2011 GMC Terrain Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 76about this part
- Share
- 20%of 386 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 76 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 GMC Terrain, 20% of the 386 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“I purchased the vehicle it ran great. Within a couple of weeks, it started stalling when I go to take off in the middle of intersections or pulling out onto a road. It will run fine I stop it idles ok and when I touch the gas pedal it will start out into the road and then just die. It goes though oil like mad.”
NHTSA complaint #11324048, filed 2020-05, 164,000 miles“Almost a month after my oil change my engine started making noise and cutting off. When I took it to get checked, they said that my oil was gone and my engine is failing. Now my car is just sitting at the dealership, because the price is gonna be to high. Is their a recall for my 2011 g.m.c Terrain”
NHTSA complaint #11241187, filed 2019-08, 150 miles“While driving on the highway at 45 MPH, the vehicle remained running but abruptly stopped. I could have been hit from behind with serious consequences. It left me stranded on a 2 lane road unable to move out of the lane. This is a serious problem with this vehicle. Gm needs to address this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11057888, filed 2018-01, 91,000 miles“Abs light is on even after fixing the supposed problem. System stabilitrak constantly on. Excessive use of oil. 2 to 3 quartz every 2 weeks. Reduced engine power comes up on dash and no matter how fast I am going (15 MPH or 80 MPH on a highway) it doesnt matter my car will slow down or just shut off. Also happens when I have to hit braked hard, slow down or accelerate from a stopped position. I am also using a lot of gas.”
NHTSA complaint #11180821, filed 2019-02, 80,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651Oct 10, 2024This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30…
- 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…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 15% |
| 2025 | 4 | 31% |
| 2024 | 23 | 43% |
| 2023 | 8 | 20% |
| 2022 | 8 | 13% |
| 2021 | 8 | 22% |
| 2020 | 28 | 14% |
| 2019 | 53 | 28% |
| 2018 | 42 | 19% |
| 2017 | 24 | 18% |
| 2016 | 11 | 7% |
| 2015 | 21 | 7% |
| 2014 | 33 | 11% |
| 2013 | 44 | 12% |
| 2012 | 37 | 10% |
| 2011 | 76 | 20% |
| 2010 | 51 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2011 GMC Terrain
178 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 29, 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