2011 GMC Terrain Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 178about this part
- Share
- 46%of 386 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 178 complaints about the engine of the 2011 GMC Terrain, 46% of the 386 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 8 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Car randomly shuts off while driving it doesn't matter if I am on the highway or driving through the city, also engine power reduced mode. Throws random codes even after codes have been serviced. We have been dealing with this issue for close to 2 years with no resolve. After further investigation we have found there are multiple complaints of this exact issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11397978, filed 2021-02, 135,000 miles“On a highway way home and says reduced engine power like 3 days after getting transmission replaced had to get it towed I had my kids with me and mechanic told me it's the engine it had no oil in it when it did have oil before that happened it didn't show leaking or nothing now I'm out of my money under 86,000 miles yet 2011 Terrain”
NHTSA complaint #11388916, filed 2021-01, 83,000 miles“Diagnosed with oil consumption problem, p0014 code for check engine light, showing 10 degrees on scanner, recommended timing chain alignment, my car shut off while driving it, Gmc has class action lawsuit, told me my VIN was eligible for it, but will not let me submit a claim, I have owned this car for a year, constant oil changes about every 2 months.”
NHTSA complaint #11360517, filed 2020-09, 130,000 miles“The vehicle going through oil like made and stalling in the middle of intersections or pulling onto a road. This has caused other people to almost hit me or go off the road to avoid an accident. I will start out into an intersection get in the middle and it dies. Turning onto a different road this happens also in motion going at normal speeds for the road.”
NHTSA complaint #11324051, filed 2020-05, 164,000 miles“The vehicle is out of the window on the oil consumption lawsuit; however it has been burning oil since I have had it and I kept taking it in and they didn't mention anything about a problem said it was normal. By the time I found out about the lawsuit I was out of that period. Can I get the vehicle repaired, I am putting oil in constantly”
NHTSA complaint #11372949, filed 2020-11, 130,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010490Oct 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11009532Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 2 | 15% |
| 2024 | 11 | 21% |
| 2023 | 15 | 37% |
| 2022 | 10 | 17% |
| 2021 | 10 | 28% |
| 2020 | 58 | 29% |
| 2019 | 70 | 37% |
| 2018 | 55 | 24% |
| 2017 | 79 | 59% |
| 2016 | 46 | 30% |
| 2015 | 81 | 27% |
| 2014 | 123 | 41% |
| 2013 | 198 | 54% |
| 2012 | 169 | 46% |
| 2011 | 178 | 46% |
| 2010 | 107 | 37% |
Other parts of the 2011 GMC Terrain
76 complaintsFuel system
48 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
35 complaintsOther or unknown
34 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsElectronic stability control
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsSeats
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 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