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Electrical systemPart report

2018 GMC Terrain Electrical system Problems

Complaints
35about this part
Share
15%of 226 total for the year
Median mileage
22,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 GMC Terrain, 15% of the 226 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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

“Screen went black and warning chimes and seat vibration did not go off when backing up. Had to file a claim with insurance to fix my dented bumper. I also experience issues with the audio buttons on the steering wheel. I am not able to change the song in I am on apple play and there is always a delay when changing radio stations.”

NHTSA complaint #11270218, filed 2019-10, 27,000 miles

“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 miles

“The screen on the dash which includes the radio and back up camera goes white at random times and does not work. I have had the radio/screen replaced and it still does it. I have had many updates with the screen.”

NHTSA complaint #11265274, filed 2019-09, 30,000 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

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026515%
2025431%
2024713%
2023717%
2022712%
2021719%
20202714%
20193921%
20183515%
201797%
201696%
20153110%
20143110%
2013226%
2012329%
2011298%
20104817%

Other parts of the 2018 GMC Terrain

Brakes
83 complaints
Engine
55 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
42 complaints
Other or unknown
36 complaints
Fuel system
17 complaints
Air bags
14 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
8 complaints
Vehicle speed control
8 complaints
Electronic stability control
7 complaints
Steering
7 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
Seat belts
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2018 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