2018 GMC Terrain Problems
Compared with other GMC Terrain years
More complaints than typical for this model
87/100 2.4× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 2.4× that of a typical GMC Terrain year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 65 of its 226 complaints were filed by the end of 2020.
- Most reported problem: Stiff brake pedal / loss of power assist (vacuum pump) (83 complaints, median 58,000 mi).
- 5 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2016, 2017, 2021
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 226filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 18,750miles, 92 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4–5 / 5stars overall, 4 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 28 mpgcombined, 1.5L 4-cyl FWD · 26 city / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 GMC Terrain (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2018 GMC Terrain most often describe brake trouble — a hard or stiff pedal and reduced stopping power that dealers trace to the brake vacuum pump — along with transmission complaints such as harsh or delayed shifting, warning messages and in some cases transmission replacement. Engine-related complaints, a stalling or lost-power condition and infotainment/electrical glitches are also frequently reported, with many of the brake and transmission reports coming at moderate to higher mileage.
- Brakes
Stiff brake pedal / loss of power assist (vacuum pump)
- 83 complaints (37%)
- median 58,000 mi at 3.5 yrs old (27 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,200 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe the brake pedal becoming very firm or going to the floor, so that stopping requires excessive force or the vehicle does not slow as expected. Complaints say dealers or independent mechanics diagnosed a failed brake vacuum pump, sometimes with camshaft or booster damage, and that in a few cases the failure returned after replacement. Several owners mention a 'Service Brake Assist' message appearing around the same time. Reported from roughly 15,000 to 120,000 miles, with many reports in the 50,000-100,000 mile range, often while driving at ordinary road speeds.
What to check: Ask whether the brake vacuum pump has been replaced and when, and have the brake pedal feel and brake assist checked before buying. Check for a 'Service Brake Assist' message on the dash.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When restarting after vehicle auto stop I am getting service brake assist and occasionally service ESC warnings. These warnings were associated with brake failure in GM SUV's and pickups and were subject to a recall. No such recall exists for the Terrain. I haven't yet experienced a brake failure but GM seems to want to wait until I do to fix the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11397836, filed 2021-02, 34,000 miles“My 2018 Gmc Terrain brakes did not work when coming to a stop at stop lights which caused me to rear end the car in front of me. There was no warning on my SUV nor did I receive a recall on this matter. This happened twice to me in this same vehicle where the brakes did not respond at a low speed causing an accident. This accident just happened to cause damage to my vehicle and the car in front of me.”
NHTSA complaint #11390858, filed 2021-01, 44,950 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shudder, delayed or failed shifting
- 43 complaints (19%)
- median 10,000 mi at 1.5 yrs old (27 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2026
Complaints describe rough or delayed shifts, revving without engaging, jerking into gear, and messages such as 'Service Transmission Soon' or 'Transmission Hot, Idle Engine'. Some owners say the vehicle lost propulsion or would not shift into reverse or neutral, and that dealers replaced the transmission or could not duplicate the problem. Reported from a few thousand miles up to high mileage, with many reports under about 30,000 miles.
What to check: Drive the vehicle at low and highway speeds and feel for hesitation or harsh shifts; ask whether any transmission repairs, software updates or replacement have been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My vehicle is stalling and stuttering while trying to accelerate. It also does the same when decelerating. The truck will jerk and stutter. Also making noise like a vacuum cleaner while this is going on. I just purchased this vehicle in september 2018 and it has been going on since november 2018”
NHTSA complaint #11169853, filed 2019-01, 2,500 miles“The car keeps revving and doesn't shift into gear. You have to lift your foot off the gas pedal and give it a few seconds and them press it again. However when you press the gas again the car jumps into gear causing the steering wheel to jerk either left or right. It either revs too high or it feels like it downshifts. This last time, 9/8/20, I just reversed out of my driveway onto my residential street, going about 18 MPH when the car would not shift into 2nd gear. …”
NHTSA complaint #11354314, filed 2020-09, 18,500 miles - Engine
Stalling, reduced power or engine failure
- 51 complaints (23%)
- median 30,000 mi at 1.8 yrs old (27 state mileage)
- filed 2018–2026
Owners report messages such as 'Engine Power Reduced', stalling while driving, and in some cases a diagnosis that the engine needed replacement. Several complaints also mention an oil leak with no obvious source, and some describe the auto start/stop feature shutting the engine off and being slow to restart in traffic. Spread from a few thousand miles to very high mileage, with several reports between about 25,000 and 120,000 miles.
Recall 18V3580002 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask for service records on stalling or check-engine repairs, check the oil level and look for leaks under the engine, and note whether the auto start/stop behaves consistently on a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My auto started leaking some kind of oil.not sure what kind but I can see accumulation on driveway concrete pad. Had motor oil & filter changed in case it was a o-ring or not tight enough. It continues to leak.”
NHTSA complaint #11405404, filed 2021-03, 65,000 miles“The new auto stop that shuts off the motor when you're at a red light doesn't work properly. Sometimes it shuts off, but most of the time it doesn't been to the dealer two times and the radio will not come on at times even though GM has performed updates on these problems. The problems still exist”
NHTSA complaint #11287110, filed 2019-12, 9,000 miles - Electrical system
Infotainment screen blank or rebooting, radio and lock
- 60 complaints (27%)
- median 7,050 mi at 1.5 yrs old (26 state mileage)
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2026
Complaints describe the infotainment or radio screen going black or blank, rebooting, switching stations on its own, or staying on after the vehicle is shut off. Some owners report door locks that lock or unlock unaided and warning lights such as 'Service Stabilitrak' with the vehicle dropping out of gear, and say dealers could not reproduce the problem or replaced the radio. Nearly all reports are under about 25,000 miles, including several within the first few thousand miles.
What to check: On a test drive, try the radio, navigation, backup camera and door locks, and ask whether the radio or infotainment software has been updated or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving, the infotainment system goes black, no audio - then reboots after a minute or two. I have detected a burning smell as well, but cannot determine if it is coming from my vehicle or outside. This has happened 5 times and the dealer is telling me they can not replicate or find anything wrong. Very frustrating!!! This has happened shortly after leaving home, while driving on city roads, after driving a while, on the highway, stopped at a red light. There is so specific time or frequency that this occurs. …”
NHTSA complaint #11233143, filed 2019-07, 300 miles“The navigation/media center will either go completely black or completely white screen even when backing up you lose the camera and can't shut off the radio. If the screen goes white during evening driving the reflection of the windshield is so severe I can't drive and the system will not shut off when the power button is depressed. I have taken it to dealership, they replaced the radio once. It is doing it again less than a month later. Gmc said they know about this issue with the vehicle but do not know why or have a fix. …”
NHTSA complaint #11172503, filed 2019-01, 22,000 miles - Air bags
Air bag warning light and sensors
- 19 complaints (8%)
- median 19,019 mi at 2.2 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2026
Owners report the air bag warning light staying on and a 'Service Restraint System' message, with dealers diagnosing a failed front impact sensor or air bag module. Some complaints describe air bags not deploying in a collision, and a few mention the seat belt reminder light staying on with belts fastened. Reported from about 21,000 to 95,000 miles, with several reports in the 35,000-60,000 mile range.
What to check: Check that the air bag warning light goes out after start-up, and ask whether there are any open recalls for the vehicle's VIN.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was sitting at a red light in the left hand turn lane. A truck ran their red light hitting another truck sending both of them crashing into my vehicle. The first truck struck the front bumper at the headlight & skid all the way down the side of the vehicle then the other truck was slammed into the side of my vehicle. All the damage was on the driver side of the car. My car was moved over into the next lane but no air bags went off. This happened on a hwy where the speed limit is 65. …”
NHTSA complaint #11330655, filed 2020-06, 37,650 miles“The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving, the seat belt restraint warning light illuminated continuously while the driver’s and passenger’s seat belts were fastened. The dealer was informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 21,700.”
NHTSA complaint #11458766, filed 2022-03, 21,700 miles
Buying note. Give the brakes and transmission a thorough test drive and ask for service records covering vacuum pump, transmission and engine repairs; also confirm whether any open recalls apply to the specific vehicle's VIN before purchase.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 226 consumer complaints for the 2018 GMC Terrain. 92 of the complaints include a mileage, and 65% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 18,750 miles. Of all complaints, 14 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 12 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 1,345 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 13 GMC Terrain model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 87 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes83 37%
- Engine55 24%
- Other or unknown36 16%
- Electrical system35 15%
- Fuel system17 7.5%
- Air bags14 6.2%
- Vehicle speed control8 3.5%
Also reported: Steering (7), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (5), Seat belts (3), Seats (3), Body and structure (3), Suspension (3), Lane departure (2), Wheels (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Engine cooling (1), Exterior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “My 2018 Gmc Terrain has major issues that almost caused me to hit a wall on the expressway due to a brake assist issue that other owners have a issue with and Gmc has done nothing to help the buyers , where can we the buyers get help with issues Gmc is well aware of??”
NHTSA complaint #11353073, filed 2020-09, 39,600 milesEngine: “First issue with the vehicle was a separation of the dash near and around the passenger side airbag. Unknown at this time if the airbag has been compromised. I won't know until the vehicle would be involved in an accident. The second issue involves the vehicle while in park. I am able to push the vehicle and it will actually move forward. There is also a very hard shift while the vehicle is in motion. This occurs usually between 2k and 3 k rpms. The vehicle will actually jerk as it is trying to shift.”
