The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the exhaust manifold was previously replaced due to an exhaust leak and the vehicle was towed. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption, and a quart of oil was added every 500 to 1,000 miles, causing an abnormal engine ticking sound and timing chain sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact retrieved DTC: P0420. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the timing chain and catalytic converter were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the engine ran rough and experienced reduced power, and the vehicle was idling rough and the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The contact became aware of an abnormal oil odor during the failure. Additional trouble codes P0017 and P0420 were retrieved. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
GMC Terrain hesitation problems
65 of the 3,143 owner complaints about the GMC Terrain describe hesitation when accelerating, most of them for the 2011 model year.
- owner complaints
- 65
- worst model year
- 2011
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,460
- typical mileage
- 63,000
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 24Stalling 20Jerking 15Oil consumption 6Fuel pump 5Knocking 5Transmission failure 3Fire or smoke 3
Trouble codes mentioned
P0420 2P129F 1P0171 1P0017 1P0011 1P0010 1
What owners say
The vehicle has experienced a recurring transmission-related defect that has required multiple repair attempts by an authorized GMC dealership. The transmission system has also exhibited fluid leakage. Despite prior repairs, the problem has continued to reoccur. Transmission and associated transmission fluid sealing components. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. A transmission is a critical safety component that transfers engine power to the wheels. A transmission defect or fluid leak can result in loss of propulsion, hesitation, inability to accelerate as expected, unexpected changes in vehicle operation, or transmission failure while driving. These conditions could increase the risk of a crash, particularly when merging into traffic, crossing intersections, or traveling at highway speeds. Transmission fluid leaking onto roadways or vehicle components may also create additional safety concerns. The vehicle has been presented to an authorized GMC dealership for diagnosis and repair on multiple occasions. The dealership has acknowledged and attempted repairs related to the transmission. The vehicle has been inspected and repaired by authorized GMC service personnel. No police involvement. No independent inspection has been performed at this time. Manufacturer-authorized dealerships have documented the repairs. Symptoms included transmission-related concerns and transmission fluid leakage. The defect first appeared while the vehicle was under warranty and has continued despite repair attempts. The recurring nature of the transmission defect and fluid leak has reduced confidence in the vehicle’s ability to operate safely and reliably. The vehicle remains under warranty and has undergone multiple repair attempts without a permanent resolution.
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact was informed by his wife that while attempting to accelerate from being stationary, the vehicle was shaking abnormally and hesitated before accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed but the cause of failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer opened a case for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
Brake assist light came on and brake pedal became stiff/hard to push. Vehicle struggled to brake. Replaced brake pads and checked brake fluid. Brakes still inoperable. Check engine light came on for vacuum pump. When replacing pump, metal shards and pieces were falling out when original was removed. Once replacement was installed vehicle began hesitating to start and run.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, with a misfire coming from the engine. During the failure, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The contact declined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
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.
The exhaust and emissions system appears to have failed or is malfunctioning, including the catalytic converter and potentially the exhaust manifold or upstream exhaust components. The engine and fuel/propulsion system are also affected, as evidenced by sputtering and drivability issues. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. Exhaust and/or fuel fumes enter the passenger cabin, particularly when the heater or air conditioning is operating. This creates a risk of exposure to harmful exhaust gases, including potential carbon monoxide, which poses a serious health and safety risk to vehicle occupants. The vehicle also sputters and hesitates, which could lead to unsafe driving conditions, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. Yes. The issue has been confirmed through diagnostic trouble codes indicating catalytic converter efficiency failure. Despite replacement of spark plugs and sensors, the problem continues to recur, indicating an underlying exhaust or emissions system defect rather than routine maintenance. The vehicle has been inspected by service professionals for diagnostic purposes. The manufacturer has not physically inspected the vehicle, and no inspections have been performed by police or insurance representatives to date. The check engine light illuminated prior to and during the issue. Additional symptoms included engine sputtering, loss of smooth acceleration, and a strong exhaust or fuel odor inside the cabin when the HVAC system is in use. These symptoms have recurred over time despite repairs.
The high pressure fuel pump, the car randomly goes into limp mode and stalls and then when cranking it back up in the middle of 635 it hesitates to start, done this 3 times already
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the warning light turned off after approximately three miles of driving. The contact also stated that the vehicle experienced abnormal RPM fluctuations while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed; however, the diagnostic information was not provided to the contact. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,951.
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle hesitated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while coming to a stop, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed due to the engine consuming oil. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine could be repaired and suggested that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
- Risk
- Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Buick Customer service at 1‑866‑608‑8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Recall number 20V668000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
- Risk
- If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. If the assembly separates while parked on a grade, without the park brake engaged, the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right front intermediate drive shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is 17329.
Recall number 17V516000 · Recall details
Questions about the GMC Terrain hesitation
Which GMC Terrain years have hesitation when accelerating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2011 (14 complaints), 2013 (13 complaints) and 2014 (6 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix hesitation when accelerating on the GMC Terrain?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,460 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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