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EnginePart report

2010 GMC Terrain Engine Problems

Complaints
107about this part
Share
37%of 290 total for the year
Median mileage
79,839miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 107 complaints about the engine of the 2010 GMC Terrain, 37% of the 290 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,839 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Takata recall so far at 140,000 miles on my 2010 Terrain I have had to put a new engine in, all 3 catalytic converters and now a power steering pump and rack. I could have bought a brand new car by now. No recalls on any of these??? There should be. The engine just stopped on the highway and once replaced then the steering became tight and barely made it to the shop”

NHTSA complaint #10947390, filed 2017-01, 140,000 miles

“Vehicle is exhibiting excess oil consumption. I have had the vehicle since february of 2018 and have had the oil changed twice- both times the dipstick barely had an oil on it. I experienced engine knocking at one point (between oil changes) and checked the oil to realize it was almost dry.”

NHTSA complaint #11101352, filed 2018-06, 88,000 miles

“2010 Gmc Terrain with v6 loss of power, engine codes timing issue, camshaft sensor fault, crankshaft sensor fault. Stabil-track fault. Rough idle, oil consumption. The list goes on. This is a common thing with these engines and GM has done nothing. This has been going on with this vehicle for awhile. Stay away from GM vehicles they do not stand behind there products, I will be buying a ford and I will tell everyone I know!”

NHTSA complaint #11290401, filed 2019-12, 80,000 miles

“75k miles on vehicle which was maintained regularly and engine seized due to oil consumption. No sort of low oil, replace oil or any type of indicator light illuminated to warn me of any sort of issue. Vehicle was in motion, engine light came on then car died. Informed by Gmc that there was likely nothing they can do because the car will not start to evaluate the issue and I did not do my maintenance at the dealership”

NHTSA complaint #11067037, filed 2018-02, 75,000 miles

“Driving on the highway my car would not go. Car sensor prevented my car from moving because the wheel bearings went out on the used car I just purchased. The timing belt is also loose and the motor can seize up at any moment. My all wheel drive stopped working as well because of this. I had to put on my flashers and try to make it to an area where I could get off the highway. I called a tow truck. I have copies they will not download here, but available if needed.”

NHTSA complaint #11383675, filed 2020-12, 159,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202613%
2025215%
20241121%
20231537%
20221017%
20211028%
20205829%
20197037%
20185524%
20177959%
20164630%
20158127%
201412341%
201319854%
201216946%
201117846%
201010737%

Other parts of the 2010 GMC Terrain

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
54 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
51 complaints
Electrical system
48 complaints
Air bags
24 complaints
Electronic stability control
21 complaints
Other or unknown
18 complaints
Vehicle speed control
17 complaints
Fuel system
16 complaints
Steering
12 complaints
Engine cooling
10 complaints
Body and structure
10 complaints
Brakes
8 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2010 GMC Terrain

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology