2012 GMC Terrain Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 169about this part
- Share
- 46%of 364 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 169 complaints about the engine of the 2012 GMC Terrain, 46% of the 364 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Getting a rattling/whining sound from my car, and when I come to stop it shakes an vibrates. Just purchased this vehicle about 6 months ago from a dealership, I very a little worried about this vehicle. Pleae advivse me on what to do. Can not afford to fix any major problems. Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11204406, filed 2019-04, 118,000 miles“My pcv valve clogged and caused the rear main seal to blow out. This is a common known problem with this vehicle and GM has recalled certain vins with the same issue and the same engine. Now my car is at the dealership having $1200 worth of work done that could have been prevented with a $12 part. I just had my vehicle at a GM certified shop 7 months ago for warranty work and was not notified of this possible problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11311686, filed 2020-02, 95,000 miles“Pcv system froze...air cleaner has water in it// rear main seal pushed out due to excessive crankcase pressure. #14882 special coverage adjustment covers exact issue however my VIN is not included. Requesting my VIN be added to #14882 special adjustment as it applies to my exact make/model/year and issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11066892, filed 2018-02, 84,321 miles“On jan 1st it was 3f out my wife wormed up her Terrain we drove it approximately 12 miles when we started to smell something burning. Next came the engine knocking really bad. We stopped the Terrain and had it towed to the dealership found out the rear main seal blew with such force that the oil covered the muffler. This happened from the pcv being plugged and/or frozen from the cold weather. …”
NHTSA complaint #11061429, filed 2018-01, 71,760 miles“Oil consumption is out of control! When I bought the SUV used at 63k I could hear within 65k I need oil just from the sound of the engine. I bought a 5 qt at wal-mart because there was less than a quart on the stick. I got and oil change prior on 8-13-19 mechanic showed I was low already at 66k and wasn't due for another till 72,780 I'm at 72k and engine needs oil! Hope the class action lawsuit abides to my complaint.”
NHTSA complaint #11266557, filed 2019-10, 65,000 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…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 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…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 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.
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 2012 GMC Terrain
81 complaintsOther or unknown
37 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
37 complaintsElectrical system
32 complaintsFuel system
29 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsElectronic stability control
13 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaintsSteering
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 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