for the exact same issue that I'm having however mine doesn't come up with that but it is happening to me so that should be included. I also need some direction if not as to why this is happening because I cannot afford to have a dealership, no less, replace every tiny little thing looking for the culprit at $150 an hour when I live on $1,200 a month and most goes to medical. Please advise on what to to or where to start. Thank you.

Filed May 9, 2022 · Airbags · NY

Started car in parking lot. Warning came on saying “service safety restraint system” and airbag illumination was on. Just notified salesman as I have only had this vehicle about 10 days. Bought it used. Unfortunately.

Filed Jun 24, 2020 · Airbags · 37,650 miles · OK · crash · 3 injuries

I was sitting at a red light in the left hand turn lane. A truck ran their red light hitting another truck sending both of them crashing into my vehicle. The first truck struck the front bumper at the headlight & skid all the way down the side of the vehicle then the other truck was slammed into the side of my vehicle. All the damage was on the driver side of the car. My car was moved over into the next lane but no air bags went off. This happened on a hwy where the speed limit is 65. The truck running the red light was going at least that fast and never hit their brakes.

Questions about the 2018 GMC Terrain airbags

Does the 2018 GMC Terrain have airbags problems?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the airbags of the 2018 GMC Terrain, 6% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2018 GMC Terrain airbags problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 37,650 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2018 GMC Terrain airbags?

Yes, 1 recall: 18V340000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the GMC Terrain have bad airbags?

The GMC Terrain model years with the most airbags complaints are 2011 (25 complaints), 2012 (25 complaints) and 2010 (24 complaints).

Other 2018 GMC Terrain problems

Brakes 83Engine 56Transmission 42Electrical 35Fuel system 18Driver assistance 17Acceleration 8Steering 7Visibility 5Body 3Seat belts 3Seats 3Suspension 3Wheels 2Lights 1Locks 1Tires 1

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