2017 GMC Terrain Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 18%of 135 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 46,580miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2017 GMC Terrain, 18% of the 135 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,580 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I had my 2017 Gmc Terrain denali for two years and have already experienced two serious issues. Issue #1-I noticed a burning smell, grinding noise, and hesitation when driving. I brought it to the dealership where I bought it and was told that there was a factory defect which caused something inside my transfer to bore a hole through it. Dealer could not get the part for 2 weeks. It was covered under my warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #11277638, filed 2019-11, 63,000 miles“At around 20 miles per hour, while accelerating, all torque is lost and the vehicle engine revs high. It takes a few seconds, then the transmission finally shifts into the next gear. This causes a big jolt. It is dangerous, all power is lost, then suddenly too much power is applied. This has happened since I purchased the vehicle. I have taken it to the dealership. They won't do anything about it. The vehicle now has 40,502 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11282165, filed 2019-11, 5,000 miles“My car lost oil while I was driving. I also lost power. I had my car over to a garage and the mechanic diagnosed it was a ruptured rear main seal caused by a frozen PCV system. GM knows about the problem but has not recalled it. It is very expensive to repair. And because the manufacturer knows about it but never told the consumer, is fraudulent.”
NHTSA complaint #11638924, filed 2025-01“Was driving on a highway on cruise control When it automatically disengaged by itself When I stepped on the gas the car began to shake violently, And it was not shifting years correctly. I was able to pull over and realize that the transmission Was a problem so I was able to drive manually to local dealer who diagnosed the problem as needing a new transmission. The vehicle is 2017 and has less than 63000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11502291, filed 2023-01“I am filing this complaint to report a catastrophic engine failure involving my 2017 GMC Terrain equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec engine, which I believe is the result of a known manufacturing defect related to excessive oil consumption and premature internal engine wear. At approximately 88,000 miles, my vehicle experienced severe engine failure, including excessive oil consumption, timing chain failure, and complete engine failure, which has been confirmed in writing by a licensed repair facility. …”
NHTSA complaint #11712537, filed 2026-01Related service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 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.
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 2017 GMC Terrain
79 complaintsOther or unknown
20 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 GMC Terrain
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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