2016 GMC Terrain Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 46about this part
- Share
- 30%of 153 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 46 complaints about the engine of the 2016 GMC Terrain, 30% of the 153 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When driving the stabiltrak service light will come on and the engine light. The car will loss acceleration immediately then seems wont go out of 2nd gear. I stop turn off car a few minutes and it will start again and the engine light will go out after while. Last time the car would not start again. It finally did after 20 minutes or so. And light went out layer. Took it to dealer once and they could not duplicate problem. This is worrying me.”
NHTSA complaint #11405940, filed 2021-04, 98,000 miles“I tried to start my car and it wouldn't start. This happened on a sunday so I had to go to a place that was open. I had my car towed there and come to find out it was the solenoid. I had to get that replaced and also a fuel pump. This was the first problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11303053, filed 2020-01, 72,000 miles“On january 17,2020. I was drive with my son going about 35miles when all of a sudden my stalled out or felt like it did but continue to drive. The check engine light turned on and the dashboard screen stated engine power was reduced and my stability needed to be serviced. Or something like that because it wasn't on to long. Luckily wasn't going to fast and there were no cars behind me. I've researched other complaints and I'm not the only one. This needs to be addressed because if that would to happen on a busy highway. O.m.g.”
NHTSA complaint #11300021, filed 2020-01, 48,500 miles“I was driving to work this day then all of a sudden I heard a noise. Something like a fan. I thought it was the wind so I let the window down and listened because their were no lights on my dashboard. Then all of a sudden every light came on and it said reducing speed. I continued down the road...came to a red light and wasn't able to move after that. I had to get the vehicle towed to my home. I was in maywood and had to go all the way back to lynwood. Not before waiting 87 mins before the tow truck came in 6 degree weather. …”
NHTSA complaint #11306149, filed 2020-01, 97,000 miles“I have been driving my vehicle when on three seperate occasions the service stabilitrak message flashed on the dic and I lost engine power. One of the times this happened I was on a road where the speed limit was 55 and the issue almost caused a vehicle to crash into me. The message goes away after about 5 minutes. I tried taking it to the dealership twice and was told they cant replicate the problem so now I dont even bother trying to have them fix it. How can a major safety issue like this not be fixed by GM!!”
NHTSA complaint #11209123, filed 2019-05, 51,000 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…
- 11020254May 7, 2025This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in…
- 11017263Mar 25, 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…
- 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.
- 11011900Nov 22, 2024This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 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.
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 2016 GMC Terrain
49 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 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