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.
GMC Terrain misfire problems
35 of the 3,143 owner complaints about the GMC Terrain describe misfire or rough idle, most of them for the 2011 model year.
- owner complaints
- 35
- worst model year
- 2011
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,000
- typical mileage
- 50,000
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 15Loss of power 11Stalling 10Oil consumption 8Fuel pump 5Engine failure 3Transmission failure 2Hesitation 2
Trouble codes mentioned
P0420 1P0300 1P0014 1
What owners say
GM Flier PIP6071A - continued engine misfire/chugging/buck/skip under load, going up hills, trying to pass, etc. Was taken to shop January 2025 ~90,000 with these symptoms. Charged for spark plug replacement (visit 1). Taken back January 2026 ~150,000 miles, charged for ignition coil 1 and spark plugs. Immediately returned as problem persisted, spark plugs replaced (visit 3). February 6 2026, same problem as before, spark plugs replaced (visit 4). February 18 2026, currently in shop, problem persisting, trying to say it is the other 3 ignition coils, even after I requested they check O2 sensor and inspect catalytic converter.
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service stabili-trak and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to O’Reilly Auto Parts, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that there was no compression in cylinder #3. The vehicle 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 it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that several oil consumption tests were performed by the dealer over the past three years. The contact stated that after each oil consumption test was performed, the oil pressure was always a quart or more lower when checked; however, the contact was informed that it was not an issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Was driving my terrain and suddenly it started to shake and then check engine Light came on. Upon getting out I checked the dipstick and no oil was on dipstick. Start to put oil in and it's running out of the oil pan underneath the vehicle. Towed it home removed oil pan and engine parts laying shattered in bottom. Never got a low oil alert . Had codes misfire and knock sensor.
There is a well known piston ring gasket issue with various GMC Terrain model years. GMC had recalled some for the engine defect but not all years with the affected engine. The 24L Eco tec engine is faulty. The motor uses excessive amounts of oil between oil changes and all kinds of systems are affected by carbon buildup. The engines run rough and stall out WHILE DRIVING. GMC refuses to recall all of the vehicles with this problem and that includes my 2015 model year GMC Terrain with the 24L engine. This would cost me thousands to fix myself. This is a serious issue and also a safety issue that they can get away with selling such faulty vehicles to families and no one makes them fess up and fix the engines at their expense not ours. My wife has had the vehicle stall out constantly while driving and with our partially disabled child in the car. It has happened countless times to me as well. This will also eventually cause the motor to have a much shorter life. There is also a chance of the timing chain breaking and causing the engine to break. These defects should be fixed via a recall. This is a WELL KNOWN MANUFACTURER DEFECT please look it up. It affects thousands of GMC Terrains and other GM vehicles with the 24L Ecotec motor.
The engine in my 2020 GMC Terrain is consuming oil at an alarming rate, burning through a full supply within one hour of operation. This excessive oil consumption has repeatedly caused significant damage to the coils and spark plugs, rendering them ineffective within 24 hours. The issue has led to multiple cylinder misfires, poor vehicle performance, and a transmission stall, posing a serious safety risk while driving. The GMC mechanic at Jim Ellis Buick GMC diagnosed the problem as internal damage to the pistons, which they state requires a full engine replacement. They also confirmed an internal oil leak within the engine, which is contributing to bad emissions and further degrading vehicle performance. This defect not only compromises the reliability and safety of the vehicle but also raises significant environmental concerns due to the excessive oil burning and emissions. I am requesting a thorough investigation to address this issue and determine whether it is part of a broader manufacturing defect affecting similar vehicles.
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH going over a hill, the brake pedal was depressed but was firm and failed to depress as needed. The engine power reduced message was displayed and flashed on and then off. The brake assist warning light was illuminated. The service transmission message was displayed. The contact continued to depress the brake pedal until the vehicle responded as needed. The driver was able to pull into a parking lot, and the vehicle rolled to a stop. While driving, the engine misfired. Additionally, the vehicle failed to fully shutoff. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brakes had locked up and that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the cam shaft had fractured inside the engine. Additionally, the fuel injector, fuel line, and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 23V013000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the VIN was under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
In 10 degree weather after warming the car up and driving 15 miles began noticing exhaust smell but wasn't sure it was my car. No warning lights. Arrived at destination parking lot and car began to run rough and stall out and only then did engine light and oil pressure light come on. Strong exhaust/gas smell. Stranded in frigid weather with passenger in a wheelchair. Had car towed to dealer- pvc port plugged causing oil pressure to blow out rear main seal losing all oil causing damage to the engine and components. Warning lights did not come on until damage was done. Discovered it was a known issue with this engine and class action lawsuit has been filed. Was fortunate we were not on the road when this happened.
My check engine light would come on, the oil dipstick would be dry and multiple misfire codes happened. This went on multiple times because of oil consumption. I would pull over and call AAA to tow my car. Driving while the oil is low is damaging parts in my car, causing loss of power and can cause a fire. I have to check my oil dipstick every week to make sure it has enough oil before I drive. I'm adding oil multiple times before an oil change is needed. The oil consumption was confirmed by a GMC dealer and documented. GMC dealer inspected my car. The oil consumption started 08/10/21 and was documented again on 11/19/21 with GMC Tech stating what's wrong. Oil consumption is going on with multiple GMC vehicles and GMC has not done a recall and they absolutely should have a recall.
2016 GMC Terrain SLT, service engine light came on, vehicle stalled many times, restarted but drove and misfired, stalled again, was able to get it to repair garage who I trust. He checked code and said I had to put a complete timing chain kit. Total cost came to $992.36 and didn't have a vehicle for a week due to weekend and a holiday. The vehicle only had 30,763 miles on it at the time but was out of factory warrantee. Reading other customer complaints, this looks like an ongoing problem and I feel should warrant a recall. Additional info such as repair invoice is attached. Please reply when received and thank you for your time.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the GMC Terrain misfire
Which GMC Terrain years have misfire or rough idle problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2011 (10 complaints), 2012 (7 complaints) and 2010 (6 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix misfire or rough idle on the GMC Terrain?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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