2019 GMC Terrain Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 70about this part
- Share
- 37%of 187 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 41,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 70 complaints about the engine of the 2019 GMC Terrain, 37% of the 187 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,500 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2019 Gmc terrian with 2500 miles. I was driving it and the car flashed low fuel, check transmission and check engine warning and shut down while I was as a highway speed. I was fortunately ok, however it stranded me at a spot with merging traffic, no shoulder and no power to get the vehicle out of there. The vehicle was able to start up shortly, then I had to deal with getting going again in this precarious spot.”
NHTSA complaint #11202890, filed 2019-04, 2,500 miles“When aggressively accelerating to merge or pass another driver, the 2.0t engine paired with an awd platform will loose power and 3 sensor lights will flash and illuminate traction control, awd and check engine indicating a cylinder misfire. Event occurred first at 2000 miles and vehicles serviced at dealership and second event occurred at 4500 miles and returned to original dealership where purchased.”
NHTSA complaint #11310806, filed 2020-02, 4,500 miles“On august 23, 2019, my vehicle incurred an engine and transmission failure reported by Gmc onstar application. The symptoms of failure are repeated acceleration speed control causing speed limit violations, interference with other moving traffic, spousal trauma, and illumination of multiple display window lights in the dashboard behind steering wheel. On october 14, 2019, there was a reoccurrence of the same issue. In fact, this report is to get ahead of the problem before taking vehicle for service this morning, october 15, 2019, at sewell buick Gmc. …”
NHTSA complaint #11268428, filed 2019-10, 4,697 miles“Faulty vaccuum pump blew leading to engine failure. On the highway randomly, with my child in the vehicle. This almost caused a huge accident. I’ve kept up on all maintence and oil changes. This has been a huge effect on my life as I’m a single parent and randomly had to spend thousands on a new engine for zero fault of my own. I’ve read many many people having this issue. Something needs to be done and action needs to be taken!!!!!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11648110, filed 2025-03“I was exiting off the interstate and all of a sudden my brakes got hard and wouldn’t let me stop. I tanned thru a red light barley missing another vehicle. The dealership says my vaccines pump went out and caused it to strip my valve cover gasket to shreds and now has stripped the gears in the camshaft.”
NHTSA complaint #11486817, filed 2022-09Related 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…
- 11019503Apr 18, 2025This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California…
- 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.
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 2019 GMC Terrain
72 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
53 complaintsElectrical system
39 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
7 complaintsElectronic stability control
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2019 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