NHTSA complaint #11103448, filed 2018-06, 2,500 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “My 2018 Gmc Terrain sle has 41668 miles and has been serviced as needed. Anyhow, sometimes when I am driving, I can feel the power train stall out when driving intermittently. This concerns me as a single parent with a 10 year old child that goes everywhere with me. I just want my vehicle to be safe.”
NHTSA complaint #11404574, filed 2021-03, 40,899 milesOther or unknown: “When I drive my car after coming out of reverse the car revs up between 35 and 45 rpms. This is when it is going about 25 MPH. When I remove my foot from the gas the car jerks violently forward and rpms drop to 25rms. When I give it some gas the rpms go up again to the 35-45 RPM. The only way to get this to stop is to pull over, put the car in park, turn off the car and open the door. I let it sit for about 10 min and then turn it back on and drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #11181968, filed 2019-02, 5,100 milesMileage when problems were reported
65% of the 92 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 3,000 and 65,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 GMC Terrain. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrain · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.4% risk |
| Terrain · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 18.5% risk |
| Terrain · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 · 16.5% risk |
| Terrain · SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 · 18.8% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2018 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2017: 4 stars overall; 2019: 5 stars overall. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2018 GMC Terrain version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrain AWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 24 | 28 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Terrain AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 21 | 26 | 23 | $3,550 |
| Terrain FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 26 | 30 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Terrain FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 22 | 28 | 24 | $3,400 |
| Terrain AWD | 1.6L 4-cyl · diesel | 6-speed automatic | 28 | 38 | 32 | $3,000 |
| Terrain FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl · diesel | 6-speed automatic | 28 | 39 | 32 | $3,000 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 20V668000Oct 29, 2020Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: GMC Terrain 2018–2020, Chevrolet Equinox 2018–2020, Traverse 2018–2020 +9 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC…
- 18V576000Aug 30, 2018Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › CaliperCovers: GMC Terrain 2018–2019, Chevrolet Equinox 2018–2019, Impala 2018–2019 +7 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The…
- 18V358000May 31, 2018Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: GMC Terrain 2018, Canyon 2015–2018, Chevrolet Malibu 2016–2018 +6 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel…
- 18V340000May 24, 2018Air bags › Air bag/restraint control moduleCovers: GMC Terrain 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 GMC Terrain vehicles. The sensing diagnostic module (SDM) that senses a crash and deploys the necessary air bags may not power down correctly when the vehicle is shut off, causing it to be inoperative when…
- 17V516000Aug 22, 2017Power train › Driveline › DriveshaftCovers: GMC Terrain 2018, Acadia 2017–2018, Chevrolet Equinox 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
Recall details for the 2018 GMC Terrain → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,345 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030360Mar 27, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information discusses a condition that may arise from the drivers window switch sending an errant message causing the vehicle to enter manual fob learn mode.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
Other model years of the GMC Terrain
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 33 | 3,000 | 1 | — | 27 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 13 | 1,126 | 0 | — | 27 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 53 | 8,383 | 1 | 5 | 26 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 41 | 25,500 | 2 | 5 | 26 | 11 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 60 | 49,000 | 2 | 5 | 27 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 36 | 57,422 | 2 | 5 | 27 | 2 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 197 | 47,734 | 2 | 5 | 27 | 58 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 187 | 19,500 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 69 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 226 | 18,750 | 5 | 4–5 | 28 | 87 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 135 | 48,850 | 1 | 4 | 25 | 9 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 153 | 51,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 19 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2015 | 299 | 65,000 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 297 | 79,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 365 | 77,550 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 364 | 81,320 | 4 | 4 | 26 | 58 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 386 | 79,000 | 4 | 4 | 20 | 83 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 290 | 73,925 | 3 | — | 26 | 59 · Typical | Falling |
All GMC Terrain model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2018 GMC Terrain?
Owners of the 2018 GMC Terrain most often describe brake trouble — a hard or stiff pedal and reduced stopping power that dealers trace to the brake vacuum pump — along with transmission complaints such as harsh or delayed shifting, warning messages and in some cases transmission replacement. The issues reported most often: Stiff brake pedal / loss of power assist (vacuum pump); Transmission shudder, delayed or failed shifting; Stalling, reduced power or engine failure.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 GMC Terrain have?
NHTSA recorded 226 consumer complaints for the 2018 GMC Terrain as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2018 GMC Terrain is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 83 complaints (37% of the total), followed by engine with 55.
Has the 2018 GMC Terrain been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2018 GMC Terrain do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 GMC Terrain 4–5 out of 5 stars overall, across 4 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2018 GMC Terrain get?
The EPA rates the 2018 GMC Terrain (Terrain FWD, 1.5L 4-cyl) at 28 mpg combined, 26 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2018 GMC Terrain reported?
Among the 92 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 18,750 miles and the middle half falls between 3,000 and 65,000 miles; 65% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.